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Coral Reefs
  
Coral reefs are abundant
within the Wakatobi MNP and are the most well explored,
studied and monitored of all habitats. Three hundred and
ninety six species of hermatypic scleractinian corals
belonging to 68 genera and 15 families have been
recorded within the WMNP whilst 590 species of fish have
so far been officially recorded, however it is suggested
that the Wakatobi MNP may have one of the highest fish
diversities of any location on the planet. The
Wakatobi's underwater environment is an extraordinary
and diverse seascape of vibrant tropical coral reefs,
dramatic slopes and walls, lush sea mounts, caverns and
pristine reef tops. It is an excellent opportunity for
drift diving, critter encounters and fascinating reef
exploration.
For Wakatobi coral reef research
reports click here
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Seagrass
and Mangroves
  
Seagrass beds outside the Indo-Pacific have
rarely been reported to contain more than one hundred species, yet
Indonesian seagrass beds have been found to contain three hundred and sixty
species of fish. Seagrasses, like coral reefs and mangroves have their
centre of generic richness located in the Indo-West Pacific where these
ecosystems all have important biological and physical functions. Seagrasses
are often not immediately appealing to the eye however they contain many
interesting animals such as Pygmy squid, banded pipefish and blue-ringed
octopus. An ideal time to witness the wonder of the inter-tidal is by
walking around on a full moon low tide (but be careful to wear strong boots
and don’t touch things as they may well bite!). Mangroves are also
incredibly interesting and often packed with fish. The best experience of
mangroves in the Wakatobi can be had by snorkelling through them on a really
high tide.
For Wakatobi seagrass and mangrove research reports
click
here
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