A small blenny (Ecsenius yaeyamaensis) on a massive coral. There are over 300 known species of blennies globally, most of which are restricted to tropical regions with only a few found in cool-temperate waters. Blennies are small bottowm-dwelling fish, and this particular species is commonly observed in shallow coastal reefs where it perches on boulders and live coral heads in areas of abundant coral growth.
by Reef Life Survey
A screenshot of a sub-bottom profile collected int the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park. It shows a layered sediment (mud and sand) that has partly buried by a carbonate bank (bottom right corner). The length of the image is approximately 7.5 km, and the depth of the ocean floor is 100 m.
by Geoscience Australia
Giant basket sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria) on reef in Carpentaria Marine Park
by Reef Life Survey
Reef animals including gorgonians at Carpentaria Reef, Carpentaria Marine Park
by Reef Life Survey
Reef animals including gorgonians at Carpentaria Reef, Carpentaria Marine Park
by Reef Life Survey
This Olive Rideley (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle was photographed during a BRUVS survey in the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park in September 2012. Olive Ridely turtles are one of the most abundant species of sea turtles globally, however they are considered Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and listed as Endangered under the Australian EPBC Act. Their listing is due to significant declines in global populations. In Australia few surveys on this species have been conducted, and we still have a lot to learn about where these turtles, their population size, distribution and behaviour.
by UWA - Centre for Marine Futures
Sea snake (Aipysurus laevis) on Carpentaria Reef in the Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park.
by Reef Life Survey
Soft coral on Carpentaria Shoal in the Gulf of Carpentaria Marine Park.
by Reef Life Survey
These striped catfish (Plotosus lineatus) were photographed in the the Arafura Marine Park during a survey by Reef Life Survey. This is the only catfish that is found in coral reef ecosystems, however they are also found on the open coast and in tide pools. Juveniles of this species are typically found in balls of about 100 individuals like in this photograph, while adults are solitary or occur in much smaller groups.
by Reef Life Survey
Preparing for Reef Life Surveys with Gumurr Marthakal Rangers near Elcho Island.
by Reef Life Survey
White seawhip (Junceella fragilis) with schooling fish on a reef in Arnhem Marine Park.
by Reef Life Survey