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Spread in the sea of Shiraho, which is off Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, is one of the largest coral reef in the world. Mostly composed of Helioporida Blue corals, the coral reef has remained in very good condition, while the surrounding environments have deteriorated due to human activities. It has been providing us with various benefits while nourishing a wide variety of sea creatures living there.

Sea creatures found in the sea of Shiraho

Semicircle angelfish

Range: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean

Usually, Zebra angelfish are found singly. While they are popular among scuba divers for the beautiful blue shade that outlines their body, adultZebra angelfish are eaten in Okinawa. 

Manybar goatfish

Range: Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean

They are named Doublebar "goat"fish because they have two "whiskers" (technically called barbels) extending from the chin, just like goats. They use these barbels to probe the sand for food (small creatures).

Bicolour parrotfish

Range: The sea around the Ryukyu Islands, Indian Ocean (Except Hawaiian Islands), Pacific Ocean

Adult and juvenile Spotted parrotfish have different patterns on the body. They can grow up to 80cm. Males usually form a school that includes 2-3 females and the male itself.

Shiraho, the Miracle Coral Reef　

The sea of Shiraho is located southeast of Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Shiraho is now known to the world for one of the largest coral reefs in the world spreading there, which includes a community of Blue corals, large, stony Porites corals (microatoll), as well as species of Montipora corals. Its size is thought to be comparable to the Great Barrier Reef.

In 1972, outbreaks of Crown-of-thorns starfish(corals' natural enemy) had first occurred in Okinawa-Yaeyama Region. By 1985, the outbreaks had affected the ecosystems of almost all areas in the ocean.  The coral reef in Shiraho is one of very few areas in the region which did not suffer the effects from the outbreaks. The area has also played an important role as a fishing ground and involved in the lives of local people.


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