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An app provided by Isla Mar Research Expeditions, LLC.

Fish provided by Sea Grant.
Illustrated by Cynthia Gotay and Daniel Irizarri.

All page numbers listed in this app refer to:
Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.
Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

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Select Fish ×

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Unknown Fish

Unknown Fish

Camouflaged, Frills (3)

Deep Ovals, Flat Body (9)

Reference / Family: Angelfish×

Reference / Family: Bass & Hamlet×

Reference / Family: Blennies×

Reference / Family: Boxfishes×

Reference / Family: Butterflyfish×

Banded Butterflyfish

Foureye Butterflyfish

Reef Butterflyfish

Spotfin Butterflyfish

Reference / Family: Damselfish×

Yellowtail Damselfish

Reference / Family: Drums×

Highhat

Jackknife Fish

Spotted Drum

Reference / Family: Eels×

Reference / Family: Filefish×

Orangespotted Filefish

Scrawled Filefish

Slender Filefish

Whitespotted Filefish

Reference / Family: Goatfish×

Spotted Goatfish

Yellow Goatfish

Reference / Family: Gobies×

Reference / Family: Grouper×

Reference / Family: Grunts×

Reference / Family: Jacks×

Reference / Family: Parrotfish×

Bluelip Parrotfish

Greenblotch Parrotfish

Yellowtail Parrotfish

Reference / Family: Porcupinefish×

Balloonfish

Bridled Burrfish

Porcupinefish

Reference / Family: Porgies×

Pluma

Reference / Family: Puffers×

Bandtail Puffer

Checkered Puffer

Sharpnose Puffer

Reference / Family: Scorpionfish×

Lionfish

Plumed Scorpionfish

Spotted Scorpionfish

Reference / Family: Sharks & Rays×

Reference / Family: Snapper×

Reference / Family: Soapfish×

Freckled Soapfish

Greater Soapfish

Reference / Family: Squirrelfish×

Blackbar Soldierfish

Longjaw Squirrelfish

Longspine Squirrelfish

Reef Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

Reference / Family: Surgeonfish×

Blue Tang

Doctorfish

Ocean Surgeonfish

Reference / Family: Triggerfish×

Black Durgon

Ocean Triggerfish

Queen Triggerfish

Sargassum Triggerfish

Reference / Family: Wrasses×

Reference / Family: Other×

Reference / Shape: Boxy×

Reference / Shape: Camouflaged, Frills×

Lionfish

Plumed Scorpionfish

Spotted Scorpionfish

Reference / Shape: Deep Ovals, Flat Body×

Black Durgon

Ocean Triggerfish

Orangespotted Filefish

Peacock Flounder

Queen Triggerfish

Sargassum Triggerfish

Scrawled Filefish

Slender Filefish

Whitespotted Filefish

Reference / Shape: Disks & Ovals×

Foureye Butterflyfish

Spotfin Butterflyfish

Tan Hamlet

Threespot Damselfish

Yellowbelly Hamlet

Yellowtail Damselfish

Yellowtail Hamlet

Reference / Shape: Eel Like×

Reference / Shape: Elongated Body×

Greenblotch Parrotfish

Longspine Squirrelfish

Yellowtail Parrotfish

Reference / Shape: Heavy Body×

Reference / Shape: Sharks & Rays×

Reference / Shape: Silvery Body×

Reference / Shape: Slender Body×

Reference / Shape: Sloping Heads×

Reference / Shape: Tiny, Elongated×

Reference / Species×

Atlantic Stingray

Dasyatis sabina

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Dasyatidae
	Max Size (cm) 60
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 20

Distinct Features

Rounded disk, broader at the anterior half. Tips of the wings are rounded. Snout is pointed with concave sides. Typically the disk is as wide as it is long. Tail is long and slender, base is broad. Pelvic fins extend beyond the rear margin of the disk. No caudal or dorsal fin. One large, serrated venomous spine on top of whip-like tail. Smallest sting ray in the Western Atlantic. Coloration is tan/brown to yellowish/brown and the ventral side is white.

Distribution

Chesapeake Bay to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas and Cuba.

Habitats

Marine, but can enter brackish bays and estuaries. Inhabits shallow areas of sand/silt/mud bottoms and seagrass.

Behavior

Lies motionless on the bottom.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on a variety of invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 530, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Balloonfish

Diodon holocanthus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Diodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Robust, oval body with wide head, blunt snout and small mouth with fused beak-like teeth and big lips. Large eyes with unique iridescent blue lens. Inflatable body. Dorsal and anal fins positioned in line with each other at the second half of the body just before the caudal peduncle. Pectoral fin is large compared to the other fins. No pelvic fins. Body is covered with numerous large spines that lay flat when not disturbed but are erect when the body is inflated. Coloration is light pale yellowish brown to dark brown body, darker on the dorsal half and lighter at the ventral half. Small dark spots cover the upper body. Brown irregular bar that starts at the top of the head and passes through the eye and underneath it. Dark blotches across the across the dorsal side of the body. Fins are lightly colored and without spots. Dorsal: 13-14. Anal: 13-14. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Circumtropical

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Sandy, rubble bottoms. Inhabits seagrass, mangroves and reefs.

Behavior

Often found swimming slowly or resting on the bottom. Camouflaged and blends with surroundings.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on mollusks and crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 449, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Banded Butterflyfish

Chaetodon striatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Chaetodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 16
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 55

Distinct Features

Compressed oval, disk shape. Small mouth and pointed snout. Adult coloration is silvery white with black bands on the body. A dark black band crosses the eye, one band is level with the pectoral fin, one is level with the front of the soft dorsal and anal fins and a final band from the soft dorsal across the caudal peduncle to the anal fin base. There is also a broad black stripe along the soft dorsal and anal fins. The outer edge of the caudal fin is black. Juvenile coloration is similar to the adult, but with a large black spot bordered in white along the rear edge of the dorsal fin. Dorsal: XII, 19-20; Anal: III, 16-17; Caudal: rounded.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles can be found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Swim around the top of reefs, usually in pairs. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous

Reference

Pg. 29, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bandtail Puffer

Sphoeroides spengleri

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Tetraodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body, thick and inflatable. Head is short, jaws form a strong beak. Coloration is light brown to gray with large brown spots. The lower side of the body has a row of 10-15 largely noticeable dark black spots. Caudal fin has a black bar at the front and another at the rear. Dorsal: 8, Anal: 7, Caudal: bluntly rounded.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, around reefs and seagrass beds.

Behavior

Can be found roaming around reefs or close to the bottom. Will camouflage itself in seagrass beds. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 447, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bar Jack

Caranx ruber

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carangidae
	Max Size (cm) 69
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 70

Distinct Features

Elongated and moderately deep, compressed body. Slightly rounded snout. Coloration is silvery with a bright blue stripe beginning at the snout, along the top of the back and ends at the lower lobe of the tail. The stripe is bordered by black from under the margin of the second dorsal fin to the tip of the caudal fin. Dorsal: VII + I, 26-30; Anal: II + I, 23-26; Caudal: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New Jersey, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Also swims in open water over reefs

Behavior

Small schools but also can found solitary. Can be found feeding with goatfish and stingrays. Harmless to divers, but curious of them.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, shrimp and other invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 47, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Barred Hamlet

Hypoplectrus puella

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 90

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short. Coloration is tan in the dorsal region and yellowish/white ventral region. Oblique brown bars through the eye to the bottom of the operculum, additional bar from the beginning of the dorsal fin to the pectoral fin, and then a broad brown bar at midbody with thin bars under the soft dorsal fin and extending onto the caudal peduncle. Dorsal and anal fins are white/gray. Pelvic fins are yellow. Small blue spots on the snout and blue ring around the eye with thin blue bars before the eye and across the operculum. Dorsal: X, 14-17; Anal: III, 7; Caudal: slightly forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Remain near the bottom.

Behavior

Solitary and shy, harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 147, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Beaugregory

Stegastes leucostictus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 15

Distinct Features

Relatively elongated, plump and compressed with bluntly pointed snout. Coloration in adults is variable with integrated patterns and colors; typically found as a gray/brown body with yellowish spots on the scales of the upper dorsal region. Small blue spots are evenly distributed over most of the head and body. In Juveniles, coloration is typically bright yellow while the upper head and dorsal region are bright blue. Blue lines on the snout and eyes that extend into the upper dorsal region. A black spot with blue borders is located near the anterior of the dorsal fin. Looks similar to the juvenile of S. variabilis except the spot on the dorsal fin does not extend onto the upper body. Dorsal: XII, 13-16; Anal: II, 12-14; Caudal: bluntly forked with rounded lobes.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Flat back reef areas associated with coral edges and rocky rubble.

Behavior

Territorial but not as aggressive as other damselfish. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae and invertebrates

Reference

pg. 135, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bicolor Damselfish

Stegastes partitus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 10
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Relatively elongated, robust and compressed body, small mouth. Coloration is the same for adults and juveniles; can vary in color pattern. Typically observed as a tricolor or bicolor combination. Head and foreward half of body is usually black, while the rear half is white. May contain an orange or yellow wash on the lower half of the forebody. Dorsal: XII, 14-17; Anal: II, 13-15; Caudal: bluntly forked lobes with angular tips.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Shallow reefs and rocky areas, patch reefs, sandy areas with scattered coral rubble and algae.

Behavior

Males will aggressively defend egg patches. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae and invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 129, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Black Durgon

Melichthys niger

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Balistidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 75

Distinct Features

Elongate, oval and robust, compressed. Mouth is small and positioned slightly above the center line of the body. Body is black to blue-black, including fins. Pale blue to white lines along the base of the dorsal and anal fins. Front of the head may be yellowish. Thin blue lines radiating from the upper part of the eye, blue lines that form zig-zags across the rest of the body. Dorsal: III, 30-35. Anal: 20-31. Caudal: strongly concave

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Circumtropical

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on rocky reefs and coral areas.

Behavior

Solitary, but can form groups hovering above the reef.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on calcareous algae and zooplankton.

Reference

Pg. 463, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Black Grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 150
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust and compressed body. Lower jaw projects. Adult coloration is grayish to dark brown on the head and body with densely packed reddish to brown spots over the body. The upper body has irregular, rectangular dark blotches separated by white lines. The blotches can resemble "kiss" marks. Pectoral fins are dark with pale margins. Marginal edges of the back dorsal fin, anal and caudal fin are dark with thin white outer edge. Juvenile coloration is brownish with irregular brown blotches separated by white lines without the reddish brown spots. White lines radiate from the eye. Small dark saddle at the top of the caudal peduncle. Dorsal: XI, 15-17. Anal: III, 10-12. Caudal: blunt to very slightly concave

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Usually found near the bottom, occasionally found on drop-offs and walls.

Behavior

Hovers above the reef or in the water column. Usually solitary. Wary of divers, will retreat into ledges when approached.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds primarily on fish.

Reference

Pg. 161, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Black Hamlet

Hypoplectrus nigricans

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 67

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges. Pelvic fins are unusually long and may be edged by a bright blue line. Body will be completely dark, either a black or dark purplish color, occasionally can be a dark brown. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Belize to Panama, uncommon in Florida, but common in the Bahamas through the rest of Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 153, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Black Margate

Anisotremus surinamensis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 75
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 50

Distinct Features

Deep, compressed body with high back. Head is short and blunt with small mouth. Body is silvery to pale gray with a dark blotch from behind the pectoral fin extending down to the belly and below the lateral line. Moderate to large, visible scales. Fins are black. Dorsal: XII-XIII, 16-18. Anal: III, 8-10. Caudal: forked

Distribution

Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefers caves, ledges and overhangs.

Behavior

Solitary or small groups

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 106, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blackbar Soldierfish

Myripristis jacobus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Holocentridae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Oval and deep body with a moderately large mouth and blunt snout. Forehead is convex with a very large eye. Coloration is solid red all over with a black bar behind the head, white outer edges of the dorsal, caudal, pelvic and anal fins. Outer edges of the dorsal spines are white. Dorsal: X + I, 12-15; Anal: IV, 12-13; Caudal: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Hide in dark recesses or under the ledge.

Behavior

Often gather in large schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous

Reference

Pg. 253, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blackear Wrasse

Halichoeres poeyi

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 20
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 55

Distinct Features

Elongate, compressed and fusiform body. Mouth is protrusible with thick lips. One continuous dorsal fin, anal fin starts at midbody and extends to caudal peduncle. Coloration in juveniles is yellowish/green to tan and may have four irregular shaped brown bands on upper body. There is an elongate black ocellus on middle of dorsal fin and a black spot on the rear base of the dorsal fin. There is also a black spot at the end of the caudal peduncle at the center where it meets the caudal fin. Initial phase coloration is yellowish/green with a small black spot on the base of the rear dorsal fin. There are yellowish/orange irregular stripes behind the eye and on the caudal peduncle. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are orange/yellow. Terminal phase coloration (illustrated) is green at the head then fades to yellow/brown/green at the body that fades to pink at the caudal fin. There are three to four orange/brown irregular bars along upper half of the body. Pink stripes radiate from the forward part of the eye towards the mouth. Another pink stripe starts at the back of the mouth and extends back across the operculum. Behind the eye is an irregular black spot ("ear") that can be outlined in blue/orange. There is also an irregular black spot at the rear base of the dorsal fin. There are three diagonal pink stripes outlined in blue. Dorsal: IX, 12. Anal: III, 12. Caudal: blunt

Distribution

Bermuda, Georgia, East Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil, Yucatan

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Can also be found along seagrass beds.

