Tubbataha Reefs: 10 Fascinating Creatures to see while Scuba Diving

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected marine area located in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. This remote atoll is composed of 3 coral reefs, North, South and Jessie Beazley, and is separated by a deep channel. The reefs span a total area of 97,030 hectares and are home to a vast array of marine life, making it one of the most biodiverse places in the world.

The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 in recognition of its outstanding universal value. It is one of the few remaining intact coral reef systems in the world and is considered a model for reef conservation and management. Managed by the Tubbataha Management Office, they are responsible for ensuring that the reefs are protected and conserved. The office works with local communities and stakeholders, promoting sustainable tourism and providing alternative livelihood opportunities to fishermen in the area.

The park is accessible only by liveaboard dive boats, which depart from the nearby island of Palawan, the diving season runs from mid-March to mid-June, when the waters are calmest, and visibility is at its best. It is closed to visitors during the rest of the year to allow the reefs to recover from the impact of tourism.

The reefs are known for their crystal-clear waters, which provide excellent visibility for scuba divers. Divers can explore the reefs’ walls, drop-offs, and sandy bottoms, which are home to an incredible variety of marine life. It is the home to over 600 species of fish and 360 species of coral, including rare and endangered species.

As it is known for its diverse marine life, many scuba diving enthusiasts visit the reef to see its fascinating inhabitants. Here are ten of them:

1. Napoleon Wrasse

The Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) is one of the largest reef fish in the world, growing up to 2 meters in length and weighing up to 200 kilograms. It is easily recognizable by its striking appearance, with a thick, robust body with a large, hump-like head and thick lips. Its coloration varies depending on its age and sex.

In Tubbataha Reefs, the Napoleon wrasse can be found in shallow reef areas, where it feeds primarily on mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. It is a slow-moving fish that spends most of its time resting on the reef or swimming slowly through the water.

The Napoleon wrasse is an important part of the ecosystem in Tubbataha Reefs, as it helps to control the population of small invertebrates and maintain the balance of the reef ecosystem. Unfortunately, the wrasse is currently listed as an endangered species due to overfishing and habitat destruction but, the conservation efforts of the rangers in the area increased the survival of this magnificent species and somehow the Napoleon Wrasse of Tubbataha Reefs are not afraid of divers since they don’t see humans as threat.

2. Bumphead Parrotfish

The bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) is one of the largest species of parrotfish in the world, with adults growing up to 1.3 meters in length and weighing up to 75 kilograms and are easily recognized by their large, bulbous forehead or “bump,” which gives them their name. In Tubbataha Reefs, bumphead parrotfish are commonly found in shallow lagoons and reef flats, where they feed on hard coral using their powerful beak-like jaws. They play an important role in maintaining the health of the reef ecosystem, as they help to control algae growth and create spaces for new coral growth by breaking down old coral.

Bumphead parrotfish are also known for their unique reproductive behavior. During spawning season, which typically occurs in the months of April and May, large groups of males and females come together to release their gametes in a synchronized manner. This spawning event can be a spectacular sight to witness, as hundreds of fish swim together in a frenzy.

Unfortunately, bumphead parrotfish are currently listed as an endangered species, primarily due to overfishing and habitat loss. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the few remaining areas where these fish can be found in healthy populations. As such, conservation efforts are critical to protect and preserve this iconic species for future generations.

3. White-tip Reef Sharks and Grey Reef sharks

White tip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) are two common shark species of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the Philippines.

White tip reef sharks are typically smaller than grey reef sharks, growing up to 1.6 meters in length. They are named for the white tips on their dorsal and caudal fins. They are primarily nocturnal hunters and can often be found resting in caves or under ledges during the day. At night, they hunt for small fish, crustaceans, and other prey in the shallow waters around the reef.

