If you find yourself fascinated even by the humblest of fishes, and you want to know more about how the underwater world functions, you are not alone! At some point, most divers find themselves wondering how marine species live, what they eat, and how they adapt to their environments. The more you dive, the more you’ll get to know the creatures whose world you’re visiting; and the more you will learn about their habitats, too. To accelerate the process of becoming an underwater naturalist, follow these simple tips. We know you’ll love what they do for your ability to gain knowledge about the fascinating creatures you encounter!
Different Species, Different Habitats
Begin by recognizing that different species require different habitats. Some love cold water, and some need warm water to survive. For example, blue sharks need cool water and are not found in tropical reef environments; warm-water species, such as queen angelfish, need warm water to thrive, and will not normally be found in a cool environment such a kelp forest off the coast of California.
Some species prefer to stay at deeper levels, while others prefer to inhabit the shallows. Some can be found at various depths. For example, tangs and surgeonfish can be found along reef tops, while other species enjoy deep water and rarely come into the warmer shallows. Still others are found hiding in cracks and crevices. If you want to see moray eels, crabs, lobsters, octopuses, and shrimps, then think like one of these creatures – where would you hide if you were a little critter? Knowing which part of the water column and which portion of a reef or geologic feature animals prefer will help you to find them.
Studying the way various species look, according to shape, will give you some clues about the habitats they prefer. For example, sharks, tunas, dolphins, and barracudas are all streamlined and speedy; they stay in the water column most of the time and rarely enter crowded spaces. Butterfly fishes, angelfish, and trigger fish have slender profiles and are able to cruise in and out of tight spaces. Flat-shaped fishes such as rays and flounders enjoy hiding along the seabed, where they are camouflaged and where they can find the crustaceans they often feed on.
A marine species’ behavior largely depends upon the environment the animals live in. For example, fish and other animals that prefer to stay in sandy areas don’t have the same spindly legs and grasping claws animals that prefer rocky habitats are often equipped with. Sand dwellers such as sand dollars, sea pens, and flatfishes are less maneuverable than the species that typically inhabit wrecks and reefs. While the creatures you’ll find in sandy spots tend to be burrowing masters of disguise, those inhabiting reefs and wrecks are usually highly maneuverable.
Food Matters
Food! It’s important to everyone, including marine life. Understanding the eating habits of marine species will help you to become a more effective underwater naturalist. Certain species are herbivores, certain species are strictly carnivorous, and still others are omnivorous. Many are opportunistic eaters and will consume just about anything. If you know what kind of food supply is available at a certain dive site, you’ll have a good idea of which creatures might be most prevalent. If you’re visiting a busy reef, you’ll be lucky enough to see the marine food chain in action; observing fish that subsist on algae, then seeing those fish consumed by larger predators all the way up to sharks will give you a fantastic education in why conserving marine environments in all their intact perfection is so vital to survival. One missing link causes the whole chain to break.
Mutualism
At many reef dive sites, you can see cleaning relations that take place between different marine species, plus you can see unrelated animals interacting in other ways. In mutualism, both species benefit from their interaction; for example, angelfish, hogfish, and barberfish feed on fungi, parasites, and bacteria on a shark’s body. The shark benefits from the cleaning, and if he is hungry, he may decide to consume a few of the cleaner fish, though this rarely happens at cleaning stations. You may witness mutualism among shrimps and gobies, and you might see it happening between clownfish and anemones – in fact, mutual relationships happen with surprising frequency in the underwater world. Watch closely – you’ll be amazed at what you witness.
Schooling
Many fish species swim about in pairs or in small groups with just a few individuals; on the other hand, there are a number of fish species including silversides, barracuda, jacks, yellowtail grunt, ad snappers, which live in schools. If you want to see tuna, baitfish, or sharks, you might see a few of them hanging around together, but you’ll never see a school since these fish do not benefit by sticking together. As a general rule, schooling is a behavior that is used as a method for evading predators, ensuring reproductive success, and making life a little easier.
Marine species adapt to tough environments in order to survive. Not all fish can be biggest, fastest, and cleverest, but most do excel at one thing. Watch closely, and you’ll notice where each animal in the marine environment fits into the puzzle.
Enjoying Responsible Interactions with Marine Life
While interacting with marine species, make yourself appear unobtrusive; looking non-threatening will allow you to observe with ease, without stressing the animals you are working toward understanding. Here are some tips to use when interacting with marine life:
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Avoid eye contact. Watch animals from the corners of your eyes, rather than staring face on. Most animals perceive a steady gaze as a predatory threat.
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Be patient. Move slowly and just hang out with the animals you’re watching. Make slow, deliberate movements and breathe carefully. Don’t try to touch or grab marine species.
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Never chase marine species. You’ll frighten them and some species may react by biting you as a defensive mechanism.
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Try to be friendly. When animals understand that you’re not there to hurt them, they’ll resume normal behaviors and you will be able to enjoy watching them.
There are many resources available which can help you to learn more about various types of marine life. Books, websites, and conservation groups have much to offer. Take advantage of as many learning opportunities as possible, and you’ll soon find you know much more than you may have ever thought you would.