Mike in the Wild

I remember the first time I snorkeled almost 30 years ago at Trunk Bay on the Island of Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Of all the beautiful and colorful fish living on the coral reefs, no species impressed me more than the parrotfish.  Its pastel shades of pinks, blues and greens seemed more fitting in an Easter basket than in an underwater habitat. While researching the identity of the several parrotfish I've since photographed on snorkeling trips in the Caribbean, in the Sea of Cortez and off Maui, I've discovered some fascinating facts about this group of fish that comprises almost a hundred unique species.   Most interestingly is they're not named after the parrot because of the vibrant colors they share with those tropical birds.  Rather it's because of their beak-like set of teeth.  The parrotfish's many teeth are tightly packed giving the appearance of a single, solid bill and allowing them to scrape algae from coral and rocks for...

Saint Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands was hit hard by hurricane Irma in late 2017.  Much of the island is still without power, and blue tarps still act as roofs on many homes.  But the island is nevertheless open for business, with main roads, shops and beaches welcoming shiploads of tourists for visits. Coki Bay's beach on the northeast side of the island is a good example of the island's fast recovery, where the beach side concessions are serving drinks and renting chairs to anyone that wants to enjoy the sand and surf.  And the dive shops are renting snorkeling masks and fins so visitors can witness the beauty and resilience of the nearby reefs up close. A number of shots of a large stoplight parrotfish that was especially active and colorful during a recent visit to Coki Bay's reefs follow. Stoplight Parrotfish off Coki Beach. The bright orange colors in its tail give the stoplight parrotfish its name. Stoplight parrotfish off Coki Beach,...