Coral Reef Florida Keys Fish Species

Beautiful fish of the florida reef.

Coral reef florida keys fish species. 21 photos and descriptions from reef relief founders deevon and craig quirolo. These reefs are intricately tied to our area s economy attracting tourists for diving snorkeling and other recreational opportunities and providing homes for many commercially important fish species. Florida keys national marine sanctuary protects north ameria s only coral barrier reef. The coral reefs off the florida keys are well known for their abundance of fish species lobsters turtles and other marine life.

6 in family chaetodontidae. First reported in south florida in the 1980s the indo pacific lionfishes pterois volitans and p. It s also home to an amazing assortment of reef fish including game fish and tropical species. Accustomed to being dived with and quite willing to be used in a photo op the local fish life is sure to delight.

Some of the interesting tropical fish that rely on these structures for food and protection are the blue parrotfish butterflyfish angelfish clownfish cardinalfish wrasses and. Clients have the opportunity to catch several different fish species on patch reef fishing trips including famous keys scallywags throwback inedible fish or undersize fish. These inner patch reefs are referred to as the patches the patches are isolated coral heads rubble and rock piles located in depths of 10 30ft. The florida keys region supports a broad diversity of tropical and subtropical fish and shellfish species.

Exotic reef fish of the florida keys. Corals and coral reefs. Florida is the only state in the continental united states with extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts. Reef fish of florida.

Coral reefs create specialized habitats that provide shelter food and breeding sites for numerous plants and animals. Coral reefs lay the foundation of a dynamic ecosystem. Coast and the caribbean including florida keys national marine sanctuary. Miles are now well established along the southeast u s.

This includes ones important to fishing like spiny lobster snapper and grouper. Among the most vibrant in the florida keys the park s corals are abundant representing about 30 species including elkhorn staghorn and pillar coral all of which are listed as threatened under the endangered species act. Photos by paul humann. Because the lionfish prey base includes many species of fish and invertebrates their impact on reef food webs.