Grooved Brain Coral are some of the most important reef-building corals found around St. Croix and throughout the Caribbean. Brain corals are named for the maze-like ridges covering their surface, which resemble the folds of a brain. These patterns are created by thousands of tiny coral polyps connected together as Read more
Southern Stingray are masters of camouflage that spend much of their time partially buried beneath Caribbean sand flats and seagrass beds. Their flattened bodies act almost like underwater wings, allowing them to glide silently across the seafloor while searching for prey hidden beneath the sand. Using specialized electroreceptors around their Read more
Blue Tang are one of the most recognizable reef fish in the Caribbean and are commonly found around coral reefs in St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are named for their bright blue coloration and the sharp scalpel-like spine located near the base of their tail, which is Read more
The Queen Conch (pictured above) plays an important cultural and historical role in St. Croix and throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has long been an important food source and symbol of Caribbean fishing traditions, community identity, and local cuisine. Conch dishes such as conch fritters, conch chowder, and fresh Read more
Spotted Eagle Ray are large cartilaginous fish known for their broad triangular pectoral fins, long whip-like tails, and distinctive white spots covering their dark bodies. They are named “eagle rays” because their wing-shaped fins and smooth gliding movements through the water resemble an eagle flying through the air. Unlike stingrays Read more
Green Sea Turtle are one of the most commonly seen sea turtle species around St. Croix and throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are named for the green-colored fat beneath their shell rather than the color of their outer body. Unlike many other sea turtles, adult green sea turtles are Read more
Cushion Sea Star is one of the most recognizable and popular sea star species in the Caribbean, including around St. Croix and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This large sea star is known for its thick inflated body, rough textured surface, and bright orange, red, yellow, or brown coloration. It is Read more