Grey reef sharks, on the other hand, are larger and more aggressive than white tip reef sharks, growing up to 2.5 meters in length. They are named for their grey coloration and can be distinguished by the white band on the trailing edge of their dorsal fin. Grey reef sharks are active hunters, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, octopus, and squid. They are often found patrolling the reef edge and drop-offs, using their sharp senses to detect potential prey. And many juvenile grey reef sharks swim in numbers along the edge of the reef, sometimes the school of baby sharks can be in 50+.

Both white tip reef sharks and grey reef sharks are important predators in the Tubbataha Reefs ecosystem, helping to control the population of smaller fish and maintaining the balance of the reef ecosystem.

4. Eagle Ray

The eagle ray (Aetobatus narinari) are known for their distinctive flattened bodies and pointed snouts, giving them a unique appearance that sets them apart from other species of ray.

They have a wingspan that can reach up to 3 meters and are typically a dark blue or black color with white spots or stripes. They are fast and agile swimmers, often seen gracefully gliding through the water with their wing-like fins.

In Tubbataha Reefs, eagle rays can be found in the sandy bottoms of shallow and deep waters. They feed on a variety of prey including small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. They use their powerful jaws to crush the hard shells of their prey and are also known to feed on bottom-dwelling creatures such as worms and crabs.

^{Image by https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/species/whitespotted-eagle-ray}

5. Marble Ray

The marble ray (Taeniurops meyeni) is named for its distinctive pattern of brown and white marbled markings on its body, which help it to camouflage in the sandy and rocky bottoms where it lives.

Marble rays have a flattened body shape with a pointed snout, similar to other species of ray. They can grow up to 2 meters in length and are typically found in shallow waters near the reef. They are bottom-dwelling creatures and feed on a variety of prey including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

In Tubbataha Reefs, marble rays can often be seen lying motionless on the sandy bottom, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Sometimes they are found in pairs or trios in wall edge, around 20-35meters, gliding back and forth catching their food brought by the currents. Despite their camouflaged appearance, they are known to be aggressive when provoked or threatened, and their sharp tail spine can deliver a painful sting.

Marble rays are an important part of the ecosystem in Tubbataha Reefs, helping to control the population of smaller organisms and maintain the balance of the reef ecosystem just like the Eagle rays.

6. Manta Ray

The manta ray (Manta birostris) is a gentle giant that is one of the largest rays in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 7 meters.

Manta rays have a distinctive triangular body shape with a flat head and broad, wing-like fins. They are typically a dark black or grey color on top, with white markings on their undersides. They are filter feeders, feeding on plankton and small organisms that they scoop up as they swim through the water.

In Tubbataha Reefs, manta rays can often be seen gliding gracefully through the water, with their broad wings propelling them effortlessly through the currents. They are often found about 15-30m depth in the surrounding reefs, where plankton and other small organisms are more abundant.

The Manta rays are often targeted by fishermen for their meat, gill plates, and fins, and their populations are threatened by overfishing and habitat destruction however, the Tubbataha Reefs have become their refuge and it played an important role for their growth and reproduction as they feed and live peacefully in the area.

7. Nurse Sharks

The nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are known for their distinctive appearance, with a long, slender body and a broad, flat head.

They are typically light brown or grey colored with small, dark spots. They have a pair of barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) on their snout that they use to detect prey on the ocean floor. Nurse sharks are bottom-dwelling creatures and feed primarily on fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.

In Tubbataha Reefs, nurse sharks can often be found resting on the sandy bottom during the day, using their broad pectoral fins to prop themselves up. At night, they become more active, searching for prey along the reef. They are often seen during the first 2 months of Tubbataha diving season as they seem to like a colder water temperature.

Nurse sharks are not typically aggressive towards humans, and are generally considered to be docile and harmless. However, they do have powerful jaws and can deliver a painful bite if provoked or threatened. With Tubbataha Reefs protection the nurse sharks that live in the area are safe from the fishermen that target them for their meat, skin, and liver for oil.

8. Whale Shark

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) are the largest fish in the world, with some individuals growing up to 12 meters in length.

