Mallorca is not only a paradise on land, but also under water. The Underwater world off the coasts of the Balearic island offers an impressive variety of fish and other marine life that will delight snorkelers and divers alike. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most fascinating sea creatures that you can discover on a dive off Mallorca.
Goldstrieme (Sarpa salpa) - The gold-striped fish with a special effect
The Goldstrieme can be easily recognized by the ten to twelve golden lines that run across their silvery body. They often hang around in groups and graze on algae and seagrass near the bottom. Despite their striking beauty, these fish are not a delicacy as they accumulate hallucinogenic substances in their flesh. In ancient times, they were prized precisely because of this effect and were considered a special luxury food.
Sea peacock (Thalassoma pavo) - The colorful star of the Mediterranean world
With its brightly colored scales, the Sea peacock probably the most colorful fish in the Mediterranean. These fish are localized, which makes them ideal models for underwater photographers. They are easy to observe as they search the reefs for small crabs, mussels and snails. A fascinating feature of the sea peacock is its ability to change sex if the male in a group dies.
Two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris) - The curious companion when snorkeling
As the name suggests, these swift swimmers wear two characteristic black bands around their silver body. The Two-banded sea bream is curious and often comes close to snorkelers while searching for food in the seagrass. Its sociability makes it a popular object of observation under water.
Written perch (Serranus scriba) - The territorial coastal dweller
The Written perch is immediately recognizable by its yellow tail fin and the bluish shimmering spot on its belly. These fish can live up to 16 years and defend their territory aggressively against other members of their species. Their name comes from the fine lines on their head, which are reminiscent of Arabic characters and give them a mystical aura.
Monkfish (Chromis chromis) - The most common schooling fish in Mallorca
The Monk fish is probably one of the most frequently encountered fish in the waters off Mallorca. The adults are dark-colored and move in large shoals through the open water, always in search of plankton. It is particularly impressive to observe the blue juveniles seeking shelter in the crevices of the rocks. In the summer, the males are busy preparing the nesting sites for the females to lay their eggs.
Mediterranean moray eel (Muraena helena) - The skillful hunter with the bad reputation
The Mediterranean moray eel has a snake-like body shape and pointed teeth, which gives it a menacing appearance. But their reputation is deceptive: moray eels are calm and peaceful fish that only become aggressive when they feel threatened. They hide in crevices during the day and hunt at dusk. Their open mouth is used for better breathing and is not a sign of aggression.
European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) - The fast hunter of the deep
With its slender, silvery body, the European barracuda an impressive sight. These fish are excellent hunters and can appear in shoals or as loners. Despite their menacing appearance, attacks on humans are extremely rare and are usually the result of mistaking flashing objects for prey.
Common garfish (Belone belone) - The hunter of the water surface
Directly below the surface of the water, the Common garfish for prey. This silvery fish can grow up to 70 centimetres long and is particularly notable for its greenish bones, which are caused by the pigment biliverdin. This coloration remains even when cooked and makes garfish a culinary specialty.
Seahorses (Hippocampus ssp.) - The mysterious inhabitants of the seagrass
Seahorse have become rare, but when they are discovered, they are a real joy for every snorkeler. There are two species on Mallorca: the long-snouted seahorse and the short-snouted seahorse. They are poor swimmers and hold on to seagrass with their prehensile tails. Seahorses are faithful partners and stay together their whole lives.
Large red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) - The poisonous master of camouflage
The Large red scorpion fish is a master of camouflage and can grow up to 50 centimeters in size. Its skin flaps and coloration allow it to rest almost invisibly on the rocks. Although it is a sought-after food fish, it should not be approached too closely as its dorsal fin has poisonous spines.
Brown grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - The old giant of the rocky reefs
The Brown grouper is an impressive loner that can grow up to 1.5 meters long and live for 50 years. Its brown to dark green coloration and yellow marbling make it unmistakable. Unfortunately, this fascinating fish is highly endangered due to overfishing.
Fried egg jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) - The beautiful jellyfish without danger
With its white shade and the yellow bump in the middle, the Fried egg jellyfish actually resemble a fried egg. Their purple, button-like tentacles are particularly beautiful to look at. This jellyfish is harmless to humans and can be admired at close range.
Luminous jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) - The fiery beauty of the night
The Luminous jellyfish is also known as the fire jellyfish, as its contact can be painful. But at night it shows its fascinating side when it begins to glow faintly. Even in ancient times, it was admired for this special feature.
Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) - The intelligent master of camouflage
The Common octopus is a marvel of nature. With its eight arms, three hearts and blue blood, it impresses not only with its anatomy, but also with its intelligence. Octopuses are masters of camouflage and can change their color and structure at lightning speed to adapt to their surroundings.
Common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) - The peaceful bottom dweller
The Common stingray reaches a length of up to 2.5 meters and carries a poisonous sting on its tail. But despite its dangerous reputation, it only attacks when it feels threatened. Stingrays are often found above sandy bottoms, where they search for prey.
Common Petrel (Trachinus draco) - The invisible hunter in the sand
The Ordinary Petermännchen lies in wait for its prey in the sand and protects itself with poisonous spines. These fish can be fatal to swimmers if they accidentally step on them. It is therefore best to wear bathing shoes when walking on the sandy seabed.
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Sources for this isla Article:
- Protection of endangered marine species: WWF Marine species
- Wikipedia: Goldstrieme
- Wikipedia: Sea peacock
- Wikipedia: Two-banded sea bream
- Wikipedia: Written perch
- Wikipedia: Monk fish
- Wikipedia: Mediterranean moray eel
- Wikipedia: Barracuda
- Wikipedia: Garfish
- Wikipedia: Seahorse
- Wikipedia: Large red scorpionfish
- Wikipedia: Brown grouper
- Wikipedia: Fried egg jellyfish
- Wikipedia: Luminous jellyfish
- Wikipedia: Octopus
- Wikipedia: Common stingray
- Wikipedia: Common Petermännchen
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