Snorkel but Don't Touch Fiji Sea Creatures

Cone Shells 

As a general rule you should not remove shells from the reef, but the decorated cone shells deserve a special word of caution.  The cone snail can deliver a painful sting but some species also have a potent venom that can cause serious illness or even death. Their beautiful designs might tempt you to pick them off the seafloor, but it’s very risky.  Much safer to collect abandoned shells on the shore. 

Moray Eels

Greenish grey moray eels generally stay hidden in reef crevices and ledges for most of the day, darting out only to feed. While you’re definitely not part of their menu, they may bite you if they feel cornered. If you spot one, give them plenty of room and watch from a safe distance. 
 

Banded Sea Krait

The striking black-and-white stripes of the banded sea krait is nature’s warning not to mess with them.  You’ll usually spot kraits weaving along reef edges, slipping through bommies in search of small fish, or resting in rocky outcrops during the day. They’re highly venomous but famously shy and usually ignore snorkellers entirely. If you see one, stay relaxed, give it some space, and let it go about its business. 
 

Sea Urchins

Spiky sea urchins are common around Fiji, especially on shallow reef flats, rocky patches, and areas exposed at low tide. They don’t move much, but their long spines can deliver a painful sting if you accidentally step on one. The simplest way to avoid them is to watch your step and move carefully whenever you need to stand on the seafloor. 
 

Fire Coral

Fire coral can be tricky to spot because it often blends into the coral reef. Look for mustard yellow-green or golden tones, a smooth surface with thin plates or small branching shapes with pale tips. You should avoid touching any coral in any case - even a light brush from fire coral can cause a painful sting. 
 

Pufferfish

Pufferfish are gentle, slow movers that drift through seagrass beds and along coral gardens. They’re easy to watch because they rarely rush, often pausing as if inspecting the reef. Their defence mechanism - puffing into a spiky ball - only appears if they feel threatened. Their toxins make them dangerous to handle or eat, so give them space and enjoy their presence from afar. 
 

Stingrays

Stingrays can sometimes be hard to see when they are resting, half-buried in the sandy seafloor so always be cautious when walking in shallow water.  The barb on their tail can cause intense pain if they feel startled, but they’re peaceful creatures when left undisturbed.   If you shuffle your feet when walking in shallow water, it alerts them and gives them a chance to swim away.  
 

Crown Of Thorns Starfish

The Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) is one of the easiest creatures to recognise on the reef because of its shape and menacing spines.  You’ll often find it draped across the reef, feeding quietly on the coral. They don’t move very fast but keep a safe distance as you swim by, as their spines can puncture skin and cause swelling.   
 

Jellyfish 

Not all jellyfish sting, but it’s smart to give them space anyway because where there’s one, there’s often many; and you don’t want to swim into a swarm. Jellyfish tentacles are covered with tiny stinging cells that can cause anything from mild irritation to serious pain. Many jellyfish are transparent and hard to see, so if you do spot one, keep an eye out for others or leave the area. 

Stonefish & Lionfish 

Stonefish and lionfish have sharp, venomous spines and should be avoided. Stonefish hide on the reef floor, buried in sand or resting among rocks and coral - making them hard to spot and easy to step on by accident. Lionfish are much more visible and flamboyant with their long, striped fins, which contain venomous spines.  They usually hover on the sides of reefs, near ledges, crevices and coral heads. 

The reef is full of colour and creatures that can keep you mesmerised for hours but knowing which ones to give a little space will ensure you have a much more enjoyable time in the water. 

 

Hot Tips

• The aforementioned are very sensitive sea creatures, it is important to remember the golden rule ‘see but don’t touch’.
• Remember to pack good snorkel gear and always go with a buddy and/or a guide