The Emerald Grouper (Merou
Emeraude) is the largest fish that
lives on Liza's Reef, and there have been reports over the years of
immense specimens that measured over
twenty feet in length and weighing
up to 1200 kg. If true, this rivals in size the Giant Groupers found in
the Atlantic Ocean. Like other members of their species, The Emerald Groupers
have extremely long life spans, and it is thought that they can live for
over 100 years. Unlike other groupers however, the Emerald Groupers have brilliant
coloration, ranging from deep blues to iridescent greens,
something not found in other members of this typically drab family. This
distinctly non-camouflaged appearance may be due to the complete lack of
predators that would prey on the groupers, since even the giant
Starry Eyed Sharks do not seem to bother them, and may instead be linked
to sexual attraction integral to their mating behaviors.
The northern slope of Liza's Reef, an area the groupers seem to prefer, is also home to stands of giant kelp that tower above the coral. Stretching for thousands of meters along the coral reef, these kelp forests are home to a great variety of fish, including happy little green, blue and white tangs known to the VanuaSemians as Squeakies, or Aigu Odeurs because of the squeaking noises they make when approached.
To Painting #10 "The
Heart of the Reef"