varieties of marine fish life

The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem contains a wide variety of different marine fish life and it is estimated that this ecosystem contains at least 1500 of the worlds 13,000 species of marine fish life which equates to just over 10 percent of the worlds specie population. Research indicates that there can be as many as 200 different species of fish life just over one hectare of the Great Barrier Reef.

Marine fish come in a vast variety of different colours, and it is these beautiful colours that we use to distinguish between the various types of fish. Many varieties of marine fish use their colours to act as a warning signal to other marine fish that they are poisonous. Marine fish can also use their colours as camouflage, predators for instance, often use their camouflage to ambush its prey.

We would now like to introduce you to come of the most beautiful marine fish that you are likely to see on your day out with Sunlover Reef Cruises.

Clown Anemonefish

Anemonefish more commonly known as ‘clownfish’ live in close proximity to large sea anemones. Clownfish use the anemones for protection from predators by hiding in amongst the tentacles of its host anemone. The Clownfish in return protects the anemone from butterfly fish which feed off the ends of the anemone’s tentacles. There are about six different species of clownfish and there behaviour varies slightly between the various species.

Scientists theorise that these Clownfish protect them selves from the anemone’s by smearing anemone mucus over themselves which is believed to trick the anemone into thinking the fish is part of them. Clownfish are generally found in pairs of adults and several juveniles.

Angelfish

Angelfish are closely related to butterfly fish and share a variety of similar characteristics such as, scales that almost extend onto the median firm that look like teeth. However, they are usually identifiable by the presence of a spine near the corner of their gill. Angelfish can be quite territorial in behaviour and spend most of their day searching for food. They feed on a variety of different items that include algae, sponges and vertebrates.

Research indicates that Angelfish change sex from female to male and that each male Angelfish defends their territory which is believed to contain between 2 to 5 females. Studies on juvenile Angelfish reveal that their colours change dramatically from the juvenile stage through to adulthood.

Lion Fish

The Lion fish in known to be an active predator which stalks its prey during the night and living under ledges. Most Lionfish are well camouflaged and they use their ability to hide to ambush its prey. Lion fish do contain venom in their spines and it is important not to handle or try to touch these fish.

Damselfish

Damselfish are one of the most abundant species of marine fish life that can be found in almost every part of the Great Barrier Reef. Due to the large variety of Damselfish there is quite a diverse range of colouration and marking that can be found on this species. Also quite diverse is the different behavioural and eating habits between the various types of Damselfish.

This specie of fish is also very territorial particularly among algae eating variety of Damselfish. Algae eating Damselfish are generally have drab colour patterns compared with the brightly colours Damselfish who feed on plankton. During the reproduction phase of the Damselfish the female will lay the eggs on a hard coral rock surface and once laid it is the male that returns to protect the eggs from predators until they hatch, which usually takes around 14 days.

Wrasse

The wrasse family of fish are quite diverse and come in many sizes and forms. Wrasse are well known for their special jaw structure which consists of a second set of jaws located beneath their throat called pharyngeal jaw apparatus. They use this special jaw structure for processing their food much like humans use blending machines.

Wrasses are also known for changing sexes from female to male, this change is also usually accompanied by changes in their colouration. This species of marine fish are considered carnivores, feeding on fish or invertebrates. Commonly seen at Sunlover Reef Cruises Outer Great Barrier Reef site is the Giant Maori Wrasse seen here on this page.

Surgeonfish – Tangs

This species of marine fish derives its name from spines located on each side of their tail base. Surgeonfish use these spines as defensive weapons during territorial disputes. This species is commonly found in schools and the more defensive type of Surgeonfish.

Their feeding habits vary between the between the various types of Surgeonfish with some dieting on benthic algae, detritus that falls on algae and some on zooplankton. Recent studies indicate that this species of marine fish have similar systems to termites and use a specialised symbiotic bacteria living within their digestive system to break down the algae.