Pedra do Ferro

One of the most fascinating fish on the reef, moray eels come in nearly every size and color from the tiny, bright blue ribbon eel, the smallest averaging only 25 cm long, to the black speckled giant moray which can grow up to 4 meters in length! In fact, there are nearly 200 different species. Most morays are marine dwelling fish, but several species have been seen in brackish water, and just a few are found in fresh water. They are clearly distinguishable from the other reef fish with their long, slithering bodies, pointy snouts full of sharp teeth, and long dorsal fins that run the entire length of their bodies. No matter the species, these animals are always an exciting site to see while scuba diving.

An octopus has eight arms with suction cups which it uses as powerful tools for hunting prey, defense against attackers, and locomotion along the seafloor. They are one of the most fascinating marine animals on the planet. Every octopus has a designated “arm“ that it favors and uses most often. Because they have no inner skeleton, they are extremely mobile and can slip through the narrowest gaps and holes. Some species can even survive and move on land for a short time. Scuba diving with an octopus is an amazing and rewarding experience.

Scorpionfish are one of the most venomous yet undetectable fish species in the sea. These ambush predators are experts at blending into their environment as they sit and wait patiently on top of the reef for unsuspecting prey to swim by. Ranging in color from dull browns and yellow to bright reds and oranges, scorpionfish perfectly match the surrounding reef and even exhibit feathery fins or skin flaps to better camouflage with neighboring coral.

Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood choices on the planet; however, they are also just as fun to see in their natural habitat. There are nearly as many types of shrimp as there are ways to cook them, with approximately 2,000 different species. Part of the crustacean family, these relatives of crabs and lobsters are identifiable by their semi-transparent bodies, flexible abdomen, and fanlike tail used to swim backward.

Also known as rock lobster, spiny lobster is the common name given to over 60 different species of crustaceans within the family Palinuridae. Spiny lobsters lack the typical large pincers of common lobsters and have very long, thick antennas. You can find this nocturnal animal during the day in crevices and caves throughout the reef. Night diving is an excellent way to see them while they are out and active. Spiny lobsters migrate across the sea floor in large groups, with up to 50 animals sometimes creating a long line.

With over 6500 different species, crabs are one of the most varied aquatic dwellers in the world. These crustaceans have a thick exoskeleton to protect their inner organs with an oblong, square, or diamond-shaped central body cavity, four sets of legs, and one pair of pinchers. Crabs range in size from the tiny pea crab measuring only 10-15 mm (0.4-06 inches) to the giant Japanese spider crab, which can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) across.

One of the most fascinating creatures of the sea, these small but mighty jelly-bodied, shell-less mollusks are part of the sea slug family. Nudibranchs inhabit ocean waters throughout the world, from the Southern Ocean to the Arctic and everywhere in between. Depending on the species, adult sizes can range from 0.25 to 12 inches. These soft-bodied gastropods derive their name from the Latin word Nudibranchia, meaning naked gills, which is why most have feathery gills and horns on their backs.