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COASTAL
MARINE HABITATS
Map
of Singapore's coastal areas
There are a variety
of distinct coastal marine habitats around Singapore, all of them inhabited
by fish. These are discussed here as individual entities such as coral reef,
rocky shore, mangrove and mudflats, although they often merge into one another,
or one may even occur within the other. Some fish species have specific
habitat preferences. For instance, the clownfishes are found only in coral
reefs while some gobies are restricted to mangrove pools. However, many
species, such as the mojarras, occur over a wide variety of habitats.
It
should also be noted that many local ecosystems have been created
by man. Examples include granite breakwaters, reclaimed beaches and
concretised canals. Generally the biodiversity in such artificial
environments tends to be poorer, but many species are still to be
found.
The Johor Straits is that narrow channel which separates Singapore
from the southern end of Peninsular Malaysia. It meets the South China
Sea at the eastern end, and the Malacca Straits at the western end.
In this sheltered area, mangroves and mudflats feature prominently
along Singapore's northern coastline. |
Concretised
estuary along
the south-east coast
photo: Tan Koh Siang
Granite breakwaters
at Marina South
photo: Tan Koh Siang |
The southern coastline in contrast, is exposed to stronger currents in the
Singapore Straits. There is more water circulation, less sedimentation and
thus, cleaner water with higher salinity in this area, allowing reef-building
corals to thrive. Coral reefs and sandy beaches are mainly found in this
area.
| Coral
reefs support a complex ecosystem of a high diversity of
marine organisms. Reef-building corals require conditions like those
found in the Singapore Straits in order to thrive. Therefore coral
reefs are usually found fringing islands (e.g., St. John's, Kusu,
Hantu, Sudong, Pawai, Senang, Seringat and Semakau) or in isolated
patches (e.g., Terumbu |
Reef
flat at low tide,
Pulau Seringat
photo: N Sivasothi |
Pempang Laut, Terumbu
Pempang Tengah, Terumbu Selegi and Cyrene Reefs) off the southern coast
of Singapore. Many of these islands have been set aside for recreational
purposes, but a number are also used to house oil refineries, and a few
for conducting military exercises. Recent economic development saw extensive
land reclamation on these islands which has caused many reefs to be buried
and others to be covered with silt. See 'A Guide to the Coral Reef Life
of Singapore' in the Science Centre series for further information.
| The
rocky
shore habitat is often found in close vicinity of coral
reefs and usually set against a steep slope on the landward side.
It is characterised by the ubiquitous large sedimentary boulders and
rock pools exposed during low tides. Examples may be found at Labrador
Beach and the western side of St. John's Island. The rocks provide
numerous shelters and many reef-dwelling animals are also found there.
Granite breakwaters constructed along reclaimed land can probably
be considered an artificial equivalent. |
Rocky
shore of
St. John's island
photo: Kelvin Lim |
Sandy shores
like those along the East Coast Parkway have been created by man through
reclamation. This habitat is relatively exposed and offers little shelter.
Many benthic creatures that live here often bury themselves in the substrate.
Patches of seagrass found in some areas support their own unique ecosystem.
| The
mangrove
habitat is located in the intertidal zone, usually along estuaries.
It is characterised by trees adapted to saltwater with air-breathing
roots lending support on the largely anaerobic muddy substrate. Among
the root systems pools of water may be found during low tide. Many
gobies are found specifically in these pools. Although much of the
original mangroves have given way to coastal development, remaining
patches may be found along the northern coastlines and on the islands
of Ubin and Tekong. Small patches like those in the Sungei Buloh Nature
Park and the Pasir Ris Park have been specially set aside for preservation. |
Mangrove
forest of
Lim Chu Kang end
photo: N Sivasothi |
Additional small patches
of mangrove can be found in the southern islands (e.g., Pulau Semakau and
St. John's Island).
| Mudflats,
also associated with estuaries, are usually found adjacent to stretches
of mangrove. Mudflats tend to be exposed to the air during low tide
and they are important feeding grounds for migratory wading birds.
Numerous burrowing creatures find shelter and food in the richly organic
but oxygen deficient substrate. Mudskippers are a common and very
visible fish in this habitat. An easily accessible mudflat can be
seen off Pasir Ris Park. |
Mudflat
off Sungei Buloh
exposed at low tide
photo: N Sivasothi |
|
Introduction
Coastal Marine Habitats
Fishy Trivia
Dangerous Fishes
Fishes and Man
About the guidebook |
