The various types of seaweed, coral and sponges provide feeding grounds for starfish, mollusks, and small fish. Larger fish in the Great Barrier Reef Australia, as well as 23 different species of marine mammals consider these small fish an excellent meal. Major predators like the whitetip or tiger shark then prey upon these larger mammals, with the byproducts serving to nourish coral and sponges, bringing the Great Barrier Reef food chain full circle. There are also animals that feed off of coral. The most important predators of corals is the Pacific Ocean’s Crown of Thorns Sea Star. It is estimated that a single Crown of Thorns Sea Star can eat from 2 to 6 square meters (6 to 20 square feet) of corals per year. Many fish species such as parrotfish, butterfly fish and tangs also include corals as part of their diet. How can you relate the food chain of the great barrier reef to the food chain that we are in. How can we be somewhat related to sharks in our food chain?
BNSullivan.jpg)