Coral Reef Inhabitants
From very early on, primitive Sponges have been a Coral Reef Inhabitant. Sponges can be found in various shapes and color. Most Coral Reef sponges are relatively small, yet there are some types that may grow up to six feet in diameter. These porous creatures create shelter for crabs, fishes, shrimp, and many other small animals.
Coral Reef Inhabitants: Sponges
At the very bottom of our Coral Reef Food Chain are microorganisms such as zooplankton. Zooplankton is a broad category for many forms of planktons like metazoan and protozoan. This zooplankton activates the polyps found on the coral to release amino acids that provoke a feeding response in the coral. Coral Reefs need this plankton to grow.
Coral Reef Inhabitants: Worms
No one would ever suspect that even worms are Coral Reef inhabitants. Flatworms, polychaetes, and bristleworms are all part of the Coral Reef ecosystem. Polychaetes have the nicknames “Christmas Tree” worms and “Feather Dust” worms that dig their way into coral skeletons. Flatworms tend to develop in crevices in the Coral Reef.
Coral Reef Inhabitants: Crustaceans
Some well-known Coral Reef Inhabitants are classified as crustaceans. Crustaceans involve all species of shrimp, crab, and lobsters. These creatures are predators that consume sea urchins and clams. They find protection and shelter between Coral Reef branches and crevices.
Coral Reef Inhabitants: Mollusks
Mollusks are Coral Reef Inhabitants that are quite plentiful in the Coral Reef Ecosystem. Marine snails, scallops, squids, clams, and nudibranchs are all inhabitants of the Coral Reef. The majority of these species feed by filtering particles of food out of the water. The Giant Clam is one of the largest mollusks of Coral Reef Inhabitants. This clam can grow to sizes up to four feet in length!
Coral Reef Inhabitants: Eels
One of the greatest predators of the Coral Reef Inhabitants are eels. Eels like to eat octopus, crab, small fish, and shrimp. These creatures have extremely strong jaws and needle sharp teeth. During the daytime, the eel rests in crevices found throughout the Coral Reef, while in the night it endeavors out to hunt and feed. The eel and many other creatures discussed are only a few Coral Reef Inhabitants.
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