Zane Grey Reef
Zane Grey Reef is a relatively small seamount of solid rock which has its base on the flat continental shelf in 350 feet of
water. The sides of the seamount rise sharply to the peak which is composed of three distinct pinnacles; the two to the
south rise to within 150 feet of the surface and are joined, but there is valley 205 feet deep between these two and a
larger peak to the north. A number of bait species and their predators congregate around the seamount, sometimes in
astounding numbers.
The ocean currents, rich in plankton, push northwards past the seamount and bring food to all the assembled baitfish.
This abundance holds the larger predators such as Almaco jacks, Crevalle jacks, Cubera snappers, Mullet snappers and
groupers. The ZGR holds the biggest schools of jacks I have ever seen.
Then there are large oceanic visitors such as Manta Rays, Hammerhead sharks, Bull sharks as well as a variety of
requiem sharks waiting for an easy meal. Near the surface, four species of billfish are available; Black, Blue, Striped
marlins are targeted by anglers, as well as the quintessential Sailfish. Other predators such as Dolphinfish (dorado) and
Yellowfin Tuna are often mixed in with the Jacks, Bonitos and Rainbow Runners that cram the waters around Zane Grey
Reef. - Guy Harvey
Guy Harvey dove 205 feet down to photograph and gather
information to make this possible.
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Guy Harvey
Pen and ink drawing of the Zane Grey Reef by Guy Harvey
(click for a full size image)
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