Species-of-the-Reef | New Horizon Sail & Dive

Turtle Weed Algae – Species of the Reef

The unsung hero of the reef are the algaes. They provide food for the many herbivores on the reef providing the foundation of most marine food chains. In todays’ world one of their most important roles is turning carbon dioxide into oxygen and food. As you can see, protecting the reef helps protect our oxygen supplies.
Large algae may also provide homes for a wide variety of small organisms. The algae above is known as turtle weed and is found on the Great Barrier Reef. It can be found from 5 m to about 20 metres deep. Turtle weed is popular in home aquariums also, playing its’ part in the removal of nitrates and converting CO2 to oxygen.

The Parrot Fish – Species of the Reef

One of the most colourful fish on the Great Barrier Reef in the Parrot Fish. So named because of the parrot like beak which it uses to eat algae off coral and other organisms off corals. They are essential to the ecology of the reef and their gardening plays a pivotal part in the survival of the reef. The parrot fish feeding on the reef ensures that algae does not suffocate the reef. The coral they eat is ground up and excreted as sand.
Most of the Parrot Fish family grow to about 30-40 cm (12-16″). They release their eggs into the ocean where the eggs float until settling in the reef until they hatch.

Spinner Dolphins – Species of the Reef

Another favourite of all our guests and crew, the spinner dolphin. These playful and friendly creatures love to swim along the bow wave of the boat as we sail both to and from the reef. The most common sight is a group of half a dozen or so, however occasionally the come to join us in the dozens.
They grow to just over 2 metres long (7′) and weigh up to about 75 kg (175lbs). It is one of the most athletic of the dolphins jumping out of and skimming across the water.

Anemone Fish or Clown fish – Species of the Reef

OK, I was holding off including these little fellas, as they are superstars in their own right already and we were respecting their privacy as celebrities. It is tough for these guys to just blend in with the crowds anymore and the simplest of tasks such as taking the kids out often ends in a frenzy of paparazzi. But due to popular demand I have to include them.
There are 28 different types of clown fish, the largest being about 18cm (7″). The clown fish forms a symbiotic relationship with its host anemone and will defend its home with vigour. Spawning season lasts all year. The female lays their eggs next to the host anemone, which they then are guarded by both parents. The eggs take 7 days to hatch and hatch about an hour after sunset to avoid predators.
Now how does the clown find find his way home? Research at JCU suggests that the anemone fish smells the scent of the host anemone. When the baby clown fish are ready to move out and find a place of their own they use this scent to locate a suitable anemone.