Field Guide to Marine Ecology of Kenyan Coast.
Item Type Book/Monograph/Conference Proceedings
Publisher Wildlife Clubs of Kenya
Download date 07/10/2021 07:48:33
Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/7188 lie!d guide to to
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Wildlife Clubs ofKenya ~
EDITOR Ayuko Miyawaki Miyawaki
Sponsored by KWSlNetherlands Wetlands Conservation and Training Program Program MARINE ECOSYSTEM & HABITATS
The drawing above shows a model of Kenyan coast: from sandy shore across a lagoon of shallow water with sea grass and coral gardenj out to the flinging reef where the waves break and the coral rises like a wall from the depths of the ocean. The beach and lagoon are in a marine park where shellsj plantsj fish and other marine life is protected. In the marine ecosystem herej there are 6 habitatsj which have their own plants and animals that adapted to the particular environment.
MANGROVE SWAMP SEAGRA.SS BED The sand is bright In the strong Mangrove trees grow along sheltered Although over 90% of marine plants r. sunlight. This fine white sand is sedimentary shoresj especially in are algae /seaweeds and made of skeletons of certain bays and estuaries. These places phytoplankton)j seagrass grows on seaweeds and cora[sj ground up by are called mangrove swamps. They shallow sandy/muddy seabedsj the waves over many seasons. have spreading roots to anchor them producing as much energy through Shoreline plays many important and small finger-like roots that stick photosynthesis [ike a rainforest. By ecological and economIC roles. up through the mud and allow the trapping sedimentsj seagrasses play Sandy beaches are the primary roots to "breathe." Most produce a vital role in stabilising mobile sand nesting habitats for sea turt[esj as [ong" torpedo-shaped seeds that and protecting shores from erosion. well as popular recreational and genninate in the mudj allowing the At first g[ancej you might see [ittle tourism area. forest to expand across the shore. marine life on muddy and sandy Howeverj seashores the least stable The roots help trap soil and sediment seabeds. But many animals are and most changeable physical before it washes out to sea hidden safely in burrows and tubes in landform system on earth. They are smotheringj and killing coral reefs. the mud. Different kinds of greatly influenced by sea and weather The trapped soi[j sediment and dead invertebratesj wormsj and bottom conditions such as windj wavesj tidesj [eaves provide rich sources of food for living fish are associated with and currents. many plants and animals. The seagrass beds.. Numerous fish At first glance a beach may not look tides regularly cover the base of these species feed directly on the [eaves [ike much of a home for plants and treesj and a wide variety of anima[sj and use the seagrass beds as sheJter anima[sj but many have become including young coral reef fishj other from predators. Seagrass beds also specially adapted to live in this harsh fishj crabsj prawnsj molluscsj and provide important, nursery grounds environment. birds live in the trees' shelter. for juveniles of fish and severa[ commercially valuable prawns. ·,
ORAL GARDEN Kenyan coast, where sea temperature Lagoons formed by fringing reefs are is always above 18° C, seabed is separated from the oceans by reef fringed by shallow reefs made by flats and the reef crest where the animals called corals. Corals are waves break. In the picture above, breeding and feeding grounds for the tide is out. Twice each day, the thousands of fish and invertebrate water is low, and the reef flat is I animals. There are few plankton exposed to the sun. Twice the water because of the shortage of nutrients comes up high onto the shore. The in tropical watersi however, corals plants and animals'that live between have food source within their body the tides have the benefit of living in tissue, that is, algae: tiny plants, that the sea for part of the day. For the need sunlight to photosynthesize. rest of the time, they have to cope Therefore, most of the primary with exposure to cold, heat, and production of the coral reef happens drought. At low tide the reef flat is inside the coral, rather than in calmer and dry, so you can walk on DEEPSEA phytoplankton floatmg m the sea the reef flat and see mto the tide Sunlight is able to penetrate the first water. A healthy reef has 21'16 of all pools - you will find natural 200m, and this is the region where the the marine species living among the aquariums for juvenile fish - and life majority of ocean life is found. corals - sponges, fish, crabs, and on the rocks. On the reef flat, the Below 170lll in even clearest waters, many more organisms, often living dominating plants are seaweed and the light becomes too dim for plants symbiotically. Despite the chaotic algae. They provide food for to photosynthesize. Here only existence of life on a coral reef, the grazing animals especially limpets animals grow. Strong swimmers, ecosystem is balanced. and sea urchins, and shelter for a host such as dolphins, whales and sharks, Coral reefs also play a major role in of small worms, brittle-stars, live in deep watp outside the lagoon. protecting tropical shorelines from crustaceans, shells, and sea In deep water, light attenuation takes the storms and wave action. anemones living in the crevices and in place and therefore fewer colours can However, corals only live in warm small hollows. Many of these hide be seeni temperatures there are lower clear water and grow very slowly so away by day avoid being eaten by too. Only certain plants or animals .. . -., -~'-: .:-,~~"~.~.=.' -~--~---
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1 CRAB PLOVER Dromas ardeola ndoero/aina ya kiluwHuwi 2 GHOST CRAB Osypode Sp. kisagaunga/kifukulile CAAB PLOVER I Drom.1S .lrdeol..l}.lrdeol..l) J J Ndocro/.1in.:tNdocroj.1in.:t ya Kiltlwiluwi
Large black-and-white wader with black mantlelj blue-grey legs and a thicklj heavy bill. bill. A harsh barking Icrow-ow uttered by flocking birds. birds. Frequents sand and mad flat. flat.
Feeding mainly on crabslj which it crushes in its powerful bill. bill. A non-breeding visitor to Kenyan Coasts mainly in August - Apri I. Some present year-round. year-round.
Only crab that live in the inter-tidal zone of sandy beacheslj where they construct deepjdeepl semi-permanent burrows burrows near the high-water mark. mark.
By day they generally shelter in their holeslj but at night they become activelj emerging in large numbers to look look
for food. In the moonlightlj their fast movements and sandy colour give the crabs a characteristic ghost-like ghost-like appearance (hence the common name). name). The eyes are large and are wrapped around the eyestalks to give maximum all-round night vision. vision.
One of the nippers is enlarged and serves as a shield against aggressorslj and as a bulldozer blade in burrowing.bUTTowing. It can also produce a rasping noise used in aggression and courtship. courtship.
Generally scavengerslj also feed on bivalve molluscs and will attack and eat turtle hatchlings and cannibalise cannibalise members of their own. own.
SEASHORE PLANTS
All shore plants are comprised of species from numerous families and of various formslj including grasseslj shrubsl j saltworts and trees. trees.
They are the plants which are tolerant of monthly spring tide immersionlj thus able to exist in highly saline soilsl j and are present above the supralittoral fringe on sandy beaches. beaches.
All are important in stabilising beach sand andlj in an attempt to prevent erosionlj shore plants should be planted planted not removed. removed.
~O£.O))!:'t ee Cocos tl.fjfe.!i!1 tl.fjfe.!i!1 Mnazi • • Cqconut tree is shaped to cope with strong wind: it has palm fronds instead of branches. • • One of the most useful trees in the world.
• • All parts of the tree are utilised by local communities: fronds for roof thatchlj basketslj brooms and matSj
stem for timber and fuel woodj nuts for drinklj oil and meatj and shells for ornamentslj spoons and bowls.
VVhis ering Pine CiSuarina eq!!!?etifp/iil)eq!!i?etifp/iil) Mvin;eMvinje • • Casuarina tree is a tree with needle-like leaves. The leaf structures of this tree help the tree to prevent
heavy evaporation and loss of waterlj as the seashore is mostly hot and windy.
• • Often a pioneer specieslj although originally from the Western Pacific (now naturalisedl.
• • Planted as windbreakslj used as fuelwoodlj as poles for construction and in wharves.
LITTORAL ZONE < ~
., . lJ - l::J
1 FLUTEMOUTH Fistularia commersonii mzimarilbombori 2 BLACK-SPOT SNAPPER Lut;ianus fulviflamma tembo 3 STONEFISH Synanceia verrucosa bocho/jungu 4 BLUESPOTTED RIBBON-TAIL RAY Taeniura Iymma taa/nyenga CORNET FISH, Family Fisw!.zrid.z.:' Fisw!.zrid.z.:' \, \zim.1ri/l~o",bori
Fiote,~mQu~h rFisttJ/.<'V'i"i'wmme;sQTJi7~rFisttJl.<'V'i"i'wmme;sQTJi7~ I Extremely long thin-bodied fishes with an extended tubular snout and a long whip-like taiL taiL Feed by sucking in small crustaceans and fish in pipette-like fashion. fashion. A reef swimming fish/fish! often seen hovering over reefs and seagrass beds. beds. Occur solitary or in small groups. groups.
