with "Pot Luck'' -- the large grouper in the reef tank at the Aquarium.

The class, which has been learning about the coral reef, were there to see the North Rock display where a diver equipped with an underwater microphone system swims around the tank pointing out the different fish and corals.

But the primary six class had not expected the diver to be their teacher, Dipak Patel.

Through the glass, Mr. Patel showed the children the difference between hard coral and soft coral and even fed the fish from a bag of bait he had brought down with him.

He also talked about reef conservation which has special relevance as 1997 is the International Year of the Reef.

Mr. Patel reminded the students never to litter the water and noted that boaters must be careful when throwing their anchors near the reef.

Later, the students were able to ask him questions which included "Do all the fish have names like Pot Luck?'' Other students wanted to know if the coral stung when he touched it and why the shark did not eat all the other fish.

Aquarium education officer Mary Winchell said the North Rock presentation "is one of the most exciting ways for children to learn about the reef''.

She also said the underwater programme was fully booked with different school classes until the end of the school term.

In April, the $1.5 million exhibit celebrated its first anniversary after five years of planning and construction of the tank.