crossorigin="anonymous"> Barbados Marine Life - Reel Deep

Barbados Marine Life

Being the most easterly island in the Caribbean, Barbados may have a handful of land wildlife but is blessed with an abundance of sea life. The healthy and vibrantly colored reef system attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Barbados is home to 4 species of sea turtles namely loggerheads, green turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherbacks. It also boasts of having the healthiest reefs and second-largest hawksbill turtle breeding population in the entire Caribbean. In some areas, the turtles have become accustomed to the visitors and are relatively tame. If you are an avid swimmer, you can swim with the turtles as they feed amongst the coral.

As a visitor, it is imperative to know that it is illegal to buy, sell or damage coral in Barbados. The island is highly dependent on the conservation of its coral reefs as an integral part of employment and leisurely activity.

The island is blessed with a diversity of both soft and hard coral formations, the surrounding waters hosting a plethora of other sea creatures like dolphins, flying fish, eels, crayfish, lionfish, barracudas and sea cockroaches. If you are lucky enough, you may come across the rare brightly colored frogfish and Portuguese Man O War. Nesting turtles being the most popular marine life attraction, The Barbados Sea Turtle Project oversees their nesting and hatching activities to maintain their endangered population.

Crustacean enthusiasts can spot sea urchins that have been washed up when the sea has been rough. Night time is the best time to see such crabs and lobsters as they often hide under rocks during the day. They exit their well-hidden haunts as the sun sets to scavenge off the ocean floor. Sharks sightings occur around the northern and eastern parts of the island. The sharks come closer to shore at night to feed.

Let’s have a quick look at some of these ocean inhabitants:

Barracudas – Barracudas are a predatory saltwater fish primarily found in tropical oceans. They have elongated bodies covered with smooth scales. Coloration varies from species to species. They are mostly dark blue, dark green or gray on their upper bodies and silvery on the sides. Barracudas are similar to sharks in their behavioral patterns which makes them dangerous. They may mistake an unsuspecting snorkeler for a prey. They tend to travel alone when they mature.

Lionfish – The lionfish has amazing appearances that make it one of the most sought-after sea creature. They have extraordinary looks but are destructive in nature. The population of lionfish is increasing at an alarming rate due to lack of natural predators. The rapid increase in the growth of lionfish has created a bit of concern. They can be found in both shallow and deep waters; sea bathers should therefore be on the lookout.

Flying Fish – Flying Fish live in warm subtropical and tropical waters. There are about 13 species of flying fish in Barbados. Contrary to popular belief, flying fish do not actually fly but instead glide through the air. Flying fish have flat elongated bodies, and they can swim at 15-20mph. Rapid and robust movements from their tails assist them to break the surface of the water.

Crayfish – Crayfish are a favorite delicacy in Barbados. They have two pairs of biting claws and adult crayfish often migrate downstream to reproduce. Trapping methods for crayfish include hand, hook, net or dung basket.

Eels – There are about 15 species of eels found throughout the Caribbean Sea. Many divers visit Barbados to get a glimpse of these snake-like creatures. They reside among coral reefs during the day but come out to eat at night.

Dolphins – male dolphins have a high snout and a huge bony crest on the forehead while females don’t. Dolphins reach maturity under a short space of time. Their fast progressing life cycle, unfortunately, is marked with a short lifespan of one or two years. The striped dolphin is popular due to its stunning appearance and playful nature.

Sea Cockroaches – they are kind of crabs with camouflaged bodies popularly known as sand crabs. They are mostly found on the sandy beaches. They can endure possible predators and changing tides. They earned their name from the fact that they can survive Barbados’ hot conditions and changing tides. They are unable to bite which means they pose no danger to humans.

Portuguese Man O’ War – they are mostly found in most subtropical and tropical regions like the Caribbean. They usually reside at the ocean surface while others hang below. Their air bladders stay above the water surface, which enables them to stay afloat. Their coloration varies from mauve to tinted blue and purple. They have no means of propulsion and depend on a combination of tides, currents, and prevailing winds. Their stings cause severe pain to humans.

Contact us today to get an up-close and personal experience with Barbados Marine Life. Feel free to tag along your friends and family members; they will thank you later!