Ft. Lauderdale, FLA. (PRWEB) June 29, 2006 — Infrequent fishermen do not often have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of fierce-looking barracudas or monstrous groupers. But aboard Atlantis Adventures Submarine Expeditions, passengers can come face-to-face with some of the most exotic undersea creatures in the world"”without ever going near a fishing pole.
Teeth. Among the most fascinating fish in the Caribbean are the predators. You might lock eyes with a 10-foot bull shark, one of the largest and most notorious members of the shark family. And don't be alarmed if a sly moray eel slides out of his dark hiding spot to give you a sinister look. Remember: the eel is still on the other side of the submarine's windows.
With pointy teeth and looks that could kill, predator fish are enough to entertain anyone. But sharks and eels aren't the only carnivores of the sea"”some of them are unrecognizable as fish that feast on other fish. Take the yellow jack for instance. One of the most frequently sighted fish by Atlantis passengers, the yellow jack grows up to three feet in length and weighs up to 31 pounds. He feeds on smaller fish, and is considered to be a prize game fish throughout the Caribbean.
Other commonly sighted predators include barracudas, snook, groupers and snappers.
Schooling fish. The most beautiful tropical fish are the schooling fish, which add exotic color and life to the reefs. An Atlantis passenger can take a peek at a parrotfish, a one to four-foot-long creature with brilliant hues. The parrotfish eats algae and plays an important role in reef-building. There are eight different species of parrotfish. All have varying color patterns.
The angelfish is another beauty seen in the deep, Caribbean waters. A bright-colored sponge-eater that gracefully swims among the corals, the angelfish is said to be the most curious fish on the reef. From pygmy angelfishes smaller than three inches in length to the 18-inch queen angelfish, these reef-dwellers are prevalent sights on Atlantis Submarine expeditions.
Other commonly sighted schooling fish include damselfishes, wrasses, surgeonfishes, and grunts.
Reptiles that swim. Sea turtles feed along the coast of Barbados and nest on many beaches throughout the Caribbean. They can be spotted from Atlantis Submarine voyages. Although these leisurely reptiles have been known to live up to 80 years old, the leatherback, hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles are all considered endangered species. At 25-years old, the sea turtle reaches maturity, and depending on the species can weigh anywhere from 100 to 1600 pounds.
Passengers usually are unacquainted with most sea life and what role each plays in the ocean. Knowledgeable Atlantis Submarine pilots and copilots provide a thorough narration as their submarine descends underwater and glides past lively reefs. Passengers also learn about the ecosystem, behavioral patterns of fish and their feeding habits, how corals grow and how fish and other marine life compete for survival.
More information is available at www.atlantisadventures.com
