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Patterns of behavior of fish that live in the coral reefs are diverse. For ex-
ample, some fish, like the parrotfish we mentioned earlier, sleep deeply at
nights in their sleeping bags. Some fish species, such as sticklebacks, on the
other hand, are half-awake while they rest. Red mullet and some others use
very bright colors in daytime and turn their skin color pale at nights.
Sponges, corals and some fish that lay eggs also live in dead coral residues.
Besides these, small crabs and shrimps climb onto coral reefs to feed on mi-
croscopic plants and animals. Fish such as sharks and moray eels that live
in coral reefs use their strong sense of smell to find food in the dark.
Many different creatures that Allah created in the seas and their unique
and miraculous features manifest our Lord's matchless artistry and infinite
knowledge. In Surat an-Nahl, Allah gives some examples of the creatures He
created. In the same surah He states that people should be thankful for
them:
And also the things of varying colors He has created for you in the earth.
There is certainly a Sign in that for people who pay heed. It is He Who
made the sea subservient to you so that you can eat fresh flesh from it
and bring out from it ornaments to wear. And you see the ships cleaving
through it so that you can seek His bounty, and so that hopefully you will
show thanks. (Surat an-Nahl: 13-14)
W O N D E R F U L C R E A T U R E S
