KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

3.8.6 Fish
Nearly 1300 species of reef fish are found in Palau. Large schools of reef fish aggregate
on the reefs for protection, feeding, and breeding. Schooling protects fish from larger
predatory species as it is difficult to target one fish when there are many. Reef fish feed
in schools at specific areas rich in benthic, pelagic, and planktonic food, such as
dropoffs, channels, seagrass beds, and even corals serve as food for some fish like
parrotfish and butterfly fish. Reef fish are herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores with
specific food requirements in specific habitats. Reef fish aggregate at certain times and
locations to breed. This could be due to the physical characteristics of an area such as
the presence of offshore currents that enable fertilized eggs to disperse away from areas
with many predators. It is very important not to harass or feed fish that are in schools as
it disrupts their natural life cycles of feeding and breeding and threatens their very
survival. Fed fish are easy targets because they become conditioned to being fed and
do not seek shelter when approached by fishermen.
3.8.7 Turtles
Two species of turtles are commonly encountered in Palau and use the beaches here for
nesting, the Green turtle and the Hawksbill turtle. However, Olive Ridleys, Leatherbacks
and Loggerhead turtles occasionally pass through Palau’s waters.
Green turtle
The green turtle is the most commonly encountered species. Adults have a smooth,
high-domed carapace (shell) that is green in color with brown, reddish-brown or black
highlights and a white underside. Green turtles feed mainly upon seagrasses and algae
and can grow as large as 47 inches long and weigh 400 pounds. They can live to be as
old as humans but have to wait 20-35 years to lay their first eggs. Nesting occurs in low
numbers throughout Palau but more nests are mainly in the South West Islands with
some nesting in Kayangel and other areas of Palau.
Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill turtle nest mainly within the Rock Islands. They grow to about 37 inches
and weigh 145 pounds, surviving on a diet of mainly upon sponges as well as jellyfish,
shrimp, etc. The Hawksbill is valued for its thick shell, used in Palau for toluk, women’s
money and for jewelry, such as earrings and necklaces.
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