Behavior

Energetic, constantly swimming around reefs. May be solitary. In seagrass beds, they may swim slower to blend in.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 237, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carcharhinidae
	Max Size (cm) 260
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 65

Distinct Features

Body is stout with a moderately long, pointed snout. Small eye. The first dorsal fin is relatively high with a curved tip and originates at the middle of the pectoral fin. Second dorsal fin is small with a notch at the base of the rear margin and originates even with the anal fin. Caudal fin is strongly asymmetrical with a developed lower lobe. Notch under the tip of the upper lobe. Five gill slits. Coloration is gray on dorsal that fades ventrally to white. A faded white stripe along the midbody extends towards upper abdomen. There are black tips on all fins except the anal fin and top lobe of caudal fin. Anal fin is white.

Distribution

Circumtropical

Habitats

Marine, inshore/offshore pelagic, reefs, shallow lagoons and estuaries.

Behavior

Usually solitary, wary of divers and will keep their distance.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish, smaller sharks and crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 518, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blue Chromis

Chromis cyanea

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 60

Distinct Features

Compressed and elongated oval shape; Slender body with deeply forked tail. Coloration is a bright blue with darker blue/black along the dorsal surface and exterior edges of the caudal fin. Dorsal: XII, 12; Anal: II, 12; Caudal: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Typically found along the outer edges of the reef; swim in water column above reef.

Behavior

Often found in loose agreggations, sometimes seen with C. multilineata. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous

Reference

Pg. 141, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blue Hamlet

Hypoplectrus gemma

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 13
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 20

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. Body is completely bright blue. The outer margins of the caudal fin have darker blue/black edges. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: very slightly forked

Distribution

Uncommonly reported in Bahamas, Florida, Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 153, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blue Runner

Caranx crysos

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carangidae
	Max Size (cm) 70
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Moderately elongated body, but compressed. Coloration is light blue to olive above and silvery below. Obvious black spot is at the corner of the operculum, above the pectoral fin. Tips of caudal fin are black. Lobes of the dorsal and anal fins are distinctly raised. Dorsal fin: VIII + I, 19-21; Anal fin: II + I, 19-21; Caudal fin: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New Jersey, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, brackish and reef associated. Open water over reefs; juveniles may be found in floating Sargassum

Behavior

Solitary or in large schools, often feed with goatfishes and shadow stingrays. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish, shrimp and other invertebrates. Opportunistic feeders.

Reference

pg. 47, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Blue Tang

Acanthurus coeruleus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Acanthuridae
	Max Size (cm) 36
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Compressed and oval shaped, steep head profile. Single continuous dorsal fin with low profile. Not as elongated as A. chirurgus and A. tractus. Adults: body varies in color from powder blue to deep purple; white or yellow spine at base of tail on caudal peduncle. Juveniles: bright yellow body color overall. Intermediates: blue head and body with yellow tail. Dorsal fin: IX, 26-28; Anal fin: III, 24-26; Caudal fin: concave with pointed tips.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New York, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

marine, reef associated. Reefs and rocky substrate, often shallow.

Behavior

Can be solitary, but often in aggregations with A. chirurgus and A. tractus. Harmless to divers

Feeding Ecology

Herbivorous; Important herbivore to maintaining reef health by feeding on algae

Reference

pg. 33, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bluehead

Thalassoma bifasciatum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Elongate and compressed body, fusiform body. Coloration in adults terminal phase is blue head, bright white triangular patch with broad black edges just behind the pectoral fin. The remainder of the body is greenish. Initial phase coloration is variable but can be with an upper half of the head and body as a dark gray/brown with 4 to 5 white bars extending across the body dorsoventrally. A second inital phase coloration commonly observed is upper head and body is black with a yellow stripe from the eye to the tail, the lower head and body is white. There is a black dot at the front of the dorsal fin. Juvenile color phase is defined as yellow upper body and white lower body with a black stripe from the snout to base of caudal fin, dorsal fin has a black blotch at the front. Dorsal: VIII, 13; Anal: III, 11; Caudal: square in juveniles, strongly concave in terminal phase.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Swim above reefs

Behavior

Forms aggregations on shallow reefs. Males can be found chasing or being followed by females; this behavior is typically observed when a terminal phase male is seen with several others of a different color phase (females). Juveniles may form cleaning stations. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on plankton and benthic invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 231, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bluelip Parrotfish

Cryptotomus roseus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 58

Distinct Features

Elongated cigar shaped body with pointed snout. Teeth fused into a beak. Initial phase and juvenile: dorsal body is tan to reddish brown, fading into whitish on the underside. There may be two pale whitish stripes along head and body. Terminal phase: snout to head and dorsal part of the body is greenish blue, lower head is pale yellow that fades to a pale greenish throughout the rest of the body. Two pinkish stripes from the mouth to the eye, which converge into pink spots on the operculum. Broad pinkish stripe from eye to base of the tail. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: convex

Distribution

Western/Central Atlantic, Bermuda to Brazil including the Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefer shallow seagrass beds, occasional in coral rubble or in gorgonian plains. Typically shallow, rarely found on deep reefs.

Behavior

Darts around rapidly, stopping occasionally to feed. Initial phase is often in pairs or small schools, terminal phase is solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae

Reference

Pg. 220, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bluestriped Grunt

Haemulon sciurus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body and compressed, head is blunt. Coloration is yellow with dense blue stripes. Soft dorsal and caudal fins are dark with a yellow border. Pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are yellow. Dorsal: XII, 16-17; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to South Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated on hard bottoms and seagrass beds, mangroves.

Behavior

Congregate in small to midsize schools near reefs and around drop offs. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 97, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bridled Burrfish

Chilomycterus antennatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Diodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 25

Distinct Features

Robust, oval body with wide head, blunt snout and small mouth with fused beak-like teeth and big lips. Inflatable body. Large eyes with pattern inside and cirri over the eyes. Dorsal and anal fins positioned in line with each other at the second half of the body just before the caudal peduncle. Pectoral fin is large compared to the other fins. No pelvic fins. Body is covered with numerous large spines that are always erect even when the body is not inflated. Coloration is pale yellow/brown to dark brown body. Head and body are covered with numerous dark spots. There is a dark, irregular blotch over each pectoral fin that extends onto the dorsal side of the body. An additional irregular blotch is located at midback on the dorsal side of the body and in front of the dorsal fin. Juvenile coloration has a bright yellow body covered with white spots with black borders. Dorsal: 11-13. Anal: 11-12. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida to Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil, Northern Gulf of Mexico

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits seagrass beds and adjacent coral reefs.

Behavior

Swims slowly near the bottom and blends with background.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 453, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Bridled Goby

Coryphopterus glaucofraenum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 8
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 60

Distinct Features

Elongated body, snout is slightly rounded. Relatively large eyes positioned on top of the head. Pale to translucent but can be darker depending on the habitat. Body has three rows of spots forming loose stripes. First and third row are brownish while the middle row is translucent blue. The rows extend from head to caudal fin. White bridled from the mouth to upper operculum. Fins are clear to dusky. Dorsal: VI + I, 9. Anal: 1, 10. Caudal: blunt

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

North Carolina, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits sandy bottoms near the base of coral reefs.

Behavior

Can be in small groups. Perch on top of the sand near their holes.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 294, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Brown Chromis

Chromis multilineata

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 20
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 60

Distinct Features

Compressed and elongated oval shape, slender body with deeply forked tail. Coloration is pale brownish/gray with yellow borders on the dorsal fin and tips of the caudal fin. Large black spot located at the base of the pectoral fins. Dorsal: XIII, 12-13; Anal: II, 11-13; Caudal: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Typically found along the outer edges of the reef; swims in water column above reef

Behavior

Often found in loose agreggations, sometimes seen with C. cyanea. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous

Reference

Pg. 143, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Brown Garden Eel

Heteroconger longissimus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Congridae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 10 - 60

Distinct Features

Thin, compressed and very elongate body. Small head, superior mouth, short snout. Very small pectoral fins, dorsal and anal fins are continuous fin with the caudal fin. Large eye relative to the size of the head. Coloration is brown to gray head and upper body, flecked with numerous small pale spots. The ventral side of the bottom and head are white. The iris of the eye is brown with a white lower half of the eye. Outer margin of the dorsal fin is white. Vertebrae: 158-168

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

East/West Atlantic, Bermuda, South Florida to Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Lives in burrows on sandy bottoms.

Behavior

Found in small to large colonies in sand bottoms near coral reefs, extend only their head and upper body from the burrows and continuously undulate in wave like motion while feeding.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on plankton and detritus.

Reference

Pg. 508, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Butter Hamlet

Hypoplectrus unicolor

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 35

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. Body is usually a pale yellow to grayish white. Blue markings can be present on the head and gill cover, and edges of pelvic and dorsal fins. Black spot outlined in blue is generally present on the snout. A black saddle is present on the caudal peduncle. Two black spots can also sometimes be found on the nares. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: slightly forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean but absent in the Gulf of Mexico

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 149, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Caesar Grunt

Haemulon carbonarium

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 40
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 30

Distinct Features

Oblong, compressed body with sloping head and tapered body. Head is deep, blunt. Small mouth. Coloration on the body is silvery, gray undertones to dusky black on rear dorsal fin. Head and body have about ten thin coppery/yellowish stripes. Head can have a bluish undertone. Caudal fin is black. Front dorsal fin has yellow edge. Anal fin has a dark outer margin. Dorsal: XII, 15-16. Anal: III, 8. Caudal: forked

Distribution

Bermuda to Brazil including Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles can be found in seagrass beds and mangroves

Behavior

Drift in small, mixed schools with other grunts, near coral reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 98, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Chain Moray

Echidna catenata

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Muraenidae
	Max Size (cm) 70
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 20

Distinct Features

Elongate, heavy body with short snout and jaw and a broad head. Front nostrils are tubular. Coloration is dark brown to black undertones on the body that is separated by pale to bright yellow chain-like markings that can form irregular bars.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bermuda, South Florida and Southern Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefer shallow, clear water reefs and rocky shorelines.

Behavior

Usually at the intertidal or near shoreline, hides during the day and forages at night.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 496, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Chalk Bass

Serranus tortugarum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 8
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 91

Distinct Features

Elongate body, moderately compressed. The lower lip is exposed when mouth is closed (underbite). The snout is shorter than the length of the eye. Body coloration and undertone is pale blue to pink, and will appear iridescent when seen underwater. Distinct series of alternating pale and dark (orange) bars across the dorsal region. Dorsal: X, 12. Anal: III, 7. Caudal: mostly blunt

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found in sandy, rubble areas near reefs.

Behavior

Usually solitary but can be found in small groups. Found hovering over sandy areas near reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on plankton

Reference

Pg. 191, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Checkered Puffer

Sphoeroides testudineus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Tetraodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 20

Distinct Features

Oblong, elongated heavy body with blunt head and pointed snout. Eyes are positioned on the upper portion of the head. Teeth are fused to a beak. Inflatable body. Dorsal and anal fins positioned almost in line with each other at the second half of the body just before the caudal peduncle. No pelvic fins. Coloration is pale yellow/brown body on the upper body covered in brown to olive-gray patches that form irregular rectangles on the upper dorsal side. This pattern transitions to smaller, irregular blotches and black spots along the lower portion of the body. The ventral side is white to yellowish. Dorsal: 11-12. Anal: 11-12. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Rhode Island to Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil, Yucatan and Northern Gulf of Mexico

Habitats

Marine, seagrass associated. Found in sand and mud bottoms in shallow bays, estuaries, mangroves and seagrass beds.

Behavior

Partially bury themselves in the sandy bottom. Rare on reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 447, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Cleaning Goby

Elacatinus genie

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 5
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head is compressed, mouth is under pointed snout. Narrow bright yellow "V" on the snout that continues as a stripe over the eye and along the midbody and extends to the caudal fin. Stripe becomes whitish and widens towards the caudal fin. The midbody stripe is flanked by black on the upper body and below the stripe that fades to white on the lower body and under the head. Dorsal: VII, 11. Anal: 1, 10. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas, Cuba

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits living coral heads

Behavior

Engages in cleaning behavior by forming cleaning stations. Congregate in cleaning stations where they perch in groups on coral heads.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on ectoparasites

Reference

Pg. 276, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Clown Wrasse

Halichoeres maculipinna

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 25

Distinct Features

Elongated and compressed body. Continuous dorsal fin. Coloration for juveniles from bottom to top: lower half is white followed by a thick brown stripe from the tip of the mouth to the base of the tail, followed by a yellow stripe, with a brown stripe above that and along the dorsal edge. Coloration for initial phase: head is yellowish/green with red lines that radiate forward toward the head, and back down the body from the eye. There is also a red stripe from the mouth to the edge of the operculum. The upper body is greenish/brownish to white and below that is short pink bars on various scales, followed by a double black spot on the dorsal spines. Terminal phase coloration is a yellow head below, with green above that and red lines; three reddish lines mark the top of the head, while two \"U\" shaped lines cover the snout; dark midbody blotch. Dorsal: IX, 11; Anal: III, 11; Caudal: blun

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated and adjacent sandy bottoms.

Behavior

Swim over the reefs and adjacent sand. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 235, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Cocoa Damselfish

Stegastes variabilis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 30

Distinct Features

Moderately deep body, oblong and compressed with an angular snout and small mouth. Coloration in adults is variable, but typically a brown/purple upper body with a yellowish tint on the lower body and pectoral, pelvic, anal and caudal fins. Juvenile coloration is typically purple/blue on the upper head and back, with bright yellow lower half. Blue lines on the snout and eyes that extend into the upper dorsal region. A black spot with blue borders is located near the anterior of the dorsal fin and extends onto the upper body. Looks similar to the juvenile of S. leucostictus except the spot on the dorsal fin does extend onto the body. Dorsal: XII, 14-17; Anal: II, 12-15; Caudal: bluntly forked with rounded lobes.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found in sheltered reef habitats, fore reefs with living coral.

