Fish or Pets?

Before embarking on an official Reef Check, we decided to take the girls for a little underwater orientation at a spot teeming with a variety of pretty spectacular fish (although scarce with coral). Schools of brightly coloured creatures surrounded us, seemingly oblivious to our presence – or perhaps attracted to us? It seemed a bit odd – at times we could easily reach out and touch them. A large barracuda hovered nearby, always within sight and usually just a few meters away. Small reef sharks cruised below us, just keeping an eye on things. A large moray eel kept poking his head out a little further each time we swam by, as if he wanted to come along. Did these creatures have no fear, or were they merely curious? It wasn’t long before the locals started to appear, bringing out snorkelling groups from the nearby resort. These guys clearly had the routine down (as did the fish)… Tourists in the water, spear a fish, wave the blood around, toss out pieces of fresh flesh, feeding time at the zoo!!! Everyone seemed to get their fair share, with only a squabble or two between a shark and a barracuda. Kind of makes you wonder… were they fish or pets?