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Monday, September 8, 2008,
4:03 PM
HEY THERE. One to know more about the life on the coral reefs? I bet you do! Information from: http://www.dbs.nus.edu.sg/lab/reef/Reefinsights/coral_reefs.htm The reefs in Singapore have several zones typical of most reefs: the shoreline gives way to the shallow reef flat which may vary in width and depth. Often at very low tides, some parts of the reef flat are exposed to air and direct sunlight. Scattered about are small colonies of boulder-shaped knob corals (Favia), maze coral (Platygyra sp.) and sponges of different colours. Also seen on the reef flat are pockets of sandy areas, surrounded by lawns of large brown algae Sargassum sp. Bands of black sea-urchins gather in large numbers. This level also marks the outer edge of the reef flat, which gives way to the reef crest. Marine life on the reed crest is at its richest with respect to productivity and diversity. Almost every group of coral is represented: - brain corals (Family Mussidae) -bubble-corals (Caryophyllidae) -pore corals (Poritidae) -mushroom corals (Fungidae) -cauliflower coral (Pocillopora sp) -cave corals and disc coral (Dendrophyllidae) -table and staghorn corals (Acropora sp.) -anemone corals and many others! Living among these corals are many other marine animals. Deep-purple coloured sea-anemones, with their symbiotic clownfish are a common sight. Crinoids (featherstars) are cryptic by day, and hide in coral crevices. Attached on the reef substrata are the sponges, sea-squirts (tunicates), feather-duster worms and stinging hydroids. The other more mobile reef residents are the cowries, coneshells, nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs and many others. No other marine habitat supports such numbers or diversity of fishes as coral reefs. Most reef fishes adopt bright colouration, curious body shapes and habits. They not only add much vibrance to the reef, but are also important contributors to its productivity. The most prominent fishes in Singapore reefs, in terms of numbers and diversity, are the damselfishes (Pomacentridae) and wrasses (Labridae). Other colourful members are the copperband butterflyfish (Chelomon rostratus) and pygmy angelfish (Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus). Some of the reef fishes are important as food-fish. These include the groupers (Family Serranidae), snappers (Family Lutjanidae), scads and trevallies (Family Carangidae). As the upper reef slope gives way to the lower reef slope at about 7 to 8m depth, the density of marine organisms decreases. Coral boulders are scattered, separated by coral rubble and sand. Occasionally, one comes across some sea-urchins, crinoids, gobies, goatfishes and mushroom corals, the Neptune-cup sponges and brilliantly coloured sea-fans. The sea-floor near many reefs in Singapore are usually silty. Long sea-whips and soft corals are rather common. A few colonies of corals still grow. Since there are so many different species of animals and fishes that use the corals as protection or shelter. See? One more reason to save these wonderful coral reefs ;D KAIYING<3 |