10 Predators You Don't Want To Meet On The Reef

The Great Barrier Reef can be a scary place- if you're a fish. Or a turtle hatchling. Or coral. Find out more in ABC's Life On The Reef (Sundays, 7.40pm).

1. Frigatebird vs Booby

This frigatebird off the coast of Raine Island uses it’s superior size and speed to steal food from a booby as she returns to the island to feed her young.

2. Baby fish vs The Wall of Mouths

Baby fish return from the open ocean to find a home in the reef – but they have one big obstacle to overcome…it’s called the wall of mouths.

3. Potato cod vs Cuttlefish

This cuttlefish may be a master of disguise, but he’s no match for this potato cod’s ambush.

4. Gobi vs cuttlefish hatchling

Footage courtesy of David Hannan

This gobi makes a quick meal of a cuttlefish hatchling – just goes to show that even the tiniest of fish can be predators.

5. Shearwater vs bait fish

Footage courtesy of David Hannan

Sea birds wait patiently for large predators to force these bait fish towards the surface. Some shearwaters can dive up to a depth of 70m to catch their prey.

6. Croc vs croc

The saltwater crocodile is dangerous at the best of times, but they are most aggressive during the breeding season.

7. Crown of thorns starfish vs The Reef

Responsible for 40% of total coral loss in the last decade, these native coral eating starfish are one of the biggest threats to the reef.

8. Eagle vs fish

This white bellied sea eagle spots a fish in a North Queensland estuary and strikes with amazing precision

9. Shark vs Turtle

Footage courtesy of Dean Miller

Off the coast of Raine Island, these awe inspiring predators gather to prey on turtles as they return to the ocean after nesting

10. Ghost crab vs turtle hatchling

Baby turtles running the gauntlet to the sea from their nests on Raine Island face many predators – this ghost crab thinks he’s landed an easy meal. Watch this clip to find out what happens next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnE3oUI6Nnc