great barrier reef fish

“What fish is that?” is possibly one of the most commonly asked questions on the reef. This is no surprise, given that there are over 1600 different species showing a huge range of colours, shapes and sizes. Fish are important animals in the marine food web. Thanks to their outstanding diversity, fish have become highly specialised in their habitats and behaviours. There are top consumers, predatory fish, ambush hunters, herbivorous fish, planktivores and even corallivores (eating coral polyps!).

Fish are often very colourful, and can use their colours to attract mates, and some are even important in the determination of sex. Fish can also use colour to blend with their environment in order to ambush prey or hide from predators.

They are easily a highlight of any trip to the Great Barrier Reef!