SNAPPER, F.1mily [(lli,midlc) [(lli,midlc) T~mbo
Snappers are a large family of medium-sized perch-like fish/fish! earned their name from their habit of aggressively aggressively snapping their jaws. jaws. Predators of crustaceans and fishes. Some feed on plankton. plankton. Among the most common fish and dominant fish caught by artisanal fishermen. fishermen.
Black-spqLS aJ,m~rI Lucj!fl!luS !..lI/0fZam7p.z),f.l/10fZam7p"z), 2 •. •. Generally solitary seen in shallow reefs/ often in large aggregations with other species. • • Juveniles enter brackish water streams. • • Disperse at night to feed on benthic crustaceans and fish.
SCORPIONFlSH \Famirv 'i..-oljJ,zenid.le'
:to'tle .$.'.$··"SFfiSFfi '1.<1.ve. I.<1.ve S2l, Bocho/) ungu 3 • • Well-camouflaged/Well-camouflaged! grotesque looking fish/fish! having long dorsal spines which can penetrate tennis shoe. • • World/sWorld!s most venomous fish (woynds should be treated immediately with hot water or dry heat!. • • Normally found in shallow water where it lies in wait/wait! ready to ambush small fish. Often partly buries itself in coral rubble or sandt making it almost impossible to detect.
STINGRAY Elmilv D,zsv,l(id.le' D,zsv,l(id.le' T.l.VNv~n:.pT.l.VNv~n:,p
Rays have cartilaginous skeletons/skeletons! flattened bodies giving them a disc-like shape. shape. One or more venomous barbs near base of tail which are used for defence [dauserous jf stepped on, larser pnes pnes can deljYer a fatal stinsl.stins). Not aggressive and retaliate only if provoked. provoked. Respire by drawing water through a sma(( hole behind. behind. Young bom fully developed. developed.
lu,e-?'pot.t~4 riQbo!!-t,]il ray..IJAepJuraJXll1.lJ1tl.) 4 • • Seen in sandy areas of coral reef/reef! often in caves of beneath ledges/ledges! partly buries itself in sand. • • Feed~ on crab~/crab~! wonn~/wonn~! and ~hrimps.
CAMOUFLAGE ith much competition for food, many animals have developed different strategies, "adaptations," in order ~ Wto eat and avoid being eaten. Colour and pattern are common of the reef, either to attract attention or I as camouflage. The octopus is a master of disguise hiding from predators and prey. They are able to change the colour and texture of their skin to blend in among rocks and corals, both to hide from predators and sneak up on prey. Most reef habitants cannot change colour and pattern like the octopus. Special body colourings are used by the animals to blend into the colour of their surrounding environment so that they can avoid predators. The Stonefish disguises itself just like a lump of rock, lying in wait until small fish come within gulping distance of its big wide mouth. Many reef fish use spots and stripes. The Shrimpfish camouflages with its stripes to break up their outlines against backgrounds so making them harder to spot. False eye spots are found on some fish, e.g. Black-spot snapper, usually near tail to distract the attention of predators. Most predators attack head first, so a false eye near the tail confuse the attacker so allowing prey to escape. The creatures living amongst the reef are brilliantly coloured. Certain colours such as red commonly used to warn that they may be poisonous. Many night time feeders are coloured red. Red light is absorbed first by seawater, so in the darkness animals that are red actually disappear. The Lionfish, ? >disguised by its red colour sneaks up on small fish and crustaceans asleep in their homes. > ··t
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1 GREEN TURTLE Chelonia mydas kasa 2 SHRIMPFISH Aeoliscus strigatus 3 PIPEFISH Choeroichthys sculptus 4 SEAGRASS Thalassodendron ciliatum mwam SEA TURTLE, Familv Che/ol1iidze' Klsa
Marine turtles with limbs beanng lor 2. claws and vertebrae with ribs fused to the underside of the carapace. carapace. There are 5 species seen in Kenya! namely: Green turtle! Hawksbill! Loggerhead! Olive ndley & Leatherback Leatherback Turtle. Among those! Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle lay eggs in Kenyan coast. coast. Male turtles live in the sea all their lives! never coming ashore! but the females often migrate thousands of of ki lometres from their feeding ground to their nesting beach! often returning to the same beach where they they hatched! to lay their eggs. On average! a female will breed about once every 2. years. years. The incubation temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings.. Cooler temperatures will result result in male hatchling whi Ie high incubat;on temperatures i>30°C) produce more females. females.
,Gre.en ~~~~Ie LC;h~f.q..'1l~1J1y.if.~~l I • Adults are largely herbivores! feeding on seagrasses! and are therefore found in relatively shaIlow water. • Inhab1t shallow water! especially in the vicinity of seagraM beds! to open sea. • Breed on sandy beaches! laying between 100 and 140 eggs at a time! up to eight times a year.
SHRIMPFISH ,Familv CCI1trI:.:;o·d.leCel1trI:.:;o·d.le I :!.
Body thin! with ventral keel! covered with bony plates. plates. Live in small groups among long-spined sea-urchins! branching coral! or other shelter. shelter. Swims in vertical head-down position and feed on minute planktonic crustaceans. crustaceans.
PIPEFISH, Family ->vflHf1.uhida/ 3
Scu1~nrfe.l'teipefish 1ahoeroich l'fys scUtp. Lis! Small elongate fishes encased in ting of bony plates. plates. Feed on minute invertebrates sucked into a tubular snout. snout. Reproduction is highly unusual: the male has a brood pouch in which the eggs are fertilised and incubated after after getting deposited by the female. female.
SEA GRASS, Thll.lssodcndronThll.lssodendron ,:i/i,ltllm' 4 AAH-.1ni
Seagrasses are plants! which have completely adapted to a life in the sea. At least 10 species are commonly encountered and the most common genus (Thafassodendron) is shown here. Seagrasses are usuaIly encountered as dned brown leaves washed up on beaches! or as grass beds on inter-tidal flats and on the sand bottoms of coastal lagoons. Habitats of seagrasses are known to be highly productive and play an important ecological role as nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans [especially shrimps)! as food source including sea turtles and shelter for many organisms (invertebrates! molluscs! and echinoderms) and in the recycling of nutrients. Other invertebrates as well as various algae! live attached to the seagrass leaves! especially on deep-water seagrasses. Washed-up leaves stabilise beach sand! and the removal of these by hotel and coastal developers may increase beach erosion. Rooted! living seagrasses are important as seabed stabilisers! and many areas of seagrass beds are threatened by siltation! prawn trawling or seaweed farming.
TURILES IN DANs;3ER ll species of turtles are seriously endangered because of human activities. There are many reasons for ! Athe decline in turtle numbers in Kenya. Coastal and offshore development often pose a threat to turtles especially if these activities are within the vicinity of migration routes or nesting sites. Clearing of beach vegetation may affect sand temperatures, which may-in turn lead to skewed sex ratios of hatchlings. Illumination of resting beaches deters adult females from nesting and often disorientates hatchling turtles swimming out to sea. Tourists can be very disturbing especially when they drive vehicles on the beach, making noise and shining lights. This will discourage turtles from nesting on beaches frequented by humans. Poaching for shells, meat, and eggs is very common and is the major factor in turtle declines. Consumption is reducing the numbers of hatchlings that may be added to the population, and since turtles mature very slowly, the effects of this are not immediately apparent. Drowning in fishing gear is all too frequent, especiallv durina the nestina season when there are manv turtles swimmina in coastal waters. Turtles need 1 LYRETAIL ANTHIAS Pseudanthias squamipinnis mkoko 2 DOMINO Dascyllus trimaculatus tima mweusi 3 ZEBRA HUMBUG Dascyllus aruanus tima milia 4 BLUE-GREEN CHROMIS Chromis viridis tima J;: CTA~U(,\C~I ~(,\QAI ~in~ ,,~ rn~+t Imh~wll! NTH lAS , 'iub/;unilv ·1fl{hiill.lt!' ·1fl{hiill.lt!' \\I-.oko
Subfamily of the rockcodsi small brightly coloured fishes. fishes. Move in large shoals above the reef in search of zooplankton. zooplankton. Males usually have extended filaments on the dorsal and caudal fins and are more colourful than the females. females. Most anthias start their reproductive lives as fenules. Harems are formed and the dominant female develops develops into a nule which then nutes with the other fenules. fenules.
