Penrhyn year 2017 WWF Fauna – Marine life MNH stamps

Penrhyn year 2017 WWF Fauna – Marine life MNH**stamps

Penrhyn is the largest atoll in the Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific Ocean. As with many Pacific islands, its marine ecosystem is rich and diverse.

Coral reefs are the foundation of the marine ecosystem around Penrhyn Atoll. These diverse underwater ecosystems support a wide variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and other organisms. Common coral species found in the area include staghorn coral, brain coral, and plate coral.

The waters around Penrhyn Atoll are home to a diverse array of fish species, including reef fish, pelagic species, and migratory species. Common reef fish include butterflyfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, and wrasses. Pelagic species such as tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi can also be found in the deeper waters surrounding the atoll.

Various invertebrates inhabit the reefs and seabed around Penrhyn Atoll, including crustaceans, mollusks, and echinoderms. These organisms play important roles in the marine ecosystem as scavengers, filter feeders, and prey for larger predators.

While less common than other marine life, marine mammals such as dolphins and whales can occasionally be spotted in the waters around Penrhyn Atoll. Spinner dolphins are known to frequent the area, and humpback whales migrate through the region during their annual breeding season.

Several species of sea turtles can be found in the waters around Penrhyn Atoll, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and loggerhead turtles. These endangered animals use the atoll’s beaches as nesting sites, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.

Various species of sharks and rays inhabit the waters around Penrhyn Atoll, including reef sharks, blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, and eagle rays. These predators play important roles in maintaining the health and balance of the marine ecosystem.