Marine life
The biological diversity of coral reefs vary but they are generally extremely species rich, with 30- 40% of all marine fish being associated with coral reefs; and although coral reefs represent less than 1% of the ocean floor, they contain around 25% of all marine species [5, 7]. A 5m sample on a Caribbean reef contained 534 species in 27 different phyla, and a further 30% of taxa was un- described!
The diversity of fish is probably the best known; at least 4,000 species have been found, with almost one- third of the total number of species of marine fishes [5]. Most of the fish biomass on a reef is made up of generalist planktivores, but down on the reef are many specialist feeding groups and most fish species diversity. Below is a few examples of some of the species of fish that can be found around coral reefs.
The diversity of fish is probably the best known; at least 4,000 species have been found, with almost one- third of the total number of species of marine fishes [5]. Most of the fish biomass on a reef is made up of generalist planktivores, but down on the reef are many specialist feeding groups and most fish species diversity. Below is a few examples of some of the species of fish that can be found around coral reefs.
Species: Acanthurus leucosternon (Powder- blue surgeonfish)
Ecology: Gregarious; found in shallow, clear coastal and island reefs Range: E. Africa to Andaman Sea; SW. Indonesia and Christmas Is. Size: 23 cm [9] |
Species: Scarus prasiognathus (Greenthroat parrotfish)
Ecology: Gregarious; found in upper edges of steep outer reef dropoffs and adjacent sandy flats Range: Seychelles to N. Ireland; N. to Ryuk; S. to Cocos- Keeling Is. Size: 70 cm [9] |
Species: Carcharhinus limbatus (Blacktip shark)
Ecology: Fish eater; primarily pelagic but comes close to shore with large schools of mackerels Range: E. Circumtropical; Mass to S. Brazil in W. Atlantic. Size: 250 cm [9] |