_~~~j{.Ant .L~..! ppe~cf.. T}.t.h;i1§...:~.9.!!t!1JJipiT7.!Jli I • • The most common and abundant of all anthias. • • Males are larger than fenulesj terntcmal & haremic. • • Occur in large aggregations around coral outcrops of lagoon or outer reef slopes. • • Feed on plankron and fish larvae.
DAMSELFlSH ,Family P0n1.1L·cT1uid.1C' , , Tima
Snull/Snull! oval-bodied fishes vary greatly in colour and pattern and display interesting behavioural characteristics. characteristics. Most species/species! especiaHy algae-feeding species/species! are territorial and aggressive towards intruders/intruders! particularly particularly when guarding their nesting sites. sites. Often seen darting to and fro on a reef catching food in the passing current. current. Generally drably coloured feed nuinly on algae/algae! whereas nuny of the brightly patterned species and member of of the genus Chrom;s feed on zooplankton. zooplankton. Female damselfish lay their eggs on the substratum and are guarded by the nule. nule.
QQJJ"itlo, LPa5cy{rf!.~ l:!;m..4C.ygt:0S) 2
• • Have 3 white spotS on a black body/body! resembling a dominodomino/l which large adults usually lose and turn an overall light charcoal-grey colour. • •A A common damselfish found in snull groups on coral and rocky reefs. • • Juveniles associated with large sea anemones/anemones! long spine sea urchins or snull branching coral heads. • • Feed prinuTily on microscopic organism in the water column (planktivore.s).
Ze.bra. humbl,J PiJ5CY!fu5 4rQ;lnusl, 3 • • Territorlal fish that form large groups around branching corals on sheltered reefs. • • When threatened/threatened! dart in unison for shelter amongst the coral branches. • • Feed on zooplankton.
]3.(lI~.~~ReeD chroT1}j~ C;;1J!()1!Jie.!dclli;~) 4 • • Often form groups that swim above branching corals. • • Juveniles stay close to individual coral heads and when threatened/threatened! quickly retreat in unison into the safety of the coral branches. • • Feed on zooplankton.
STAG HORN CORAL & FINGER CORAL Ellnilv ·kroporid.J":' ?Y\.uLlml>.I\\·~ \.'ido[..:. " Acropora is a diverse genus which comprises nuny species and is the dominant hard coral on most coral reefs. The growth form varies widely between species/ but three kinds are paTticubdy cornmon: branching/stagna",/ table/clustered-pngei,table/clustered-fingei, and plate-like fonnation. Individual species can .lIse V.rr'( in gro\-vth form, depending on thelT exposure to water movement, light and secl1mentation. Most .spcC:e.,:; T':~T~d~::;~ sexuaHYIsexuaHy, rdc.:l.Sing eggs and spenn inLO Lhe W , . .:>"'--".:>"'--"-"""' . 1 CAERULEAN DAMSEL Pomacentrus caeruleus aina ya tima 2 DOMINO Dascyllus trimaculatus tima mweusi 3 ALLARD'S ANEMONEFISH Amphiprion allardi shininewi 4 ANEMONE SHRIMP Periclimenes brevicarpalis kamba wa mamiakome 5 ANEMONE CRAB Neopetrolisthes maculatus kaa wa mamiakome 6 SEA ANEMONE Stychodactyla mertensii mamiakome AMSELFISH ,F.l1lliIV [JOn7.1 ..:ClIlridlC' :ClIlridlC' Tim.l Caetule.tndamsen&m"1c-encfa£caendel's) I • • Inhabi~ both lagoon and outer reef slop~. • • Occur singly or in small groups, usually over rubble near base of reefs. • • Omnivorous, feeding on algae and bottom-dwellers. Q.9.If1.in£i!2!!scyljtls m·mL.lc"ldtu~i 2 • • Seen in lagoon and seaward reefs. • • Juveniles associated Mth large anemones, which they share Mth species of anemonefish. • • Adult5 in smaIl groups around prominent coral mounds or rocks. • • Planktivores. NEMONEFlSH ,Sllb(.lmilv ·lmphiprionin.lc· ·lmphiprionin.lc· Shjl1in~\I'i The anemonefish live in close association with one or more of 10 host species of sea anemones. anemones. Protected from the anemone's stinwng cells by their mucus which carnes the anemones' chemical signature. signature. This inhibits stinging cells from firing and is acquired by anemonefish just after birth at the anemones base. base. All anemonefish mature.as males, then may change sex later (prorandrous hermaphrodites). The female is the the largest most dominant fish of each colony, and her presence inhibits the sex reversal of the males. males. Feed primarily on zooplanltton and filamentous algae. algae. AUard'san~mqn~fi~h 16mph/p[iQIJAllanfil 3 • • Inhabit5 mainly coral reefs and live in pairs among the stinging tentacles of large anemone, to whose stings it is immune due to a protective mucus coating on its body. • • Females are larger than males. Lays its eggs in clusters on a rock at the base of the anemone. • • Aggressively protects the anemone from predators and Mil atrack, and even bite, divers who venture too close, particularly during spawning. . • • Host anemones: Enucmae.i quadricolO1) Heteractis aurora and Stichodactyla mertensii. - N EMONE 5 HRIMP /'c',idiIl7L'lIc-; brei 'i.-.lrJ,.I/i~· h:.ll11h.l 11",1 '11.1mi.lkom.: -l Associate with large anemones in shallow coral reefs. reefs. Usually in male/female pairs, with the male much smaller. smaller. Commensal with large anemonej usually in pairs. SEA ANEMONE ,Ord.:r ·\.c·{/·ni.m:l· ·\.c·{/·ni.m:l· \\.l111i.1komo.: 6 The brightly colored, flower-like sea anemones are simple cylindrical soft-bodied animals. animals. Circles of tentacles surround the mouth and are used to capture prey and transfer it to the mouth. Embedded Embedded in the surface of the tentacles are numerous stinging cells, which are specialised to different functions, some some serving to entangle prey with fine threads, while others inject a venom to paralyse or kill. kill. Anemones are carnivorous and feed on live or dead animals ranging in size from very small planktonic organisms, organisms, to mussels, crabs and fish. fish. Most anemones reproduce sexually, releasing eggs and sperm into the water. The eggs develop into free free swimming larvae which eventually settle and metamorphose into young anemones. anemones. .~ l, I ' 1 YELLOWFIN FUSILIER Caesio xanthonota kiunda 2 CORAL ROCKCOD Cephalopholis miniata tewa 3 BANDED CLEANER SHRIMP Stenopus hispidus aina ya kamba USIUERI E1milv C.J~iQJJid.:lJ:.':-:- " " L Closely related to snappers and often occur in large shoals! swimming over and between reefs! by which protected against predatory game-fish and often seen breaking the surface in an attempt to escape capture_ Mid water! zooplankton feeders. Yeltowfmlu,siIier 1UMio ;a~1t:ll0flQ.(.il 1 • • Fast-swimming mid-water planktivores that occur in vast often mixed-species schools during the day. • • Shelte-r on reef at night and .lSSU11\e a red ground colour. ~\\It~.,.·_·.-..--~ TypicaJly solitary/bottom-dwelling predators of fishes and crustaeeansi having large mouth! the jaws containing containing bands of small teeth and canines in front. Prey is drawn whole into their gullets by the powerful suction suction created when they open their large mouths. mouths. Often seen in caves or under ledges during the day. Many are strongly territorial and inquisitive. inquisitive. Commence maturity as females but change sex to males later in life. life. Important food fish. fish. _,~".:~',"r k=r::~ .,l..-=~~~_.~.~~ '.:-.!.- .~~ ~_.l.~~f ..L~. ,~ Capable of assuming an additional pattern of pale! irregular crossbars on the body! depending on its behavioural mood. • •A A relatively common inhabitants of shallow coral reefs! but only occ:MionaIly seen on rocky reefs. Usually found neal' caves or under ledges. • • Feeds primarily on crustaceans and small fish. _;a~-- 1m _'/;1'JJO.ft.US ~J 3 • • Gets its food by cleaning parasites from the bodies of certain reef fish and anemones on the reefi often in small caves or hollows. • • Usually in male-female pairs. SYMBIOSIS "M any animals and plants of the marine environment live together and help each other to survive. This ~ type of relationship which benefits two or more partners is called "symbiosis." On the contrary," a 1 parasite is a plant or animal which normally lives on or inside another organism, called its host and it does Isome degree of harm to its host. Here are some examples of this supporting refationships . Goby & Shrimp Anemonefish Anemonefish Cleaner wrass The goby lives in a hole dug by The anemone fish is able to live The Cleaner wrasse gets an easy the little snapping shrimp. In safely among the stinging meal by picking off scraps of stale return, the goby provides the tentacles of the sea anemone. food and parasites from the shrimp with protection and scraps The sea anemone gets food mouths and gills of the larger fish. to eat. scraps from its guest and may In return, the fish gets a good useuse them as bait to draw in a cleaning. meal of fresh fish. 1 GOLDBAR WRASS Thalassoma hebraicum kanda mbalazi 2 BLUESTREAK CLEANER WRASS Labroides dimidiatus vigungunda 3 QUEEN CORIS Coris formosa mwenza mawe 3' JUVENILE WRASSE FamilY Llbrid,u:' Llbrid,u:' I A large and diverse family in both size and form. form. Most species change colour pattern with growth and between sexes /hennaphroditic). /hennaphroditic). Sex change is common in this family. family. All species inactive at night/ the smaller ones often sleep beneath the sand. sand. All wrasses are carnivorous/ but their food habits vary. vary. GQldb,l,r jVT<1$5 ( Th.1/.2sS07JJ4l1..e!lMicpm Kanda mbalazi I • • Active and rapid swimmer, foraging for bottom-dwelling invertebrates. • • Males are strongly territorial/ especially during the breeding season. • • Seen in lagoon and seaward reefs/ usually on patch reefs or rocks. • • Feeds on hard-shelled organism such as coral/ sea urchins and molluscs. Je~!l~r wra.sse LLab(qicles diln.id.iacf!