Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Coral reefs are large, complex, ecosystems built from the mass coagulation of calcium and silicon compounds. Corals, algae, and certain types of sponges all contribute to the framework of a coral reef. Reefs are diverse and may have up to 60 different types of coral in its infrastructure. Growth of these coral typically is uneven, which results in extreme changes of topography and smoothness. This primarily occurs because each individual organism grows and dies at different rates. These changes in topography will result in the creation of shade which provides shelter to other organisms.
Hundreds of different fish species may call a Caribbean reef home. All reef fish are unique and depend on each other for survival. One common coral fish is the Jack. Jacks are large, swift, silver fish that swim in schools. Jacks are carnivorous and typically prey on smaller fish. Another common fish is the French Angel Fish, known in the scientific community as Pomacanthus paru. It feeds on sponges and can reach 30 cm in length.
Fish are not the only type of life that lives in coral reefs. Killer clams also are known to inhabit Caribbean coral reefs. They are bivalves and are scientifically known as Tridacna. These organisms fasten to algae, corals, and sea anemones. While the killer clam is attached, it regularly transfers carbon compounds to the host. Another non-fish organism is the Caribbean Urchin, known as Diadema antillarum, an organism that feeds on coral. It was nearly driven to extinction in the 1980s but has since recovered.
Ecology, the study of relationships among organisms in a designated area, is complex in Caribbean coral reefs. Large organisms frequently feed on smaller organism such as smaller fish, crabs, and urchins. The smaller organisms will feed on smaller organisms such as coral or different types of plankton. Mutualistic relationships, or relationships that benefit both participating species, exist in the Caribbean as well. One example is the relationship between clown fish and anemone. The clown fish attracts food for the anemone while the clown fish is guaranteed protection and shelter.
Unfortunately, reefs are susceptible to damage. Coral reefs in other parts of the world been damaged from certain organisms. For instance, at its height, the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish destroyed around 90 percent of the coral reefs in Guam. If an organism like this evolved in the Caribbean, the effects could be devastating. Current threats in the Caribbean include diseases such as white-band disease, black-black disease, and white plague II, all diseases that attack corals. Besides disease, anthropogenic pollution also will destroy coral reefs. A 1986 oil spill in Panama killed 76 percent of nearby coral reefs.