reef etiquette Just a few reminders about our reef... It is alive, it is fragile, and it is easily destroyed. With this in mind, here are a few requests. When snorkeling, diving or just lounging in the water, please try not to stand on the reef and coral. Do not touch the reef because the oils in human skin are very destructive to the little critters that make up the reef and coral systems. If you rent a boat, most areas will have a dock or mooring area, please use these designated areas instead of throwing an anchor, possibly on the reef. |
![]() You'll see many friendly, but shy little sea creatures in the waters that surround St. John. Photo © Bubble Makers Inc. |
![]() Photo © Jeff Bozanic, 6-Paq Scuba |
Barracuda |
![]() Photo © Jeff Bozanic, 6-Paq Scuba |
Basslet
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photo
coming soon! |
Long-spined Black Urchin
(diadema antillarum) If you see one of these spiny creatures on the rocks or coral of the sea bed, steer clear. It's needlelike spines can penetrate rubber fins, clothing and , of course, skin. The tip of the spine often breaks off, causing several hours of stinging discomfort. Squeeze a lime on the area to help with the pain. The spine will eventually disintegrate. |
![]() Photo © Curtis Mueller |
Octopus You can find these very shy creatues balled up in holes, or scurrying on the reef. They are quick- so be careful not to miss them. They perfrom a beautiful underwater dance from one location to their next. |
photo coming soon! | Parrotfish (sparisuma
viride) Perhaps the most vibrantly colorful inhabitant of St. John's coral reefs, the Parrotfish is easily identifiable by its fused teeth, which resemble a parrot's beak. It uses this feature to turn dead coral into sand at the astonishing rate of about a ton per year. It keeps edible algae for itself and gives St. John the rest. |
photo coming soon! | Queen Conch
(strombus gigas) This giant snail inhabits all the waters surrounding the U.S.Virgin Islands. They have been grossly over-harvested in recent years, so it is important to check with the government before taking any out of their natural habitat. They are delicious, however, in chowder, fritters or as an entree. |
![]() Photo © Jeff Bozanic, 6-Paq Scuba |
Sea
Sponge |
![]() Photo © Curtis Mueller |
Sea Turtles If you're lucky , you'll happen upon one of these majestic sea creatures while swimming or boating. The major types here in the Virgin Islands are the Leatherback, Hawksbill and Green Turtles. They are protected and, occasionally, beaches or portions of beaches will be marked "off limits" to protect the turtle nestlings incubating in the sand. Please honor our efforts to restore these endangered animals to a healthy population. |
![]() Photo © Curtis Mueller |
Spiny Lobster You have to look in a lot of holes to find one of our spiny lobsters. These critters are shy- but magnificent when you do see them. They are affectionately known as bugs among the local fishermen. Don't try to get one on your own- leave that to the professionals! |
![]() Photo © Jeff Bozanic, 6-Paq Scuba |
Squirrel
Fish |
![]() Photo © Gary Bracken |
Trumpetfish (aulostomus
maculatus) Snorkeling along the reef, you will often see a Trumpetfish hanging, head down, gently swaying among soft coral and sea fans. It can change color to fit its surroundings and preys on smaller unwary fish by sucking them into its long slim body. |
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