Coral Gardens
Reef Predators

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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