~) Vigungunda 2 • • Known as Idoctor of the reef/ because they feed on parasites, diseased or damaged tissue of other fishes/ and mucus removed from Iclientsl at established Icleaning stations/. • • Typically territorial around a prominent Ilcleaning stationsll and advertise their trade by swimming with a distinctive up-and-down motion. This attracts fishes of all sizes that may solicit the cleaner/s services by posing in unusual positions. Safely enter the mouths of large predators that value their services enough to resist the temptation to eat them. • • Juveniles are generally solitary and somewhat secretive. • • Range from rock pools to shallow coral and rocky reefs. • • Sometimes occurs in smdll groups dominated by a single mdle. • • Mimicked by Mimic blenny/ which is allowed to approach the host fish and then takes a bite out of one of their fi~/ skin"" scales/ and as well as gain protection from predation! Ql Adult female female JuvenHe MJM1C.BY ometimes the body markings on dangerous species act as a warning to others. These may be mimicked < Sby other animals as a form of protection from potential predators. Ukewise, the charade of some species < with great advantages may be misused by other fish to take their advantage! The Mimic blenny (Aspidontus I taeniatus tractus) and the Two-stripe blenny (PlagiotTemus rhinorhynchus) mimic the Cleaner wrasse, by pretending to remove parasites and mucus off other fish, but instead feeds off them by taking bites out of their ( fln, sldn, scales, or flesh and then beating a hasty retreat. Blacksaddle filefish (Paraluteres prionuros) _ mimic the poisonous puffer, Black-saddle toby (Canthigaster valentint) and gains protection from I<. predation. Cleamer wrass Twostripe blenny 1 BULLET-HEAD PARROTFISH Scams sordidus kwangu/pono 2 SCISSOR-TAIL SERGEANT Abudefdufsexfasciatus dodozi 3 SEARGEANT MAJOR Abudefdufvaigiensis dadodozi Close relatives of wrasses and are so named for thelr bright colours and thelr strong jaws whlch look Ilke the the beak of parrots, whlch are used to scrape algae from rocks and to eat coral polyps. polyps. Bite off chunks of coral, swallowing coral polyps and skeleton and the small animals and algae that live inside inside them to aid in digestion. The fish digest only the (lYing materlals, leaving behind fine coral sand, making making parrotfish a major producer of sand of coral reefs. Although parrotfish destroy a certalnamount of coral, thls thls amount lS not more than can easily grow back.. There is balance between Parrotfish feeding and coral growth. growth. like wrasses, most parrotfish change colour according to age and sex (hermaphroditic). Adult males generally generally exhibit the brighter colours than females. females. Sex change is common in this family. (A female in initial phase, able to change sex into a male in terminal terminal phasel) . . At night some species secrete a protective cocoon of mucus around themselves while asleep in a suitable crevice. crevice. Important food fish. fish. Dul.l~t~!l~~ [email protected]§h .' ~C~[ll§ SQ!s!islq~l 1 1 Sun ln ruf flats and lagoon and seaward rufs, in coral-rich as well as open pavement aTe.tS. . • Juveniles and initial phase fishes often in large groups, which may migrate. over great distances • between feeding and sleeping grounds. DAMSELFISH .Familv Ihm,z.:cnu;d.le' Ihm,z.:cnu;d.le' Dodozi cjssOr-ail. ergei1n£iZAbudefdufkXf:ascl21t:iiSF. 2 • • Inhablts rocky lagoon shorelines, lagoon, and seaward rufs. • • Often aggregations high in the water. • • Feeds on microscopic animal (zooplankton) and benthic algae, and small invertebrates. 5ergeal'1t. ma·or.{c.klf.qefc!ufY~li$i.~TJ.§J:S).ma·or.{c.klf.qefc!ufY~li$i.~TJ.§J:SJ. 3 • • 5 black vertical bars across the body with yellow upper flanks. • • Abundant on nearly all inshore rufs, harbours and protected areas, adults often form small aggregations that swim above the ruf. Juvenile frequent tidal pools. • • Feeds on both small crustaceans and algae. • • Very aggressive when guarding their eggs. SEAWEED , . Seaweeds are plants that live in the sea. They use the energy of the sun to make their own food, just like plants on land do. Most seaweeds are actually types of Algae: very simple plants which do not have true leaves' and roots, but have structures called holdfasts to hold them tightly onto rocks and other hard substrates which are often partially or totally submerged. The algae are found in carious colours of green, brown and red tones. Many marine animals depend on seaweed for food and for shelter. Seaweeds have very fle.xible stems and leaves, which allow them to move back and forth with the swells without breaklng. F <<- I ite on a reef (or open ocean) is hard. Competition for food and living space is high. To get over this, ~ L.some fISh have changed body shape or developed special features in order to survive. The snakelike ~ body of a Moray eel for example, is brilliantly designed for rummaging around in holes-hunting fish which may ~ be hiding or sleeping there. The Long-nose butterfly fish has a long thin delicate mouth to pick out coral ~ I Ipolyps from their home, like tweezers! In contrast, the Parrotfish has strong jaws which look like the beaks of ~ parrot, and it enable the fish to eat coral polyps and to scrape algae from rocks. The Barracuda is shaped like ~ an arrow with the fins near the back of the body. This gives it lightning speed to rush in and snatch up prey ~ I Iwith its big mouth full of teeth. ~ 1 LONG-NOSED BUTTERFLYFISH Forcipiger flavissimus kipepeo/kitatange 2 THREADFIN BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon auriga kipepeo/kitatange 3 RACOON BLiTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon lunula kipepeo/kitatange 4 SADDLEBACK 8JTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon falcula kipepeo/kitatange 5 BRAIN CORAL Platygyra sp. matumbawe ubongo BUTIERFLYFlSH . F.1milv CIJ./ccoLk",lid./c· CIJ./ccoLk",lid./c· l Eyes are generally concealed by dark bars on the headi and the false eyespots found near the tail on several several species thought to confuse predators. Have a long thin delicate mouths to pick out coral polyps. polyps. Juveniles often have different pattern. pattern. Most species are diurnal and inactive the nighti and may change colour and markings. markings. Coral polyp feeders tend to be highly territorial around the areas of the1r food source. source. Often occur in pairs that may remain together for years, if not life. life. Long~ n.o~d b~tt.erf~ tish !n. cipfs(:tf/i1.0.s.,simu$)cip!s(:t/!i1.0.s.,simu$) • • Distinguished by long tube-like snout, which is used to probe deep into crevices for small invertebrates. • • Frequents mainly coral reefs, often seen swimming upside down when under a ledge or cave. • • Solitary or in small groups near ledges and caves. Tead~finb:u~t~tf{:yf&hTcfh~e;~don:~lti',.;g~ll 2 • • Adults have a long filament extending from the soft: dorsal fin. • • Inhabits rocky shores and coral and rocky reefs to depth of 30m. Juveniles often frequent tidal pools. • • Feeds on algae and invertebrates by tearing pieces from anemonesl coral polyps. aeoon buithf!Y'fisn- iCfMet(:idon riiirll!