Reef

Bonaire has a narrow fringing reef, starting practically at the shoreline, that extends to a maximum of 984 feet (300m) offshore. The whole area is protected as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Generally, the reefs in Bonaire along the leeward side follow a zonal pattern (exceptions exist).  The shallows from shore to drop-off contain Elkhorn, Staghorn, Boulder Star and dominant stony coral as well as a variety of gorgonia.

From the drop-off, the dominant coral species is usually Boulder Star coral, locally also Lettuce coral.  At greater depths, the dominant species are the plate-forming corals like Great Star and Blushing Star coral.

About 55 other species of coral, varying by habitat, can be found in Bonaire.  Various densities of Gorgonians, black corals and sponges appear and differ between areas. Bonaire Marine Park offers more in-depth discussion.

Fish