There are millions of species that live in and around coral reefs, and 25% of all marine species live in coral reefs. Fish, corals, lobsters, clams, seahorses, sponges, sea turtles, as well as many more creatures rely on the reefs of their survival. These habitats are threatened by a range of human activities like water pollution, overfishing and destructive fishing practices, disease, climate change, and ship groundings. The great diversity and high biomass of the organisms that live in coral reefs is due to the large amount of hiding places for species to take refuge.

Why do animals live in coral reefs?

Animals live in coral reefs because this habitat provides warm water as well as an abundant food supply. The physical form of coral reefs has a lot of nooks and crannies that help fish hide from potential predators. Many small tropical fish typically live within coral reefs.

Can animals harm coral reefs?

Yes, animals can harm coral reefs if the predator populations can become too high, and thus corals can become devastated. Coral reefs can also be harmed through overheating causing them to dry out and overheat or become physiologically stressed which can lead to bleaching or death.

Is coral an animal or a plant?

A coral is an animal because they do not make its own food as a plant does. Corals have small tentacle-like arms that they use to capture their food from the water. Corals go through a unique process called symbiosis which benefits both animals and plant life.

* Under Development *

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Coral Reef Animals Guides
Browse through our curated Coral Reef Animals Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Coral Reef Animals. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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3.1”-7.1” | 8-18 cm
3.9”-13.8” | 10-35 cm (Diameter)
3.9”-13.8” | 10-35 cm (Diameter)
Bath Sponge
18.000
35.000
35.000
900
GUIDE
3D
Bath Sponge
2.75”-3.74” | 2.5-9.5 cm (Diameter)
1.97”-5.91” | 5-15 cm
.002-.1 lb | 1-45 g
2.5-3.5 years
Bearded Fireworm
9.500
15.000
0.045
3.50
1600
GUIDE
3D
Bearded Fireworm
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
9.1”-13.8” | 23-35 cm
3-6 years
Big-Belly Seahorse
5.000
35.000
6.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Big-Belly Seahorse
9.8”-15” | 25-38 cm
.35-3.1 lb | .16-1.4 kg
.5-1 year
Bigfin Reef Squid
38.000
1.400
1.00
1600
GUIDE
3D
Bigfin Reef Squid
27.6”-35.4” | 70-90 cm
31.5”-39.4” | 80-100 cm (Diameter)
31.5”-39.4” | 80-100 cm (Diameter)
Blue Coral
90.000
100.000
100.000
17400
GUIDE
3D
Blue Coral
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Diameter)
23.6”-39.4” | 60-100 cm (Diameter)
Boring Sponge
50.000
100.000
100.000
360
GUIDE
3D
Boring Sponge
9.8”-19.7” | 25-50 cm
11.8”-23.6” | 30-60 cm (Diameter)
11.8”-23.6” | 30-60 cm (Diameter)
Bubble Coral
50.000
60.000
60.000
5300
GUIDE
3D
Bubble Coral
18”-23” | 46-58 cm (Arm)
4.4-8.8 lb | 2-4 kg
1-2 years
California Two-Spot Octopus
58.000
4.000
2.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
California Two-Spot Octopus
19.7”-23.6” | 50-60 cm (Arm)
2.2-3.3 lb | 1-1.5 kg
10-12 months
Caribbean Reef Octopus
60.000
1.500
1.00
1060
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Reef Octopus
4.7”-7.9” | 12-20 cm
1-3 years
Caribbean Reef Squid
20.000
3.00
1590
GUIDE
3D
Caribbean Reef Squid
2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm (Arm)
.5-1.5 lb | .23-.69 kg
3-5 years
Coconut Octopus
9.000
0.690
5.00
4450
GUIDE
3D
Coconut Octopus
6’-6.6’ | 1.83-2 m
~2.2 lb | 1 kg
