FROGFISH that take on different shapes, colourful sea slugs and flatworms are some of the marine creatures that divers from Singapore travel to Malaysia and Indonesia to see. But all these are actually found in waters here.

They are some of the sea creatures that have been photographed by members of the marine conservation group of the Nature Society in the waters around the southern islands of Singapore, such as Pulau Hantu and Pulau Salu.

Their pictures, shot on more than 150 diving trips over three years, are showcased in a book, Singapore Waters - Unveiling Our Seas, which lists the wide variety of marine life in Singapore waters.

The frogfish, for instance, is a master of camouflage and can look like a rock or sponge. But it has an antenna- like spine that resembles a worm. Other fish which come to feed on what they think is a worm are ensnared by the frogfish.

Flatworms range from 5cm to 10cm long, and are able to grow into two new flatworms if they are cut into half, while sea slugs are slow-moving but colourful creatures that come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.

The chairman of the marine conservation group, Mr Leong Kwok Peng, who came up with the idea of the book, said: 'I hope it will surprise and educate people. Singaporeans are not aware that we have a rich marine life that thrives even though our waters are murky.'

The 46-year-old diver and underwater photographer said he hoped to create more awareness so that some islands could be designated as marine reserve areas to allow sea creatures to flourish.

The 160-page book, which costs $49.90, will be available at all major bookstores from next week. Proceeds from its sale will go to the Nature Society to fund conservation and environmental awareness programmes.