Meet the residents of the Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is like a bustling underwater neighborhood with lots of fascinating residents. Let’s meet some of the incredible animals that live there

Clownfish

Remember Nemo? Clownfish are famous for their bright orange and white stripes. They live in sea anemones, which protect them from predators.

Sea Turtles

The reef is a favourite hangout spot for sea turtles. You might spot green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and even the massive leatherback turtle gliding gracefully through the water.

Reef Sharks

Don’t be scared! Reef sharks are usually shy and are not dangerous to humans. Blacktip, whitetip, and grey reef sharks are some of the species you might see hunting in the reef.

Coral

Corals are the building blocks of the reef. They might look like rocks or plants, but they are actually tiny animals called polyps. Corals come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, creating the beautiful structures we see.

Giant Clams

These clams can grow up to four feet wide and live for over 100 years! They have a symbiotic relationship with algae, which live in their tissues and provide them with food through photosynthesis.

Dugongs

Sometimes called “sea cows,” dugongs are gentle herbivores that graze on seagrass meadows around the reef. They are closely related to manatees.

Manta Rays

These gentle giants have huge wingspans and look like they’re flying through the water. Manta rays are often seen near the reef, especially around cleaning stations where small fish help clean their skin.

Parrotfish

These colourful fish have strong beaks that they use to bite off chunks of coral. They then grind it up to eat the algae inside - if you go snorkelling or diving on the reef you often hear them munching. Their digestion process helps create the sand on the reef!

Sea Stars

Also known as starfish, these fascinating creatures come in many shapes and colors. They have tiny tube feet on their undersides that help them move and catch food.

Jellyfish

The reef is home to many types of jellyfish, from the tiny, harmless ones to the more dangerous box jellyfish. They drift through the water, using their tentacles to catch food.

If you would like to do more to help our Reef, why not host a GenKind Party? You can ask party guests to make a donation to The Great Barrier Reef Foundation instead of bringing a gift. You’ll reduce your own plastic waste by receiving less gifts (and packaging) AND make a meaningful donation to a cause fighting to protect our Reefs everyday.