While the Maldives offers plenty of wonders to enjoy on its islands, don’t forget that below the waters that surround it lies a magical world thriving with marine life. Here’s more on what you should know about this breathtaking underwater kingdom!
Fish Species
This Indian Ocean nation has a rich marine biodiversity with over 2,000 fish species found in the Maldives. Water activities like snorkelling and diving thus provide the perfect way to encounter this diverse array of fish; this includes vibrant parrotfish, regal angelfish, peculiar longnose hawkfish, elusive clownfish and colourful butterflyfish to name just a few. Also, keep an eye out for the yellowfin tuna, the country’s national animal. Suffice it to say, you will feel like you are in a living aquarium!
Dolphins and Turtles
Amidst the ocean ecosystem, you will also find dolphins which can be seen on special excursions from resorts like SAii Lagoon Maldives. The most frequently spotted species is the spinner dolphin, though you will also find striped, rough-toothed, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins too. Additionally, the archipelago is a crucial nesting ground for sea turtles and five species can be found here. Endangered green and hawksbill turtles are commonly sighted, while the other three species are leatherback, loggerhead, and olive ridley turtles.
Sharks and Rays
Sharks have gotten a bad rap due to movies that portray them as merciless predators but that is not the case and, in the Maldives, you can swim beside them without fear! There are 14 shark species here including white-tip and black-tip reef sharks, nurse sharks and whale sharks. In addition to this, you will also find a variety of rays in the ocean; these include eagle, fantail, and whip rays as well as huge manta rays that can be seen gliding in the water as well as feeding on plankton.
Diverse Coral
The coral reefs in Maldives should not be forgotten either and they are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also vitally important to the planet. These underwater gardens provide a habitat for countless species, protect coastlines from erosion, and play a pivotal role in carbon cycling. Those on underwater adventures will be mesmerised by the variety of coral to be seen such as brain, staghorn, star and carnation coral as well as sea fans that add vibrant colour to the ethereal world beneath the waves.