Behavior

Territorial but not as aggressive as other damselfish. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae and invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 133, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Colon Goby

Coryphopterus dicrus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 5
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 20

Distinct Features

Elongated body, snout has a straight profile with large eye on top of head. Small mouth. Body is translucent gray, eye has dark radiating lines. Dark brownish bar below the eye and often several bars behind the eye. Irregular dark spots on midbody from back of the head to the caudal fin. Sides of the body has numerous yellow spots. Two stacked, often joining, dark spots that can form a bar on the base of the caudal peduncle. Ventral fins translucent. Dorsal: VI, 9. Anal: I, 9. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Georgia to Florida, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit sandy coral rubble at the base of the coral reef.

Behavior

Perch on the bottom and blends with the background.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 296, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Coney

Cephalopholis fulva

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 41
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 70

Distinct Features

Robust and oblong in shape, big lips. Coloration can vary between three color phases: 1.) uniform red or yellow/golden, 2.) orange/brown and 3.) bicolor, upper half is dark reddish brown and lower half is white. All three color phases have dark ringed pale blue spots. Two small black spots at the upper base of the tail and tip of the lower jaw. Dorsal fin: IIX, 14-16; Anal fin: III, 9; Caudal fin: convex with angular edges.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to South Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefers coral reefs and rocky bottoms.

Behavior

Unconcerned by divers, but can be curious. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Mostly piscivorous.

Reference

pg. 175, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Cottonwick

Haemulon melanurum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 50

Distinct Features

Oblong body, slightly elongated, compressed. Sloping head and tapered body. Head is bluntly pointed. Coloration is silvery gray undertone with black stripe that originates at the front of the dorsal fin and widens towards the rear, through the upper half of the tail base and includes the upper half of the lower caudal fork. Head and body have yellow/bronze stripes. White outer margins on the dorsal and caudal fin. Other fins are pale to white. Black stripe through the eye. Dorsal: XII, 15-17. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: forked

Distribution

Florida, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. On clear water reefs.

Behavior

Solitary, or drifts near the bottom in small schools.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 100, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Creole Wrasse

Clepticus parrae

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongated oval shape with rounded snout, tail is concave with pointed edges. Coloration is dark purple/violet or lavender for the initial phase. Terminal phase have a yellow/reddish posterior coloration. Dorsal: XII, 10; Anal: III, 12; Caudal: concave.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found mid water along edges of reef.

Behavior

Forms schools, harmless to divres.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous, but also feeds on invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 225, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Crevalle Jack

Caranx hippos

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carangidae
	Max Size (cm) 124
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 350

Distinct Features

Oblong body, moderately compressed. Adults: Black irregular spot on pectoral fin, distinct black spot close to the top corner of the operculum. Body coloration is greenish/bluish to bluish/black above with white below. Juveniles: Silver to yellowish body coloration with six black body bars, translucent fins. Dorsal fin: VIII + I, 19-21; Anal fin: II + I, 16-17. Front lobes of both fins are raised. Caudal fin: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico; North to Nova Scotia and south to Uruguay

Habitats

Marine, brackish. Generally found in neritic waters near continential shelves. Prefer clear water, rarely swim over reefs. Juveniles may be in estuaries.

Behavior

Larger fish may be solitary, but often form large schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, shrimp and other invertebrates.

Reference

pg. 49, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Cubera Snapper

Lutjanus cyanopterus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 160
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 60

Distinct Features

Oblong body is relatively slender, compressed. Mouth is relatively large with visible strong canines at front of top and bottom jaws. Coloration in adults is grayish brown undertones with reddish tint, particularly in the front dorsal portion of the body. Often have visible pale bars on the dorsal portion of the body. Dorsal and caudal fins are gray. Anal and pelvic fins are reddish brown. Juveniles show more prominent bars than in the adults. Dorsal: X, 14. Anal: III, 7-8. Caudal: blunt

Distribution

Nova Scotia, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, to Southeast Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles occupy inshore around mangroves. Adults associated with reefs and rocky bottoms.

Behavior

Solitary, deep reef dwelling for adults. Skiddish when approached by divers. Can form schools.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 116, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Diamond Blenny

Malacoctenus boehlkei

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labrisomidae
	Max Size (cm) 7
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head is slender with a pointed snout. Pair of heavily branched cirri on the top of the head. Branched cirrus over the eyes. Slender pelvic fins that reach past the anal fin origin. The head is yellowish brown, body is pale reddish tan. Brown irregular stripe along the front of the head from eye to snout. Seven brownish red saddles below the dorsal fin. Lower body has pale spots enclosed by reddish brown diamond shapes in a row. A large, black, yellow-ringed ocellus at the front of the dorsal fin. Dorsal: XVIII-XXIII, 9-12. Anal: I, 3. Caudal: blunt

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit shallow areas with sand/coral rubble and rocky shores. Found on both forereef drop offs and lagoonal patch reefs.

Behavior

Solitary. Perch on top of rubble.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 322, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Doctorfish

Acanthurus chirurgus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Acanthuridae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 30

Distinct Features

Compressed and elongated oval shaped body. Single continuous dorsal fin with low profile. Steep head profile, body is uniform bluish gray to dark brown color with 8-12 well spaced narrow, darker gray vertical bars. Dorsal fin: IX, 24-25; Anal fin: III, 21-23; Caudal fin: slightly concave with blunt tips and pale bar at the base. Spine at caudal peduncle, along each side.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil and tropical West Africa

Habitats

marine, reef associated. Reefs and rocky substrate, often shallow.

Behavior

Typically found in groups of five or more, and often in loose aggregations with A. coeruleus and A. tractus. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Herbivorous; Important herbivore to maintaining reef health by feeding on algae

Reference

pg. 37, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Dog Snapper

Lutjanus jocu

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 130
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 65

Distinct Features

Relatively deep and compressed in body size, slightly sloping head. Coloration is olive with a bronze tint on the back and upper sides, with occasional pale bars. The lower portion of the body is reddish to pale copper. A pale triangle is visible under the eye, similar to a teardrop. Dorsal: X, 14; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: slightly concave.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefer reefs, but also found on wrecks and rocky inshore, shaded reefs.

Behavior

Primarily solitary. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 119, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Dusky Damselfish

Stegastes adustus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 20

Distinct Features

Oval and robust, compressed in body shape. Small mouth. Coloration is adults is a uniform gray brown in the body and fins. There is a narrow dark edge to the anal fin. Juvenile coloration has a brillant orange wash from the snout to the end of the spiny dorsal fin and may have blue spots. The lower body is a bluish purple that extends into the fins, including the second dorsal fin. There are two black spots ringed with blue, one below the dorsal fin and one at the caudal peduncle. Dorsal: XII, 14-17; Anal: II, 13-15; Caudal: rounded lobes.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Shallow reefs and rocky areas, juveniles can be found in seagrass beds

Behavior

Can be territorial and will aggressively defend. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae and invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 131, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Dwarf Wrasse

Doratonotus megalepis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 10
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 15

Distinct Features

Oval, compressed body with a small, slightly concave head profile and pointed snout. The dorsal fin is deeply notched after the third spine. Coloration is greenish body mottled with red/brown/orange spots with rows of red/white spotted pattern on dorsal and ventral fins. Four to five irregular red/brown bars on the body. There may be a brown margin to the caudal peduncle just before the caudal fin. An orange/brown bar extends from the mouth through the eye to the top of the head. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil, Yucatan

Habitats

Marine, seagrass associated. Inhabits shallow water.

Behavior

Blends into the substrate, often found hiding in the seagrass. Highly camouflaged.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 243, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Fairy Basslet

Gramma loreto

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Grammatidae
	Max Size (cm) 8
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 65

Distinct Features

Elongated and compressed body, large eye and distinctly long pelvic fins. Spot at top of dorsal fin, body is split in coloration - front half is purple, back half is yellow. Pale purple markings on the face. Dorsal: XI - XIII, 9-11; Anal: III, 6-10; Caudal: blunt to very slightly forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico; south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found underneath ledges and overhangs.

Behavior

Commonly observed to be upside down under ledges; forms small groups. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on ectoparasites of other fish.

Reference

Pg. 199, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Foureye Butterflyfish

Chaetodon capistratus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Chaetodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 20

Distinct Features

Compressed oval, disk shape. Small mouth, pointed snout. Adult coloration is light gray with pale yellow on the sides, white ringed black spot at rear upper body near base of dorsal fin and tail. Black bar through the eye, angular black chevrons from top to bottom of the body, pointing forward towards head. Pelvic fins are yellow. Dorsal fin: XIII, 18-20; Anal fin: III, 16-17; Caudal fin: rounded.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles can be found in mangroves and seagrass beds.

Behavior

Often in pairs, harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on zoantharians, polychaetes, tunicates and gorgonians.

Reference

Pg. 29, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Freckled Soapfish

Rypticus bistrispinus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 430

Distinct Features

Elongated, very compressed body with gradually sloping forehead. Pointed snout with protruding lower jaw. Broad dark reddish brown area begins at the snout and extends through the eye along the upper back, which then pales in coloration as it extends to the rear dorsal fin. Pale yellowish/white below the stripe. Rear dorsal and caudal fin are brownish. Densely packed small dark brown spots on upper body that fades to more irregularly packed spots at the lower body. Dorsal: II, 24-27. Anal: 0, 15-17. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

South Carolina, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Mixed bottoms of sand and rock rubble on shallow patch reefs, usually.

Behavior

Reclusive, hides in recesses of the reef. Solitary. Often found resting along their sides on the bottom.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 194, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

French Angelfish

Pomacanthus paru

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 41
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 70

Distinct Features

Deep compressed body, almost circular. Deep head with a small mouth and short snout. Coloration in adults is dark gray with bright yellow edges around the scales, fins are black and the base of the pectoral fin is yellow. Juveniles coloration is black with three yellow bars through the body, tail is black and outlined with a yellow band, also a yellow line down the center of the snout. May have blue edges to the pelvic and anal fins. Dorsal: X, 29-31; Anal: III, 22-24, Caudal: bluntly convex.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New York, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles can be found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Adults swim over reefs often in pairs. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on sponges, algae and tunicates

Reference

Pg. 23, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

French Grunt

Haemulon flavolineatum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body and compressed. Head is bluntly pointed, large eyes. Coloration depicts silvery gray with distinct yellow stripes and all fins are yellows. Stripes on lower portion of the body are diagonal, upper stripes are irregular. Dorsal: XII, 14-16; Anal: III, 8: Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to South Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated on hard bottoms and seagrass beds.

Behavior

Often form large schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Reference

pg. 97, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Goldentail Moray

Gymnothorax miliaris

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Muraenidae
	Max Size (cm) 70
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 60

Distinct Features

Elongate body that is short and blunt, compressed at rear with tapered tail. Snout is short and blunt. Eye is over, or slightly behind, the middle of the mouth. Front nostrils are tubular. Short mouth with a straight lower jaw. Continuous dorsal and anal fin. The dorsal fin origin is on the head, slightly before the gill opening. Coloration is highly variable but is generally brownish undertone covered with bright yellow spots with a golden tail. The sizes of the spots are variable between individuals. Rarely the pattern can be reversed with yellow undertone covered in brown spots. A dark variation only exists but without the golden tail. The iris of the eye is gold.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

East, Central and West Atlantic, Bermuda, South Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil and also at the Flower Garden Bank

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Lives on coral reefs and prefers shallow to mid range depths.

Behavior

Hides during the day but can be out foraging in the open during the day too. Head is often extending from the opening of its hiding place. Usually solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 490, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Goldspot Goby

Gnatholepis thompsoni

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 8
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 50

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head is thick and blunt. Mouth is positioned slightly under the snout. Body is whitish with narrow dark bar from top of the head, through the eye and extends to bottom of the head. Prominent yellow spot above the pectoral fin base. Dark stripe extends from eye to the spot, second dark stripe starts at front operculum and extends to middle of pectoral fin base. Dorsal fins have bluish edges and a series of irregular spots that form stripes. Lower body has dark blotches, approximately four. Dorsal: VI, 11. Anal: I, 11. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits sandy coral rubble areas near reefs.

Behavior

Perches on the sand near protective cover. Often occurs with the Bridled goby.

Feeding Ecology

Filter feeds from the sand

Reference

Pg. 292, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Goldspotted Eel

Myrichthys ocellatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Ophichthidae
	Max Size (cm) 110
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 150

Distinct Features

Elongate, thin, cylindrical body that is compressed at rear. Conical snout that is blunt and short. The upper jaw overhangs. Front nostrils are tubular. Dorsal fin origin is just behind the head but before the gill opening. Tip of the tail is blunt. Dorsal and anal fins are continuous with caudal fin. Coloration is tan to yellowish on the body, with bright yellow spots ringed by a fading black ring on the head and body.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on shallow seagrass beds, sand and coral rubble bottoms. Patch reefs.

Behavior

Can burrow and move about under the sand. Usually solitary. Appears unconcerned with divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 500, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Goliath Grouper

Epinephelus itajara

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 250
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust body. Head is large and flat between the eyes, with a small eye compared to the rest of the body. Large mouth. Adult coloration has three to five oblique, irregular, mottled brown bars towards the back half of the body and onto the caudal fin. Larger adults have gray/greenish with pale blotches and smaller dark brown to blackish spots scattered over the body with less obvious irregular bars. Juvenile coloration is brown to yellowish beige with dark brown blotches. Dorsal: XI, 15-16. Anal: III, 8. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Western and Eastern Atlantic, Georgia to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit rocky reefs and bays. Can be found on drop-offs, large ledges and wrecks. Juveniles can be found in estuaries, bays and mangroves.

Behavior

Reclusive, hide in wrecks, caves and undercut ledges. Can make a loud "boom" noise if disturbed. Largest of the grouper species and largest bony fish in the region.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans (mostly lobsters) and fish.

