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Reef Predators
The large reef predator exhibit displays many of the predatory fish and
sharks found in association with coral reefs. As these fish and sharks would
prey on many of the smaller coral reef fish species, they are displayed in a
separate exhibit. Large rockcods (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae) and
emperors (Lethrinidae) are all found living together in this exhibit. They
have all established territories that they enthusiastically defend against
other fish. The pipes in the exhibit help to make sure that each fish has a
home in which it can feel safe. The rockcods (Serranidae) are of
particular interest as many species are able to change sex. Many start life
as females and then, with age, change sex to become a male. The large males
are thus able to protect their territories. They are often caught by fishermen, but because they grow very slowly and live in one area, they are very vulnerable to over-fishing. Some rockcods, such as the potato bass, can reach sizes of up to 1.5m in length.
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