Eastern Dry Rocks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastern Dry Rocks |
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 Location in Florida
Location in Caribbean
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Air photo taken in 1970 showing Sand Key (lower left), Rock Key (lower center), and Eastern Dry Rocks (lower right).
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| Summit depth | 1 - 35 feet |
| Location | |
| Location | Caribbean |
| Coordinates | 24°27′37″N 81°50′35″W / 24.46028°N 81.84306°W |
| Country | United States |
| Geology | |
| Type | reef |
Eastern Dry Rocks is a beautiful coral reef found in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It's located about seven miles southeast of Key West. This special reef is also part of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. It's a protected area, meaning it's kept safe for all the amazing sea creatures.
What is Eastern Dry Rocks Made Of?
This reef is made up of different parts. You'll find areas with coral pieces and long, finger-like shapes of coral. These coral "fingers" are separated by deeper sandy areas and underwater canyons made of coral.
Exploring Eastern Dry Rocks: Diving and Snorkeling
Eastern Dry Rocks is a very popular place for people who love to dive and snorkel. It's a great spot to explore the underwater world. The reef is also close to other cool reefs like Sand Key and Rock Key. This means divers and snorkelers can often visit several reefs on one trip.
Amazing Marine Life at the Reef
You can discover many different kinds of fish and other sea animals at Eastern Dry Rocks. Some common species you might see include nurse and hammerhead sharks. You might also spot brain coral, snook, and stingrays.
Other creatures living here are cleaner shrimp, reef crabs, and octopus. Look out for lobsters, moray eels, and colorful parrotfish. You can also find angelfish, sergeant major fish, and barracudas. Two types of large sea snails, the Florida horse conch and queen conch, also live here. Many of these species are found throughout the wider Florida Keys and even the greater Caribbean Sea.
Sometimes, rarer marine life is spotted at the reef. These special sightings include permit fish, tarpon, and spotted eagle rays. You might even be lucky enough to see sea turtles or the huge Atlantic Goliath grouper.