Whale sharks have a distinctive pattern of light spots and stripes on their dark brown or grey skin. They have a broad, flat head and a massive mouth that can be up to 1.5 meters wide. Despite their size, whale sharks are filter feeders and feed on tiny planktonic organisms, which they filter through their gills as they swim through the water that is why they are real gentle giants.

In Tubbataha Reefs, whale sharks can often be seen swimming gracefully through the water, their enormous bodies dwarfing everything around them. They are typically found in deeper waters around 20-30meters depth, if lucky, they will be gliding on the top reef at about 10meters depth facing the current. And occasionally, they can be spotted near the surface as they feed on plankton.

Whale sharks are an important part of the ecosystem in Tubbataha Reefs, as they help to control the population of small organisms and maintain the balance of the reef ecosystem. However, they are threatened by overfishing and habitat destruction, as well as collisions with boats and entanglement in fishing nets. Education about these sharks to the local fishermen is a must to help ensure that these sharks are protected and provided with help when such events arise.

9. Hammerhead Sharks

Hammerhead sharks (Sphyrnidae) are named for their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, which are flattened and extended into wide, lateral extensions called cephalofoils.

There are several species of hammerhead sharks that can be found in Tubbataha Reefs, including the scalloped hammerhead and the smooth hammerhead. They are typically a grey or brown color, with a lighter underbelly.

Hammerhead sharks are known for their excellent vision and highly maneuverable bodies, which make them efficient hunters. They feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and crustaceans. In Tubbataha Reefs, hammerhead sharks can often be seen swimming in schools, or aggregations, in the deeper waters surrounding the reef.

They are an important part of the ecosystem in Tubbataha Reefs, helping to control the population of smaller organisms and maintain the balance of the reef. Sustainable fishing can help the survival of these apex predators that is why the TMO are doing there best to insure local education among the fishermen near the park so they can help to protect and conserve the home of these magnificent creatures.

Hammerhead sharks in Delsan Wreck dive site

10. Tiger Shark

Image from https://sharks.panda.org/stories-from-the-field/the-recovery-is-on-at-tubbataha

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) are a species of large predatory shark and are named for their distinctive striped pattern, which resembles that of a tiger.

These sharks are known for their large size, with some individuals growing up to 5 meters in length. They have a wide-ranging diet that includes fish, turtles, seabirds, and even marine mammals. They are opportunistic hunters and will eat almost anything they come across, earning them the nickname “garbage can of the sea.”

In Tubbataha Reefs, tiger sharks are typically found in deeper waters, but can also be spotted patrolling the shallow reefs. They are important apex predators in the ecosystem, helping to regulate the populations of smaller organisms and maintain the balance of the reef ecosystem.

However, tiger sharks are threatened because of the demand for their fins and other body parts. Conservation efforts, such as the protection of marine parks and the implementation of sustainable fishing practices, are critical to ensure the survival of tiger sharks in Tubbataha Reefs.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a paradise for divers, offering a unique opportunity to witness some of the most fascinating creatures that inhabit our oceans. From the graceful manta rays to the imposing whale sharks, from the elegant eagle rays to the powerful hammerhead and tiger sharks, Tubbataha Reefs is home to an incredible diversity of marine life.

Other notable creatures that can be spotted in Tubbataha Reefs include the colorful bumphead parrotfish, the majestic Napoleon wrasse, the formidable giant trevally, the elusive white tip and grey reef sharks, and the serene marble ray.

Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, exploring the waters of Tubbataha Reefs is an experience you will never forget. But with this privilege comes responsibility – to protect and preserve these beautiful creatures and their habitats for future generations.

By supporting conservation efforts and practicing responsible diving and fishing practices, we can help ensure the survival of these incredible creatures and the fragile ecosystems they depend on.

So join us and dive with Infiniti Liveaboard as we bring you to Tubbataha Reefs and show you all its marvels and wonders. And together let’s do our part to protect them for years to come.

Infiniti Diving