Coral Reefs

The coral reefs of Komodo are a cornerstone of its marine ecosystem, featuring over 260 species of coral. This diversity is crucial for providing habitat and food for countless marine species.
Here are some of them:

Acropora spp.

Known for their fast growth and intricate branching structures, Acropora corals, such as Staghorn and Table Corals, are foundational to the reef ecosystem. They provide shelter and breeding grounds for many reef fish.

Porites spp.

These massive boulder corals are essential for reef building and provide a stable habitat for various organisms. Their robust structure helps withstand strong currents and storms.

Favia spp.

Commonly referred to as brain corals, Favia species exhibit a unique, textured surface that adds complexity to the reef environment and serves as a habitat for smaller marine creatures.

Montipora spp.

These encrusting and plate corals are visually stunning, often displaying bright colors and intricate patterns, contributing to the reef’s overall aesthetic and biodiversity.

Fish Species

The park is home to over 1,000 species of fish, offering divers a vibrant spectacle beneath the waves.
Here are some of them:

Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)

Easily recognizable by their bright orange and white coloration, these fish are often found living symbiotically among sea anemones, such as Heteractis magnifica.

Parrotfish (Scaridae)

With their beak-like teeth, parrotfish play a vital role in maintaining reef health by grazing on algae.

Bannerfish (Heniochus)

This striking fish, known for its elongated dorsal fin and bold colors, is a frequent sight in the coral gardens of Komodo.

Napoleon Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)

One of the ocean’s largest reef fish, the Napoleon wrasse is a gentle giant often spotted in the park’s waters.

Barracuda (Sphyraena)

These agile predators, particularly the Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), patrol the reefs, adding excitement to the dive experience.

Snapper (Lutjanidae)

Species such as the Bluelined Snapper are abundant, often found in schools around the reefs.

Pelagic Species

The waters of Komodo also attract larger pelagic species, making for thrilling encounters.
Here are some of them:

Manta Rays (Manta birostris)

One of the park’s highlights, manta rays are often seen at cleaning stations, where smaller fish groom them. Manta Point is a popular spot for these majestic creatures.

Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus)

The world’s largest fish, whale sharks can occasionally be spotted in the waters of Komodo, particularly during certain seasons when plankton blooms occur.

Reef Sharks (Carcharhinidae)

Species such as the Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) and Whitetip Reef Shark (Triaenodon obesus) are common sights, often seen patrolling the reef edges.

Turtles

Here are some of them:

Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas)

These herbivorous turtles are often spotted grazing on seagrass and algae in the park’s waters.

Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Recognizable by their distinctive shell patterns, hawksbill turtles are crucial for maintaining healthy coral reefs, as they feed on sponges.

Invertebrates

Here are some of them:

Nudibranchs

These colorful sea slugs, with species like Hypselodoris bullocki and Chromodoris magnifica, are a delight for macro photographers and divers alike.

Sea Stars (Asteroidea)

Various species, play essential roles in the reef ecosystem, although the latter can become a threat to coral if their populations explode.

Sea Urchins (Echinoidea)

Colorful and spiny, species such as the Diadema urchin (Diadema setosum) are important for controlling algae growth on the reefs.

Octopus

Species like the Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena spp.) can be found hiding among the rocks and corals, showcasing their remarkable camouflage abilities.

Some of the images on this page are from Corals of the World, and Starfish.ch.

Both platforms are educational platforms for the public about marine species and biodiversity.