Reference

Pg. 159, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Gray Angelfish

Pomacanthus arcuatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 60
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 60

Distinct Features

Deep compressed body, almost circular. Deep head with a small mouth and short snout. Coloration for adults is grayish large body scales that have darker centers and paler edges. Yellow pectoral fin base. Juvenile coloration is black with three yellow bars through the body, base of caudal fin is yellow with a black center and rear of caudal fin is transparent. Also has a yellow line down the snout. May have blue edges to the pelvic and anal fins. Dorsal: IX, 31-33; Anal: III, 23-25; Caudal: square.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New York, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles can be found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Adults swim over reefs often in pairs. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on sponges, algae and tunicates

Reference

Pg. 25, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Gray Snapper

Lutjanus griseus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 65
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 180

Distinct Features

Body is slender and compressed, the head is relatively pointed. Coloration is variable; the upper portion of the body can be gray/green to dark olive with a reddish tint while the lower parts are paler. There is often a broad oblique bar that extends from the tip of the snout to the origin of the dorsal fin. Pale bars on the upper body could be visible, more obviously in the juveniles. Dorsal: X, 14; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: slightly concave.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated, mangroves, estuaries and brackish waters.

Behavior

Drift in small schools, near mangrove lagoons and rocky outcroppings. Can be encountered on reefs. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 121, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Graysby

Cephalopholis cruentata

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 42
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 170

Distinct Features

Robust and oblong in shape, big lips. Coloration can vary, but typically is light reddish brown to gray with darker brown to reddish spots all over body. Three to five pale or dark spots along the base of the dorsal fin. Dorsal fin: IX, 13-15; Anal fin: III, 8; Caudal fin: rounded.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefers coral reefs with small ledges and caves.

Behavior

Can be shy to divers, and harmless.

Feeding Ecology

Mostly piscivorous.

Reference

pg. 171, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Great Barracuda

Sphyraena barracuda

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Sphyraenidae
	Max Size (cm) 200
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongated, robust body and cylindrical at the front. Head is long with a long pointed snout. Large protractable mouth with large teeth. Coloration is grayish above and paler below. About 20 diagonal bars along the back, with black spots along the lower rear half of the body. Dorsal: V + I, 8-10; Anal: II, 8; Caudal: forked with center lobes.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Circumtropical. Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Also found in open ocean, seagrass beds and mangroves usually in the water column.

Behavior

Usually solitary or in small groups. Juveniles found in mangroves and seagrass beds. Often swim with an open mouth. Attracted to shiny objects, do not usually harm divers unless provoked, but are curious.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and occasionally shrimp.

Reference

Pg. 67, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Great Hammerhead

Sphyrna mokarran

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Sphyrnidae
	Max Size (cm) 600
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 300

Distinct Features

Body is stout with a broad head with narrow blade extensions on the head that form a hammer shape, small eyes placed on either side of the hammer. Front margin of the head is almost straight. Five gill slits. Dorsal fin is very tall, curved and with a pointed tip. Rear edges of the ventral fins are strongly concave. Caudal fin strongly asymmetrical with a notch under the tip of the top lobe. Second dorsal and anal fins originate at the same location and are equally sized. Coloration is gray on top with pale white ventral. No markings on the fins.

Distribution

Circumtropical

Habitats

Marine, coastal pelagic but generally oceanic. Rare occasions can be found on reefs.

Behavior

Unpredictable behavior, often wary of divers and will not approach.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and some crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 522, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Greater Soapfish

Rypticus saponaceus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 140

Distinct Features

Elongated, very compressed body with gradually sloping forehead. Pointed snout with protruding lower jaw (underbite). Body is dark brown to gray undertones covered with numerous, irregularly distributed pale blotches. Dorsal: III, 23-26. Anal: 0, 16-18. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

North Carolina, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Mixed bottoms of sand and rock rubble on shallow patch reefs, usually.

Behavior

Reclusive, hides in recesses of the reef. Solitary. Often found resting along their sides on the bottom.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 194, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Green Moray

Gymnothorax funebris

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Muraenidae
	Max Size (cm) 190
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 33

Distinct Features

Elongated and compressed at rear. Tail is tapered. Ribbon like in shape. Snout is elongated and pointed, bulbous nape. Tube-like nostrils are obvious. One long, continuous dorsal and anal fin. Coloration is uniform dark green to brown.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine and brackish, mainly found on reefs but occasionally on mangroves.

Behavior

Commonly observed in holes or crevices, head facing out with mouth agape. Not typically a threat to divers unless harassed.

Feeding Ecology

Piscivorous

Reference

Pg. 489, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Green Razorfish

Xyrichtys splendens

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 52

Distinct Features

Oblong, elongated body, strongly compressed and slender. Head is rounded with a steep snout (males; less steep in females). Mouth has thick lips. Eye is high on the head towards the dorsal part of the body. One continuous dorsal fin. Anal fin starts at the second half of the body and extends to the caudal peduncle. Coloration in juveniles is mottled yellow/brown to olive body. First two dorsal spines are elongated and extend higher than the remaining part of the dorsal fin. Dorsal spines and pelvic fins are dark brown. Three dark bars are located on the second half of the body that extend to the dorsal and anal fins. Initial phase coloration is undescribed. Terminal coloration for males (illustrated example) is green to blue/green body with blue bars on the head starting at the eye and progressing down through the mouth and lower head. Head is orange on the cheeks. Eye is bright red. There can be one to two black spots with a blue ring at the midbody. Approximately four darker green/olive bars starting behind the pectoral fin and extending to the caudal peduncle. Dorsal and anal fins are light blue with red pattern, caudal fin is orange/red with blue pattern. Female coloration is variable but commonly in shades of green to red/orange/brown and usually without distinctive marks while swimming but will display bars while resting. Dorsal: IX, 12. Anal: III, 13. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Bermuda, Southern Florida, Flower Gardens, Yucatan, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, open sand associated. Found in sand near rocks.

Behavior

May hide in seagrass and algae. Hovers over sand, when alarmed it may dive into the sand.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 243, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Greenblotch Parrotfish

Sparisoma atomarium

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongated and somewhat compressed. Teeth fused into a beak. Initial phase: reddish dorsal side, whitish ventral coloration, with three red stripes along the side and lower portion of the base of the tail. Pearly spots can be seen on the belly. Terminal phase: upper portion of the body and head are yellowish to reddish, or greenish brown. Lower head and body are blue-green. There is a short blue bar along the top corner of the operculum. Tail and anal fins are orange-red. There is a black spot on the base of the pectoral fin. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: convex

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean and south to the Caribbean coast of South America

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found often along steep, sloping drop offs of reefs. Also found in seagrass beds and algal plains.

Behavior

Initial and juvenile phase often found in pairs or small groups, adults often solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae

Reference

Pg. 218, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Harlequin Bass

Serranus tigrinus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 55

Distinct Features

Elongate body, moderately compressed. The lower lip is exposed when mouth is closed (underbite). The snout is shorter than the length of the eye. Body has whitish undertones from the midline up, while the lower body is yellow undertoned. Black blotches on the lower head and throat, and approximately eight black bars on the body. Black band around the base of the fin. Dorsal: X, 12. Anal: III, 7. Caudal: mostly blunt.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found on sandy rubble areas around reefs or on the reef itself. Occasionally found in seagrass.

Behavior

Solitary or in pairs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds mainly on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 181, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Highhat

Pareques acuminatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Sciaenidae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 110

Distinct Features

Oblong and deep body with strong arch in the back. Mouth is under snout, low on the body. Elongated first dorsal fin that is typically standing upright. Second dorsal fin is short and continuous to the caudal peduncle. Adult coloration is whitish body with broad black stripes (4-6). First dorsal fin has a black leading edge with a white rear edge. All other fins are dark. Juvenile has a very elongated dorsal fin with white leading edge and black rear edge. The second dorsal, caudal and anal fins are translucent while the body is whitish with mid-body black stripe that extends through the eye to the caudal fin. Black curving stripe extends from the top of the head to the base of the dorsal fin. Black band between the eyes. Dorsal: VIII-X, 37-41. Anal: II, 7-8. Caudal: blunt

Distribution

Virginia to Florida, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits secluded areas of the reef, under ledges and in entrances to caves.

Behavior

Feeds in muddy, sandy bottoms at night. Mostly observed hiding.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 476-479, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Hogfish

Lachnolaimus maximus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 91
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Deep oblong and compressed, the upper head is slightly concave to straight. Snout is long, pointed and the mouth is protrusible. First three spines of dorsal fin are very long and distinct, tail is straight in juveniles and concave in adults with pointed tips. Coloration in juveniles marbled red/gray/brown and tan blotches throughout, with prominent black blotch at lower rear corner of the dorsal fin. Adult terminal phase coloration is whitish body with a dark bar on the caudal fin, black on the forehead and nape with a red eye and dark edge at base of dorsal, pelvic and anal fins. Dorsal: XIV, 11; Anal: III, 10; Caudal: straight or concave.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Most common around open sandy bottoms.

Behavior

Digs through sandy bottoms in search of food, can change color to blend with background. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on mollusks and sea urchins.

Reference

Pg. 223, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Honeycomb Cowfish

Acanthostracion polygonius

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Ostraciidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 80

Distinct Features

Oblong, thick and triangular shaped body when viewed head-on. Body profile is boxy with large scale plates. Small horns extend forward from the top of the eye. Another spine is located on the ventral side of the body and in front of the anal fin. The base of the caudal peduncle is slender and elongated. Mouth is angled downwards, pointed and with large lips. Dorsal and anal fin are located at the rear body and just forward of the caudal peduncle. No pelvic fins. Coloration is pale yellow/golden olive color body with a pattern of dark brown hexagons that become more irregular in shape towards the head and caudal peduncle. Can change to an iridescent blue pattern. Dorsal: 10. Anal: 10. Caudal: bluntly rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

New Jersey to Florida/Bahamas, Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefers clear water around coral reefs.

Behavior

Swims in the water column above reefs. Juveniles found in seagrass beds.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates and sponges.

Reference

Pg. 455, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Horse-eye Jack

Caranx latus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carangidae
	Max Size (cm) 101
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 140

Distinct Features

Moderately compressed body and moderately sloping head. Body is dark blue to gray above and bright silvery white below, large eye with bright yellow tail. Dark scuts extending to caudal peduncle. Usually have dark tips on the dorsal and caudal fins, front lobes of dorsal and anal fins are raised. Dorsal fin: VIII + I, 19-22; Anal fin: II + I, 16-18; Caudal fin: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New Jersey, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, brackish and sometimes freshwater. May mix with C. hippos in schools over offshore reefs. Juveniles may be in sandy bottom along shores.

Behavior

Pelagic and schooling. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, shrimp and other invertebrates.

Reference

pg. 47, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Indigo Hamlet

Hypoplectrus indigo

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 54

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. Body is blue undertones with approximately 5 blue and 5-6 white bars of uneven width. The white bars are narrower than the blue bars. Clear pectoral fins, blue ventral fins. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: very slightly forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 149, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Jackknife Fish

Equetus lanceolatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Sciaenidae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 230

Distinct Features

Oblong body that is deep towards the front and tapered towards the caudal fin. Horizontal mouth that is below the snout. Very elongated front dorsal fin that is typically observed standing upright and longer than the depth of the body. Coloration is whitish body with two black bars on the head, the first extends through the eye and the second extends onto the forward edge of the pelvic fin. Body has an oblique black bar that starts at the forward edge of the dorsal fin and extends all the way through to the rear edge of the caudal fin. Fins are pale. Juveniles have a white to yellow body with three black bars. The edges of the bars are yellow. Dorsal: XII-XIV, 47-55. Anal: II, 6. Caudal: tapered

Distribution

South Carolina to Florida, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit secluded areas of the reef, often under ledges and within caves.

Behavior

Sometimes found foraging along sandy bottoms at night. Occasionally found in groups during the day.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 476, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Lane Snapper

Lutjanus synagris

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 71
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 400

Distinct Features

Oblong and compressed body. Coloration is silvery pink to red, with six to eight narrow yellow stripes along the rear of the head and body. Oblique yellow stripes on the midbody above the top yellow stripes. Often a black blotch above the lateral line and under the front of the soft dorsal fin. Dorsal: X, 12; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: Slightly concave.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Common to shallow reefs inshore areas, occasionally deeper reefs.

Behavior

Drift in schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 121, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Lantern Bass

Serranus baldwini

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 10
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 80

Distinct Features

Elongate body, moderately compressed. The lower lip is exposed when mouth is closed (underbite). The snout is shorter than the length of the eye. Top of the body and the head are pale brown with darker brown blotches. The underside of the body is whitish undertone with orange blotches and a yellowish line separating the top and bottom colorations. There is a vertical row of four black spots at the base of the tail before the soft rays. Dorsal: X, 10. Anal: III, 7. Caudal: blunt

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

North Carolina to Brazil, including the Caribbean but uncommon to the Bahamas

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found on sandy bottoms with rubble or on seagrass

Behavior

Usually solitary, found hovering over sandy areas.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 181, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carcharhinidae
	Max Size (cm) 300
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 90

Distinct Features

Body is stout with broad, flat head. Short, blunt and rounded snout with small eye. Five gill slits. First dorsal fin originates just behind the pectoral fin, notch along the base of the rear margin of the dorsal fin. Second dorsal is nearly equally sized as the first dorsal fin, located directly over the anal fin. The anal fin is large. Caudal fin is strongly asymmetrical with developed lower lobe. Upper lobe has a notch just below the tip. Coloration is pale yellow to brown on the dorsal half and sides, whitish to yellowish below.

Distribution

Tropical waters of the East and West Atlantic, Northern United States to Southern Brazil including Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Common in inshore waters and a variety of habitats including reefs, estuaries and river mouths.