~! 3 • • Resident of most shallow coral and rocky reefs, bay, harbours and tidal pools. • • Encountered either singly or in pairs, and occasionally in small groups. • • Prey at night as well as daYi feed on invertebrates and algae. Saadle:"'oac( CliaetiJdcm7,ikiJfa]CliaetOdcm7.ikiJfa] 4 • • Confined to cora! reefsi occurs at depths of 5-20m. • • Often found in pairs or smal[groups. • • Swims about the reef foraging for coral polyps, crustaceans, and algae. BRAIN CORAL: Elmilv F;1I';id.l£: F;1I';id.l£: \\.lltlmb.lt\,\~ llhongo 5 tar i).ll~CoralIPI ..iiisii~~-sp;) • • Form domed or flat brain-like heads that may attain up to 1m or more across. The coraflites are fused together in raw to form short, discontinuous valleys. • • The live colonies present a striking network of green valleys and brown ridges, or green ridges on a khaki or white background. • •A A common coral, generally confined to coral reefs where it occurs in most habTtatshabn:ats. - - - ...... . I .',. . ...:... ~ .: .. • • ., c . '. ~ ... . , I .~. 4.' • • I I I. - 1 EMPEROR ANGELFISH Pomacanthus imperator kuku m~ji l' JUVENILE 2 ROYAL ANGELFISH Pygoplites diacanthus kuku m~i 3 HONEYCOMB CORAL Favia sp. matumbawe mazaua Similar in habit and shape to butterflyfish, however, a prominent, backward-projecting spine extending from the lower glll cover distinguishes them from butterflyfish. Frequently have very striking colour patterns, and the juveniles of some species differ significantly in colour pattern from the adults. Occur both solitarily or in small groups. Most are dependent on the pl'esence of shelter in the form of boulders, caves and coral or rocky crevices. Territorial and spend daylight hours near the bottom foraging for food. Diet variu according to the .peciu.apeciu. All species studied to date are with haremic social systems. M.tles cypiC Emperor_angeJ .shiPQ!11jlcq:nt.hq~shiPQ!11jlcq:nt.hq.$ iJJ1p~r¥cm I • • The only juvenile with concentric white rings on sides. • • Large adults produce a loud grunting sound when disturbed during fuding. • • Haremic, but usually seen alone, its partner close by. • • Juvenile solitary in holes of shallow reef flats lagoon and channel reefs. Adults generally in coral rich areas of deep lagoon and seaward reefs. • • Diets mainly consist of encrusting sponges, with algae and invertebrates also being eaten. (~~Y\(~~y\ .2!// / . ' ... Adult Adult Juvenile Roya[angeIfish"1 FYgoplitesdiac,anchus 2 2 •• • •J Juveni les resemble adults but have a large blue spoti they are secretIve, usuall~ In ca~es. ... . • •A A shy species confined to coral1'ufs. Swims in and out of holes in the 1'uf, elthe1' singly or In pal1's. • • Feed on sponges and sea squirts. ." ~.) .. .. . '~~,, Most colonies are domed, plate-like, 01' enCf'usting, though a few are branched, and may dominate clear water rufs of moderate depth. Largest coral family. t1on~~!!,-b ytL~Ukv;a_~p,) 3 • • Species of this genus form dome-shaped, massive colonies with coraflites arr~~ged almost in a honeycomb pattern. Each polyp has a separate wall and there is usually a Vlslble gap between adjacent corallites. ... . • • Colours extremely varied, with the centre of the coraHites often bemg of a dIfferent colour than the edge. • • Found in most habitats on coral reefs. 1 MOORISH IDOL Zanctus canescens kitatange/tapauzi 2 OCTOPUS Ocopus rogosus pweza 3 MORAY EEL Gymnothorax sp. mkunga chui 4 HERMIT CRAB Dardanus sp. nyamkwilnyamkwi/shurakalshuraka/mangenge 5 POROUS CORAL Porites sp. aina ya matumbawe 6 FINGER CORAL Acropora sp. matumbawe vidole A single member of the family, close relative of the surgeonfish. Often confused with the coachman but but distinguished by its longer mouth, yellow crossbars on the body, and black & white tail. tail. Common on shallow coral reefs and rocky reefs. reefs. U suaIly in small groups, but occasionally in large schools. schools. Omnivorous: grazing algae, sponges and feeding on small invertebrates living in crevices, using its protruding protruding mouth. mouth. Highly specialised predatory molluscs, differing from the usual molluscan form in that the head and foot are are fused and give rise to 8 sucker-bearing tentacles/aTm5 that encircle the mouth used to grab and catch prey, and and lacking internal supporting shell found in squids, enabling them to squeeze into narrow crevices.. .. Found in caves, emefging to feed on cl'abs, l'ock lobstefs, 01' mussels, which they pounce on and shl'ed with a a parrot-like beak. beak. Have a complex reproductive system: the male insert5 a spring-loaded sperm packet into the female's mantle mantle cavity with a specially modified arm. The packet later discharges and fertilises the eggs, which the female female hangs in c1ustefs from the roof of hef cave and tends until they hatch. They breed once and then die. die. Colour variable, depending on substrate and whethef lt lS matlng, swimmlng" threatened, Or hunting. hunting. ORAY EEL. F.1milv -\ !ur.lt:l1id.ll:' 'v\kul1~.1-' Slender, snake-like fish, designed for rummaging around in holes hunting fish which may be hiding or sleeping. sleeping. Constantly open and close their large mouths to move water OVef their gills for respiration, and have sharp fang fang like teeth. teeth. Most are secretive the day and hide in the reef., occasionally seen with their heads protruding from their shelters. shelters. Voracious nocturnal hunters of small fish and octopus, and detect their food by smell. smell. Although not aggressive towards divers, they can bite if provoked. Bites from large morays may require require mediCclI attention and result in pennarumt injury. injury. Have the unusual habit of taking up residence inside empty snail shells and are well modified for this curious life life style: the long soft abdomen is twisted to fit the coil of the shell, while the abdominal appendages have become become reduced to conserve space, and those of the tail hooked, to anchor the body into the shell. shell. Like other crustaceans, they must moult in order to grow. Once a hermit becomes too big for its shell, it it searches for a larger home, and make a rapid changeover. changeover. Compete intensely for those shells providing the best protection from predators. predators. Most species are scavengefS, but some also filter food particles from the watef with feathery antennae. antennae. Females require particularly large shell to accommodate their brood of eggs. eggs. POROUS CORAL ,I-,l\nilv PoritiJ,l<,' ,lill.l va \ \,'fU111h.1\\'\? 5 Very common shallow watef coral, colonies may become very massive and domed. Growing at the rate of about Iomm per year, it can reach 8m in height, may be hundred years old. The polyps hardly emerge from their corallites when feeding" but give the colony a fuzzy appearance. Each colony is either male or female. oth Hard & Soft Coral are made up of tiny animals known as "polyps" which belong to the large phylum of ~ BCnidaria. These include animals such as jellyfish, anemones, and hydroids. The polyps of hard corals :; produce a hard limestone skeleton around itself in the shape of a cup, known as corallite, to support and protect ~ their soft body. In contrast, soft corals do not form outer skeleton but have internal one called scIerites embedded in the fleshy tissue which gIve the body support but allow it to remain soft and flexible. Generally soft corals are more brightly coloured and produce toxic substances. Hard corals occur in an infinitive variety of fonns: variations in fonn and colour can occur within the same species, depending on the environmental conditions they live in, Hard Corals Soft Corals · ... r:il".. ". " .."~.' 1 CONVICT SURGEON Acanthuros triostegus togoo 2 POWDER-BLUE SURGEON Acanthuros leucostemon c kang~a 3 ORANGE-SPINE UNICORNFISH Naso lituratus PLUU SURGEONFISH ,Fami[y ·k./I/(/wri.!.ll:' ~ UNICORNFlSH ,Subfamilv V.ZSin.lt:' Elongate compressed fishes with a small terminal mouth containing a single row of smaIl teeth, a tough skin with minute scales, and aU feature one sharp erectable blade (two in unicomfish/unicomfish) at the base of the tail. The scalpel-like spines may be used offensively or defensively and can inflict deep and painful woundsi hence the common name of surgeonfish. Very important group of herbivores as they help control the growth of algae on reefs, which would otherwise restrict anim.ll settlement. Some deep-water shoaling species feed on zooplankton. Unicomfish are a subfamily of surgeonfish, geneTally characterised by a horn-like protrusion on the forehead. Important foodfish. C~::l.rnril:,t~rs:....e()n (6.can.