Encounter and revel with the famous biodiversity of Cozumel
26 February, 2021
If you visit the Mexican Caribbean you must experience and marvel at the incredible array of biodiversity of Cozumel. In this article, we will talk about what kind of fauna you may find if you are going to come to the island.
The biodiversity of Cozumel
The island is home to about 1,192 marine species, including some endemic ones. The area is also rich in reptile and amphibian life, as well as some mammals and birds. Sadly, many of them are highly endangered. Luckily, there are programs to repopulate and take care of some of the species on the island, like the one we carry on Stingray beach!
We would still like for you to meet some of the wonderful and friendly creatures you may just come face to face the next time you visit the island!
Meet some species to marvel in Cozumel!
The Cozumel Raccoon
This relative of the common raccoon can be distinguished because they’re noticeably smaller than their cousins. Their snouts are more rounded and their tails are a pretty golden yellow color. The Cozumel raccoon is sadly a Critically Endangered species.
The Cozumel Thrasher
This bird belongs to the mockingbird family and it’s believed to be the most critically endangered bird species in Mexico. It’s a very shy bird, similar in appearance to the long-billed thrasher, but smaller and darker in color.
Splendid Toadfish
Besides having a cool name, the toadfish is the only endemic fish of Cozumel, and it is commonly found under coral outcroppings. Unlike other members of the toadfish family, this one is distinctive for its vibrant colors, including their yellow and patterned fins.
Some other biodiversity you can see while scuba diving
Corals
Coral is just about the only living thing that is Animal, Mineral, and Vegetable. There’s a great diversity of coral in Cozumel’s reefs and they come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. So, wherever you choose as your scuba diving or snorkeling spot, you’re more than likely to see some beautiful corals.
Catshark
Don’t let the word “shark” frighten you! Catsharks are very friendly and are not a danger to humans. They mainly live in shallow waters, (about 3 m). There are plenty of species of catshark, some bigger than others. Although they’re not superabundant, you may just be lucky enough to see one in the open.
Turtles
Turtles are some of the most popular sea creatures that everyone hopes to get to see face to face. Especially since so many of them are on the Endangered Species List. But, if you are lucky, you may come across a Leatherback sea turtle or an Olive Ridley sea turtle.
Sea horses
Sea horses are some of the most adorable creatures you can find in your snorkeling adventures. They are small, cute, and not afraid of commitment to a life-long partner.
They’re not easy to spot due to their small size and numbers, but if you do see a couple swim by, it’s a memory that will last a lifetime!
Stingrays
These creatures may have a bad reputation that makes people afraid of them, but when you meet them in a safe environment, stingrays are small friendly creatures that are soft to the touch, and, at Stingray Beach, they swim around your legs like kittens, because they have learned that humans bring food!
You can swim with stingrays in a safe and animal-friendly experience in Cozumel!
Additional animals you will encounter in Cozumel’s Reef:
- Bull Sharks
- Sailfish
- Lobsters
- Crabs
- Moray eels
- Nurse sharks
Now you know a little more about the diversity of Cozumel and they’re more than ready to welcome you on your next visit!
Related
5 activities for you and your family in the Mexican Caribbean
26 February, 2021
Mexico is internationally known as a country full of wonders, beautiful sights, tasty food, and one-of-a-kind experiences. It is safe to say that one
A Close Encounter with stingrays! Any Questions?
26 February, 2021
Many marine animals can seem scary and such is certainly the case with an encounter with stingrays. But in reality, Rays are just small, mainly bottom
Cozumel: The Mexican Caribbean’s Best Destination!
26 February, 2021
When people talk about vacationing in the Mexican part of the Caribbean, you immediately think of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or even sometimes Isla Mu
If you visit the Mexican Caribbean you must experience and marvel at the incredible array of biodiversity of Cozumel. In this article, we will talk about what kind of fauna you may find if you are going to come to the island.
The biodiversity of Cozumel
The island is home to about 1,192 marine species, including some endemic ones. The area is also rich in reptile and amphibian life, as well as some mammals and birds. Sadly, many of them are highly endangered. Luckily, there are programs to repopulate and take care of some of the species on the island, like the one we carry on Stingray beach!
We would still like for you to meet some of the wonderful and friendly creatures you may just come face to face the next time you visit the island!
Meet some species to marvel in Cozumel!
The Cozumel Raccoon
This relative of the common raccoon can be distinguished because they’re noticeably smaller than their cousins. Their snouts are more rounded and their tails are a pretty golden yellow color. The Cozumel raccoon is sadly a Critically Endangered species.
The Cozumel Thrasher
This bird belongs to the mockingbird family and it’s believed to be the most critically endangered bird species in Mexico. It’s a very shy bird, similar in appearance to the long-billed thrasher, but smaller and darker in color.
Splendid Toadfish
Besides having a cool name, the toadfish is the only endemic fish of Cozumel, and it is commonly found under coral outcroppings. Unlike other members of the toadfish family, this one is distinctive for its vibrant colors, including their yellow and patterned fins.
Some other biodiversity you can see while scuba diving
Corals
Coral is just about the only living thing that is Animal, Mineral, and Vegetable. There’s a great diversity of coral in Cozumel’s reefs and they come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. So, wherever you choose as your scuba diving or snorkeling spot, you’re more than likely to see some beautiful corals.
Catshark
Don’t let the word “shark” frighten you! Catsharks are very friendly and are not a danger to humans. They mainly live in shallow waters, (about 3 m). There are plenty of species of catshark, some bigger than others. Although they’re not superabundant, you may just be lucky enough to see one in the open.
Turtles
Turtles are some of the most popular sea creatures that everyone hopes to get to see face to face. Especially since so many of them are on the Endangered Species List. But, if you are lucky, you may come across a Leatherback sea turtle or an Olive Ridley sea turtle.
Sea horses
Sea horses are some of the most adorable creatures you can find in your snorkeling adventures. They are small, cute, and not afraid of commitment to a life-long partner.
They’re not easy to spot due to their small size and numbers, but if you do see a couple swim by, it’s a memory that will last a lifetime!
Stingrays
These creatures may have a bad reputation that makes people afraid of them, but when you meet them in a safe environment, stingrays are small friendly creatures that are soft to the touch, and, at Stingray Beach, they swim around your legs like kittens, because they have learned that humans bring food!
You can swim with stingrays in a safe and animal-friendly experience in Cozumel!
Additional animals you will encounter in Cozumel’s Reef:
- Bull Sharks
- Sailfish
- Lobsters
- Crabs
- Moray eels
- Nurse sharks
Now you know a little more about the diversity of Cozumel and they’re more than ready to welcome you on your next visit!
1 comment for “Encounter and revel with the famous biodiversity of Cozumel”
Comments are closed.