Behavior

Can be found resting on the bottom. Not generally concerned with divers. Often school during winter months in the waters of the southeastern United States.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and some crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 514, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Lionfish

Pterois volitans

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scorpaenidae
	Max Size (cm) 38
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 310

Distinct Features

Steep head profile with spines on the head. Can have long cephalic tentacles over the eyes with branched barbels on lower jaw. Elongated venomous spines on the dorsal fin, and frilly large pectoral fins, nonvenomous. Coloration is pale with about 8 reddish/brownish/blackish broad bars. Stripes present on all fins. Dorsal spines, pelvic and anal spines are all venomous. Dorsal: XIII, 9-12; Anal: III, 6-8; Caudal: rounded.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New York, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Can be found in mangroves, seagrass beds, artifical substrates, sandy bottoms and occasionally estuaries.

Behavior

Hide in caves and ledges during day. Can be solitary or in groups. Venomous and can be harmful to divers if harassed.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates. Invasive species.

Reference

Pg. 413, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Longfin Damselfish

Stegastes diencaeus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 25

Distinct Features

Deeply oval body, compressed. Mouth is small and protrusible. Dorsal and anal fins extend past the base of the caudal peduncle, long and rounded. Coloration in adults is black to grayish. Upper portion of the head can have a yellowish/brown tint. Outer margin of the anal fin has a thin bright blue border. Dorsal: XII, 14-17. Anal: II, 13. Caudal: bluntly forked, large rounded lobes

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Frequently in shallower reefs, calm areas.

Behavior

Territorial. Solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous

Reference

Pg. 130, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Longjaw Squirrelfish

Neoniphon marianus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Holocentridae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 120

Distinct Features

Oblong, elongated body with small mouth and protruding lower jaw. Pointed snout, large eye. Silvery red body color, lower third of the head is white. Body has a series of prominent thin golden stripes. Dorsal spines are golden with white tips, with a row of white blotches along the lower third of the dorsal fin. Caudal fin has darker red margins. Soft dorsal fin and anal fin are clear. Dorsal: XI, 12-14. Anal: IV, 7-10. Caudal: forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Gulf of Mexico to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Rare on shallow reefs, more abundant with depths

Behavior

Solitary, hide in or near dark crevices in the reef.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 250, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Longspine Squirrelfish

Holocentrus rufus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Holocentridae
	Max Size (cm) 45
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 300

Distinct Features

Oblong, slender and compressed body with pointed head and large eyes, large mouth. Head and body are red. Caudal peduncle and caudal fin are yellowish white. Dorsal spines are reddish with prominent white triangular blotches at the tip of each spine. Soft dorsal, anal, pelvic and pectoral fins are reddish. Dorsal: XI, 14-16. Anal: III-IV, 10. Caudal: forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

North Carolina, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Solitary, drifts in shaded areas near the bottom, ocassionally gather in groups. More active at night, but visible during the day. Will dart into a hole or crevice if approached by a diver.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans and other invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 248, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Mahogany Snapper

Lutjanus mahogoni

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 120

Distinct Features

Oblong compressed body, large eye and relatively large mouth. Teeth not usually visible. Body coloration in adults is a pearly white undertone with a bronze tint on the upper portion near the dorsal fin, with a coppery tint on the ventral side. Dorsal and caudal margins are red with black outline on the caudal fin. Can have a dark spot on the lateral line under the back portion of the dorsal fin. Juvenile coloration is pearly white body with dark spot on lateral line below back half of the dorsal fin (looks similar to juvenile lane snapper). Tops of the dorsal spines are reddish and the pelvic and anal fins are yellow. Dorsal: X, 12. Anal: III, 8. Caudal: slightly forked

Distribution

North Carolina to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles found in shallow water in sandy, seagrass bottoms. Adults around reefs.

Behavior

Typically solitary in shaded, secluded areas of the reefs. Can form schools.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 118, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Masked Goby

Coryphopterus personatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 4
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 70

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head profile is slightly rounded. Large eye. Forward half of the body is deeper/broader while the second half of the body is more slender. Body is translucent. Snout, mouth and area below the eye is darker with a clear patch at the top of the head. A stripe of orange and pale white/cream blotches occurs at the midbody, extending to the eye and base of the caudal fin. Second dorsal spine is longer than the others. Dorsal: VI, 10. Anal: I, 10. Caudal: minimally bluntly forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits caves, shaded areas of the reef.

Behavior

Hovers in shaded areas, often in groups. Often confused with the Glass goby (C. hyalinus) which is generally deeper, however depth is not a reliable distinction between the two species.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on plankton

Reference

Pg. 300, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Midnight Parrotfish

Scarus coelestinus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 77
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 75

Distinct Features

Elongated oval body, somewhat compressed. Teeth fused into a beak. Overall body coloration is black to navy blue and the center of the body scales are bright blue. Bright to pale blue markings on head. Beak is blue. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: W shaped with elongated lobes

Distribution

Bermuda to Caribbean coast of South America

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Usually found shallower than 20m.

Behavior

Large adults are often solitary, swimming around reefs. Smaller adults can be in schools or solitary swimming with surgeonfish.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae, major herbivore

Reference

Pg. 202, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Mutton Snapper

Lutjanus analis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 94
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 95

Distinct Features

Relatively deep and compressed in body size, slightly sloping head and larger mouth. Coloration on body is olive with reddish tint on the back with lower body a whitish with red tint. Fins are reddish, especially the anal and caudal fins. Blue lines and some spots are noticeable below and before the eye. Black spot on the midbody below the rear dorsal fin, which can be absent on some occasions. Very pointed anal fin. Dorsal: X-XI, 14; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Mass. & Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated, mangroves, vegetated & sandy bottoms. Can also be observed around the edges of reefs

Behavior

Ususally solitary

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans, IUCN Red List Vulnerable

Reference

Pg. 117, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Nassau Grouper

Epinephelus striatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 100
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 100

Distinct Features

Body is robust, compressed and head is steeply sloped. Coloration is five irregular reddish brown bars over a tan background. Can change color from pale to almost black. Diagonal bars from snout across eyes, to the start of the dorsal fin. Black saddle spot at base of caudal fin. Tips of dorsal spines are yellow. Dorsal: XI, 16-18; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: blunt

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Guyana

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Adults found on hard bottoms, juveniles seen in seagrass.

Behavior

Unconcerned by divers, but can be curious; often found resting on bottom blending with surroundings. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Mostly piscivorous. IUCN Red List; Endangered Species. Overfished.

Reference

Pg. 159, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Neon Goby

Elacatinus oceanops

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 5
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 40

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head is compressed, mouth is under pointed snout. Body is black with an iridescent broad blue stripe along the body, starting at the snout just barely in front of the eye and extends to the caudal fin. The blue stripe does not connect on the snout. Dorsal: VII, 11-12. Anal: I, 11-12. Caudal: bluntly rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Cuba

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit coral heads and on rocky areas. Occasionally found on the outer surface of large sponges.

Behavior

Cleaner fish, congregates in cleaning stations where they perch in groups on coral heads.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on ectoparasites

Reference

Pg. 272, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Nurse Shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Ginglymostomatidae
	Max Size (cm) 430
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 130

Distinct Features

Head is broad and flattened, snout is rounded. Elongated body with noticable nostrils with large barbells, small mouth. Two dorsal fins. Caudal fin is asymmetrical, with the upper lobe being drastically larger than the lower lobe. Coloration is gray/brown to yellow/brown.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico; North to Rhode Island, Bermuda and south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine; found at reefs, mangroves and sand flats.

Behavior

Unconcerned by divers, but can be curious. Often found swimming close to the bottom, laying under ledges or on sand flats. Could be harmful to divers if harassed.

Feeding Ecology

Scavenger and opportunistic

Reference

Pg. 515, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Ocean Surgeonfish

Acanthurus tractus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Acanthuridae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Compressed and elongated oval shaped body. Steep head profile, body is a uniform color with no bars; typically pale blue, white/gray to darker blue/brown. Single, continuous low profile dorsal fin, depressable spine at caudal peduncle. Dorsal fin: IX, 23-26; Anal fin: III, 21-23; Caudal fin: concave with pointed tips, often has pale band around base of fin; Pectoral fins: translucent with yellow hue.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Maine to southern Caribbean; A. bahianus reported as distinct species found in Brazil.

Habitats

marine, reef associated. Reefs and rocky substrate, often shallow.

Behavior

Typically found in groups of five or more, and often in loose aggregations with A. coeruleus and A. chirurgus. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Herbivorous; Important herbivore to maintaining reef health by feeding on algae

Reference

pg. 34, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Reference / Species×

Ocean Triggerfish

Canthidermis sufflamen

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Balistidae
	Max Size (cm) 65
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 70

Distinct Features

Relatively deep, robust and compressed body. Mouth is small, positioned along the center line of the body. Uniformly gray to brownish-gray body. Large dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins may have darker outer margins. Dorsal: III, 26-27. Anal: 23-25. Caudal: concave overall

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Massachusetts to Florida/Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Usually around drop-offs of clear, offshore reefs.

Behavior

Solitary, but can be seen in schools. Can form nesting groups where they make nests in sand/gravel bottoms along offshore drop-offs and seamounts.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on large zooplankton.

Reference

Pg. 461, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Orangespotted Filefish

Cantherhines pullus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Monacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 20
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 50

Distinct Features

Oblong body and compressed. Long pointed snout with small mouth. Teeth are moderately visible. Two dorsal fins, the first fin is modified as two spines that begin over the middle of the eye and is usually prominent. The first spine can be locked into position with the small second spine. Pelvic fin is a fixed large spine protruding from the lower body (ventral midbody extension). Second dorsal fin and anal fin are continuous across the back third of the body. Coloration is dark brown body with orange diagonal lines on the head, three to four dominant pale stripes over the body that are dotted with orange spots. There is a white saddle on the caudal peduncle and the caudal fin is yellowish. Juvenile coloration is brownish to yellowish green body with small widely separated brown to orange spots that align to form three to four stripes along the side of the body. There may also be greenish to yellowish white blotches. Dorsal: 2, 33-36. Anal: 29-32. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Massachusetts to Florida/Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Coral and rocky reefs. Juveniles can be found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Hides in the branches of hard and soft corals, usually near the bottom.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on sponges and algae.

Reference

Pg. 463, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Pallid Goby

Coryphopterus eidolon

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 6
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated body, snout profile is straight, large eyes on top of head. Body is pale to translucent with yellow to orange marks. Eye has a ring of dark spots. A thin, black bar is located on the base of the caudal fin. Row of yellowish blotches that form stripes extending from behind the eye. Three triangular blotches along the midbody. Dorsal fins are translucent yellow. Dorsal: VI, 9. Anal: 1, 8-9. Caudal: blunt to bluntly rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Live in coral reef areas with white, sandy channels. Commonly found on the sand within spur and groove.

Behavior

Perches on the sand and around coral reefs in sheltered locations.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 298, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Peacock Flounder

Bothus lunatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Bothidae
	Max Size (cm) 46
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Body is a deep oval shape, flattened. Both eyes are found on the dorsal side of the body, irregularly placed on a diagonal. Long pectoral fin, distinct notch in the upper head profile above the lips. Coloration has numerous blue rings over the entire body and blue spots on the fins and head. Background coloration is shades of brown to tan. Ability to darken or pale to match surroundings. Dorsal fin: 91-99; Anal fin: 70-76.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean. Absent in Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found in seagrass, sandy areas, mangroves and coral rubble.

Behavior

Rests motionless on sandy bottoms, partially buried in the sand to blend with surroundings. Glides over substrate in wave-like motion. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on octopuses, crustaceans and small fishes.

Reference

pg. 387, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Peppermint Goby

Coryphopterus lipernes

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 3
	Depth Range (m) 10 - 40

Distinct Features

Small, elongated and slender with rounded head and translucent body; two dorsal fins. Coloration is translucent yellow and top of the snout is blue. Blends with enivornment. Dorsal: VI + I, 9; Anal: I, 9; Caudal: blunt.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Observed on surface of live coral heads.

Behavior

Usually solitary, but can be found in small groups close to the reef. Shy of divers and harmless.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous

Reference

Pg. 301, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Pluma

Calamus pennatula

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Sparidae
	Max Size (cm) 37
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 85

Distinct Features

Deep compressed body, moderately steep upper head profile. Large eyes, sloping snout with large mouth and thick lips. Blue, rectangular stripes behind the eye and bluish/brassy irregular lines and markings underneath the eye. Coloration is a silvery background with a yellowish hue. Dorsal fin: XIII, 12; Anal fin: III, 10; Caudal fin: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas, Caribbean. South to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit seagrass beds, reefs and adjacent sandy areas.

Behavior

Solitary or in schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crabs and mollusks

Reference

pg. 81, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Plumed Scorpionfish

Scorpaena grandicornis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scorpaenidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Small but robust body. Head is bony with numerous spines. Pit on top of head behind the eyes. The eyes are moderately sized with large plumed cirri above it. Similar fleshy type cirri can be found over the body except smaller/flattened. Large superior mouth. Body coloration is mottled brown/whitish/pink camoflauged, caudal fin has three brown bars. Inside of the pectoral fin base is brown/yellow with white spots that extend onto the fin. Dorsal: XII, 9-10. Anal: III, 5. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Florida, Bermuda, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, sand and seagrass beds. Areas where algae is present.

Behavior

Solitary. Lie motionless on the bottom where they appear like algae covered rocks. Venomous dorsal spine!

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish.

Reference

Pg. 409, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Diodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 90
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 135

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust oval body with wide head, blunt snout with fused teeth. Large lips and large eyes. Inflatable body. Dorsal and anal fins positioned in line with each other at the second half of the body just before the caudal peduncle. Pectoral fin is large compared to the other fins. No pelvic fins. Body is covered with numerous large spines that lay flat when the body is not inflated. Coloration is pale whitish yellow to beige body, with a darker shade at the dorsal side and the ventral side is white. Upper body and fins are covered in small black spots. White ring around the eye. Dorsal: 15-17. Anal: 14-16. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Circumtropical

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit coral and rocky reefs.

