Coral reefs and the fish that live amongst them form a complex ecosystem with a biodiversity that equals or perhaps surpasses that of the great rainforests. It has been estimated that some 6000 – 8000 marine fish species call the reefs their home.

The morphology of reef fishes differ from that of open water fishes which are built for speed in order to predate or avoid being predated upon. In contrast reef fish live in relatively confined spaces and where manoeuvrability is far more important for survival than sheer strength and speed.

In just one dive you can see the most dazzling variety of shapes, patterns, colour and behaviour. From schooling fish to lone foragers each species has evolved to make the most of their habitat and to maximise their survival.

Some fish live in symbiotic relationships with other species; perhaps the best known being anemonefish which have adapted to live within the lethal stinging tentacles of their host anemones.

Diet is equally varied from the algae grazers to predators of other fish and where diet will determine whether a species has teeth or beak–like mouths suited for scraping a living or where crushing jaws can crunch through the algae-covered coral and in the process excrete the crushed coral remnants as fine sand.

Coral reef fish are of vital economic value to adjacent coastal human communities whether for food or equally important eco-tourism.