By phylum

At Raja Ampat, corals and anemones build or occupy reef shelters. Their stinging cells help capture prey or provide defence.

In Raja Ampat reef shelters, shrimps and spiny lobsters show crustacean diversity. An external shell and jointed appendages characterise the group.

Raja Ampat molluscs include shelled animals and cephalopods such as cuttlefish. Camouflage and movement reveal very different lifestyles.

Benthic fish observed at Raja Ampat remain closely linked to the seabed. Sand, rocks and crevices provide surfaces, shelter and resources.

Raja Ampat demersal fish swim near the seabed and reef relief. Shelter and feeding areas help explain their presence.

Around Raja Ampat reefs, fish use the water column for movement and feeding. Their schools connect currents with reef resources.

Raja Ampat rays occupy different habitats. Some feed near the seabed, while mantas capture plankton in the water column.

The sea krait filmed at Raja Ampat explores reefs and also returns to land. Like other marine reptiles, it must breathe air at the surface.

Green and hawksbill turtles visit Raja Ampat reefs. They breathe at the surface and females reach beaches to lay eggs.

Raja Ampat sea squirts live attached, alone or in colonies. They filter water flowing between their siphons to extract small food particles.

Sea stars and feather stars illustrate the diversity of Raja Ampat echinoderms. Shape, movement and feeding differ between groups.

Sponges attached to Raja Ampat reefs circulate water through their bodies and retain small food resources. Their shapes are highly diverse.