Fishes of the Coral Reef

Coral reefs are known as temperate and fairly shallow ocean environments that are very plentiful in their life forms. The enormous formation is made from coral polyps which become the home to many fish. (1) They are made by living organisms and are found in water that has very little or no nutrients at all. This is because where there are high amounts of nutrients there is more algae growth which is harmful to the reef. Although there is a low amount of nutrients, thanks to nutrient cycling fewer nutrients are critical to maintaining the community. (2) Among the coral reef there are over 4000 species of fish. (3)
      The coral reef is the shelter to thousands of reef fish, from the angelfish to the groupers. The fish pick their homes on a first come first served basis or a “lottery” for a home. The large number of different fish species are able to live amongst each other because any unoccupied living space is quickly taken by whichever planktonic fish larvae takes it first. They then live in this space throughout their entire lives, given that something doesn’t happen to their home.(4)
      At the rate we are destroying the reefs today about 70% of the earth’s coral reefs are estimated to be destroyed by 2050. (5) Therefore, many of the fish will be left without homes and will become extinct. In order to help save the coral reefs and the fish that depend on them people need to join and help conserve water, use ecological products, reduce pollution, and support reef friendly business.(6)
      While snorkeling or scuba diving through the coral reef you may notice that not all of the fish stay within the same area. This is because they stay in areas in which they are more prone to finding food. On the other hand, they may be there because they are hiding from other predators. For example, fish like the chromis float over the reef in the current which carries plankton, which are quickly sucked into their mouths. They are known as plankton-pickers. As a...