Fire Coral Reef Research Paper

Words: 776
Pages: 4

The Marshall Islands are made up of 1225 Islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited. There is a total of 28 atolls and 4 solitary low coral islands. The marshall islands also includes the largest atoll, named Kwajalein, which is 16.4 km², and a lagoon of 2174 km².
The Marshall islands is home to about 1000 species of fish and about 250 species of coral. The reefs near urban areas are undoubtedly stressed but still has an abundance of fish. The population of the Marshall islands is 70,983 and its capital has a population of 30,000 people. The people of the Marshall Islands uses USD (United States Dollar). Coconuts and breadfruit is the most important commercial products; the top incomes include Copra, Tuna Processing, Tourism,and Craft
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If there is no food then all the fish will die and without competitors and predators, then the fish will reproduce and reproduce, gradually overwhelming the coral and food availability. One example of commensalism is with Hawkfish (Cirrhitus pinnulatus) and Fire Coral (Millepora dichotoma). The Fire Coral has stinging cells called nematocysts which would prevent close contact. The Hawkfish has evolved to be immune to these sting cells. When the Hawkfish perches on the Fire Coral, they get to survey their surroundings and also will get protection from predators. One example of Mutualism is with Sea Anemones and Clownfish (Ocellaris clownfish). Sea Anemones will have a second line of defense because Clownfish are highly territorial and will defend coral at all costs. The Sea Anemones will also defend the Clownfish. One example of Parasitism is with Fish and leeches. Leeches get food and protection while the fish doesn't get anything …show more content…
First, reef fish has a more flat shape not a streamlined shape. This lets it have better maneuverability. Second, they have more colorful “skin” regular ocean fish is black and white but reef fish can be any color. This helps them camouflage(in the right conditions) and can help them mate. Their colors can also warn predators not to eat them. Third, reef fish like to school. This adaptation is used by predators and prey alike. The prey usually does that to avoid being eaten. The predators usually do that because, they want to surround a school, of their prey and eat them all. Finally, some reef fish have toxins(poison). Many reef fish contain toxins, and usually releases them with, spines, sharp fins,barbs,spikes and fangs. The most dangerous reef fish is the Reef Stonefish(Synanceia verrucosa). That fish’s venom can cause severe pain, paralysis, tissue death, and can be fatal if not