Rocky reefs are found between the shoreline and the continental shelf. Here, natural rock formations provide shelter for many colourful fish and sites for the attachment of algae which is the base of the food web.

Reefs off the KwaZulu-Natal coast are home to many rare and colourful residents like the slinger, Englishman, scotsman, surgeon, triggerfish and wrasses. Some reefs have been declared Marine Protected Areas to conserve these fish.