Hamilo Coast’s natives include (from left) the Longfinned Batfish, Common Clownfish and Spotfin Lionfish.

Did you know that the Longfin Batfish (Platax teira), touted as a wraith-like and ghostly-looking fish, is quite personable, almost pet-like and are remarkably clever? This species can also become very tame, sometimes eager to feed from divers’ fingers.

The Longfin Batfish is just one of the surprising finds that divers can discover in the waters of SM Land’s premier sustainable leisure destination, Hamilo Coast.

In this seaside leisure development, diving and snorkeling are popular activities for the whole family. Sprawled along the coastline of Nasugbu, Batangas, the 5,800-hectare property is home to coves that have been declared marine-protected areas (MPA) for the preservation and protection of various aquatic and terrestrial creatures.

Jose Angelo M. Palma, vice president for Programs of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-Philippines, said they have conducted an initial baseline study two years ago to check the health of reefs and quality of marine life in the area and found out that the Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo coves have the most potential as MPAs because of their biological attributes.

Aside from the Longfin Batfish, residents and club members can meet other interesting “neighbors” in Hamilo Coast.

A remarkable species often sighted is the Spotfin Lionfish (Pterois antennata) – a solitary predator with a venomous sting used to hunt prey. It can be identified by the dark spots on its long pectoral fins.

The Melon Butterflyfish (Chaetodon trifasciatus) on the other hand is a dainty reef resident that feeds on coral polyps and is covered in pastel hues. This small and secretive variety swims in pairs and may be territorial and aggressive.

A shy, slow-moving armored fish, the Yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus) gets its name from the shape that its body mimics. It can expel a highly toxic poison as it feeds on algae, sponges, crustaceans and mollusks. Juveniles have a very bright yellow color which fades into blue-grey as they age.

Deeper explorations in Etayo Cove can yield chance encounters with such inhabitants like the Blue-green Chromis (Chromis viridis) – gregarious turquoise gems of fish that feed on free-flowing phytoplankton; and the Reticulated Damselfish (Dascyllus reticulatus) – scrappy and aggressive little jewels with vertical bars crisscrossing their flanks.

Clark’s Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii), Hamilo Coast’s most frequently encountered clownfish, is often found within a few meters of their host anemone, while the Common Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is one of the most recognizable after being popularized in the movie “Finding Nemo.”

Hamilo Coast’s maiden development features nine residential condominium clusters in Pico de Loro surrounding a man-made lagoon, designed with low impact to the environment. The centerpiece amenity of the community is the Pico de Loro Beach & Country Club, a members-only club that provides various water sports, underwater adventures and eco-friendly activities.

Wesley Caballa, senior manager for sports and recreation at Hamilo Coast, shares that the Pico de Loro Beach Club is now fully operational for residents and club owners. The Country Club component on the other hand is set for operation by first quarter of 2010.

Likewise, the first condominium building, Jacana, is set to progressively turn over units to residents.