Sponge-encrusted Reef Fish Community

Photo: Guido and Carrara family · CC BY

The deeper sections of Aquarium Bay are distinguished by spectacular growth of yellow and red massive sponges that form three-dimensional colonies providing refuge and spawning habitat for dozens of reef fish species. Salema shoals graze the algae between sponge colonies while rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, and painted comber occupy every available territory. This community represents a benchmark of healthy Mediterranean reef ecology.