Jhâjhârbâ'ânPatch reefs at low tide in French Bay (San Salvador Island, Bahamas) (15463817653).jpg
Patch reefs exposed at low tide in Bahamas.
The highest macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity in the waters surrounding San Salvador Island occurs in reefs. Reefs are readily identified as dark patches in otherwise clear, turquoise- to greenish-colored waters. The principal, primary reef builders are scleractinian corals and crustose calcareous algae.
During low tides, reef tops are often subaerially exposed. In the above photo, the tops of Diploria brain corals, Millepora fire corals, and various soft octocorals are visible.
Locality: patch reefs in western French Bay, near-southwestern corner of San Salvador Island, eastern Bahamas