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Great Barrier Reef · Australia · Pacific
Max. depth · 28 mThe Fishbowl, Hastings Reef: Great Barrier Reef coral gardens
Descend into The Fishbowl's natural coral amphitheatre on Hastings Reef, where gutters and ledges concentrate marine life.
What makes this site special
- Bowl-shaped coral formation
- Depths from 12 to 28 metres
- Gutters and ledges concentrate fish
- Sweetlips and fusiliers in schools
- Gropers and coral trout residents
- Blue spotted lagoon rays on sand patches
The Fishbowl about the site
The Fishbowl is located on the western side of Hastings Reef, characterized by a unique coral bowl-like formation. This structure is not a steep wall but rather a series of coral gardens and bommies that gradually descend, forming a basin-like profile. You'll find yourself navigating through a network of gutters and ledges, which create natural channels and hiding spots for marine life, making each section of the bowl distinct.
The dive profile here typically takes you from a shallower reef top down into this natural amphitheatre, with minimum depths around 12 metres and the maximum extending to 28 metres. As you move through the site, the terrain shifts from scattered coral heads to more defined wall sections within the bowl, allowing for exploration at various depths. It's a progressive descent, offering different perspectives of the structure as you go deeper.
This site is known for its concentration of reef fish that gather within the protective contours of the bowl. You'll encounter schools of sweetlips and fusiliers moving through the water column, often accompanied by trevally. Look closely among the coral heads and along the ledges for goatfish and snappers, often seen foraging, while parrotfish browse the reef surfaces.
The topography provides ample habitat for larger residents as well. Gropers are often found settled in the sheltered areas, and batfish can be seen schooling or hovering over the coral. Keep an eye out for vibrant coral trout camouflaged among the corals. The unique structure of the bowl encourages these species to congregate, making for a rich visual experience.
Beyond the schooling fish, The Fishbowl also hosts more solitary species like lionfish, often found tucked into crevices or under overhangs. You might also spot blue spotted lagoon rays gliding along the sandy patches within the bowl's basin. The varied bottom composition, from sandy gutters to dense coral, supports this diverse community.
Diving The Fishbowl: the marine life you’ll meet
Diving conditions
The Fishbowl is accessible from Open Water Diver level, provided you are comfortable with mid-water reef diving. Depths range from 12 to 28 metres. While conditions are generally manageable, moderate current can be present, requiring efficient movement through the site. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 metres, influenced by local reef exposure and prevailing conditions.
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Frequently asked questions about The Fishbowl
What diver level suits The Fishbowl?
The Fishbowl is accessible to you as an Open Water Diver, provided you are comfortable with mid-water reef diving. The site combines coral gardens, bommies, gutters, ledges and defined wall sections, with a progressive descent from the reef top into a natural bowl. Choose it when that profile suits your experience.
How deep is The Fishbowl?
At The Fishbowl, you can begin around 12 metres and continue down to 28 metres. The profile progresses from a shallower reef top through coral gardens and bommies into a basin-like formation, with scattered coral heads and more defined wall sections appearing as you explore deeper parts of the bowl.
What currents can you expect at The Fishbowl?
At The Fishbowl, conditions are generally manageable, but moderate current can be present. You need efficient movement through the site, especially while navigating its gutters, ledges and coral channels. Visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 metres, influenced by local reef exposure and prevailing conditions.
What can you see at The Fishbowl?
Expect schools of sweetlips and fusiliers at The Fishbowl, with trevally, goatfish, snappers and parrotfish around the coral. Gropers, batfish and coral trout occupy sheltered or coral areas, while lionfish may hide in crevices. Blue spotted lagoon rays can glide over sandy patches within the basin.