Behavior

Hover in open water or near the openings of caves or under ledges.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 449, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Porkfish

Anisotremus virginicus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 40
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 50

Distinct Features

Body is deep, compressed with a sloping head. Adult coloration is silvery. Snout and top of head are yellow with alternating yellow/silver stripes along the body. A pair of thick black bars extend from top of head through the eye, and the other extending from the base of the dorsal fin, behind the operculum and ends at the bottom of the operculum. All fins are yellow. Juvenile coloration is a yellow head and upper front portion of the body, with a yellow first dorsal and pelvic fin. Body is translucent and white with two black stripes and a black spot at caudal peduncle. Dorsal: XII, 16-17; Anal: III, 9-11; Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico; south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Rocky and coral reefs.

Behavior

Found in small aggregations. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on benthic invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 109, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Princess Parrotfish

Scarus taeniopterus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated body, somewhat compressed. Bluntly pointed snout with teeth fused into a beak. Coloration for adults terminal phase is a bluish upper body that fades to a whitish. The scales have pink bars. Short yellow stripe along midbody above the pectoral fin. Top of the head is blue/gray and the bottom is blue. A green stripe starts at the snout and continues to rear of the operculum. Another green stripe starts at the top edge of the eye and continue to rear of the operculum. Dorsal and anal fins have a green base, pink center and blue outer edge. The caudal fin is blue with pink top and bottom outer edges. Initial phase of the adults is similar to S. iseri but with a more brownish/reddish tint to the upper body and tail base with two white stripes above and below the eye and no yellow on the snout. Juvenile coloration is similar to initial phase. Dorsal: IX, 10; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: bluntly rounded.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found along the reef.

Behavior

Juveniles swim with mixed schools of S. iseri. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae from the corals.

Reference

Pg. 209, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Puddingwife

Halichoeres radiatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 55

Distinct Features

Elongated and compressed body, mouth with thick lips. Coloration for terminal phase adult is brownish with a blue gray tint, many blue lines radiate from the eye and the scales have blue spots. There are several white saddles along the edge of the dorsal half of the body. Fins have many blue lines and spots. Outer edge of the caudal fin is yellow. Initial phase is orange brown head and body, with many blue gray lines radiating from the eye. Scales have blue spots, five white blotches along the upper back. Fins are yellow brown with blue lines and spots. Juveniles are orange yellow with two yellow/gold stripes down the midbody and a white stripe and bars between. Large blue spot at the mid dorsal fin, upper back that is ringed with white or pale blue. Dorsal: IX, 11; Anal: III, 12; Caudal: blunt.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Constantly swim around the reef. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on benthic invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 227, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Queen Angelfish

Holacanthus ciliaris

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 45
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 60

Distinct Features

Deep oval, strongly compressed. Snout is blunt and short with a small mouth. Edges of dorsal and anal fin trail past the caudal fin in adults. Coloration for juveniles is yellow/bluish and black body with white, curved bars at the midbody and yellow caudal fin. Adult coloration is blue and yellow, with blue/black crown on top of head that is ringed with blue; Pelvic, pectoral and caudal fins are yellow; midbody is blue and yellow; trailing edges of the dorsal and anal fins are bright blue. Dorsal: XIV, 19-21; Anal: III, 20-21; Caudal: slightly convex to blunt.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Blend in with sea fans and corals. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on sponges, algae and tunicates

Reference

Pg. 21, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Queen Parrotfish

Scarus vetula

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 60
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated, somewhat compressed body. Teeth fused into a beak. Initial and juvenile phase: body is dark brown to gray/black with a broad white stripe from the base of the pectoral fin to the lower portion of the caudal peduncle. Head is gray on top with whitish color below. Dorsal and caudal fins are dark brown to black and the anal fin is white. Terminal phase: Head and body is blue to blue-green and there is a blue green stripe from the bottom of the mouth that passes to under the eye. A blue-green bar is found above the mouth and a short blue stripe is seen through the top of the eye. The body scales can have pink edges. The caudal fin has a pink base and lobes and the rear of the caudal fin is blue-green. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: slightly concave in juvenile, slightly W shaped with elongated lobes for terminal

Distribution

Bermuda to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Swims around reefs and rocky shorelines. Schools with other parrotfish and other herbivorous fish.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae

Reference

Pg. 204, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Queen Triggerfish

Balistes vetula

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Balistidae
	Max Size (cm) 60
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 275

Distinct Features

Oblong body, deep and robust but compressed. Dorsal and caudal fins have extended tips. Body has two blue stripes on snout between the mouth and the eye, across the cheeks. Small, black lines are found radiating around the eye. Coloration is yellow, deep purple and blue. Fins have a bright blue border. Juveniles/Intermediates: gray brown with blue lines across the lower portion of the head with dashed oblique lines on the body. First dorsal fin can be locked and erect while the second could be half the size of the first. Anterior rays of the second dorsal and anal fins are distinctly longer than posterior rays, tapered appearance. Dorsal fin: III, 29-31 ; Anal fin: 27-28.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil and eastern Atlantic

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Typically found over reefs, but can also travel over sandy and grassy areas.

Behavior

Solitary, but can school. Interesting feeding mechanism, uses jets of water to flip over urchins to feed. Harmless to divers, but reports of bites if harassed.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds mostly on benthic invertebrates

Reference

pg. 459, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Rainbow Parrotfish

Scarus guacamaia

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 120
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 50

Distinct Features

Elongated, oval and somewhat compressed body. Teeth are fused into a beak. Coloration is orange/brown head to pectoral fins with bright green body. Dorsal, tail, anal fins have green base with orange/brown center and green marginal edges. Pelvic fins are orange. Beak is green/brown. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: W shaped with elongated lobes.

Distribution

Bermuda to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles may be found in schools occupying near shore reefs and seagrass beds.

Behavior

Swims around reefs and rocky shoreline habitats. Juveniles form schools, adults are often solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae, major herbivore

Reference

Pg. 204, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Red Hind

Epinephelus guttatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 76
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 100

Distinct Features

Body is robust, compressed and head is slightly sloped with big lips. Coloration is whitish background with reddish spots, can pale or darken. Dorsal spines have yellow tips. Remaining dorsal fin, pelvic, anal and caudal fins have dark black edges. Dorsal: XI, 15-16; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: slightly convex.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit shallow patch reefs to deep banks. Drift above the bottom or rest on pelvic fins.

Behavior

Unconcerned by divers, but can be curious. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Mostly piscivorous; commercially important food fish

Reference

Pg. 173, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Redband Parrotfish

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 28
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated body, somewhat compressed. Bluntly pointed snout with teeth fused into a beak. Coloration for adults terminal phase is a greenish/gray with yellow below on the body. The side of the body after the pectoral fin is yellowish/brown with a reddish tint below. A red stripe from the mouth, under the below that ends at the upper operculum. There is a yellow blotch behind the upper corner of the operculum. Dorsal and anal fins are reddish, caudal fin is yellowish/gray bordered in red. Tips of the tail are black. Initial phase coloration is a dark green to gray/blue body with scales that have black outlines, sometimes with two pale stripes from the mouth to the base of the tail. There is also a white spot on the upper tail base just behind the dorsal fin. Dorsal, pelvic, anal and caudal fins are red. Juvenile coloration is reddish/orange to pale brown body with two white stripes that begin at the mouth and just above the eye which continue to the base of the tail. A dark blotch is noticeable behind the operculum. Dorsal: IX, 10; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: slightly concave with pointed tips.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found along the reef.

Behavior

Juveniles form small schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae from the corals.

Reference

Pg. 213, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Redspotted Hawkfish

Amblycirrhitus pinos

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Cirrhitidae
	Max Size (cm) 10
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 45

Distinct Features

Oval body, moderately compressed. Snout is short with relatively large mouth. First dorsal fin spines appear frayed or tasseled at the tip. Pectoral fin has elongated fin rays modified for perching. Head and body are brown to grayish/olive brown with 6-8 whitish bars after the head. Small bright red spots along the head and upper body/dorsal fin. Larger red spots through the second dorsal fin. Dark brown spot under the second dorsal fin and dark spot on the caudal peduncle. Caudal fin is translucent red with white bars at the base. Pelvic and anal fins are whitish/olive. Pectoral fin is pinkish. Dorsal: X, 11. Anal: III, 6. Caudal: blunt

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida Keys to Bahamas, Flower Gardens, Yucatan, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefers coral reefs.

Behavior

Perches on coral reefs along the bottom. Swims sporadically to move on pectoral fins across the reef.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 418, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Redtail Parrotfish

Sparisoma chrysopterum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 45
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated, somewhat compressed body. Head is relatively long and pointed, flat between the eyes. Teeth are fused to form a beak. Initial phase: grayish brown to reddish brown, ventral scales have reddish spots. Dark spot on the base of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin base is pale with pinkish to red margin edge. Terminal phase: blue-green body fading to paler blue on the underside. Pectoral fin has a black blotch. Caudal fin has blue green base fading to a dark crescent that fades to red crescent at the outer edge of the fin. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: concave in initial phase, strongly concave with elongated lobes in terminal phase

Distribution

Bermuda to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Also found on shallow coral rubble and seagrass beds.

Behavior

May be found resting at the bottom. Often found solitary, occasionally in small groups.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae

Reference

Pg. 214, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Reef Butterflyfish

Chaetodon sedentarius

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Chaetodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 18
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 172

Distinct Features

Oval body, strongly compressed. Pointed snout with small mouth. Upper portion of the body is yellow that fades into white. The lower body is white. There is a black bar that runs from the front of the dorsal fin, through the eye and down below the mouth. Back edge of the dorsal fin may be outlined in black. There is a black blotch from the base of the dorsal fin rays that runs through the caudal peduncle and down onto the back of the anal fin. Dorsal: XIII-XIV, 20-21. Anal: III, 17-19. Caudal: slightly convex.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Carolinas to Brazil including the Bahamas and Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Usually found shallower than 20m.

Behavior

Often in pairs, swimming over the top of the reef.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish eggs and also polychaete worms, shrimps, amphipods and hydroids.

Reference

Pg. 31, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Reef Shark

Carcharhinus perezii

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carcharhinidae
	Max Size (cm) 250
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 65

Distinct Features

Body is long and stout. The snout is short and rounded. Gill slits are short with the last two to three slits found above the base of the pectoral fin. The dorsal fin is moderately high with a rounded tip and rear margin slightly concave. The origin of the first dorsal begins in line with the rear margin of the pectoral fin. The second dorsal fin is small and located directly above the anal fin, slightly concave. The anal fin rear margin is deeply concave. Pectoral fins are long and narrow. Caudal fin is strongly asymmetrical with a large lower lobe and pointed tips. Upper lobe is large with notch under the tip. Coloration is grayish brown to gray olive on top and white below. Pectoral fins have black tips on top and also on the rear half of the underside of the pectorals. Tip of the anal fin is black and the lower lobe tip of the caudal fin is black.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Shallow waters but often found on shelf edges near drop-offs. One of the more common sharks found on Caribbean reefs.

Behavior

Wary of divers and will generally not approach.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish.

Reference

Pg. 518, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Reef Squirrelfish

Sargocentron coruscum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Holocentridae
	Max Size (cm) 14
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 100

Distinct Features

Oblong, elongated body with pointed snout and small mouth. Large eye. Reddish head, body and fins. White on the ventral side. Body has thin, bright white stripes. Soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins are translucent red. Dorsal spines are red with white tips. A row of white spots are seen along the base of the spines. A large black blotch is on the web membrane between the first three dorsal spines. Dorsal: XI, 12. Anal: IV, 7-8. Caudal: forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bermuda to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on both shallow and deep inshore/offshore reefs.

Behavior

Hides in small crevices in the reef, occasionally peaking out.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 248, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Rock Beauty

Holacanthus tricolor

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 143

Distinct Features

Deep compressed body, almost circular. Deep head with a small mouth and short snout. Head, tail and outer edges of the fins are yellow, while the mid body is black. Juveniles may have a black spot ringed in blue at the midbody that disappears as it becomes an adult. Dorsal: XIV, 17-19; Anal: III, 18-20. Caudal: convex

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Georgia, Bermuda and South to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits rock jetties, rocky reefs and rich coral areas.

Behavior

Establish defined territories that they actively patrol. Juveniles may hid in recesses of the reef.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on tunicates, algae, sponges and other invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 25, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Rock Hind

Epinephelus adscensiones

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 60
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 120

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust, compressed body. Protruding lower jaw with large mouth. Tips of dorsal spines are yellow. Head and body are yellowish brown to greenish covered with red/brown spots and scattered pale blotches. Three to five dark saddles/blotches are found at the base of the dorsal fin. Dark saddle/blotch at the base of the caudal peduncle. A dark stripe can occasionally be found through the eye to the snout. Can change color of the body rapidly from pale to dark. Juvenile coloration has fewer/larger dark spots and more obvious pale spotting on the body. Two dark saddles at the base of the dorsal fin and a saddle on the upper base of caudal fin. Dorsal: XI, 16-18. Anal: III, 8. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Eastern central and Western Atlantic, North Carolina to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits shallow inshore patch reefs to deep reefs and drop-offs.

