USS Narcissus

Click the play button above to view a montage of the rich variety of marine life found near the wreckage of USS Narcissus.

The sunken tugboat is home to a surprising diversity of marine life, not only of fish but also of invertebrate species, including hard and soft corals. Divers may encounter scaled sardines and spadefish, as well as belted sandfish, wrasse, goliath grouper, gag grouper, flounder, and sheepshead are found onsite. Invertebrates include sponges, feather duster worms, orange, purple, and yellow gorgonians, sand dollars, and hermit crabs.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images of the various marine life located at the wreckage of USS Narcissus.

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{caption} (Image courtesy of the Florida Aquarium)

Lined Seahorse – Seahorses are rare, but can group together in sheltered areas. They use their tails to hold fast, and grow up to six inches long.

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Lined Seahorse

Lined Seahorse – Seahorses swim in an erect position using their dorsal and pectoral fins for steering.

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Lined Seahorse

Southern Stingray – Southern Stingrays can be a variety of colors, tan, brown, black or gray. They tend to stay on the bottom, covered in sand.

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Southern Stingray

Stone Crab – Be careful, a Stone Crab claw can break an oyster shell. This crab hides among the structure.

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Stone Crab

Sponges and Wrass – Sponges and small wrasses can be found in close proximity to one another.

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Sponges and Wrass

Goliath Grouper – These gentle giants grow up to 8 feet long, and can be found near the USS Narcissus’ engine and stern assembly. Goliath grouper have been protected in Florida waters since 1990.