No single species prevails as is the case elsewhere. Perhaps the sole exception is the sardine which we do not have in any appreciable quantities in Cyprus. Though the Mediterranean's original fauna comes from the Atlantic Ocean its relative isolation has resulted in the evolution, over the past 5 million or so years, of several endemic species, such as the Mediterranean Monk Seal and several species of fish and other organisms. It has also led to the evolution of independent genetically isolated populations of other species, such as those of the Green and Loggerhead Turtles which entered the Mediterranean in much more recent times. To the underwater visitor to the Cyprus seas, the bottom fauna in shallow waters is at first somewhat disappointing.
Many animals are there, however, disguised or hidden from sight.
Many bury themselves in the sand, like several species of sand-urchin and star fish, the Sauries, the Weaver fish, several skates and rays and the occasional spectacular Flying Gurnard. In shallow rocky areas sea urchins predominate, grazing on algae on the rock surface. A bit deeper, below 10 or so metres, the Posidonia oceanica meadows begin, providing a very characteristic Mediterranean seascape. Posidonia is in fact not seaweed but a flowering plant that has adapted very successfully to life in the sea. In these meadows, which can be very extensive, fish life is rich and varied, with small wrasses, breams, sea perches, groupers and the odd Bullnose Ray.