SEA ANEMONES AND SYMBIOSIS

Sea anemones are the best example to describe the symbiotic relationship. Normally sea anemones have symbiotic association with anemone fishes (Family: Pomacentridae, Genus: Amphiprion). But anemones may also have symbiotic relationship with shrimps, crabs, juveniles of some other fishes etc.

Anemone with clown fish (Amphiprion akallopisos)

Anemone with juvenile of Dascyllus trimaculatus Anemone with crab

Anemone with shrimp (Periclimenes brevicarpalis)

DEADLY POISONOUS FISHES

Fishes of the coral reef are most colorful but there are harmful fishes which can be even fatal. The most important poisonous fishes of Andaman waters are given here. The major problems with these fishes are there camouflage nature, which makes us difficult to notice them under water. So touching any rock or corals can be dangerous to us. See them and be prepared yourself before you go under water.

Coral reefs of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Coral reefs support a variety of organisms and protect the coastal ecosystem from various environmental hazards also.

The coral reefs of Andaman Islands are of fringing types. It is dominated by the porites group of corals which are the massive corals and the major reef builder for Andaman Islands.

But the coral reefs of Nicobar Islands are dominated by the acropora corals which are otherwise known as branching corals or staghorn corals.

The major coral reef areas of South Andaman region are Mahathma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor) and Rani Jhansi Marine National Park (Havelock). The SCUBA diving facilities are also available at Havelock Islands for those who wish to go underwater to see the life beneath.