Marine Critters

By Annie Glasspool

Bermuda's waters are amongst the safest in the world. That's not to say, though, that waters here aren't teeming with marine life.

Bermuda boasts the world's most northerly coral reef system and the shallow waters around the island are host to thousands of spectacular marine creatures. Bermuda's waters are so clear that you can see many of these creatures without even getting wet. But if you want a real adventure, grab a mask and snorkel and prepare to be enchanted by a display of brilliantly coloured critters of all shapes and sizes.

Remember that you are a visitor in their world, so be respectful. Take photos, but don't be tempted to touch or disturb anything you see. Not all animals move; some are stationary and often resemble plants or even rocks. Just by touching them — however gently — you can cause irreparable harm to such animals, and sometimes they are tempted to strike back.

Your chances of encountering dangerous critters in Bermuda's waters are slim to none, but here are just a few that you may come across.

Jellyfish
Jellyfish come in all shapes and sizes. They tend to float and are transparent, making it hard for us to see them. If, by accident you brush up against one, it may discharge stinging cells as a defence mechanism. In Bermuda, the sting of the most common jellyfish, the Moon Jelly, causes only mild irritation. The most harmful jellyfish is the Portuguese Man o' War. These creatures drift onto Bermuda beaches only occasionally.

Larval Sea Anemones
Swimmers sometimes notice a tingling sensation under the bathing suit or around the neck and cuffs of a wetsuit. A red rash later appears that can cause itching. This is known as Sea Bathers' Eruption and is caused by larval sea anemones, including the brown thimble jellyfish. Sometimes these creatures are misnamed "sea lice." Only very occasionally are there reports of the problem in Bermuda.

Venomous Fish
Again, Bermuda doesn't have too many of these. Rarely, swimmers may encounter the Scorpionfish, which lies camouflaged and motionless on the rocky sea bottom, but this is not something you should lie awake thinking about.

Corals and Sponges
Some animals such as corals and sponges can cause abrasions and irritations if you rub up against them. The best way to prevent the problem? Don't walk on the reefs or touch anything!

Sharks
There are very few sharks in Bermuda's waters, so they are not something you are ever likely to encounter here. In other words, it is safe to go back in the water — as long as that water is off the coast of Bermuda!

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