When most people think of Florida, marine life may not be the first thing that comes to mind. For quite some time, the Sunshine State has been recognized as an ideal getaway location, with its beautiful white sandy beaches, luxurious resorts, and exhilarating nightlife. Every year, millions of tourists make their way here to escape the cold and harsh weather conditions and soak up the sun. Along with these vacationers, Florida is also the perfect destination for avid divers and marine life enthusiasts alike, due to its incredibly diverse underwater ecosystems, teeming with colourful and unique aquatic flora and fauna. Here are a few of the spectacular animals that call Florida’s warm ocean waters home!
Manatee
In the days of Columbus and the first European explorers to reach North America, tales of mermaids in the turquoise waters of the Carribean Sea were not uncommon. Today we can safely assume that these large gentle aquatic mammals described by explorers were none other than manatees, or sea cows. These kelpgrazing giants have long been shrouded in lore by locals who have been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them while out on the waters.
The manatee is a protected animal in the state of Florida, facing many threats attributed to humans. Collision with water craft is one of the main causes of manatee deaths, along with habitat loss . A gentle giant, the manatee spends most of its time grazing and traveling, typically moving at speeds of only five miles per hour. They are mostly spotted during the winter months.
Barracuda
Among the fearsome predators that call Florida’s coastal waters home, the barracuda is illusive, fast, and a ruthless killer. There are many subspecies of barracudas recognized throughout the world. In Florida, the largest species of barracuda, the Great Barracuda, can exceed lengths of over nine feet and weigh a whopping one hundred pounds.
The barracuda targets an array of marine wildlife as a food source, including large mammals, like dolphins. While barracuda attacks are rare, these fearsome predators will target humans they mistake as prey and are attracted to shiny objects. While a barracuda attack is unlikely life threatening, their rows of razor sharp teeth can cause serious lacerations to human flesh and bites likely require medical attention immediately. The barracuda is also a popular target among sports fishermen. Other fisherman have occasionally, unexpectedly pulled in barracudas from the inter-coastal waters in south Florida.
Lion-fish
Also known as the zebrafish due to its striped black and white appearance, the lion-fish has made a name for itself as a destructive, dangerous, and invasive animal. Despite its small stature and non-menacing appearance, the lion-fish has become a worrying presence in many of the world’s oceans, including the Atlantic. These fish are apex predators that will eat just about anything that can fit in their mouths. Between 2004 and 2008, the lion-fish population was estimated to have grown by 700% in the Atlantic Ocean.
On top of being an apex predator and reproducing at an alarming rate, the lion-fish is also venomous, armed with incredibly potent barbs that pose a threat to divers and fishermen. While this venom is not considered lethal to a healthy adult, more vulnerable demographics are at risk of succumbing to it. Today, conservationists and marine biologists are doing their part to slow the lion-fish invasion, often killing or removing any lion-fish they encounter.
American Crocodile
The illusive cousin of the American alligator, the American crocodile has faced many conservation threats over the last few decades, including habitat destruction and interactions with invasive species. Unlike its freshwater dwelling cousin, the American crocodile prefers waters with higher salinity levels, including mangrove swamps and lagoons. It has special glands that allow it to thrive in saltwater.
Though easily mistaken for an American alligator, this animal is distinguishable by its narrower snout and lighter coloration. While the American alligator is abundant throughout the state of Florida, the American crocodile has a ‘vulnerable’ status, as listed by the IUCN. This is due mainly to habitat destruction. On top of this, invasive reptiles such as the Tegu, frequently target crocodile eggs as a sufficient food source. This has also played a role in this animal’s diminished population.
Sailfish
This large fish has earned the title of being the State Fish of Florida and is also the fastest form of marine life, traveling at times in bursts of up to eighty miles per hour. It gets its name due to the large sail-like fin running down its back, which retracts while the fish is swimming. Another distinguishable feature is its long spear-like nose, similar to its marlin and swordfish cousins.
The sailfish can grow to lengths of up to ten feet and weigh in at an astounding two hundred pounds. Their hunting strategy is unique - and also brutal - with the fish cornering their prey with their bills and repeatedly slashing or ‘tapping’ prey until they are heavily wounded and incapacitated. It is also reported that these fish can actually change their color in the blink of an eye, as a tactic to disorient their prey. The sailfish is also a popular target for sports fishermen, since it is such a large and desirable catch.
While there are many spots around the globe where avid divers can view colorful marine life, there are few places as biodiverse, as captivating, or as magical as the coastal waters of Florida. Once you’ve had an in depth look at the vibrant coral reefs and the wondrous fish and marine animals that inhabit them, you’ll be sure to leave with a new found appreciation and love for this place.
