Photo ↑ by @fabiokraniotis
Corfu is renowned for its turquoise and clear water, which look even better combined with the lush green on the island. If you’ve ever been swimming or just playing around in the water, you’ve probably noticed how clear it can be at times.
This means there are countless opportunities to admire underwater life as well. Furthermore, there are less popular beaches out there that provide numerous snorkelling opportunities too, especially since they’re usually difficult to access.
With these ideas in mind, here are a few interesting animals you can find underwater.
Caretta Caretta
The loggerhead sea turtle can be found all over the world, yet it’s currently considered vulnerable. It’s omnivorous and feeds on anything, but it also has very strong jaws that can easily kill and dismantle prey in no time.
The turtle can live for over 60 years. It barely grows over a metre in length, yet the science world has seen specimens measuring almost three metres too. The nesting season goes between May and October.
Crab
The crab stands out among crustaceans because of its movement. It’s the only crustacean that can move sideways and it does it pretty fast too. If you’re lucky enough to see a crab in the wild on a beach, you’ll love watching the movement.
Crabs are covered by a solid shell, which varies in strength from one individual to another. The shape may also vary. It’s usually round, but it could also have a hexagonal appearance. Crabs are also eaten all around Greece, including Corfu.
Dolphin
The dolphin is one of the rare sights in Corfu, but not impossible. There are nine species living in the seas around Greece, but only about three species have been observed around Corfu. They’re easier to spot far from the shores, as they like following boats and ships.
Very rarely during summer, dolphins come closer to the shores, mainly around the port. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot their beautiful shapes jumping around the water.
Gaitanouri
Gaitanouri is by far one of the most attractive fish you can see in the seas around Greece. Some believe it’s a tropical fish, but it’s actually native to the area. The fish prefers warm waters, as well as vegetation and seaweed.
Females and males are different, but overall, you’ll observe differently coloured trunks and colourful stripes on their bodies. To observe the fish, get an underwater mask and start diving. It’s even easier to spot if you go snorkelling.
Stone Eater
The date mussel is often referred to as the stone eater, mainly because it can dig holes in corrals and stones. Locals used to eat these mussels. However, they’re considered endangered now, so their consumption is illegal.
Some of these mussels can live for more than 50 years. They have numerous benefits for nature as well, since they filter the surrounding water.
Swamp Turtle
There are only a couple species of freshwater turtles around Corfu and this is one of them. It may have different colours, usually ranging between green and black. It’s also referred to as the pond turtle. The name has nothing to do with its habitat, but with its pattern.
The population of swamp turtles in Corfu is quite low, mainly because of the destruction of their habitat. However, if you’re lucky enough, you can still spot them in the wild.
Frog
There are quite a few wetlands around Corfu and, just like you may have already guessed, they host a wide variety of animals. Frogs are some of the most popular ones. In fact, the frog is by far the most popular amphibian in Corfu.
In some areas of Corfu, the frog is considered a delicious dish. Locals who prefer it mainly eat the hind legs.
Dreamfish
Also known as salpa, cow bream or goldline, the dreamfish can be found in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The fish is easy to identify because it has beautiful yellow bands covering its whole body.
It normally hangs around at least one or two metres underwater.
Sea Anemone
Sea anemones can be very confusing at first because they look like beautiful marine flowers. Scientists struggled for many years, trying to figure out what they were. For a while, they were considered both plants and animals.
They’re easy to find in deep waters, so you’re less likely to spot them by the shores. They eat a lot and they’re carnivores. However, they’re slow, so they can only rely on what gets stuck to their tentacles.