1. Marine Mammals:
- Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): These playful dolphins are often spotted near the bay's shores, and they are known for their friendly interactions with humans.
- Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): Moreton Bay is a significant migration route for humpback whales during their annual migration from Antarctica to warmer waters. They can be seen in large numbers during winter and spring.
- Dugongs (Dugong dugon): These large marine mammals are herbivorous and can be found in shallow seagrass beds where they feed on seagrasses.
2. Fish:
- Bream (Acanthopagrus australis): Bream are a popular recreational fishing target in the bay and can be found in various habitats.
- Flathead (Platycephalidae family): Several flathead species, such as the dusky flathead, sand flathead, and tiger flathead, inhabit the bay's sandy and muddy bottoms.
- Snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus): These colorful and sought-after fish can be found in rocky areas and near coral reefs.
- Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix): Tailor are fast-swimming predators often seen chasing schools of smaller fish in open waters.
3. Sharks:
- Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas): Bull sharks are known for their aggressive nature and are found in shallow waters near river mouths and estuaries.
- Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier): Tiger sharks are large and powerful predators that are occasionally spotted in the bay.
- Wobbegong Sharks (Orectolobidae family): Several wobbegong shark species, known for their ornate skin patterns and bottom-dwelling habits, are found in Moreton Bay.
4. Sea Turtles:
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas): Moreton Bay is a significant nesting site for green turtles, which lay their eggs on the sandy beaches during summer.
- Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta): Loggerhead turtles also nest in the bay and can be spotted near the shores during warmer months.
5. Stingrays:
- Giant Manta Rays (Manta birostris): These large and graceful planktivores can be occasionally seen in the bay during the summer months.
- Yellow Stingrays (Urogymnus asperrimus): These rays have a distinctive yellowish color and are found near sandy and muddy areas.
- Bull Rays (Myliobatis tenuicaudatus): Bull rays are large rays with a rounded body shape, and they can be encountered in deeper waters.
6. Cuttlefish:
- Australian Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama): These giant cuttlefish are known for their impressive size and vivid colors during mating season. They can be observed near reef areas.
7. Seahorses:
- Spotted Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda): These small and intricate fish are found near seagrass beds and coral reefs.
These are just a few examples of the diverse marine species that call Moreton Bay their home, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem.
