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Indonesia is the
world's largest archipelago. Located between the Indian and
Pacific Oceans, this chain of 13,500 islands stretches approximately
3,100 miles (5,000 km) from the mainland of Asia into the Pacific
Ocean. Fewer than half of the islands are populated. Although
the land area of Indonesia is only about one fourth that of
the United States, the country spans an area wider than the
distance from Maine to California. Straddling the equator, the
waters surrounding Indonesia are full of interesting and colorful
marine life.
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 Mandarin
dragonet
The Mandarin dragonet (Synchiropus splendidus)
is unrivaled in patterning and color. This tiny fish,
with its "paisley-colored" design, displays
many bright shades of green, blue, orange, yellow and
purple. Although shy and often difficult to see, Mandarin
dragonets can often be found scavenging for small crustaceans
on the bottom or among the corals.
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Mushroom anemone
Mushroom anemones (Actinodiscus spp.)
are found throughout every tropical reef in the world.
Their size depends on their species, but most will reach
2-3 inches (5-8 cm) before division occurs. They are photosynthetic
or light dependent. Mushroom anemones rely on a symbiotic
relationship with zooxanathellae for their survival. The
anemone, in return for a safe haven, eats the algae's
waste.
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Yellow banded pipefish
The Yellow banded pipefish (Doryrhamphus pessuliferus)
is a relative of the seahorse. This long and slender animal
can often be seen hovering near the corals in search of
food. Male pipefish, like male seahorses, incubate the
eggs and give birth. The male carries the eggs in a pouch
formed by two long flaps of skin along the lower abdomen.
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 Coral
shrimpfish
The Coralshrimp fish (Aeoliscus strigatus),
also a relative of the seahorse, is a vertical swimmer.
This swimming pattern aids these bottom grazers in finding
food. This method also serves as a defense mechanism as
they camouflage themselves between the vertical spines
of sea urchins and corals.
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© Copyright 2002, The Dallas World Aquarium, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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