From spectacular Marine Reserves to active volcanic Islands this region has something to offer everyone. At the edge of the continental shelf, there is a wide range of marine life and fish species (which seem to be bigger than at most offshore islands). There are large schools of blue maomao, big kingfish, that come and check out the diver, and caverns full of huge golden snapper. Sheltered reef, and sand bottom habitats are home to a rich variety of marine life. Orange and yellow sponges, some very rare, colour the reefs and luxurient seaweed beds feed kina and paua. Starfish corals , anemones, octopus and reef fish such as butterfish, blue cod and red mullet are also residents of these waters. Common species in shallow rock areas include black angelfish, leatherjackets, hiwihiwi, marblefish, paketi, branded wrasse and red moki. Two spot demosoilles, sweep and blue maomao occur widely and red mullet or goatfish are common in sandy areas. Moray eels and stingrays are seen in parts and schools of koheru, kingfish, travelly, and pink maomao often congregate near pinnacles and deep water dropoffs. Subtropical species sometimes seen include Lord Howe coralfish, long finned boarfish, clown toado and crimson cleanerfish.