Scorpion Reef

Scorpion Reef (Spanish: Arrecife Alacranes) is an atoll containing a small group of islets in the Gulf of Mexico, about 125 kilometres (78 mi; 67 NM) off the northern coast of the state of Yucatán, Mexico.^[2] Designated a national park, the reef is part of the Campeche Bank archipelago and is the largest reef in the southern Gulf of Mexico.^[3][4] It contains five main vegetated islands: Isla Pérez, Isla Desertora, Isla Pájaros, Isla Chica, and Isla Desterrada.^[3][4] Isla Pérez is the only inhabited island and includes a lighthouse.^[3] The reef, including its islets and surrounding waters, has been recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because it supports a population of magnificent frigatebirds.^[5]

Scorpion Reef

Native name: Arrecife Alacranes
ISS image of Scorpion Reef
Scorpion Reef
Geography
Location	Gulf of Mexico Progreso Municipality Yucatán, Mexico
Coordinates	22°22′58″N 89°40′57.8″W
Archipelago	Campeche Bank
Total islands	5
Major islands	Isla Pérez
Administration
Mexico
Ramsar Wetland
Official name	Parque Nacional Arrecife Alacranes
Designated	2 February 2008
Reference no.	1820[1]

History

The British postal steamer Tweed was wrecked on the reef en route from Havana to Veracruz in 1847, with the loss of 72 lives and a cargo of mercury.^[6][7]

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  Map

See also

• Islands portal

• List of reefs