Four Fantastic Coral Reef Creatures

December 8, 2012

Source: National Geographic, http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/005/cache/giant-clam_541_600x450.jpg

The Giant Clam

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Source: Aquaviews, http://aquaviews.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Giant-Clams.jpg

Having both the distinction of being endangered and the largest clam of its kind, the giant clam is one of the more unique denizens found in coral reefs throughout the world. Once fully grown, the giant clam is forever fixed to one spot, and survives by opening its shell to consume food as it passes by. Living up to its name, two of the largest giant clams discovered weighed in at 510 and 750 pounds when alive. Today, their gargantuan memory lives on at museums around the world.

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Source: Saben And Lin, http://www.sabenandlin.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/giant-clam.jpg

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Source: Conch King, http://www.conchking.com/bClam%20color.jpg

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Source: Richard Seaman, http://www.richard-seaman.com/Underwater/Australia/GiantClams/TridacnaCroceaOrDerasa.jpg

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Source: Barrier Reef Australia, http://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/IMAGEGALLERY/giant-clam.jpg

Banded Coral Shrimp

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Source: John Easley, http://www.johneasley.com/gallery2/main.php/d/8750-1/Giant%20Hermit%20Crab_%20Banded%20Coral%20Shrimp_%20and%20Sergeant%20Major.jpg

An important part of any coral reef ecosystem, the banded coral shrimp is a cleaner shrimp that tends to aid passing fish and other creatures that may be covered in parasites. With an entrepreneurial spirit, this uniquely-colored shrimp makes sure its services are used by resting on pieces of coral and waving its antennae to advertise to passing sea creatures that it is willing to clean them.