3-5 years
Common Blanket Octopus
200.000
1.000
5.00
630
GUIDE
3D
Common Blanket Octopus
3.5”-12.6” | 9-32 cm
10”-36” | 25.4-91.4 cm
11-22 lb | 5-10 kg
8-11 years
Common Hogfish
32.000
91.400
10.000
11.00
45080
GUIDE
3D
Common Hogfish
29.9”-39.4” | 76-100 cm (Arm)
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
1-2 years
Common Octopus
100.000
10.000
2.00
22300
GUIDE
3D
Common Octopus
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2.75”-6.7” | 7-17 cm;
1-4 years
Common Seahorse
2.500
17.000
4.00
240800
GUIDE
3D
Common Seahorse
5.1”-5.9” | 13-15 cm
7”-8” | 18-20 cm
4-10 years
Copperband Butterflyfish
15.000
20.000
10.00
3700
GUIDE
3D
Copperband Butterflyfish
.1”-.2” | .3-.6 cm
1”-2” | 2.5-5.1 cm
1-2 years
Dwarf Seahorse
0.600
5.100
2.00
3900
GUIDE
3D
Dwarf Seahorse
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm (Arm)
.22-.88 lb | .1-.4 kg
1-2 years
East Pacific Red Octopus
50.000
0.400
2.00
660
GUIDE
3D
East Pacific Red Octopus
4’-8’ | 1.22-2.43 m
11.5’-13’ | 3.5-3.96 m (Diameter)
11.5’-13’ | 3.5-3.96 m (Diameter)
Elkhorn Coral
243.000
396.000
396.000
1450
GUIDE
3D
Elkhorn Coral
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
60”-84” | 1.52-2.13 m
6.6-55 lb | 3-25 kg
15-20 years
European Conger
12.000
213.000
25.000
20.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
European Conger
2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm
31”-37” | 79-94 cm
2.2-4.4 lb | 1-2 kg
10-30 years
Fimbriated Moray
8.000
94.000
2.000
30.00
140
GUIDE
3D
Fimbriated Moray
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm (Diameter)
5.9”-7.9” | 15-20 cm (Diameter)
Finger Coral
16.000
20.000
20.000
1340
GUIDE
3D
Finger Coral
3.9”-5.1” | 10-13 cm
.66-.88 lb | .3-.4 kg
1.5-2 years
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
13.000
0.400
2.00
5800
GUIDE
3D
Flamboyant Cuttlefish
14.2”-17.3” | 36-44 cm
27.5”-33” | 70-84 cm (Carapace)
31”-37” | 79-94 cm (Carapace)
154-198 lb | 70-90 kg
40-60 years (wild); 50-100 years (captivity)
Flatback Sea Turtle
44.000
84.000
94.000
90.000
100.00
2150
GUIDE
3D
Flatback Sea Turtle
3.3’-8’ | 1-2.44 m
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m (Diameter)
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m (Diameter)
Giant Barrel Sponge
244.000
200.000
200.000
200
GUIDE
3D
Giant Barrel Sponge
33.3”-40.6” | 77-103 cm
6.75’-8.83’ | 2.06-2.69 m
275-507 lb | 125-230 kg
16-20 years
Giant Guitarfish
103.000
269.000
230.000
20.00
780
GUIDE
3D
Giant Guitarfish
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm
5.92’-9.83’ | 1.8-3 m
66-79 lb | 30-36 kg
10-30 years
Giant Moray
22.000
300.000
36.000
30.00
1900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Moray
7’-13’ | 2.13-3.96 m (Arm)
22-110 lb | 10-50 kg
3-5 years
Giant Pacific Octopus
396.000
50.000
5.00
35000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Pacific Octopus
10”-20” | 25.4-50.8 cm
33”-67” | 85-170 cm
33-132 lb | 15-60 kg
10-25 years
Giant Trevally
50.800
170.000
60.000
25.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Trevally
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
Golden Sponge
30.000
100.000
100.000
150
GUIDE
3D
Golden Sponge
4.7”-5.9” | 12-15 cm
.02-.22 lb | .01-.1 kg
2-3 years
Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus
15.000
0.100
3.00
650
GUIDE
3D
Greater Blue-Ringed Octopus
14.2”-18.9” | 36-48 cm
27.5”-36.2” | 70-92 cm (Carapace)
36”-48” | 91-122 cm (Carapace)
243-419 lb | 110-190 kg
60-75 years (wild); 80-120 years (captivity)
Green Sea Turtle
48.000
92.000
122.000
190.000
120.00
46700
GUIDE
3D
Green Sea Turtle
