Falafel

Resting

Falafel is resting in a hard bottom habitat, observing all of the fish that come by! In this clip, we can see a hardhead catfish, spotted pinfish, and grey snapper.

Cardboard

Unfortunately, Falafel came across something we are increasingly seeing in our ecosystems: TRASH. We don’t know how long this cardboard has been there or how long it will continue to be there, but we do know that it could negatively impact marine wildlife.

Other Species Observed

Quick, hide! Falafel quickly dives down and takes cover in the seagrass and algae as a bull shark swims by. Bull sharks utilize the seagrass meadows in Crystal River as a nursery habitat, where they can feed, grow, and hide from larger predators. Sharks are a natural predator of sea turtles, so it’s no wonder Falafel hid!

Other Species Observed

Look very closely and you can see Falafel’s new friend; another sea turtle! This is an adult green sea turtle, who swam into Crystal River to forage. Green sea turtles are herbivorous, feeding on algae and seagrass and acting as the “lawnmowers” of the ocean.

Other Species Observed

While foraging and swimming through the seagrass, Falafel observed a longnose gar! Longnose gar is a ray-finned fish and its ancestors have been present in North America for an estimated 100 million years.

Other Species Observed

While swimming, Falafel crossed paths with a southern stingray! Southern stingrays are venomous and have a stinging barb at the base of their tail.

Other Species Observed

That long, funky fish is a remora! Remoras are commonly associated with other marine species, such as sharks, whales, and even sea turtles. They suction onto their host and form a mutualistic relationship, where the remora is provided food and protection, and the host animal is provided a “cleaning service," as the remove removes dead skin, bacteria, and parasites.