Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Leapin' Lizards!
Geckos
are harmless, soft-skinned, insect-eat-
ing lizards that come equipped with suction pads
on their feet, enabling them to climb walls and
windows to reach tasty insects such as mosqui-
toes and cockroaches. You'll see them on win-
dows outside a lighted room at night or hear their
cheerful chirp.
SEA LIFE
Approximately 680 species of fish are known to inhabit the waters around the Hawaiian Is-
lands. Of those, approximately 450 species stay close to the reef and inshore areas.
CORAL
The reefs surrounding Hawaii are made up of various coral and algae. The living coral
grows through sunlight that feeds a specialized algae, which, in turn, allows the develop-
ment of the coral's calcareous skeleton. The reef, which takes thousands of years to devel-
op, attracts and supports fish and crustaceans, which use it for food and habitat. Mother
Nature can batter the reef with a strong storm, but humans have proven far more destruct-
ive.
The corals most frequently seen in Hawaii are hard, rocklike formations named for their
familiar shapes: antler, cauliflower, finger, plate, and razor coral. Some coral appears soft,
such as tube coral; it can be found in the ceilings of caves. Black coral, which resembles
winter-bare trees or shrubs, is found at depths of more than 100 feet.
