Our tiny 1 inch friend not only looks beautiful, but also works very hard to keep his neighbors clean and healthy. While sitting on his favorite sea anemone, he advertises his "cleaning Station" by waving his antennae. Many of the over 2,000 species of shrimp are seldom ever seen by us. Their valued place in the reef ecosystem is complex, and irreplaceable. With eight leggies, and an exoskeleton that can be seen thru, these little guys actually moult by the lunar cycle. A gentle, and patient diver could offer a bare hand to the cleaner shrimp, and if lucky, might get a quick cleaning. The area near a "cleaning station" is a safe zone where all the sea creatures honor the "no eating thy neighbor rule." On the same anemone that houses our friend, you might find other species of crabs, and shrimp as small as a quarter of an inch. This shrimp lives on Palancar Reef, Mexico.

Coral Reefs can be found in the Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, The Red Sea, and here in the Caribbean. Delicate, and Threatened, these unique ecosystems are in constant peril from man's intrusion, and indifference. Part of the trilogy of tropical marine environments, reefs are closely tied to the health of nearby grass beds, and mangrove areas. The abundance of life on the reef can be made up of colonies of billions of tiny animals, and plants. Living Coral Reefs inspire us with their timeless beauty, and Mysterious Diversity. This Coral Head lies in 50 foot of water in the Crystal Clear azure waters of the Palancar Reef, a Protected, Living, Natural Treasure in Cozumel, Mexico. The vibrant colors of a coral reef match those of a spring meadow, or a garden of flowers in full bloom. Seldom deeper than 100 feet, reefs mirror the heath of our planet.

Moray Eels like to hide in holes, or crevices. They breathe by opening and closing their mouths, moving water over their gills. Eels look aggressive, but are quite happy just to stay at home, and go out at night to forage for dinner. Eels can be found as deep as 80 to 90 feet, but prefer shallower water. Because their eyesight is poor, they rely on their keen sense of smell. Spotted Morays can be found throughout the Caribbean, Florida, and the Bahamas. Eels, like "SPOT" can grow to 4 foot. Moray Eels can be found in all the worlds temperate waters. Artificial Reefs hold a special appeal to Moray Eels. Sunken Ships, and other artificial environments provide lots of hiding places for Marine Creatures. "SPOT" lives in Cozumel, Mexico on a beautiful living coral reef called "Tormentos".

This French Angelfish lives on the offshore reef lying just off our coast here in Palm Beach County. These 1 to 2 foot disk shaped fish are kin to the smaller Butterfly Fish. Angelfish are common in all the temperate seas around the globe. Much of the time these graceful, and beautiful fish can be seen swimming in pairs, in fact, with their lifelong mate. Curious, but shy, they will approach a diver, and even take a long look at those funny looking creatures trying to act like fish. Angelfish look much different as juveniles, as do many reef fish. The French Angelfish got his name from the gaudy gold braids that were common to French Military Uniforms. Unlike Eels, Angelfish have keen eyesight. Usually found on reefs no deeper than 60 feet, Angelfish start their life near the surface, in the tops of shallow reefs.