Behavior

Solitary. Often rest on the bottom on their pectoral fins. Shy and reclusive.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 173, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Rosy Razorfish

Xyrichtys martinicensis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong, elongated body, strongly compressed and slender. Head is rounded with a steep snout that is mildly pointed towards lower half of the head. The eye is high on the head towards the dorsal portion of the body. Mouth has thick lips. One continuous dorsal fin. Anal fin starts at the second half of the body and extends to the caudal peduncle. Coloration in the juvenile phase is pearly white to silvery body with a brown stripe extending from behind the eye to the caudal fin and just below the dorsal fin. Initial phase is greenish/olive body with pinkish color along ventral fins and caudal fin. Forward part of head and belly are pearly white with a large white blotch and thin, reddish bars. There is a brownish/orange stripe from behind the eye extending to the caudal fin. Base of the caudal fin is reddish. The terminal phase coloration is pearly white to pink body while head and operculum are light yellow with pale blue bars radiating from the eye and top of the head. The eye is red and the base of the pectoral fin is dark. The dorsal fin is pink with yellow at the front. Body scales are light blue and obvious across the pink body. Pelvic fins are yellow. Dorsal: IX, 12. Anal: III, 12. Caudal: straight in males, rounded in females

Distribution

Bermuda, Southern Florida, Flower Gardens, Yucatan, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, open sand associated. Found in sand and seagrass areas.

Behavior

Hover above sandy areas often near seagrass beds. If alarmed, they dive and disappear into the sand.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 245, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Roughhead Blenny

Acanthemblemaria aspera

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Chaenopsidae
	Max Size (cm) 4
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 18

Distinct Features

Elongated body, short blunt head. Small pointed spines on the snout that extend back onto the top of the head about halfway to the dorsal fin. Two clusters of spines behind the eyes. One pair of strongly branched cirri over the eyes. Coloration is changeable: males are colorless to dark with many small dark dots on the rear of the head and body, front of dorsal is whitish with a small black ocellus. Females are usually yellowish with three broken lines under the chin/throat, dark spots on the operculum and base of the pectoral fin. Dorsal: XX-XXII, 14-17. Anal: II, 22-25. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit abandoned worm holes in dead coral and rock, or living coral on the reef.

Behavior

Perches with head and forebody extended from the hole. Solitary, but more than one may be found on the same coral head in separate holes.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on amphipods and copepods

Reference

Pg. 344, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Saddled Blenny

Malacoctenus triangulatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labrisomidae
	Max Size (cm) 6
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 20

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head is slender with a bluntly pointed snout. One branched cirri over nostrils, long branched cirri over the eyes, and a pair of heavily branched cirri at the back of the head. Long slender pelvic fins. Pale, yellowish to whitish body. Four to five brownish red triangular saddles along the upper body. Reddish spots along the lower side of the body, below the tips of the saddles. A row of brownish blotches below the saddles and under the reddish spots. Dark spot at front base of the dorsal fin. Dorsal: XIX, 11-13. Anal: II, 20-22. Caudal: blunt

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Lives in a wide variety of habitats containing rocks, corals and sheltered areas.

Behavior

Solitary. Move about the bottom, frequently stop to perch on ventral and caudal fin.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 324, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sailfin Blenny

Emblemaria pandionis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Chaenopsidae
	Max Size (cm) 7
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 35

Distinct Features

Elongated body, short blunt head with a steep front profile. Head does not have spines. Nasal cirri are flat and branched while the cirri on the eyes are short and composed on three short branches of equal length. Males have sail-like, bowed out dorsal fin (front half) that is higher than the females. Coloration in males is tan to dark brown/black with barred eye cirri. Dorsal and caudal fin are lighter in color. Small blue spot at the front of the first dorsal spine. Cheek and lower head have blue/white dots. Anal fin has a line of blue spots near the base. Females are light tan with approximately 13 brown blotches along the side of the body. Upper back has pale saddles. Spiny dorsal is tan with oblique brown bars. Dorsal: XXI, 15-16. Anal: II, 23-24. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Gulf of Mexico to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Live in worm holes and sand/rubble bottoms.

Behavior

Can form loose, small colonies in clear water areas with rock/rubble and sand. Rest in hole with head protruding. Displaying male turns dark instantly and repeatedly flicks its sail-like dorsal fin up and down. Occasionally will move from its sheltered tube with its sail fin open.

Feeding Ecology

Unknown

Reference

Pg. 336, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sailors Choice

Haemulon parra

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 40
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body, compressed. Sloping head with tapered body. Head it blunt. Silvery gray body with dotted irregular, mostly oblique, stripes along the scale rows. Fins are gray. Dusky coloration on the head. Dorsal: XII, 16-18. Anal: III, 8. Caudal: forked

Distribution

Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Sandy areas with gorgonians. Juveniles found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Occasionally solitary, normally drift in small schools.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 104, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sand Diver

Synodus intermedius

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Synodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 40
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 300

Distinct Features

Elongate and cylindrical body, mildly dorsoventrally compressed; pointed snout and large mouth that extends back past the eye. Teeth visible. Coloration is defined as dark spots on upper edge of gill cover, with 8 to 10 diamond shaped markings joined by brown bars that cover the body. Sides of the body are often yellowish to tan. Well camouflaged. Dorsal: 11-12, Anal: 10-13, Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Shallow, sand and mud bottoms; also found in high salinity lagoons.

Behavior

Rest or bury themselves in the sand with head visible. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 427, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sand Tilefish

Malacanthus plumieri

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Malacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 60
	Depth Range (m) 5 - 50

Distinct Features

Very elongated body, slightly compressed with a round, tapered head. Continuous dorsal and anal fins that are whitish/translucent. Body is whitish with blue/green tint, darker above and lighter below. The sides of the body have a yellowish tint. Upper lobe of the caudal fin is yellow with a darker center. Operculum has large spine in the center. Dorsal: IV-V, 54-60. Anal: I, 48-50. Caudal: strongly concave

Distribution

North Carolina, Florida to Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit rubble and sandy bottoms.

Behavior

Builds burrows and often found hovering over the entrance while undulating the dorsal fin, darts into sandy burrows when approached.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 440, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sargassum Triggerfish

Xanthichthys ringens

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Balistidae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 190

Distinct Features

Elongated oval body, robust and compressed. Small mouth that opens a little above the center line of the body. Lower jaw protrudes. Three dark lines on the cheek. Series of dashes that form thin stripes on the body. Overall body is bluish gray and the dashes/stripes are dark blue. Caudal fin has dark marginal edges. Base of the dorsal and anal fins are black, and the color connects to the caudal fin. Dorsal: III, 26-30. Anal: 23-27. Caudal: concave overall.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

North Carolina, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Young live in floating sargassum. Adults are found on the benthos associated with reefs, usually between 30-60m.

Behavior

Adults hover above the reef near their holes. Usually solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 461, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Schoolmaster

Lutjanus apodus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 65
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 65

Distinct Features

Relatively deep and compressed in body size, slightly sloping head and larger mouth. Coloration on upper head and body is olive with a yellow tint while the lower half is lighter. Juveniles have a series of pale bars on body, however these fade as the fish grows. Fins are distinctly bright yellow. Cheek with an irregular row of blue dots could be present. Dorsal: X, 14; Anal: III, 8; Caudal: slightly forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef asscociated, mangroves and seagrasses. Juveniles typically found in seagrasses, mangrove roots and shallow sandy rubble.

Behavior

Drift in small to medium groups just above the reef, can be observed schooling. Juveniles can be found in shallow basins and mangrove lagoons. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans.

Reference

Pg. 125, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Scrawled Cowfish

Acanthostracion quadricornis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Ostraciidae
	Max Size (cm) 55
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 80

Distinct Features

Oblong, thick and triangular shaped body when viewed head-on. Body profile is boxy with large scale plates. Small horns extend forward from the top of the eye. Another spine is located on the ventral side of the body and in front of the anal fin. The base of the caudal peduncle is slender and elongated. Mouth is angled downwards, pointed and with large lips. Dorsal and anal fin are located at the rear body and just forward of the caudal peduncle. No pelvic fins. Coloration is gray/brown to golden/pale green body covered with a pattern of short, irregular, iridescent stripes and spots. There is one continuous blue stripe that originates near the base of the mouth and continues to the base of the caudal peduncle. Caudal peduncle and fin has blue spots. Dorsal: 10. Anal: 10. Caudal: bluntly rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Massachusetts to Florida/Bahamas, Bermuda, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabits seagrass beds, sponge dominated habitats and adjacent coral reefs.

Behavior

Swims slowly around reefs, changes colors to blend with background. Can be solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 453, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Scrawled Filefish

Aluterus scriptus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Monacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 110
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 120

Distinct Features

Compressed and elongated body, dorsal and ventral profiles of head and snout are concave. Small mouth. Covered with blue spots and irregular pattern of black lines and dots. Body color is typically olive, pale gray, tan or golden. Caudal fin is broom-like in shape, but often closed when observed. Two dorsal fins: first is long, slender and eractile straight above the eye; second dorsal fin is continuous to right before the caudal peduncle. Dorsal fins: II, 43-49; Anal fin: 46-52.

Distribution

Circumtropical. Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil.

Habitats

marine, reef associated. Usually less than 30m in depth; sometimes found in lagoons.

Behavior

Juveniles can be found drifting with floating debris. Adults solitary or found in pairs, typically over the reef. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae, seagrass, gorgonians, colonial anenomes and tunicates.

Reference

Pg. 469, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sergeant Major

Abudefdus saxatilis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 23
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Compressed, oval shaped body. Five black vertical bars, primarily white or silver body with yellow patch on dorsal, upper body. Males may have a bluish tint. Single continuous dorsal fin. Dorsal fin: XIII, 12-13 ; Anal fin: II, 10-13 ; Caudal fin: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico; North to Rhode Island, Bermuda and South to Uruguay

Habitats

All aquatic marine habitats; often found midwater column and along reef edges

Behavior

Commonly observed in loose aggregations; males guard nests and can be territorial to other fish and divers. Typically are unconcerned with divers; harmless.

Feeding Ecology

Planktivorous, occassionally herbivorous; important member of cleaning stations that pick molted skin and parasites from turtles

Reference

pg. 139, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sharknose Goby

Elacatinus evelynae

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Gobiidae
	Max Size (cm) 4
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 75

Distinct Features

Elongated body, head is compressed with pointed shark-like snout. Mouth is underneath. Head and body are black with a white to bright yellow "V" across the snout that continues back through the eye as a midbody stripe. The stripe changes color to blue behind the pectoral fin with yellow below, and extends onto to caudal fin. Fins translucent. Dorsal: VII, 11. Anal: I, 10-12. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit coral heads, rock/rubble and large sponges.

Behavior

Cleaner fish, congregates in cleaning stations where they perch in groups on coral heads.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on ectoparasites

Reference

Pg. 274, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sharksucker

Echeneis naucrates

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Echeneidae
	Max Size (cm) 90
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 50

Distinct Features

Body is slender and long with head disk that contains 18- 23 plates. Plates used to suction to sharks or other pelagic animals. Coloration is gray with white edges and black stripe along the side from the tip of the lower jaw to the caudal fin. Tips of the dorsal, anal and caudal fin have a narrow white stripe. Dorsal: 39, Anal: 36, Caudal: slightly rounded.

Distribution

Circumtropical; Nova Scotia to Uruguay

Habitats

Pelagic, swims solitary or in pairs; often found trailing sharks or other larger marine animals

Behavior

Interested in divers, will commonly be found attached or swimming near larger fish, sharks, rays, turtles or divers. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish, bits of prey left over from the host, and the host\'s parasite

Reference

Pg. 485, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Sharpnose Puffer

Canthigaster rostrata

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Tetraodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 85

Distinct Features

Robust and slightly compressed body, inflatable. Large head with a pointed snout. Coloration is brown upper body and yellow below. Thin blue lines are found around the eye, while thin blue bars are seen on the snout. Blue spots are observable throughout most of the body. Caudal fin is yellow, upper and lower edges are black. Dorsal: 10-11; Anal: 9; Caudal: rounded to blunt.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Also found in seagrass beds

Behavior

Solitary or in pairs. Harmless to divers unless harassed.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on seagrass, sponge, crabs and other crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 445, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Shy Hamlet

Hypoplectrus guttavarius

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 30

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. Blue markings may be present on the snout of the head. All fins are yellow. The yellow on the body may extend down to the underbelly but does not extend to the base of the tail. A dark area under the dorsal fin is present on the midbody and does extend to the caudal peduncle. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: very slightly forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to the Caribbean, but uncommon to Southern Caribbean.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals and often near stangs of Staghorn coral.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 151, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Slender Filefish

Monacanthus tuckeri

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Monacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 9
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 50

Distinct Features

Slender, compressed, elongated body with elongated head and snout. The snout is curved upwards and projecting with a small mouth. Teeth are moderately protruding. Two dorsal fins, the first fin is modified as two spines that begins just behind the back edge of the eye and is usually prominent. The first spine can be locked into position with the small second spine. The second dorsal fin and anal fin are continuous and start at the midbody. Pelvic fin is present as a spine with soft rays that protrudes from the lower body under the head as flexible flap. Coloration can be variable but with shades of yellow/brown to orange/brown to grayish body. The upper body is usually darker often with a broad darker stripe that extends behind the eye. Often have a pattern of loosely connected white/pale yellow lines that form loose rectangles across the body. Little spines are present over the body. Dorsal: II, 32-37. Anal: 31-36. Caudal: rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Carolinas to Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean, and Yucatan to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Sandy, rocky bottoms and common in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Usually hang vertically among branches of gorgonians. Highly camouflaged and difficult to see.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae and invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 469, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Slippery Dick

Halichoeres bivittatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 55

Distinct Features

Elongated and compressed body. Coloration for terminal phase is a greenish head and body with pink lines from the eye to the snout, top of the head and upper dorsal region. Pink lines also extend from the mouth across to the operculum. A black and pink spot is found at the corner of the operculum, a dark gray stripe extends from here to the caudal peduncle. Dorsal and anal fins are pink with green stripe and the caudal fin is green blue with three pairs of pink stripes that converge at the end of the fin. Initial phase coloration is variable but generally similiar to the terminal phase but less strongly colored OR can be white with brown stripe from the snout to the base of the tail that breaks into spots towards the caudal fin. May have second paler stripe starting at under the snout to the base of the tail and a black/yellow spot at the corner of the operculum. Also may have a black spot at the center of the dorsal fin. Dorsal: IX, 10; Anal: III, 12; Caudal: blunt.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on reef edges, seagrass and algal beds also on sand and rubble bottoms.

