Spring is in the air and as the oceans warm up, more than the birds and the bees will be thinking about reproduction. Corals will also take advantage of the beautiful conditions we expect at this time of the year. more »
Blog Archives
Worm
These days, when someone talks about worms, we automatically think of viruses affecting our computers. However, this large and diverse group of invertebrates is an important part of the Great Barrier Reef community, and is often involved in complex more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Molluscs
Spinner Dolphin
Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) – These small (2-3m) dolphins are found throughout both temperate and tropical waters, and are frequently seen by visitors to the outer reef. Their name is derived from the fact that they spin as they leap more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Dolphins
Sea Cucumber
One class of animal that is often overlooked on the reef is the ubiquitous holothurian, or as it is locally known, the sea cucumber. Over 1500 species of sea cucumbers occur world wide, and approximately 200 occur in Australian waters. more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Molluscs
Sea Butterfly
Sea butterflies, or flapping snails, are holoplanktonic mollusks (Mollusca, Gasteropoda), belonging to the suborder Thecosomata (Blainville, 1824). Holoplanktonic means that they are living in the water column between bottom and surface. They float freely in the water, along with the more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Fish
Parrotfish
Of the approximately 1600 species of fish along the length of the Great Barrier Reef, the ubiquitous Parrotfish family is probably the most easily recognized. On any given visit to the reef, you are guaranteed to see these magnificently coloured more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Fish
Molluscs
The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 5000 different species of Molluscs, which include the well known giant clams and triton shells. They are an integral part of the reef, providing a source of food for many of the more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Molluscs
Minke Whale
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I3aevk5Ll4 Where do Minke whales fit into the whale family tree? The minke whale is the smallest baleen whale with 50-70 throat grooves. It is a rorqual whale (baleen whale with throat grooves). They are the most abundant baleen whale more »
Humpback Whale
(note: Humpbacks have in the past swim around snorkellers at Agincourt reef and other dive sites. Very few operators have a lience to approach the whales, Silversonic is one of those) Humpback whales regularly migrate from Antarctic waters along more »
Coral Trout
Enter any seafood restaurant during your stay in Cairns and you are likely to find Coral Trout on the menu. The firm pearly white flesh is considered to be the finest eating of all of our reef fish. Coral Trout more »
Posted in All Marine Life, Fish
