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As you descend near the reef scene, you are careful to avoid touching or bumping into coral. Why?
Even lightly bumping a coral can destroy years of growth.
A green moray eel can be seen opening and closing its mouth slowly and continuously. Is this a sign that the eel is going to attack?
No. This is how the moray eel breaths, taking in water through its mouth
and pumping it over its gills.
As you see this green moray eel, you wonder how it gets its green coloration. How does it get its green coloration?
The moray eels body is actually a slate blue color, but the yellow mucus
that covers its body causes it to appear green.
You see many examples of camouflage on the daytime reef scene. Which fish do you see upside down, looking like a branch of soft coral? Trumpet fish.
Looking closer at this particular reef fish, you notice it has a sharp spine on both of its sides near the base of its tail. Can you name
this fish? *Hint: This spine is sometimes called a scalpel.
Doctorfish (sometimes know as surgeonfish)
As you continue your observation of reef fishes you see this 5-striped damselfish defending its territory. Take a look at the opposite
side of this page to name this fish.
Sergeant Major
This colorful fish can be seen feeding on hard coral. What fish is it? *Hint: Part of the name of this fish is also the name of a bird.
Parrotfish.