(lJurus.nios.c.~.'fu~1 Togoo I • • Seen in lagoon and seaward reefs in areas of hard substrates, juveniles in tidal pools. • • Feeds on filamentous algae. • • Singly or in large groups. • • Gains access to feeding territories of other herbivores by swanning. ..t..:::.=~=l.:o::e~,s'J::.tl1;.5eo tt:a; t1:uiPi./eq~9.i!er;i{j!J] Kangaja 2 • • Seen in shallow1 clear coastal and island Teefs. Generally on reef flats and along upper seaward slopes, sometimes in huge aggregations. tge~~p ·ne..ui:ri '!isJiW,r5olkUiatu5 Puju 3 • • Rarely one, usually two pairs of fixed keel-like bony plates at base of tail. • • Seen in lagoon and seaward reefs. In open sandy and rubbly areas as well as coral-rich areas. • • Singly or in pairs and feed on leafy algae. SPECIAL WEAPON any marine creatures have developed their own strategy and specialised arms, either to prey or to attack Mthe predators. Spines are common among animals which do not move fast. The Stingray has poisonous spines which are lashed out at an attacker. The Triggerfish, Porcupinefish, and the sea urchin all have spines to discourage predators from swallowing them. The Surgeonfish is armed with movable sharp spine, partially covered by skin, at the tail. The tentacles of anemones, jellyfish, and corals fire poisonous harpoons into passing food, pulling it in to eat. Starfish have hundreds of tiny feet that they use to prize open shells to get at the meat inside. Octopus and squid have very strong arms lined with suckers that they use to grab and catch the prey. Avoiding predators, they release ink into their jet stream, which acts as a "smoke I screen." Cone shells have "spear-gun" to prey the small fish. Some fish literally does fishing! The Frogfish has a highly modified dorsal spine tipped wfth the "lure." The lure is wriggled above the mouth to attract other fishes that are swallowed whole. 1 PICASSO TRIGGERFISH Rhinecanthus aculeatus kikande mwamba 2 CLOWN TRIGGERFISH Balistoides conspicillum aina ya kikande 3 LONG-SPINED URCHIN Diadema setosum shashilelshashile/mwanamizi 4 GIANT CLAM Tridacna sp. jeta 5 THISTLE SOFT CORAL Dendronephthya £)p. 6 SPONGE Porifera sp. RIGGERFlSH ,Elmily 8.1/,:.,cid.u:' I The first dorsal spine can be locked in an erect position by the second trigger-like spine. spine. When threatened} they usually seek refuge in a hole or crevice in the reef} finnly wedglng themselves by erecting erecting the dorsal spine. spine. Have strong beak-like teeth which are used for crusting shellfish} crustaceans and sea urchins. Some species species are omnivorous} others are plankton feeders. feeders. Most species feed on sea urchinsj therefore they have an important role to play in reefs because they keep the the population of urchins to a minimum. minimum. Lay eggs in a sandy depression} guarded by males. Some of large species w;1I attack and bite during nesting. nesting. I3§gas.Q,..qjgg~rfishLflhjIU~_,;.mth!{SAc".!eat;usJJ I • Inhabit shallow reefs} lagoons} and sheltered shores. Abundant in sandy areas w;th rubble. • Mostly solitary and tend to dart into a crevice or hole when approached. • Feed on a w;de variety of invertebrat.es} molluscs} and algae. [0,la, r:rig~rfi$.hI 841j-?.to '4~ COl'.1:-sf?.iqjllumlcor.1:-s/?.iqjllum) 2. • Inhabit shallow coral and rocky reefs. Juveniles in caves below 20m along steep drop-offs. • Rather shy} solitary fish difficult to approach. • Tend to be territorial. • Prey on crustaceans} shellfish} and sea urchins. LONG SPINED U RCH IN .Eunily LJ':ld.:m,llid.ll..') . SIl.l..,hi 1..:/1\ \\\,.111.11l1izi , More or le5s spherical} with anus in centre of upper side of the body surrounded by a distinct ringnng of ten plate5 and with the mouth in centre of under side of the body. Heavy fishing on shallow reefs has removed many predators of this urchin and allowed large populations to develop} often threatening reef growth. growth. Inhabits sheltered shallow reef areas} usually on sand} rubble} or coral. coral. If yoy step on, the tips of the spines may break off in the skin, causins severe pain and swellins. swellins. GIANt CLAM: Family Trid./l.:inidzt:- let.llet,l 4 Most attach to coral substrate w;th byssus threads} w;th the dorsal byssal gape. Clams clre filter feeders} but also consume the symbiotic algae} which are contained in their mantle tissues and glves the clam its brilliant colours. It can ~gh over 250kg and live for more than 100 years. Clams are collected for their shell and flesh and have been over-exploited world-w;de. HISTLE SOFT CORAL, Familv ,Vepfll!JL';li1t:' 5 This Genus includes a variety of vividly coloured} tree-like soft coral species having almost tra~lucent bodies. bodies. Often remains partially deflated during the day when not feeding. feeding. Inflates itself at night} enabling the colony to increase its surface area for feeding. feeding. Occurs on the tops and edges of coral and rocky reefs} often in large numbers. numbers. SPONGE I ['hvlulll Ibl'l/e.r,J' (; The simplest group of multi-cellular animals. They do not have tissues and organs} but are made up of a number of different types of cells} which co-operate to form the individual. They provide homes for crabs} barnacles} shrimps} sea cucumbers} small fish} and are also a source of food for several species of fish and turtles. Many sponges are not easily visible but their role is important---they are eroders} • boring into living or dead coral} destabilising the reef or consolidators} binding together rubble and sediments. Feed by drawing water into tiny chambers and filtering or straining off very tiny plankton. Some can sive a very painful stins; such as the fire spouse, are usually red in colour, . '. ',. ~. III I ~. ,. I tJ,*- .~ :."1'I, I- ., ,r,r- ~ . ~ , ' ,~ " I' S ,: i ..' '. l ; J .' /' , ~ .~'.~. , " .j:' 1. I ,# .." " .. I' .. ~, ~ t ~ , " •. '.1 J ,'" .I'J-f- .. ~ ,... \ .i- . . J -, #' .I \: , .I li , , .. ~ ". . ~~J" ... I - ,,' ' I, ,.e. I ...."l»...... :.,... ..~ i,", .."~.\"~.\,' ...... ':0. ...• ~, .~.~~.:'~.:".: ..:.~.• :ot-. '. - ...... " , -. " I,,,:, I .\ 'I 't: . '..." ...... JI '." ."1 L10NFISH Pterois miles chale SCORPION FISH ,Familv ';~·orl',ll:nid.1':' Ck11..: A group of rather spiny and often bizarre-looking fish that include several species with defensive venomous fin fin spines. spines. Wounds from toushins the ends of these sharp spines can cause severe pain. pain. Largely solitary/solitary! bottom-dwelling reef fishes that rely on their camouflage during the dAy to avoid detection detection while they lie in ambush for small fish. The exception is Lionfish which tend to be free-swimming. free-swimming. Feed on crustaceans or fishes. fishes. As many other night time feeders/feeders! colo~red red: red light is absorbed first by seawater/seawater! so in the darkness darkness animals that are red actually disappear/disappear! thus it is a perfect disguise. disguise. li,onf.ishJP~£O~11Jif~ • • When threatened it raises its venomous dorsal spines in defence. • • Sting is extremely painful/painful! rarely fatal. • •A A free-moving species/species! encountered on shipwrecks and beneath overhangs on coral and rocky reefs/reefs! either solitarily or in groups. Juveniles are occasionally found in tidAl pools. • • Primarily a nocturnal predator of small fish/fish! using pectoral fins to corral them. Never dare to touch or step on following species! Sea urchins Cone shells Moray eels If stepped on, spines can cause Have venom-filled dart Which can Capabte of attacking a swimmer pain lasting 20 min to months, kill a human. Symptoms include causing severe cuts, heavy blood Almost impossible to remove numbness, stiff limbs, swelling, losses and occasionally death. spines but they will dissolve and paralysis which can progress Beware of secondary infections. within your body. Apply the sap to respiratory arrest. If affected, In case of major wounds seek from young papaya. Some apply a tight compressive medical advice immediately, species are toxic; lead numbness bandage and seek qualified help and respiratory distress. at once Portuguese man-o-war Stonefish & Lionfish Clown-of-th'orns starfish Sting by their tentacfes can cause Stepping on or handling of any of The numerous spines are severe pain. For treatment, these can result in extremely venomous and the spines itself apply vinegar. Otherwise, rinse painful wounds. Both can persist in the skin for months. with seawater, urine, or young possesses venomous spines or For treatment, use near-scalding papaya latex. fins and serious envenomation water (just below SOo C) to assist from the Stonefish can result in in breaking down the poison and death within 1 hour. Near seek medical advice if necessary scalding water can be used and apply anti-septic to wounds. 