Tiny as a pinhead,
big as a boulder
Invertebrates play a critical role in the coral reef eco-system. While fishes get much of our attention, it is the invertebrates that dominate the reefscape. The resources in this section of CoralRealm are designed to help you learn more about the incredible biodiversity in the invertebrate world.


Bunaken Slug Hunt
Sometimes, the most beautiful gifts of the sea come in tiny packages. CoralRealm member Marco Wannenmacher shares a gallery of beautiful "nudie" images from Bunaken Marine Park.
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Eastern Pacific Slug Hunt
The basic principles of finding any critter apply to slugs: know the habitat, know the habits and know you will be surprised. Go Slug Hunting in the tropical eastern pacific.
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Eastern Pacific Sea Slugs
The Eastern Pacific is home to many interesting Opisthobranchias (sea slugs). Get an in-depth introduction to these amazing creatures.
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Western Australia Sea Slugs
Everyone loves sea slugs! Read about how and where to find them and about their life history strategies in this fascinating article by nudibranch expert, Clay Bryce. Includes numerous photos of Australian slugs.
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Indonesian Octopuses
- Part 2
Join us on the second part of our Indonesian octopus field trip. During this part of our investigation, we will concentrate on the longarmed octopus species, including the incredible mimic octopus. Includes over 20 photos plus video clips of mimic behavior!
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Invertebrate Guide
What You'll Find
- Major Sections --
— Invertebrate Groups
Explore eight common invert groups
—  Critter Hunt
Learn about strange, unusual, tiny, cryptic and alien-looking creatures
 		—  Invert Photo Gallery
Close-up images of inverts by the best UW photographers
—  Feature Articles
Exclusive features only at CoralRealm.com
Overviews of Invertebrate Groups
 

Sponges
Stony Corals
Soft Corals

Sea Anemones		 Select
a
Group
Worms

Crustaceans
Mollusks
Echinoderms

Critter Hunting Technique
Becoming a critter hunter
Long-time divers and diving enthusiasts delight in the discovery of the biggest, the smallest, the most cryptic, or the rarest marine creatures. Learn what it take to become a great "Critter Hunter".
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What are Corals?
An introduction to Corals
The corals are often overlooked by the casual observer, because the fishes are so amazing. Corals are the backbone of the reef and their behaviors and interactions with other animals on the reef can be quite interesting. GO!