Mega Fauna

A variety of mega-fauna can be found within the waters of the NDNP. Some of these are year-round residents, while others are only found during particular seasons.

Pelagic Fish

Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Mackerel.

Sea Turtles

Three species of marine turtles are known within NDNP marine boundary. These species have a regional distribution, but visit the marine ecosystem for feeding, as well as nesting purposes.

• Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas): these feed primarily on the seagrass beds.
• Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata): these feed on the sponges on the coral reef ecosystem.
• Leatherback Turtle (Dermochelys coriaea): The favorite food of these species are jellyfish.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Photo by Ruleo Comacho

Sharks

Unlike what is commonly touted in the media, sharks are a critical part of the ecosystem ecological dynamics, and are a good indicator of a thriving ecosystem. Within the NDNP, the species most commonly seen are:

• Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
• Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii)

Rays

A relative of the sharks, there are several ray species observed within the NDNP. Most common are:

• Southern Stingray (Dasyatis Americana)
• Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari)

Southern Stingray.

Photo by Ruleo Comacho

Whales and Dolphins

These highly migratory marine mammals are often seen (or heard while diving) in the waters of the NDNP.

• Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
• Pilot Whale (Globicephala sp.)
• Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops sp.)