Great Barrier Reef Facts Larger than the Great

Great Barrier Reef

Facts • Larger than the Great Wall of China • Only living thing on Earth visible from space • 1, 800 miles long • 500, 000 years old • Approx 3, 400 individual reefs that make up the barrier reef

Diversity of Life In the Reef • 2, 800 species of fish • 400 different types of coral • 500 species of sea weed • 215 species of bird • 15 species of sea snake • 6 species of sea turtles

Coral • Coral reefs are found in shallow water, ranging to depths of 60 m • Water temperatures range from 64 – 91 F • Generally occur in large numbers as colonies of individual polyps linked by tissue • Size – individual polyps range from 3 -56 mm in diameter or height - colony size varies from 75 – 1500 mm

Dangers on the Reef The reef has many species of marine life that can be potentially fatal to humans! www. barrierreefaustralia. com

Irukandgi Jellyfish • Mostly found in deeper waters of the reef • Small jellyfish approx 2 cm diameter bell • Divers & snorkelers are at risk • Initial sting is usually not very painful; however, 30 minutes after a person usually has severe backache or headache & shooting pains in their muscles, chest & abdomen

Box Jelly Fish • Possibly one of the most dangerous creatures on the reef • Mainly found around river mouths & muddy shadow waters, they rarely inhabit the reef islands • “Stinger season” is from November to March

Blue Ringed Octopus • Size of a golf ball but its poison is powerful enough to kill an adult human in minutes • There is no know antidote • Resides in rock pools & coral • “Glow” effect when provoked or is defensive – most dangerous at this time

Cone Shells • Look very pretty • Several types are known to be very dangerous to humans

Lion Fish • Venomous fin spines that can produce painful puncture wounds

Stone Fish • Can inflict excruciating pain & possible death • Dwell on stony, muddy bottom areas • Visitors walking on the beaches (especially at low tide) should always wear covered shoes with a sturdy sole.

Sea Snakes • Approx 15 species can be found on the reef • Normally not aggressive • No reported deaths!! • ALL OF THEM PRODUCE LETHAL VENOM

Stingrays • Stingrays’ tail can inflict serious lacerations & deep wounds

Reef Fleet Terminal

Ocean Spirit Cruise Ocean Spirit

Ocean Spirit Cruise • Scuba Dive • Snorkel • Lunch Ocean Spirit