Tropics Gallery

Ocean currents off the Americas

Ocean currents off the Americas. Satellite-based graphic showing ocean currents (swirling coloured lines) on an Earth globe centred on the Americas. The colours indicate ocean temperatures, ranging from the warm tropics (red) to cooler water (green) in more temperate latitudes. Ocean currents seen here include the warmer Equatorial Counter in the Pacific (centre left), and the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic (upper right). The dusk terminator (day-night line) is at lower right, marking the places from where the Sun is seen setting in the west as the Earth rotates on its axis

© KARSTEN SCHNEIDER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Twoband anemonefish

Twoband anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus) in sea anemone on a coral reef. Anemonefish, also called clownfish, live in association with anemones. Both partners benefit in a mutualistic association. Slime on the fish's skin prevents the anemone's stinging cells from damaging it. The fish sleeps, evades danger, eats, and lays its eggs between the poisonous tentacles. The anemonefish cleans the anemone and also ensures a supply of food detritus for the anemone to feed on. This fish can reach a length of 14 centimetres. It is found in the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Photographed in the Red Sea

© LOUISE MURRAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Palms and beach at Magens Bay, the most famous beach on St. Thomas, St

Palms and beach at Magens Bay, the most famous beach on St. Thomas, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Indies, Caribbean, Central America

© Gavin Hellier

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