Coral reefs are the “rainforests” of the sea. They support a tremendous diversity of species, including top predators like sharks, rays, eels, and sea turtles. Predators play an important role in reef communities by controlling the population and behavior of prey animals (especially herbivores) living farther down on the food chain.

What They Eat

Predators at the top of the reef food chain feed on other animals living in the reef community—often for short periods at night. Many stalk, ambush, or use speed to pursue their prey—and have sharp pointed or blade-like teeth, adapted for seizing and holding prey and for piercing and tearing flesh.

Where They Live

Coral reefs grow in shallow, warm water, usually near land. Small predators inhabit holes and crevices in the reef’s structure. Larger predators live in the open ocean, on the ocean’s floor, or near shore, and only patrol the reef to feed. In the Atlantic Ocean, coral reefs can be found off the coast of Florida to the Caribbean, and down to Brazil.

What They Do

The coral reef is an intricately balanced system where all plants and animals fill a special niche and serve a specific function. Top predators keep reef communities healthy by preventing population explosions of species farther down the food chain. Many also act as scavengers and eat weak organisms.

How They’re Doing

Reefs and their complex communities are under threat due to a variety of natural and human disturbances including coastal development, destructive fishing practices, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. All seven species of sea turtles are currently endangered, as are dozens of species of sharks and other large predatory fishes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also lists two species of corals, Elkhorn and Staghorn, as endangered.

coralReef_webRangeMaps

Where in the World

Central America & Caribbean
North America
South America

Habitat

Ocean

Conservation Status

Sandtiger Shark
conservationStatus_VU

Tarpon
conservationStatus_VU

Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle
conservationStatus_CR

Atlantic Goliath Grouper
conservationStatus_CR

Green Sea Turtle
conservationStatus_EN

Taxonomic Category

Amphibian/Reptile Fish/Shark

Where at the Zoo

Discovery Bay