PADI’s newest, limited-edition certification card shines a spotlight on one of the ocean’s tiniest wonders. Featuring an image by underwater photographer Ayub Mooduto, the Little Sheep of the Sea certification card celebrates the beauty of macro marine life and the photographers who help us see it in a whole new way.
The card features a striking portrait of Stiliger ornatus, a tiny and charismatic sea slug often nicknamed the “little sheep of the sea.” It’s the kind of subject that reminds divers there is just as much magic in the small things as there is in the big ones.
The Story Behind the Shot
The image on the card was taken in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia, a destination beloved by divers for its rich marine biodiversity and incredible macro life. For Mooduto, the shot was memorable not only because of the subject, but because of the experience behind it.
He told us, “What makes it special is the moment — it was my first time encountering and capturing Stiliger ornatus, a unique nudibranch often considered one of Tulamben’s iconic macro subjects.”
That first encounter made a lasting impression. “It’s not just about the subject, but the experience of discovering something so small yet so extraordinary,” Mooduto said. “That’s what makes me love this image.”
That sense of discovery comes through in the photograph. Framed low and close, the tiny animal seems to emerge from the reef with personality and presence. It’s an image that invites viewers to look more carefully and appreciate the hidden details of the underwater world.
Meet Underwater Photographer Ayub Mooduto
Mooduto is an underwater photographer from South Bolaang Mongondow (Bolsel), North Sulawesi, Indonesia. For him, the ocean is more than a place to dive; it is a place of creativity and storytelling.
“The ocean is where I feel most connected,” he reasoned. “I don’t just dive to explore, I dive to tell stories through images that reveal the hidden beauty beneath the surface.”
That mindset defines his work. Rather than simply documenting marine life, Mooduto uses photography to reveal the wonder that often goes unnoticed.
How Diving Led to Photography
Like many underwater photographers, Mooduto’s journey began with a love of diving.
“It all started with diving,” he explained. “The more time I spent underwater, the more I realized how much beauty exists beyond what most people see. I picked up a camera to capture those moments — and that curiosity quickly turned into passion.”
When asked what he is most proud of in his career so far, Mooduto pointed to the impact of that work.
“I’m proud that my work allows me to share Indonesia’s underwater world with a wider audience and inspire others to appreciate and protect it,” he stated.
A Reminder To Protect What We Love
Mooduto hopes his work does more than inspire admiration. He also wants it to encourage responsibility.
“The ocean is full of life, beauty and wonder — but it’s also fragile,” he reminded us. “As divers, we are not just visitors; we are guardians. Respect the ocean, protect marine life and leave only bubbles behind.”
That message makes the Little Sheep of the Sea by Ayub Mooduto certification card more than just a beautiful design. It’s a tribute to the hidden wonders of the ocean, the storytellers who bring them to light and the divers who care enough to protect them.
As Mooduto puts it, “Every dive is a new story waiting to be discovered.” This limited-edition certification card is a celebration of exactly that.
