.｡:☆The Great Barrier Reef☆: ｡.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the largest coral reef system in the entire world. Located in the Coral Sea just off the coast of Queensland, Australia, it spreads over 1,430 miles in the ocean, and covers and area of over 132,970 square miles.
Within this area of the ocean, you could see hundreds of different species in just one diving trip. There are a few different families that make up all of these fish, all adding even more color and beauty to the Great Barrier Reef. Here are three examples:
-Butterflyfish-
These brightly colored, mainly yellow fish are built perfectly to live in harmony with coral reefs. Their characteristically long noses give them easy access to small holes in the reef, which many fish can’t get to, to eat small prey such as worms. Butterflyfish also eat algae and coral polyps growing on the reef. Their thin bodies are also perfect for swimming in between small passages.
-Clownfish-
Nemo!! Honestly, that movie showed a lot of accuracy to how clown fish live. They will make their homes in anemones, something their predators cannot do, due to the sting the anemone gives off to fish. However, clown fish are immune to this, because of a layer of mucus on their skin that allows them to enter and exit the anemone without being hurt. Being good houseguests, clownfish will preen the anemone they live in, and remove any parasites from it.
-Parrotfish-
These fish are extremely important to the prosperity and health of coral reefs, and beaches. They spend almost their entire lives eating algae from the reefs. This supports bioerosion; controlling algae population, allowing new spots for baby coral to attach and grow. Coral they eat is churned up in their throats (which are covered with teeth), and pooped out as white sand. Scientists estimate that the Chlorurus gibbus parrotfish will produce over 2,000 pounds of white sand in just a year. That’s eco systematically, good shit.
