Underwater fauna
The extreme underwater diversity of the Maldives gives the impression of diving in a giant aquarium. More than 240 varieties of corals, more than 1,000 species of fish and 5 types of turtles have been recorded. The hard corals of the surface are suffering the full force of the El Niño phenomenon and are bleaching and dying in full view. The soft corals and those of the great depths resist better and display their multiple colors. During a dive, you will certainly observe beautiful tables of acropora, stag horn coral or brain coral. Numerous varieties of gorgonians, alcyonians and sponges line the reefs. The impressive diversity of fishes allows everyone to find his account there. Colorful parrotfish, clownfish, napoleon fish, triggerfish, platax and angelfish are found in the shallow waters. The lagoons are full of harmless black and white tip reef sharks. Swimming along the drop offs or in the open sea, it is possible to come across large schools of tuna, barracuda, snapper, toadfish or leaffish. No less than 26 different species of sharks can be seen in Maldivian waters. In addition to reef sharks, thresher sharks, guitar sharks, tiger sharks, leopard sharks and hammerhead sharks are regularly seen. Some particular sites are known for the presence of the whale shark, the largest fish in the world. There are three varieties of rays, all protected, which can be seen in the lagoons, even while snorkeling. Stingrays and eagle rays are very common. The majestic manta ray attracts many divers, as it is easy to observe, depending on the season and location. The NGO Manta Trust has counted as many as 5,000 manta rays in the Maldives. The chances of seeing them are therefore high! Turtles are also very regular visitors to communal dives. Five of the seven species of sea turtles recorded in the world have already been seen in Maldivian waters. Green turtle and hawksbill turtle are the most common. The larger and more shy leatherback turtle can also be seen.
Surface flora and fauna
The surface biodiversity is much less impressive than the underwater one. The flora, which is not very diversified, has for the most part been acclimatized by man. This is the case with frangipani, hibiscus, bougainvillea, banana trees, bamboo and eucalyptus. Coconut palms, breadfruit trees or banyan fig trees are among the "natural" species. It is likely that the coconut trees arrived by sea in the form of a beached coconut, which germinated. These trees are home to fruit bats and flying foxes, geckos, sea swallows, grey herons, frigate birds and Maldives hornbills. Note the unique presence of a crab plumeria on the island of Rihiveli which would have arrived with the 2004 tsunami.
