A variety of rare coral

Beautiful fish

Coral fish

Sea fishing in Weligama

A Rich Variety of Aquatic life in Sri Lanka

Surrounded by the ocean, Sri Lanka is blessed with a rich variety of aquatic life. In addition there are about 100 rivers out of which 34 are major rivers when considering the length and the quantity of water they carry. This island stands on a shallow continental shelf which ends up abruptly in the south and east but broadens towards the North. The two banks, Pedro R in the North, pearl banks in the North Wets are within the northern part of the continental shelf. So do not miss this opportunity to experience the aquatic life in Sri Lanka.

The rivers starting from the hill – country in the centre of the island flows to the sea from all parts of Sri Lanka carrying all the sediment rich in fish – food picked form the island. The rivers are blocked by these sediment at their mouths as there are no tide wave which exceeds more that 3 or 4 feet high. Thus the river – mouths are really blocked and the water spreads inland, in some places forming bays or lagoons which are conductive to the existence of certain types of marine life. Thus these are useful for fishing purposes as landing places for boats are numerous around the coast and safer due to the absence of high tides.

Presence of plantation due to the shallow waters and the warmth of the sea and rivers brining life quite close to the coast of the sea. Thus there are a large number of fish and of different varieties, big and small, around Sri Lanka especially on the shallow continental shelf broadening to the North consisting of the famous fishing band, Pedro. Popular varieties of fish found are tuna (balaya), gilthead (salaya), seer (tora), herring like fish (hurulla), sprat (halmassa), mullet (galmalu), etc

Aquatic life in Sri Lanka #1 - Deep Sea fishing

Deep sea-fishing is carried on by trawlers, for the unspoilt seas and fishing zone s supply a vast number of varied species of fish. Near the coast popular method of fishing by nets from the coast or by boats and canors recerining net bit far into the sea.

Variety of fish are also found in large numbers in rivers and vast reservoirs inland. About 39 endemic species are restricted to inland waters full of fish-food in the wet zone. The British had introduced the trout in to the icy-cold waters of the Horton plains. The fresh water fish are quite popular among the vast number of rural masses which they believe to be healthier that the sea fish and the Eel is quite a relish among all.

Pearl banks in the North West used to supply a quite a good amount of a variety of Oysters producing the valuable pearls. From ancient times from various countries traders have come here to Sri Lanka in search of pearls and it seems that the Sinhala kings had a lucrative trade in pearls according to the historical sources. These thrive well in the warm clear waters of the coral reefs of the tropics.

Salt - water shell fisheries are also actively exploited for the bays and lagoons, estuaries are the special habitats of several species of shell fish. All forms of these live in shallow waters and also in rivers. Oysters, Lobsters, Crabs, Shrimps are easily available for the peoples use. Breeding places for most of these are stream fed bays where the water is less saline than in the open sea and food is abundant here. Lobsters occupy rocky shores, shrimps and crabs inhabit warm waters.

Aquatic life in Sri Lanka #2 - Maritime Turtles Watching

Marine Turtles are roaming the oceans for a vast number of years. Out of different varieties, only eight are found living today and there are five kinds who often visit the sandy beaches of the island to nest especially in the South West and South East.

Where they could be watched at night. One of the famous places of these creatures is Rekava in Tangalle in the South and which is one of the eco friendly destinations, where five kinds of turtles come to nest, most popular being the green variety.

Aquatic life in Sri Lanka #3 - Dolphin / Whale watching

Sea expeditions could be arranged to see dolphins and whales off " Kirinda " and " Bentota " - Whales are also seen in other areas around the islands such as Batticaloa , Weligama , Negambo and Chilaw at a distance of 20 - 30 miles from the Island. In SriLanka whale watching opportunities have been given a boost and it is now high on the list of holiday activities.

Whales seen include:-

Common Blue Whales , Bryde's Whales , Sperm Whales , Killer Whales , False Killer , Dwart , Melon Headed Whales , Cuvier's Beaked Whales and if lucky, the elusive Indian Blue Whales.

Dolphines seen include:-

Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Fraser's Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Dolphins and the Bottlenose Dolphins.

Aquatic life in Sri Lanka #4 - Scuba Diving & Snorkelling

A wide coral shelf surrounds Sri Lanka’s coast at intervals, from north to south, providing excellent sites for skin-diving. The discovery of the beautiful underwater natural world in Sri Lanka will make you absolutely fascinated and spell bound. The blue green, turquoise and aquamarine waters are home for the magical and mysterious underwater world of coral reefs, shells and a fantastic variety of fish. The adventure of scuba diving can be easily clubbed with activities like underwater photography and fish identification. The coral world offers beautiful species such as Rays, Eels, Clown Fish, Porcupine, Moorish Idol, Unicorn and Moorish Angle. The common species belonging to the families of Aroporidae (Staghorn Corals), Poritidae (Donnie Corals), Mussidae (Brain Corals), faviidae (Ster Corals) and Pocelloporidae (Flower Corals) are also found here.

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