The cluster of Maldivian coral islands in the Indian Ocean creates the perfect habitat for exotic and endangered species of marine life. With many things to do, Maldives is one the best destinations for water sporting activities like snorkeling and diving. The reef surrounding the Kandooma Island has pristine waters, is free of channels and doesn’t have strong currents. Thanks to these factors, today, the reef has become home to an array of exotic marine-life. The reef today is also a popular attraction amongst tourists across the globe. One may seek accommodation at establishments such as the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives which is within a convenient distance to the reef.
While snorkeling at the coral reef Angel fish can be seen roaming the waters with their flat-body appearance and vibrant colours. They come in all sizes from 15 cm to 60 cm and can be spotted either alone or in schools. The clownfish, with its amazing bright orange body and white stripes too can be seen co-habiting with the sea anemone. Parrotfish are another beautiful work of art swimming in the warm waters of Maldives and have amazing stripes and dots. While wandering the reef they ingest corals producing coral sand; an important raw material for the creation of islands. The ‘Moorish idol’ has a compressed-like appearance and its long dorsal fin is about 5 inches long on average. They differ from other rays by their darker dorsal surface and white belly. Up to 150 mantas are spotted in so called natural ‘cleaning stations’ around the island at any given time. The Long-nose Hawkfish have a delicate net-like imprint on their bodies. Their ‘Long’ nose helps them fetch out food from the nooks and corners of the reef.
Mostly observed during scuba diving, the Sting Ray lies still on the ocean floor near the coral reefs and is able to perfectly camouflage itself from sharks passing by! And what’s interesting is that their eyes are set on top of their body and the mouth at the bottom, therefore electro receptors are used for tracking food. The Whale Shark is considered the biggest type of fish on the planet but is quite the gentle giant in contrast to its name and demeanor. These sharks consume mainly plankton, algae and larvae. They ‘filter feed’, and are non-aggressive towards divers. The fishing and selling of whale sharks is banned in the Maldives in an effort to help protect this gentle giant. Zebra Sharks calmly sit at the bottom of the reef and go out hunting at night. Their slender and flexible body makes them the perfect predator. Zebra Sharks prey on small fish and sea snakes.
Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+
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