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A coral reef is a natural underwater structure formed by colonies of tiny marine organisms called polyps. Polyps belong to a family of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. The polyps cluster in groups and extract the minerals from seawater to secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect their bodies. The stony accumulations of these exoskeletons are what form coral reefs.
Coral reefs grow best in warm, clear, sunny, agitated waters such as those found along coastlines in tropical regions. Often called “rain forests of the sea” coral reef environments are incredibly rich in bio-diversity, a paradox since corals mainly grow in nutrient-poor waters.
The islands of the Florida Keys are the remains of ancient coral reefs formed some 150,000 years ago. Lying to the southeast off the Keys today is the 190-mile-long Florida Reef Tract, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. In the shallow waters to the landward side of the main reef bands are numerous areas of patch coral. Both types of coral reef structure offer important habitat for game fish and many other species.
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- Likely to Sell Out Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this charter is likely to sell out through Fish Key West.Tournament Tested This fishing charter is popular and consistently gets 5-star reviews.
- Likely to Sell Out Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this charter is likely to sell out through Fish Key West.
- Likely to Sell Out Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this charter is likely to sell out through Fish Key West.Tournament Tested This fishing charter is popular and consistently gets 5-star reviews.
- Likely to Sell Out Based on our booking data from the past 30 days, this charter is likely to sell out through Fish Key West.Tournament Tested This fishing charter is popular and consistently gets 5-star reviews.
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Key West Fish Species Guide
- Fishing for African Pompano in Key West
- Fishing for Almaco Jack in Key West
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- Fishing for Atlantic Bonito in Key West
- Fishing for Atlantic Tarpon in Key West
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Key West Fishing Reports
- Give Thanks for Great Key West November Fishing
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Helpful Key West Fishing Glossary Terms
- Atlantic Ocean Fishery
- Backcountry
- Bait Fish
- Big Game Fish
- Birds of Key West
- Boca Grande Channel
- Chum Slick
- Conch
- Coral Reef
- Deep Sea vs. Offshore Fishing Charters
- Dry Tortugas
- Federal Permits
- Feeding Frenzy
- Flats Grand Slam
- Gulf of Mexico Towers
- Lobster Diving
- View all Helpful Key West Fishing Glossary Terms
Key West Fishing Calendar
- Key West Fishing in November
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