3.3”-3.9” | 8.5-10 cm
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
.9-1.2 oz | .02-.03 kg
15-20 years
Hairy Frogfish
10.000
25.000
0.030
20.00
5250
GUIDE
3D
Hairy Frogfish
9.4”-15” | 24-38 cm
17.7”-27.2” | 45-69 cm (Carapace)
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Carapace)
99-198 lb | 45-90 kg
30-45 years (wild); 30-60 years (captivity)
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
38.000
69.000
91.000
90.000
60.00
15400
GUIDE
3D
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
7.5’-11’ | 2.3-3.4 m
190-400 lb | 86-181 kg
25-35 years
Lemon Shark
340.000
181.000
35.00
27000
GUIDE
3D
Lemon Shark
1.57”-8.27” | 4-21 cm
1.57”-8.27” | 4-21 cm
2.5”-16” | 6.4-40.6 cm
1.54-1.98 lb | .7-.9 kg
10-15 years
Lightning Whelk
21.000
21.000
40.600
0.900
15.00
1400
GUIDE
3D
Lightning Whelk
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
5”-7.5” | 13-19 cm
1-4 years
Lined Seahorse
3.500
19.000
4.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Lined Seahorse
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
1.5”-4” | 4-10 cm
.4-.7 lb | .2-.3 kg
3-6 years
Ocellaris Clownfish
3.500
10.000
0.300
6.00
10700
GUIDE
3D
Ocellaris Clownfish
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm (Diameter)
11.8”-19.7” | 30-50 cm (Diameter)
Organ Pipe Coral
30.000
50.000
50.000
2400
GUIDE
3D
Organ Pipe Coral
5.5”-8.7” | 14-22 cm
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
2.5-3.5 lb | 1.1-1.6 kg
15-20 years
Queen Angelfish
22.000
45.000
1.600
20.00
7650
GUIDE
3D
Queen Angelfish
3.1”-4.3” | 8-11 cm
11-15” | 28-38 cm
1-2.6 lb | .5-1.2 kg
10-18 years
Red Lionfish
11.000
38.000
1.200
18.00
10100
GUIDE
3D
Red Lionfish
3.7”-4.9” | 9.5-12.5 cm
9.8”-11.8” | 25-30 cm
5-10 years
Reef Triggerfish
12.500
30.000
10.00
5750
GUIDE
3D
Reef Triggerfish
31.1”-46.5” | 79-118 cm
6’-8.83’ | 1.83-2.69 m
187-298 lb | 85-135 kg
10-25 years
Shark Ray
118.000
269.000
135.000
25.00
3350
GUIDE
3D
Shark Ray
2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
15-30 years
Snowflake Moray
8.000
91.000
30.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
Snowflake Moray
.3”-.4” | .75-1 cm
4”-4.5” | 10.2-11.4 cm
10-30 years
Snyder’s Moray
1.000
11.400
30.00
15
GUIDE
3D
Snyder’s Moray
24”-60” | 61-152 cm
20.5”-52.2” | 52-130 cm (Disc)
160-215 lb | 73-98 kg
12-17 years
Southern Stingray
152.000
130.000
98.000
17.00
2920
GUIDE
3D
Southern Stingray
9’-10’ | 2.74-3.05 m
5.33’-6’ | 1.62-1.84 m
397-507 lb | 180-230 kg
15-20 years
Spotted Eagle Ray
305.000
184.000
230.000
20.00
11500
GUIDE
3D
Spotted Eagle Ray
3’-5’ | .91-1.52 m
3.3’- 9.8’ | 1-3 m (Diameter)
3.3’- 9.8’ | 1-3 m (Diameter)
Staghorn Coral
152.000
300.000
300.000
2500
GUIDE
3D
Staghorn Coral
.8”-1” | 2-2.5 cm
~.002 lb | .001 kg
.5-1.5 years
Star-Sucker Pygmy Octopus
2.500
0.001
1.50
1120
GUIDE
3D
Star-Sucker Pygmy Octopus
.6”-2.6” | 1.5-6.5 cm
3.9”-12.2” | 10-31 cm
5-8 years
Yellow Goatfish
6.500
31.000
8.00
430
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Goatfish
19.7”-47.2” | 50-120 cm
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
11.8”-39.4” | 30-100 cm (Cluster)
Yellow Tube Sponge
120.000
100.000
100.000
1150
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Tube Sponge
1.2”-3.5” | 3-9 cm
20”-59” | 51-150 cm
10-20 years
Zebra Moray
9.000
150.000
20.00
1100
GUIDE
3D
Zebra Moray
6.5’-11.5’ | 2-3.5 m
45-65 lb | 20-30 kg
20-30 years
Zebra Shark
350.000
30.000
30.00
7100
GUIDE
3D
Zebra Shark
Shark Ray (Rhina ancylostoma)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Shark Ray to a typical person and similar rays

