Field course taught in Panama, provides a substantial introduction to the biology of tropical coral reefs, with an emphasis on ecology and behavior of reef fish. Each day begins with a lecture, followed by six to eight hours in the water and ends with data analysis, readings and discussion of recent articles. Students learn to identify fish, corals and invertebrates. They also learn a variety of methods, techniques and field work including surveys, mapping, video--‐recording and recording of interactions between individuals underwater.