Hobbies And Interests
Coral
Many of the world's coral reefs exist in tropical ocean areas, as coral need tropical or sub-tropical temperatures to live. Coral thrives in the warm water of the tropics. Coral are small creatures that build protective skeletons made of calcium. They live in large colonies and often host a large variety of other life. Coral derive a large amount of their nutrients from algae, with which they have a symbiotic relationship; the algae provides nutrients while the coral provides the algae with protection.
Fish
A very large variety of fish live within the tropical region, many of which thrive in the tropical coral reefs. Some estimates suggest that 90 percent of fish species depend on coral reefs directly or indirectly. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, some key fish species that live in the tropical zone include clownfish, angelfish, butterflyfishes and sea bass.
Algae
Algae also thrive in tropical ocean waters. Algae are tiny microscopic organisms that produce food via photosynthesis. Algae need warm water to survive. Algae, along with coral, are the backbone of tropical ecosystems and especially coral reefs. The shallow waters of tropical oceans are typically low in nutrients, so the algae play a vital role in reef ecosystems by converting sunlight into food that directly or indirectly feeds the rest of the life in the reef.
Reptiles
Cold-blooded reptiles that require warmth to survive also live in tropical waters, particularly around coral reefs. Many species of sea turtles, such as the Olive Ridley turtle and the loggerhead turtle, live in warm coastal areas around the world, feeding on small fish and crustaceans. Also inhabiting many reefs are sea snakes, which have flat tails that act as a paddle that allows them to swim through the water.