1 PORCUPINE FISH Diodon liturosus totovu/bunju nungu l' INFLATED 2 SPOTTED BOXFISH Ostracion meleagris sanduku la bahari PORCUPINEFlSH ,Familv Dic'domidu: Dic,domidu: lOllWl,/Blllljll 11l11ll~1I Similar to puffers, but have prominent spines on their scales,larger eyes, and lack the suture on the beak. beak. The spines are normally held flat, but when threatened, the fish can inflate itself into a spiky ball twice its its noTlTl4ll size to deter predators. When inflated, adults are nearly impossible for any predator to eat. eat. Feed on hard-shelled invertebrates crushed by the beak. beak. ~!~~J~_lg~h~J?9.!~Y.P.L'!~5§.~.JQj£.cjP!!1~l!!p~l!S I • 4 dark brown blotches on back; fins without spot. spot. ~ Live in coastal and offshore reefs. reefs. • • Often rests under ledges by day, forages at night. • • Feeds primdrily on hard-shelled invertebrates. RUNKFISH F,1111ilvF,1111i!v O..;u.z ..:iid.zc':iid.zc' 5,111dllkll 1,1 b"kHib,1kHi Close relative of Puffer and Porcupinefish and are so named because the head and body are encased m a a protective skeletal annour-plated box. box. The mouth is small with stout teeth used for feeding on small invertebrates and algae. algae. The patterns often vary with age and sex. sex. Rather sluggish reef fish, but surprisingly manoeuvrable. manoeuvrable. Secrete highly poisonous mucus from the skin, which protects them from predators. IOstractoxln) IOstractoxln) Territorial and haremic, spawning pelagic eggs at dusk. dusk. acted Bo? very group of animals found on land is represented in the sea as well. Indeed, it is believed that all ! Eanimals (including mammals) originated from the sea. Most of the big sea animals are fish (e.g. sharks & rays). All fish can breathe under water; sucking water in through the mouth and passing it out through gill slits !behind the heads, while all mammals have to breathe air and the female suckle their babies with milk. ~.... ,.-'. Whales are the largest creatures DolphiTl5 have evolved their own Dusons is aIso known as "sea cow/ cow/ found in the ocean. These wann "sona,'1 (echo location!, whereby they and live in shallow coastal waters. waters. blooded creatures have a thick layer direct high frequency sounds at prey Dugongs have horizontal. tails tails of fat in their bodies called blubber. and obstacles and monitor the similar to those of whales but lack a a The blubber keeps them wann in the retumingreturning echo. Dolphins often dorsal fin and breathe through through cold watelj allowing them to dive to have extended jaws or I'beaks" lined nostrils located at the front of the the depths of up to 20oom. The diet with teeth for catching fish and squid. head. Their forearms are modified modified ranges from tiny plankton to fish, Whales and dolphins have a broad, into paddles that are used for for squid, seals, and other whales. flattened tail which enables them to walking on she seabed while they use use Baleen whale have sieve-like plates swim through up-and-down their bristly protruding upper lip to to used for filtering plankton. Toothed movements. A single dorsal fin is graze on seagrasses and other other whales, such as Spenn whales catch present on most species, and a pair of vegetation. The dugong are rapidly rapidly prey. Many of them hunt in front flippers are used as stabilisers. declining and they are now an an organised packs, co-ordinating their A dorsal b[ow-hole on the top of the endangered species. It is believed believed efforts by sound signals. head is used for breathing. that it was sighting of dugongs that that 1 SEA CUCUMBER Synapta maculata miiji ngoo 2 STARFISH Protoreaster lincki kiti cha pweza 3 BRITTLE STARS Ophiocoma sp. chanja maji 4 SEA URCHIN Tripneustes grat/lls powe SEA CUCUMBER,CI.ls:; I-/olochuroid.:.l'/-1olochuroid.:.l' "'-'\.lji\'\.lji n~tOC' I The sea cucumber has an elongated body with a leaf-like structure at one end. These are the sea cucumbers cucumbers tentacles. Skin is soft and often leatheryj the body is cucumber-shaped! so that the animal has to lie on its side. side. Being 'vacuum cleaners of the sea!! as the sea cucumber crawls! it rubs its tentacles in the sand or mud! mud! collecting detritus upon which it feeds. Alternatively! they the sea cucumber may collect detritus panicles from from the water! again using its outstretched tentacles. Two of the tentacles have the special task of collecting or or accumulating food from the others and pushing it into its mouth. mouth. Can move about using their tube-like feet but usually cling to the underside of of rocks while they feed. feed. Seen on tidal flats! in seagrass beds and on coral reefs! some move about openly in in sandy pool. pool. Some protect themselves by secreting long! sticky threads which harden in in seawater! thus effectively entangling and immobilising porential attackers. They They are subsequently able to regenerate this. this. las they suck up sand and filter out food from among the grains!! feed on plankton and detritus! by using their their tentacles to collect substrate into their mouth or suspension edin om the water. water. Unique in the animal kingdom in that their bodies are divided into 5 identical sectors or arms. The mouth is is always located underside! while dyes are found on the tips of the arms. Starfish can only sense light and dark. dark. Have hundreds of tiny feet underside that they use to prize open shells to get at the meat inside. inside. The diet of starfish is varied! ranging from detritus (dead plants/animals!plants/animals) to sponges or molluscs. molluscs. Exhibit wide l'ange of feeding strategies: some seek prey le.g. molluscs) by pushing its stomach out through its its mouth! and into the shell of the prey. The clam is then digested within its own shell before the starfish pull pull back its stomach into its body. Some graze on algal films of rocks! while others ingest mud from which food is is digested and the mud expelled. . . Notable for their regeneration abilities: If an arm is lost! it can grow a new one. Sometimes an arm that has has been tom off can grow into a whole new starfishl starfishl Larger species often seen in lagoons and lower tidal flats among seagrasses and coral! while smaller species! species! being more vulnerable to predation! are usually hidden in crevices and only venture into the open at night. night. BRlTTLESTAR,CI.15.'; Ophiuroid.:.1) . _Ch.l11j.l m.lji \ Live either buried in sand or hidden among seagrasses or in coral crevices. Most feed by holding 2 or 3 arms up into the water current and extending the tube-feet to capture small particles floating by. Others collect food from the bottom! passing it from one tube-foot to the next towards the centnl mouth. May be carnivorous or macrophageousldeposit! suspension or filter feeders). Lack an anus! both food and digested waste pass through the mouth. Five arms are protected by shield-like scales! but nevertheless break easily! which can function as an escape mechanism. Arms move horizontally! rarely able to coil. SEA URCHIN C!.lss E:hilloide.?