ocean coral reef
by james and aaron
coral reefs
FAST FACTS
- Coral reefs cover less than 0.2% of our oceans but they contain 25% of the world's marine fish species!
- Coral reefs are second only to rain forests in biodiversity of species.
- In the Greater Caribbean region alone some 500-600 species of fish are recognized
- Coral reefs are the largest living structures on our planet
- The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, and is located towards northeast of Queensland, Australia. It is composed of about 3,000 small reefs, and it covers an area of approximately 350,000 sq. km. It was formed around 500,000 years ago.
- horseshoe crabs are often caught to be used for bait during fishing and for catching eels
Coral Reef Marine Life Identification : Coral Reef Fish: Slender Filefish
horseshoe crab diagram
The horseshoe crab has a sharp spiny tail to protect from enemy. Also they have thick spiny armor to protect it.
horseshoe crab on display
They are food for many animals such as seagulls, bigger fish, and some times sharks.
walking horseshoe crab
Did you know horseshoe crabs have blue blood instead of red.
Horseshoe crab aquarium eating and swimming
Reef sharks
Reef sharks are less aggressive sharks they are less likely to kill humans or other sharks. They mostly eat small mackerel or other small fish. They are found all over coral reefs.
SeaWorld® Kids - Killer Whale vs Great White
Shark Academy: Gray Reef Sharks
Plants
algae is a common plant found near water or underwater also take in 73% carbon dioxide
sea grass is another common plant
also mangrove plants grow all over coral reefs ( mostly near Florida and other tropical reefs).
sea grass
seaweed is edible and is very very good for you
algae
kelp
In ideal conditions, kelp can grow up to per day, and in stark contrast to the colorful and slow-growing corals, the giant kelp canopies tower above the ocean floor. Like trees in a forest, these giant algae provide food and shelter for many organisms. Also like a terrestrial forest, kelp forests experience seasonal changes. Storms and large weather events, like el nino, can tear and dislodge the kelp, leaving a tattered winter forest to begin its growth again each spring.
anemones
cold and warm water
cold and warm water
It is cold near the gulf of mexico and the Caribbean
where coral reefs can be found
climate
climate
Near the gulf of mexico it is tropical and has a big chance of having a hurricane
jellyfish
Relaxing Jellyfish Loop
http://www.bioexpedition.com/horseshoe-crab/
http://www.bioexpedition.com/horseshoe-crab/
http://www.sharksider.com/reef-shark/
http://www.sharksider.com/reef-shark