Palauan Reef Fish
Palau sits at the Western Edge of a Bio-Region known as the “Coral Triangle.” The evolutionary crossroads straddles the Indian & Pacific Ocean and is quite literally a melting pot of both seas “Greatest Hits.” Thus the highest biodiversity of fish, corals, sponges, and mollusks is all centered within this triangle.
Thus Palau has an astonishing 1500 different species of fish. To put this in perspective, consider the fact that the entire Caribbean has a total of 5 species of Butterfly Fish. A single snorkel in Palau could yield 25 species and after a week of snorkeling one could discover all 36 species of Butterflies.
Thus Palau has an astonishing 1500 different species of fish. To put this in perspective, consider the fact that the entire Caribbean has a total of 5 species of Butterfly Fish. A single snorkel in Palau could yield 25 species and after a week of snorkeling one could discover all 36 species of Butterflies.
With numerous Marine protected areas, no fishing zones, and no passage zones the Koror State and National Government of Palau have insured world class fish watching for generations to come. With over 300 limestone islands, 72 salt water lakes, mangrove forest channels, sea grass beds, secluded lagoons, sheltered bays, patch reefs, and vertical drop offs, the number of habitat types approaches absurd. Even after a week long adventure, no two snorkels will be anything alike.
Our fishes range from the delicate Mandarin Fish to the Giant “Super Male” Napoleon Wrasse. Habituated to divers and snorkelers, the fish will go about their natural business unphased by the bewildered observers. One of the most bizarre spectacles in Palau is the sling jaw wrasse. This six inch long torpedo shaped fish will disarticulate his jaw forming a long tube, used to suck prey out from hidden crevices. The Crab Eyed Goby startles potential predators by raising twin dorsal fins with Crab-Like eyespots. The juvenile Sail-fin Tang protects himself by raising flag like fins, thus fooling predators into thinking he’s too big to eat. The alarming spots of the juvenile Harlequin Sweetlips warn of toxic skin, allowing the bite size morsel to dance amongst the corals.
Nutrient rich currents create a conveyor belt of food for our planktivorous fish. Dancing in the open water Blue Green Chromis, Pyramid Butterfly Fish, and Lunar Fusiliers will all dart for cover as aggressive Trevally take aim at these choice meals.
The combined spectacle has earned Palau the designation of “The Under Water Serengeti of Planet Earth.”
Our fishes range from the delicate Mandarin Fish to the Giant “Super Male” Napoleon Wrasse. Habituated to divers and snorkelers, the fish will go about their natural business unphased by the bewildered observers. One of the most bizarre spectacles in Palau is the sling jaw wrasse. This six inch long torpedo shaped fish will disarticulate his jaw forming a long tube, used to suck prey out from hidden crevices. The Crab Eyed Goby startles potential predators by raising twin dorsal fins with Crab-Like eyespots. The juvenile Sail-fin Tang protects himself by raising flag like fins, thus fooling predators into thinking he’s too big to eat. The alarming spots of the juvenile Harlequin Sweetlips warn of toxic skin, allowing the bite size morsel to dance amongst the corals.
Nutrient rich currents create a conveyor belt of food for our planktivorous fish. Dancing in the open water Blue Green Chromis, Pyramid Butterfly Fish, and Lunar Fusiliers will all dart for cover as aggressive Trevally take aim at these choice meals.
The combined spectacle has earned Palau the designation of “The Under Water Serengeti of Planet Earth.”