· Umb'l..j.Umb,l..j. Have a test Ishell) which is spherical and armed with spines! the main means of defence & locomotion! and may be venomous in some species. Between the spines are TOWS of tube feet with suckers! providing a strong grip. Mouth is always on the under side! surroundedsUTTounded by teeth scraping food. Anus is upper side of the body. Hide among rocks or huddle together in big group during the day to avoid predation! coming out at night to graze on seagrass and algae and detritus on the coral. The most common urchin of Kenyan coast is EchinomeLrd mdhtae;, which is known to bio-erode the reef especially in areas where its predators rtriggerfish) have been overfished. T;i n" iit.·<; • il ~ P,.;.we Inhabits shallow lagoons and reef areas! often among seagrasses. Often cover with seagrass blades! algae or or small shell fragments. fragments. Sometime cayse a painful irritation, capable of penetracins human skin. skin. Known for its edible roe! which is eaten in Madagascar and other pans of the Indo Indo Pacific. Pacific. 1 BULL-MOUTH HELMET Cypraecassis rufa damudamu/damudamuldondo 2 HUMPBACKED CONCH Strombus gibberulus nvuwalilnvuwali/nyale 3 SPIDER CONCH Lambis lambis simbalsimba/madole 4 TIGER COWRIE Cypraea tigris kungugu/kururu 5 BLACK & WHITE CONE Conus ebraeus kiwanga hatari 6 RAMOSUS ROCK SHELL Chicoreus ramosus komedole HELMET SHELL F.lmilv C~1,':;5idlC I CarnivorousJj predating on sea urchins and other invertebrates. Intense collection of helmet shell for food and as a curio may have contributed to localised sea urchin outbreaks. These shells are threatened with local extinction and should therefore not be collected or purchased. Bull-m.outQhelme~/~JmIaecassisruf~lmf~l Damu damu/Dondo • Thick outer lip light orange with strongjlighterstrongJlighter teeth. • An important predator of sea urchins. • Inhabits shallowJj sandy substrates close to coral reefs. • Shoyld not be collected or purchased. CONCH SHELL i Family 5tnml!Jid.lc' Thick shells with expanded outer lip and a notch at the front for the head of the animalJj through which one of the conspicuous stalked eyes protrude. HerbivorousJj feeding by sifting through sand. Humpbacked conch iSLTOm4t1s,91"hhe las, NYlfwalilNya[eNYlfwali/Nyafe 2 • Moderately solid shellJj with pear-shaped body whorl. • Abundant on clean sand and in sandy patches on reef flats and deeper. 5pjg~1' ~ rYm~ij lamb,.ll/' Simba/Madole 3 Conspicuous shell with coarse transverse ridgesridges; large tuberclestubercles; and a heavy lip with seven more or less • Jj J J straight fingers of varying length. length. • Inhabits sheltered shallow waters. waters. COWRIE F.lmilvFclmilv C:vpt,leid,l: :\\'lkuururu:'v\.lkuururu Most popular group with shell collectorsJj richly coloured and delicately patterned Generally secretive nocturnal creatures and are found under rocks or in crevices during the day. Most browse on spongesJj sea squirtsJj or other fixed animals. 'ig;er Go"" . )(pra~@cis. ~j I CONE SHELL i F.·nllily Clmid,lt:' Ki"vang<1 h,uarih,1tari 5 CharacteristicJj cone-shaped shells with short spires and smoothJj beautifully coloured surface. Highly specialised nocturnal carnivoresJcarnivoresj which hunt entirely by smell. At night they come out to feed on ot;her moliuscsmolluscsJj worms and even fishJj by chemically sensing theiT waste J'Toducts. Once J'Tey is foundJj venomous dart is quickly fired into the prey. The toxin is capable of paralysing fish. Death is quick. The venom from some species is also dangerous to humans. Myst be handled with care as they Can inflict serioys injyry. Inhabits lower eulittoralJj often under boulders. ROCK SHELL. F.1mily -\'/1 urid. le.\ Shells are thick with short spiresi whorls have spinesjspinesJ tubercleJj or nodules. CarnivorousJj using radular teeth to pierce the shell of prey species. [tamosus.r.ock shell IChico.r.eus r,amosfJs/ Komedole 6 • ConspicuousJj very rugged shellJj with heavy spined varices on whorls. • Inhabits around shallow sheltered reefs. • At least seven otheT much smaller species in the region. Molluscs are soft-bodied animals that live in the sea, lakes, and rivers, or even on land. Many molluscs make a hard shell to hide in. The shell is made from calcium, which they absorb fr9m their environment. Marine molluscs come in many shapes and fonns. T-T-- , '. -~ .' 1 UTILE EGRET Egretta garzetta yangeyangeldandala 2 MANGROVE KINGFISHER Halcyon senegaloides domoina 3 FIDDLER CRAB Uca sp. charUagaa/kaa mawlidi 4 MUDSKIPPER Periophthalmus sobrinus 5 MANGROVE Rhizophora mucronata mkoko UTILE EGRET i E.trrCtl.1,tj.lZete,l' ,lngev.lnge/D,mdala J Small, white, black legs, yellow toes/ and black bill distinguish the species from others. Inhabits mainly on estuaries, marsh, mangrove swamps/ and the seashore. The grey phase of Little Egret has been recorded in coastal areas of Kenya. Allied species Reef Heron has a longer bill than a Little Egret and in its white plumage phase, the bill is yellow or orange yel low. NGROVE KINGFISHER;f-f.2fvl.·yon.sencg,1/oide.s i Domohina 2 Confined to coastal district of Kenya. Frequents mangrove swamps/ coastal bush etc. etc. Feed on various species of snails, bivalves, and wonns that may be found in the tidal mudflats. mudflats. Males are unmistakable, distinguished by one very enlarged claw, which is not used for eating, however, but for for waving displays to establish territory and to attract a mate. Female dull coloured with claws equal and small. small. Distribution of crabs with bigger right claw and those of left is well balanced. balanced. Live in mud burrows, darting in and out of the holes. holes. Feed on dead animal matter amongst the mangrove roots in the sand. sand. GOBy ,Elmilv (;o;'idll:' Largest single family of marine family of marine life. Mostly small and inconspicuous and so are seldom seen. seen. The Coby and the Blenny are often mistaken for each other but can be distinguished by thelr dorsal fins: the the Coby h.as two/ whi Ie the Blenny has one long, continuous fin. Another difference is the tendency of gobies to to rest in a stiff, straight position, while blennies are more flexed and curved. curved. They range from reefs to rocky shores, estuaries/ and mangrove swampsi feeding habits also vary. vary. Some species live in burrows, in association with partly blind shrimpi the shrimp digs and maintains the burrow burrow while the goby warns it if predators are nearby (Symbiosis). (Symbiosis). udskipp~ IPer;foplzt:h..llmus sobri/JUs) 4 • • Amphibious fish which spend more time out of water than i~ it. They move across the mud in a series of •skips' by wriggling their tails, and can even climb onto mangrove roots. • • 1nhabits estuaries, mudflats and mangrove forests, where the mud is soft. When the tide is out/ they bury thelllbelves in the mud, with just their large eyes showing, watching out for danger. • • Feeds on small invertebrates and fish larvae. NCROVES Mangrove forests consist of a few species of salt tolerant, terrestrial evergreen plants. 1n Kenyan coast/ 9 species of mangroves are commonly encountered. The various species often occur in clearly defined zones extending from the mid-eulittoral to the upper shores. Mangrove forests protect soft sediment shorelines from erosion, crap sediments, and recycle nutrients. They constitute a habitat for crustaceans/ molluscs, worms/ insects, and bird life. During high tide, hundreds of species of fish move into mangrove area to feed or reproduce. Many coral reef fish and prawns rely on mangrove area as nursery grounds for juveniles. These coastal forests also provide humans with foodstuff, fuel, and building materials. Mangrove forests grow along sheltered sedimentary shores, especially in bays and estuaries. The largest expanses of mangrove forests are found in estuaries of large rivers. l/UJizophOJ"a mqcronat:a! mqcronat:a! Mkoko 5 • • Leaves dark green/ opposite, elliptical in shape, with a spine at the tip. • • Trees with conspicuous and characteristic prop or stilt roots. • • Propagules with a rough, warty surface, capable of developing roots and growing in the mud after dropping off the tree. • • Crow in upper eulittoral, at variable muddy soils. Foaming extensive, pure stands in estuarine conditions. WATCH OUT! OUT! At the coast protect the environment and protect yourself. yourself. There are at least 10 harmful or dangerous things happening in this picture. picture. Do you know what they are? are? ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This book would not have been possible without the generous aasistance of colleagues. friends. and the family.