Aquatic and Marine Biology

Homarus americanus is the scientific name for the common lobster, also known as the American lobster or Maine lobster.

Olympia Oyster, also known as the Olympia native oyster, is the largest edible oyster species in the world, native to the Pacific Northwest of North America.

Loligo vulgaris is the scientific name for the common squid, also known as the European squid or Atlantic squid.

Coral polyps, tiny marine invertebrates, are the primary builders of coral reefs. They secrete calcium carbonate, forming hard exoskeletons that accumulate over time, creating the intricate structures of coral reefs.

Tuna are not a common type of coral reef fish. They are typically found in open waters and are not closely associated with coral reef ecosystems. Clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish, on the other hand, are commonly found in coral reefs.

Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification because the acidic conditions hinder their ability to build and maintain their calcium carbonate skeletons.

Clownfish are a type of anemonefish that are known for their ability to change color. They live in anemones, which provide them with protection from predators.

Sea turtles are primarily herbivorous and feed on seagrass and algae. They play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by grazing on algae that can overgrow and smother corals.

Moray eels are a type of eel that have long, slender bodies and sharp teeth. They are ambush predators that lie in wait for prey to come close before attacking.

Sharks are primarily carnivorous and feed on a variety of fish, as well as squid, crustaceans, and marine mammals. They play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by preying on weak or sick fish.

Blue tangs are a type of surgeonfish that are known for their bright blue and yellow coloration. They are popular aquarium fish and are also an important part of the coral reef ecosystem.

Dolphins are primarily carnivorous and feed on a variety of fish, as well as squid, crustaceans, and marine mammals. They play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by preying on weak or sick fish.

Cleaner wrasses are a type of wrasse that are known for their ability to clean other fish. They remove parasites and dead tissue from the bodies of other fish, which helps to keep them healthy.

Clownfish are a type of anemonefish that are known for their ability to change sex. They live in anemones, which provide them with protection from predators.

Lobsters are primarily carnivorous and feed on a variety of crustaceans, as well as fish, squid, and mollusks. They play an important role in maintaining the health of coral reefs by preying on weak or sick crustaceans.