Fish
The greatest attraction in Cayman Waters is our fish - from schools
of sergeant majors begging for a handout to majestic eagle rays
gliding along the wall. The reef fish, particularly, are very colorful.
Many tend to stay in one place most of their lives, and they grow old
very slowly. A two foot grouper, for example, is approximately fifteen
years old. Because of this, it is easy to over fish a given area of
reef.
This is why spear fishing is strictly controlled and fishing is
prohibited in the Marine Parks and Environmental Zone. Visitors may
fish by line anywhere outside the protected areas, but please, don't
take more than you can eat.
Stony Corals
Stony corals are what make up the structure of Cayman's reef systems.
While they may look like rock, in fact they are colonies of tiny
animals called polyps. These polyps can only be seen when they feed,
usually at
night., but they live on the surface of the coral and are very easily
damaged even when they can't be seen.
The limestone structure which they build is also very delicate.
It breaks easily and grows back very slowly. Star coral, for example,
grows at less than one half inch per year.
Please be careful of our stony corals - if you are snorkling or diving,
watch your fins as well as your elbows. Never stand on coral!
Horny Corals
Sea fans, sea whips, sea plumes and corky sea fingers are relatives
of the stony corals. They are called horny because their skeleton
are made
of materials like cattle horn. Horny corals consist of colonies of tiny
polyps, like stony corals. Horny corals are also delicate and grow very
slowly.
Sponges
Some of the most beautiful and varied creatures in Cayman waters are
the sponges. They range from the giant barrel sponge to brightly
colored tube and whip sponges. They too are animals -
filter feeders which anchor
themselves in places where they can sift nutrients out of the water.
Please treat these strange animals with care and resist the temptation
to climb into our giant barrel sponges.
Please be aware, It is against the law to take any corals or sponges
anywhere from Cayman waters.
