Coral & Saltwater Fish

Saltwater fish abound on and around coral reefs. Permanent residents enjoy the food and shelter that the reef provides and interact with each other, either in a predator-prey relationship or in a symbiotic scenario. Non-resident saltwater fish visit the reef and play a role in community life as transients.

  1. Coral Reefs Provide Shelter

    • Crevices in a coral reef

      Coral reefs provide protective shelter for saltwater fish. Acanthemblemaria aspera and other blennies take refuge in tiny burrows and rarely leave them. Other fish hide in crevices when predators appear.

    Food for Herbivores

    • Parrotfish

      Coral reefs provide food for herbivores. Parrotfish peck at the limestone surface to remove bits of algae. Other species receive sustenance from plankton that float about.

    Food for Carnivores

    • Scorpionfish

      Carnivores, like the scorpion fish, lurk about coral reefs, ready to prey upon the weak and the unwary. Other predators, like the barracuda, occasionally visit a reef and snatch a meal before they leave.

    Camouflage

    • Camouflaged fish

      Camouflage is omnipresent on the reef. Predators use it to conceal themselves as they lie in ambush, while potential victims use it to hide.

    Symbiosis

    • Not all reef interactions are hostile. Cleaner wrasses helpfully remove parasites from afflicted fish. In return, they get a good meal.

    A Beautiful Community

    • A beautiful scene

      A coral reef is a beautiful place. Colorful fish enhance its beauty.