The name shark is merely an illusion since the shark ray (Rhina ancylostoma) resembles a shark! Their broad anterior shows prehistoric ridges along the head with a wide blunt snout, fat body with distinctive shark-like tail and dorsal fins, head, and rear having multiple thorny ridges and mouth with a W-shaped undulating line. The shark ray belongs to the family Rhinidae common to western Indo-Pacific tropical coastal waters and is also called a mud skate and bow mouth guitarfish. Besides, they are capable swimmers with white spots covering the dorsal part of their body and love the mud and sandy underwater areas.

Shark Rays have a total width between 31.1”-46.5” (79-118 cm) and overall length of 6’-8.83’ (1.83-2.69 m). The typical weight of the Shark Ray is in the range of 187-298 lb (85-135 kg). Shark Rays have lifespans between 10-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Shark Ray in top and side poses
The name shark is merely an illusion since the shark ray (Rhina ancylostoma) resembles a shark! Their broad anterior shows prehistoric ridges along the head with a wide blunt snout, fat body with distinctive shark-like tail and dorsal fins, head, and rear having multiple thorny ridges.

Shark Rays have a total width between 31.1”-46.5” (79-118 cm) and overall length of 6’-8.83’ (1.83-2.69 m). The typical weight of the Shark Ray is in the range of 187-298 lb (85-135 kg). Shark Rays have lifespans between 10-25 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Shark Ray in top and side poses
Shark Ray (Rhina ancylostoma)
Height:
Width:
31.1”-46.5” | 79-118 cm
Length:
6’-8.83’ | 1.83-2.69 m
Depth:
Weight:
187-298 lb | 85-135 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Rhina ancylostoma
Lifespan
10-25 years

Drawings include:

Shark Ray side elevation, front, top

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Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Coconut Octopus compared to other cephalopods

The Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) is a cephalopod that gets their name from making dens out of hollow coconut shells that they find along the coasts. Coconut Octopuses have a dark coloring with a pattern that resembles veins. They are native to the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. The diet of the Coconut Octopus consists of shrimp, crabs, and clams. Coconut Octopuses are one of the two octopuses that are capable of bipedal locomotion or moving through the use of 2 limbs, like humans walk. They also use any trash they find for concealment and self-defense.

The Coconut Octopus has an arm length between 2.75”-3.5” (7-9 cm), mantle length of 3.15”-3.94” (8-10 cm), and weight of .5-1.5 lb (.23-.69 kg). The typical lifespan of the Coconut Octopus is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Coconut Octopus
The Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) is a cephalopod that gets their name from making dens out of hollow coconut shells that they find along the coasts. Coconut Octopuses have a dark coloring with a pattern that resembles veins. They are native to tropical waters.

The Coconut Octopus has an arm length between 2.75”-3.5” (7-9 cm), mantle length of 3.15”-3.94” (8-10 cm), and weight of .5-1.5 lb (.23-.69 kg). The typical lifespan of the Coconut Octopus is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Coconut Octopus
Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus)
Height:
Width:
Length:
2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm (Arm)
Depth:
Weight:
.5-1.5 lb | .23-.69 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 3.15”-3.94” | 8-10 cm

Scientific Name
Amphioctopus marginatus
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

Coconut Octopus side elevation, front

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Hairy Frogfish (Antennarius striatus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Hairy Frogfish compared to other saltwater fish

The Hairy Frogfish, known scientifically as Antennarius striatus, is a blob-like carnivore fish that doesn’t swim, but rather walks on its wide fins, and can be found in the warm waters between Africa and Antarctica. The Hairy Frogfish gets its name from the long spines that cover its body, which resemble hair. The Hairy Frogfish is an expert at camouflaging due to its “hairs” making it capable of blending in seamlessly with corals and seaweeds. The Hairy Frogfish is carnivorous and will feast on other fish, either by stalking their prey or luring them with their extra-long spine they can wiggle as bait.

