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Many
people often ask what there is to see in Lake Zurich? Many imagine that it
is just full of old bicycles and rubbish. Nothing could be further from the
truth.
Fish: Many different species of fish inhabit Lake Zurich.
Scores of fisherman by the shores, as well as many fishing boats serve as
testament to this fact. By far the most common species is Egli, a light
coloured fish with wide dark stripes which reach a length of 30 to 40
centimeters. Egli can sometimes be observed in large schools numbering in their
hundreds and often like to congregate under the shelter of large objects, pipes
etc. They are also often found on the menus of local restaurants.
Hecht, or pike are also quite common, but can be quite elusive.
Divers who dive in a slow, relaxed manner are likely to be rewarded with the
sighting of a Hecht up to one meter in length! Hecht tend to
be very shy, often lying still, then swimming away very quickly if approached.
They are silver in colour with large jaws and can often be seen at night in some
locations.
Invertibrates:
Diving in Lake Zurch is far more enjoyable when you focus on the smaller
details. Since we don't see sharks or large colourful tropical fish try slowing
down and you'll find a lot of life right in front of you. Scores of mussels are
often clinging to every rock and pipe. Look closely and you'll see them spurting
out water - their feeding / filtration process. Observe the bottom for the
while, you'll start to notice a criss-cross pattern of trails - and at the end
each trail a snail up to 5 cm in diameter is making its way around. Perhaps you
are on a night dive, stop for a while and keep your lamp still - maybe you'll
see worm like creatures swimming through the water with violent twists of their
bodies.
Ever thought you'd see tiny spiders underwater? On your next night dive shine
your torch near a clump of plants or fungal growth. Tiny spider like creatures
can be seen running (or rather swimming) around. It takes a keen eye, but with
practice you will soon realise that the lake is teeming with all sorts of
life you didn't even notice.
 Plants:
In the shallower sections you'll find many species of plant, including
grass-like species, as well as other plants growing up to a metre tall. Often
Hecht like to hide in large growths of moss, so look a little closer
into these mini green jungles. In the lower sections of the lake where less
light pentrates shine your lamp on the bottom - if the bottom is undistubed you
can often find large patchwork fungal growths stretching for large
distances. The colours range from greens, oranges and blacks, sometimes looking
like a giant painting stretching as far as the eye can see.
Geological formations: Some dive sites feature a flat
bottom, but others feature a sloping bottom, with frequent wall or cliff like
formations. Particulaly in the deeper sections with excellent visibility, these
cliffs can be quite an impressive site. The feeling of floating effortlessly
past a wall is something which appeals to almost all divers. Often small
overhangs can be found under these cliffs. Glide down and watch your own bubbles
collecting on the ceiling of the overhang, flowing like a river into cracks in
the rock. Later you might see your own bubbles escaping through the silt above
the cliff, spewing forth small dust particles like a mini volcano.
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