Explore the quiet and mysterious world of invertebrates, which make up more than 95% of underwater animal life.
Why take the Invertebrate Ecology specialty course?
Take a fresh look at the hidden life of tropical reefs. Behind the fish and corals lies a vast variety of fascinating organisms: cleaner shrimp, decorator crabs, mimic octopuses, cuttlefish, starfish, and anemones.
The SSI Invertebrate Ecology specialty reveals how these species function and their crucial importance in the food chain. By learning to spot signs of their presence in crevices, sand, or cavities, you’ll turn every dive into a true biological treasure hunt.
- Understanding the Major Phylums: Learn to distinguish between cnidarians, mollusks, crustaceans, echinoderms, and annelids.
- Camouflage & Defense Skills: Discover how cephalopods change color and how crustaceans hide.
- Symbiosis & Cleaning: Observe unique symbiotic relationships (shrimp and anemones, hermit crabs and corals).
- Open to all: Theory course accessible to scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.