How do fish live in a coral reef?
The deep body is perfect for intricate maneuvering in the water column above the reef where the fish pick at their invertebrate prey or graze on algae with specialized mouthparts. Their wafer-thin profile also allows them to take refuge in the narrowest gaps and fissures in the reef.
What kind of algae live in coral reef?
This is because most reef-building corals contain photosynthetic algae, called zooxanthellae, which live in their tissues. The corals and algae have a unique relationship. The coral provides the algae with a protected environment and compounds they need for photosynthesis.
How are fish camouflaged in the coral reef?
Stripes allow a fish to camouflage itself against the coral. Spotted patterns serve to confuse a would-be predator. Each species of fish deals with survival in its own way, and we are left to wonder at their accomplishments. Below is a listing of some of the more common coral reef fishes. Most of these species are suitable for the home aquarium.
How many species of fish spawn in coral reef?
CRRF has been at the forefront of reef fish spawning aggregation research since the late 1970s. We have documented a few hundred species of those reef fishes that aggregate to spawn, but there are potentially a few thousand aggregating species.
What kind of animals live in coral reefs?
Coral reefs are home to millions of species. Hidden beneath the ocean waters, coral reefs teem with life. Fish, corals, lobsters, clams, seahorses, sponges, and sea turtles are only a few of the thousands of creatures that rely on reefs for their survival.
How do fish manage to live on a coral reef?
In addition, most reef fish live close to the surface. Under these conditions, vision is extremely important and this is reflected in the large eyes common to many of these fish. The brilliant colors, including vivid yellows and electric blues, and the dramatic patterns seen in many reef fishes are also features of brightly lit environments.
What kind of water do corals live in?
Many grow optimally in water temperatures between 73° and 84° Fahrenheit (23°–29°Celsius), but some can tolerate temperatures as high as 104° Fahrenheit (40° Celsius) for short periods. Most reef-building corals also require very saline ( salty ) water ranging from 32 to 42 parts per thousand.
Where do clownfish live in the coral reef?
Clownfish desire to reside in heat water. They’re discovered within the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Nice coral reef, and Crimson sea. They reside close to the shallow waters of lagoons, and beneath the shelter of reefs with anemones. Clownfish aren’t noticed within the Atlantic.
