The reef is also represented by invertebrates such as sponges, starfish, urchins, worms, crabs, lobsters and anemones. Reefs have been compared to underwater cities. Wispy cleaner shrimps dance about to attract their more-than willing finned hosts. Moray eels, spiny lobsters, deflated porcupinefish, and crimson squirrelfish spend their days holed up in reef crevices. At night, the city is transformed into an eerie nether world where octopuses slither about and parrotfish seek protection resting in their veil-like mucus cocoons.
Coral polyps emerge from stony skeletal homes, stretching their tentacles out to feast on plankton.
Throughout both day and night, lacy-looking sea fans, sea whips, sea plumes, and other soft corals undulate in the current. At night, coral animals such as star coral, brain coral, pillar coral, and others extend their tentacles to feed and may be seen by observers. Take the 15 mile tour by taxi or car rental over the Centerline Road and back via the North Shore Road reveals spectacular scenery. Underwater Tour at Trunk Bay. There's a self guided trail underwater with etched glass plates ten feet under.