It inhabits warm waters around the earth, living in the coral reefs, rocky areas, and sandy habitat of the deep sea. Some people call it Striated frogfish. It is identified by a body covered in spines, which resemble hair strands and the unique wide fins. The body is rounded, mouth forwardly extensible to easily swallow prey. The fish relies on camouflage to protect itself from predators and also lure prey. Another feature is a special extra-long spine on the dorsal resembling a worm to lure prey within striking distance. 


Hairy Frogfish have a total length between 8.3”-9.8” (21-25 cm) and body height of 3.3”-3.9” (8.5-10 cm). The typical weight of the Hairy Frogfish is in the range of .9-1.2 oz (.02-.03 kg). Hairy Frogfish have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hairy Frogfish
The Hairy Frogfish, known scientifically as Antennarius striatus, is a blob-like carnivore fish that doesn’t swim, but rather walks on its wide fins, and can be found in the warm waters between Africa and Antarctica. The Hairy Frogfish gets its name from the long spines that cover its body.

Hairy Frogfish have a total length between 8.3”-9.8” (21-25 cm) and body height of 3.3”-3.9” (8.5-10 cm). The typical weight of the Hairy Frogfish is in the range of .9-1.2 oz (.02-.03 kg). Hairy Frogfish have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hairy Frogfish
Hairy Frogfish (Antennarius striatus)
Height:
3.3”-3.9” | 8.5-10 cm
Width:
Length:
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.9-1.2 oz | .02-.03 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Antennarius striatus
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

Hairy Frogfish side elevation, front

Details & Downloads

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European Conger (Conger conger)
Comparison illustration of the size of a European Conger to other eels and a typical person

The largest eel on the planet, the European conger (Conger conger) reproduces once in its life. The European Conger is a nocturnal predator possessing a lengthy body without scales and is national to the European coastline, specifically Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Juveniles love coastal areas while adults prefer deeper waters. The European conger’s conical head, slightly reduced rounded snout and merged dorsal and anal fins enable it to hide effortlessly under rocks and cracks. The fish is a representative of the family Congridae and undergoes metamorphosis in its reproductive organs, skeleton mass, and teeth between the ages of 5 to 15 years.

European Congers have a total length between 60”-84” (1.52-2.13 m) and body height of 3.1”-4.7” (8-12 cm). The typical weight of the European Conger is in the range of 6.6-55 lb (3-25 kg). European Congers have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of European Conger in various poses
The largest eel on the planet, the European conger (Conger conger) reproduces once in its life. The European Conger is a nocturnal predator possessing a lengthy body without scales and is national to the European coastline, specifically Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

European Congers have a total length between 60”-84” (1.52-2.13 m) and body height of 3.1”-4.7” (8-12 cm). The typical weight of the European Conger is in the range of 6.6-55 lb (3-25 kg). European Congers have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of European Conger in various poses
European Conger (Conger conger)
Height:
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
Width:
Length:
60”-84” | 1.52-2.13 m
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-55 lb | 3-25 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Conger conger
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

European Conger side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

Details & Downloads

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Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Common Octopus to other cephalopods

The Common Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris) is one of the most studied octopus species and is considered to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates. It has a large head, eight arms, and can swiftly camouflage itself to match the colors and textures of its environment. When threatened the Common Octopus releases a cloud of ink to hide from the predator and quickly swim away. They are found worldwide, from the eastern Atlantic to Senegal in Africa. The diet of the Common Octopus is made up of crabs, crayfish, and mollusks. They are currently listed as least concern to extinction.

The Common Octopus has an arm length between 29.9”-39.4” (76-100 cm), mantle length of 5.9”-9.8” (15-25 cm), and weight of 6.6-22 lb (3-10 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Octopus is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Octopus in various poses
The Common Octopus (Octopus Vulgaris) is one of the most studied octopus species and is considered to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates. It has a large head, eight arms, and can swiftly camouflage itself to match the colors and textures of its environment.

The Common Octopus has an arm length between 29.9”-39.4” (76-100 cm), mantle length of 5.9”-9.8” (15-25 cm), and weight of 6.6-22 lb (3-10 kg). The typical lifespan of the Common Octopus is between 1-2 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Common Octopus in various poses
Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)
Height:
Width:
Length:
29.9”-39.4” | 76-100 cm (Arm)
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-22 lb | 3-10 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 5.9”-9.8” | 15-25 cm

Scientific Name
Octopus vulgaris
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Common Octopus side elevation, front

Details & Downloads

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