{"id":25971162,"date":"2024-08-13T14:39:46","date_gmt":"2024-08-13T12:39:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/isla-travel.de\/?p=25971162"},"modified":"2024-09-20T06:15:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T04:15:36","slug":"the-fascinating-underwater-world-of-mallorca-discover-the-most-unusual-sea-creatures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/isla-travel.de\/en\/mallorca-magazin\/die-faszinierende-unterwasserwelt-mallorcas-die-aussergewoehnlichsten-meeresbewohner-entdecken\/","title":{"rendered":"The fascinating underwater world of Mallorca: discover the most extraordinary sea creatures"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mallorca is not only a paradise on land, but also under water. The Underwater world off the coasts of the Balearic island<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goldstrieme (Sarpa salpa) - The gold-striped fish with a special effect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Goldstrieme
\u00a9Wolljuergen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Goldstrieme<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sea peacock (Thalassoma pavo) - The colorful star of the Mediterranean world<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Sea
Diego Delso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With its brightly colored scales, the Sea peacock<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris) - The curious companion when snorkeling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Two-banded
Anders Finn J\u00f8rgensen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As the name suggests, these swift swimmers wear two characteristic black bands around their silver body. The Two-banded sea bream<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Written perch (<\/strong>Serranus scriba) - The territorial coastal dweller<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Written
Roberto Pillon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Written perch<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monkfish (Chromis chromis) - The most common schooling fish in Mallorca<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Monkfish
Albert Kok<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Monk fish<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean moray eel (Muraena helena) - The skillful hunter with the bad reputation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Mediterranean
Diego Delso<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Mediterranean moray eel<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) - The fast hunter of the deep<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Barracuda
\u00a9Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With its slender, silvery body, the European barracuda<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common garfish (Belone belone) - The hunter of the water surface<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Garfish
\u00a9Citron<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Directly below the surface of the water, the Common garfish<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seahorses (Hippocampus ssp.) - The mysterious inhabitants of the seagrass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Seahorse
\u00a9Wolljuergen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Seahorse<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) - The poisonous master of camouflage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Large
\u00a9Wikimedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Large red scorpion fish<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brown grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - The old giant of the rocky reefs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Brown
Albert Kok<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Brown grouper<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fried egg jellyfish (Cotylorhiza tuberculata) - The beautiful jellyfish without danger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Fried
Jason Leung<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With its white shade and the yellow bump in the middle, the Fried egg jellyfish<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luminous jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca) - The fiery beauty of the night<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Luminous
Alberto Romeoalbertoromeo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Luminous jellyfish<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common octopus (Octopus vulgaris) - The intelligent master of camouflage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Octopus
Albert Kok<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Common octopus<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) - The peaceful bottom dweller<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Common
\u00a9Lin\u00e91<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Common stingray<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Petrel (Trachinus draco) - The invisible hunter in the sand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Common
Hans Hillewaert<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Ordinary Peterm\u00e4nnchen<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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