The entrance to this swim-through is decorated with a Strawberry Sponge (Mycale laxissima) as well as a variety of other sponges and soft corals.

An Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornus) bears some resemblance to the terrestrial daddy-long-legs spider. The Arrow Crab loves to perch on top of gorgonian fans.

Lying motionless in the sand waiting for its prey, a Spotted Scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) which is an ambush predator, blends into the bottom so well that it is almost invisible.

Social Feather Duster Worms (Bispira Brunnea) have delicate, feathered gill crowns and a parchment -like tube into which they will retreat when disturbed. These particular worms are flanked by yellow tube sponges.

A sculpture of Orange Icing Sponge (Mycale laevia), Gorgonian Fans, and a red Rope Sponge makes a study in color, shapes and textures.

A Banded Butterflyfish (Chaetodon striatus) hovers beneath a Bush Gorgonian (Plexaura homomalla).

The male Sailfin Blenny (Emblemaria pandionis) seldom ventures out of his hole in the rock and only displays his large distinctive "sail" fin to attract a mate or to ward off intruders.

A view of the underbelly of the Southern Sting Ray (Dasyatis americana) shows its underslung mouth, its gills, and its nostrils that aid in locating food.

With both of its eyes located on one side of its head, the well-camouflaged Peacock Flounder (Bothus lunatis) has the ability to swim on its side.

The Queen Conch (Strombus Gigas) has a shell covered with algae and eyes on long stalks that retract when danger threatens.

The male Yellow Head Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) inclubates the eggs of his young in his mouth until they hatch.

Yellow Tube Sponges (Aplysina fistularis) retain some of their bright coloration because of fluorescent pigments contained within their bodies.

A Coney (Epinephelus fulvus) has three distinct color phases, one of which is this Golden Phase seen here.

The Blue-Striped Grunt (Haemuylon sciurus) is named for its ability to make audible sounds (grunts) by grinding its pharyngeal teeth that are located in its throat.

The territorial Longspine Squirrelfish (Holocentrus rufus) has bright coloration, spiny fins, and oversized dark eyes that make night hunting possible.

A pair of large Strawberry Sponges (Mycale laxissima) decorates a wall on the reef as though they are entry sculptures for a large drawing room.

The gills of this Spotted Feather Duster (Banchioma nigromaculata) form a single radiating crown approximately 3" across that will quickly retreat into its tube when water pressure or movement disturbs it.

A Brittle Star (Ophiothrix swensonii) emerges at night to feed after hiding during the day. The Brittle Star is extremely sensitive to light.

A Caribbean Reef Octopus (Octopus briareus) has the ability to slink, saunter and swim around the reef. It is a solitary animal and emerges from its lair at night to hunt crustaceans as well as small fish and bivalves.

The French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) has a unique pattern and coloring on its flat, oval-shaped body. This species of angelfish is monogamous.

The French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) has a unique pattern and coloring on its flat, oval-shaped body. This species of angelfish is monogamous.

During the day, this Basket Star (Astrophytonmyuricatum) light gold in color, curls into a tight ball. But at night it spreads its basket-like arms to filter plankton from the water. It has chosen a purple fan for its host.

The Fairy Basslet (Gamma loreto) is among the most colorful of all reef fishes. Shy and wary, it is usually found near underhangs and ledges.

Sea Plumes (Pseudopterogorgia sp.) sway gracefully in the current.

A small Hermit Crab (Dardanus venosus) lives in the abandoned shell of a gastropod in order to proect its soft, vulnerable abdomen.

This Pink Vase Sponge (Dasychalina cyathina) hosts a small starfish.

Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus argus) are the largest of the Caribbean lobsters. They are nocturnal, and during the day they hide in holes, caves or under ledges with only their long antennae visible.

A strikingly colored and patterned Squirrelfish (Holocentrus adscensionis) likes to drift in inconspicuous, shaded areas like this thicket of Lavender Finger Sponges (Haliclona hogarthi).

Possessing a complex pattern of compatible colors etched on its body, the Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula) loves to feed on long-spined sea urchins, spines and all.

This large school of Silversides (Atherinidae) quickly parts when a predatory, red-eye Snapper (Lutjanidae) hunts them.

The Blue Tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) normally prefers to keep a distance form divers.

A Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) swims over the reef. The Hawksbill Turtle is an excellent swimmer and is well adapted for sudden bursts of speed when needed. The Hawksbill Turtle is an endangered animal.

Red Rope Sponges (Haliclona rubens) reach for the sun while sitting atop an Elephant Ear Sponge (Agelas cathrodes).

A pair of Black Jacks (Caranx lugubris) swims through open water. The Black Jack has a deeply forked tail and is one of the fastest swimming fishes in the sea. The Black Jack is a powerful predatory fish.

Caribbean Reef Sharks (Carcharhinus perezi) jostle each other during a shark-feeding dive. In a natural setting, there is little to fear from this shark, but caution must be exercised during a shark-feeding dive.

During a shark-feeding dive, a Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezi) comes in close for a portrait shot. Caribbean Reef Sharks swim with an air that exudes both power and strength.