Butterflyfish, belonging to the Chaetodontidae family, are colourful creatures measuring between 12 and 22 cm. Their diet consists mainly of coral polyps, sea anemones and sometimes small crustaceans and algae.
Although some butterflyfish species are vulnerable due to coral reef degradation and overfishing, they play a vital role in the ocean’s coral reef ecosystem.
The damselfish, or Dascyllus trimaculatus, is a colourful fish measuring between 6 and 15 cm. They are omnivorous, feeding on plankton, algae and small invertebrates.
Generally not threatened, this species is nevertheless affected by the degradation of coral reefs in certain regions. Protecting its habitat is crucial to maintaining the biodiversity of tropical reefs.
Rays, members of the order Batoidea, are cartilaginous fish with flattened bodies and wide, wing-like pectoral fins. Their wingspan varies from 30 cm to several metres, and they feed mainly on molluscs, crustaceans, fish and sometimes plankton.
Overfishing and habitat destruction are threatening many species of ray. Conserving these fascinating creatures is essential for the health of marine ecosystems worldwide.
Parrotfish, belonging to the Scaridae family, are robust and colourful sea creatures, measuring between 30 and 120 cm depending on the species. Their diet consists mainly of algae and pieces of coral, which they crush with their powerful beaks.
Although some species of parrotfish are threatened by coral reef degradation and overfishing, they play a crucial role in the coral reef ecosystem by helping to keep corals free of invasive algae.
Green turtles, members of the Cheloniidae family, are marine reptiles known for their large size and mainly herbivorous diet in adulthood. They have a green carapace, hence their name.
Green turtles are threatened by pollution, hunting, habitat destruction and climate change. Their conservation is crucial to the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Hawksbill turtles, also from the Cheloniidae family, can be recognised by their pointed beaks and their shells decorated with overlapping patterns. They are essential to the health of coral reefs.
Hawksbill turtles are threatened by illegal shell collecting, pollution and the degradation of coral reefs. Protecting this species is essential for marine biodiversity.
Blacktip sharks, belonging to the Carcharhinidae family, are medium-sized sharks easily recognisable by their black-tipped fins. They are common in the shallow coastal waters of coral reefs.
Blacktip sharks play a crucial role in the coral reef ecosystem by regulating prey populations and maintaining the ecological balance. However, they are threatened by overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change. Protecting this species is essential for the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems.
The harmful chemicals in sunscreens cause environmental stress, which contributes to coral bleaching, a phenomenon that is devastating 25% of marine life.
Copyright ©2024 | The Coral Planters
