Outer Penguin Spit

Palmyra Atoll, US Minor Outlying Islands

The reef edge here is steep, transitioning rapidly from shallow coral-covered platform to vertical wall. Outer Penguin Spit marks the furthest southeastern extent of Palmyra Atoll's reef system. Reef manta ray emerge from the substrate, blacktip reef shark school above the reef flat, and convict tang track prey along the wall.