Animals of the Great Barrier Reef

This infographic snapshot shows some of the diverse animals that call the Great Barrier Reef home.

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Still curious? Read more: Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than just corals.

  • Marine spiders: more than 5 species
  • Marine turtles: 6 of the world's 7 species
  • Sea snakes: 14 species
  • Marine insects: more than 20 species
  • Marine mammals: 30 species
  • Sea anenomes: around 40 species
  • Jellyfish: more than 100 species
  • Rays and sharks: 133 species
  • Soft coral: around 150 species
  • Hard coral: more than 150 species
  • Birds: 215 species
  • Worms: 500 species
  • Echinoderms (e.g. starfish, sea urchins): 630 species
  • Sea squirts: around 720 species
  • Crustaceans: around 1300 species
  • Fish: around 1625 species
  • Sponges: around 2000 species
  • Molluscs (e.g. clams, oysters, snails): more than 3000 species

Still curious? Find out more at nova.org.au/great-barrier-reef
Download this infographic at nova.org.au/gbr-animals
Data adapted from: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Brodie and Waterhouse (2012) Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 104–105:1–22.