Behavior

Constantly swim about the reefs and adjacent seagrass beds. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and gastropods.

Reference

Pg. 233, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Smallmouth Grunt

Haemulon chrysargyreum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 30

Distinct Features

Oblong body, compressed, moderately elongated. Sloping head and tapered body. Head is blunt. Large eye. Coloration is silvery gray, head and body have five to six yellow stripes. All fins except the pectoral fins are yellow. Dorsal: XII, 12-14. Anal: III, 9-10. Caudal: forked

Distribution

Florida to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Florida to Southern Caribbean

Behavior

Often found Acroporids. Drift in small schools near the bottom in the shelter of coral reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 96, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Smooth Trunkfish

Lactophrys trigonus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Ostraciidae
	Max Size (cm) 47
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 50

Distinct Features

Oblong body with obvious hump. Shaped like a box, long and slender caudal peduncle. Coloration is black/brown with numerous white or yellow spots. The sides of the body behind the pectoral fin have a pale honeycomb pattern. Lips and the base of all fins are black. Juveniles are black with white spots and pea shaped with pointed snout. No pelvic fins. Caudal fin is rounded.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Swim above reefs and over sand. Normally solitary but can be found in small groups. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on benthic invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 457, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Southern Stingray

Dasyatis americana

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Dasyatidae
	Max Size (cm) 150
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 100

Distinct Features

Angular disk shaped with large wingspan; snout is angular but not projecting. Coloration is gray/light brown/olive at the dorsal surface, ventral surface is white. Tail is slender and ends in a point, the base of the tail is broad and has one large venemous spine at top of the tail.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to New Jersey and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, benthic and sandy bottoms.

Behavior

Covers itself with sand, dangerous to divers if harassed. Venomous

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on mollusks, crustaceans and occasionally small fish.

Reference

Pg. 531, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spanish Grunt

Haemulon macrostomum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 45
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body, compressed. Sloping head with tapered body. Head is bluntly pointed. Silvery gray body. Top of head and upper dorsal area are greenish/yellow. The upper half of the body has three strong black stripes with small thin black stripes between the thicker ones. Stripes extend from the mouth to the caudal fin. Ventral body is dark to black. Yellowish saddle on top of the caudal peduncle. Yellowish outer edges of the dorsal fin, caudal and anal fin are dark. Broad yellowish outer edge on the caudal fin. Pelvic fin dark with white front edge. Dorsal: XII, 15-17. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: forked

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Prefer clear water by reefs.

Behavior

Drift alone or in small mixed schools of grunts near reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on crustaceans and urchins.

Reference

Pg. 98, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spanish Hogfish

Bodianus rufus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 40
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 70

Distinct Features

Robust body, compressed with a pointed snout and thick lips. Coloration in adults is blue/purple to deep red in the upper half of the head, upper third of the body and most of the dorsal fin. The rest of the body is yellow. Juvenile coloration is the same but with a black spot on the front of the dorsal fin. Dorsal: XII, 9-11; Anal: III, 12; Caudal: blunt with pointed tips.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Common on open bottoms and also found on reefs.

Behavior

Can be observed digging in the sand for food. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds mostly on benthic invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 223, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotfin Butterflyfish

Chaetodon ocellatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Chaetodontidae
	Max Size (cm) 20
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 91

Distinct Features

Oval body, strongly compressed. Pointed snout with small mouth. Overall body coloration is white with yellow fins. A black bar runs through the eye. There is a small, black spot at the back tip of the dorsal fin. There is also a yellow irregular bar over the edge of the operculum behind the eye. Pectoral fins are clear. Dorsal: XII-XIII, 18-20. Anal: III, 16-17. Caudal: slightly convex.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

New England to Brazil, including Bahamas and Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Adults found on reefs, juveniles seen in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Often in pairs, swimming over the top of the reef.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on plankton

Reference

Pg. 31, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotted Drum

Equetus punctatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Sciaenidae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 4 - 105

Distinct Features

Oblong body with deep forward half that tapers towards the caudal fin. Horizontal mouth located under the snout. Dorsal fin is elongated, second dorsal fin is continous to the caudal fin. The first dorsal fin is typically observed upright and is longer than the body depth. Visible arch above the head/eye region and in front of the first dorsal fin. Coloration is white body with three broad, black bars. The first bar is through the eye, the second bar starts at the top of the head and continues to the pelvic fins and the third starts at the leading edge of the dorsal fin and extends to the caudal fin. There are thinner, black stripes above and below the third oblique bar. White spots are located on the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins. Pelvic and pectoral fins are black. The trailing edge of the first dorsal fin is white. Juveniles have a white body with three black bars, the first bar is through the eye, second is from top of the head to pelvic fin and third bar runs from leading edge of dorsal fin to leading edge of caudal fin. Second dorsal and upper/lower lobes of caudal fin are translucent. First dorsal is extremely elongated. Dorsal: XII-XIV, 45-47. Anal: II, 6. Caudal: tapered

Distribution

Gulf of Mexico, South Florida to Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit secluded areas of the reef, often under ledges and within caves.

Behavior

Feeds in the open at night, usually swims in circular patterns.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 474, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotted Eagle Ray

Aetobatus narinari

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Myliobatidae
	Max Size (cm) 330
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 80

Distinct Features

Dorsal side is black with many white spots. Ventral side is white. Pronounced head with a flattened snout, tapered. Two to six venomous spines at base of a long, slender tail.

Distribution

Migratory. Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Virginia, south to Brazil.

Habitats

Reefs and brackish waters. Amphidromous. Reef associated, but will cruise along sandy areas too.

Behavior

Solitary, but occasionally found in pairs and can form schools. Harmless to divers unless harassed, be aware of the venomous spines

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on mollusks and occasionally small fish

Reference

Pg. 533, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotted Goatfish

Pseudupeneus maculatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Mullidae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 110

Distinct Features

Elongated, cylindrical body. Ventral surface is flattened. Sloping head with pointed snout, two barbells present under the small mouth. Eye placement is high on the head. Two separated dorsal fins. Coloration is whitish to reddish body with a row of three dark, rectangular blotches along the upper midbody and below the dorsal fins. There are blue, diagonal lines from the mouth that extend to behind the eye. Can rapidly and dramatically change color from white with blotches to mottled red to reddish brown. Dorsal: VIII-IX, 8. Caudal: forked

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

New Jersey to Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

New Jersey to Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Behavior

Can be solitary or in groups. Comb the sandy, rubble bottoms for food using their barbells. Can be found resting on bottom displaying the mottled reddish brown coloration.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 443, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotted Moray

Gymnothorax moringa

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Muraenidae
	Max Size (cm) 175
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 200

Distinct Features

Elongate, compressed at rear with tapered tail. Heavy to medium body. Snout is elongated and pointed (more so than other similar species). Eye is located above the middle of the mouth. Front nostril are tubular. Strong, fang-like teeth. Continuous dorsal and anal fin. Dorsal origin is on the head. Coloration is highly variable. Pale whitish to yellow under-color with dark spots and blotches. Dorsal fin has white margin. Iris of the eye is whitish and fins are colored the same as the body.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

West and Central Atlantic, Bermuda, South Carolina to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Caribbean and Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit shallow reefs and areas of rocky rubble and seagrass beds

Behavior

Hides during the day with head often extending from their burrow opening. Forages out in the open during both day and night. Usually solitary.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 488, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotted Scorpionfish

Scorpaena plumieri

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scorpaenidae
	Max Size (cm) 45
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 60

Distinct Features

Robust body with strong spines on the head. The head is the same width vertically and horizontally. Deep pit behind the eyes with a smaller pit below the eyes. Large superior facing mouth. Body and head have fleshy cirri, clustered more above the top of the eyes but present all over. Body color is highly variable but usually a drab combination of mottled gray, brown, green and red which helps them blend in with the benthos. The inside base of the pectoral fin is black with large white spots in rows, and the interior of the pectoral fin is brightly colored in pink/red and yellow (as illustrated). This coloration is not noticeable unless the fish is disturbed after which it will flare its pectoral fins, displaying the coloration, as it swims away. Tail is whitish with three darker bands. Dorsal: XII, 9-10. Anal: III, 5-6. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

New York to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit coral and rocky reefs, open rubble areas.

Behavior

Solitary. Usually found motionless on the benthos using intense camouflage. When disturbed, they will flare their pectoral fins to showcase the coloration on the underside (as illustrated). Venomous dorsal spine!

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish.

Reference

Pg. 409, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Spotted Trunkfish

Lactophrys bicaudalis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Ostraciidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 50

Distinct Features

Oblong, thick and triangular shaped body when viewed head-on. Body profile is boxy with large scale plates. A spine is located on the ventral side of the body and in front of the anal fin. The base of the caudal peduncle is slender and slightly elongated. Mouth is angled downwards, pointed and with large lips. Dorsal and anal fin are located at the rear body and just forward of the caudal peduncle. No pelvic fins. Large eye positioned at the top of the head. Coloration is pale gray/white body covered in dark brown and black spots that get smaller towards the snout and caudal peduncle. Spots extend onto the caudal fin. Dorsal: 10, Anal: 10. Caudal: bluntly rounded

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Georgia to Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil, Yucatan, Flower Gardens

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Can be found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Swims above the reef and in front of the entrances of caves, holes and ledges.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 457, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Squirrelfish

Holocentrus adscensionis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Holocentridae
	Max Size (cm) 45
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 180

Distinct Features

Oblong, slender and compressed with a pointed head, large eyes and large mouth. Coloration is reddish upper and whitish/silver lower body and tail. Pectoral, pelvic, caudal and second dorsal fins are white; yellowish spiny first dorsal fin. Dorsal: XI, 14-16; Anal: III - IV, 10; Caudal: deeply forked with pointed tips.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to North Carolina, Bermuda and south to Brazil.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. During the day, mostly found in shaded areas. Most abundant at shallow patch reefs and walls.

Behavior

Occassionally swim in groups, produce sound that is audible to divers. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 249, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Stoplight Parrotfish

Sparisoma viride

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 64
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 50

Distinct Features

Elongated body, moderately deep and somewhat compressed. The head is relatively pointed. Teeth are fused into beak. Coloration for adult terminal phase is a green head and body with edge of operculum a pink color containing a yellow spot at the top. A purplish stripe extends from the mouth along the cheek; top of snout and head are purplish. Dorsal, anal, pelvic fins are pink with blue edges. Caudal fin is green with a yellow blotch at the base, and a yellow crescent just before the rear edge of the fin, and the rear edge is green. Initial phase coloration is brown above that fades to red below. Pale areas on the head the center of many of the upper body scales. Body scales have a checkered appearance with a distinct black border. Dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and anal fins are red. Caudal fin has a brown base, white center and broad red crescent at the rear edge. Juvenile coloration is brown above and reddish below. Three rows of white spots along the side of the midbody that starts at the operculum and extends to the tail base. Dark blotch behind the upper operculum, caudal fin is a dark reddish brown with a white bar on the base. Dorsal: IX, 10; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: straight in juveniles and concave with pointed tips in adult.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found along the reefs.

Behavior

Juveniles form small schools with other juvenile parrotfish. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae from the corals.

Reference

Pg. 209, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Striped Parrotfish

Scarus iseri

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 35
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated body, somewhat compressed. Bluntly pointed snout with teeth fused into a beak. Coloration for adults terminal phase is a grayish upper body that fades to a whitish. The scales have pink edges and the head is a blue/gray with yellow/pink. Dark purple/blue bordered stripe begins at the snout, crossing through the eye and ends at the center of the operculum. There is a also a black spot at the rear of the operculum. Behind this spot is a white stripe near the front midbody. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are pinkish with a blue outer edge. Initial phase is a brownish/reddish/blackish upper body and tail base with two white stripes above and below the eye. Below the stripes is a pale gray. The snout is yellow. Juveniles coloration is pale with three dark stripes along the body and yellow snout, essentially a smaller version of the initial phase. Dorsal: IX, 10; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: blunt to slightly convex.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found along the reef.

Behavior

Juveniles swim with mixed schools of S. taeniopterus. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae from the corals.

Reference

Pg. 211, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Tan Hamlet

Hypoplectrus randallorum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 13
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 15

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. Dark spot may be present on the snout, and at the upper base of the pectoral fin. Usually a dark spot is present at the caudal peduncle to form a saddle. The body coloration will be tan to yellowish brown to darkish brown. If darkish brown, then the characteristic spots may not be obvious (Tan Type 2). The vental fins may have blue borders but this may not always be obvious. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Anal: III, 7. Caudal: slightly forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida Keys to the Caribbean but uncommon to the Bahamas and eastern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 153, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Threespot Damselfish

Stegastes planifrons

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Relatively deep oval and compressed, small mouth. Coloration in adults are entirely gray/brown with a tan tint to the lower head and body. Black spot on the base of the pectoral fin and occasionally on the base of the caudal fin. Top of the eye has a yellow crescent. Juvenile coloration is a bright yellow body and fins, large black spot on the anterior base of the dorsal fin with a smaller black dot at the base of the caudal fin. Dorsal: XII, 15-17; Anal: II, 13-14; Caudal: bluntly forked with large lobes.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Reef tops and especially at areas of algal growth, prefers Acropora spp. coral formations

Behavior

Very territorial and will aggressively defend. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae and invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 137, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Tiger Grouper

Mycteroperca tigris

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 100
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust and compressed body with projecting lower jaw. Adult coloration has head and body densely covered with dark brown spots. Top rear of the head and upper body has nine to eleven brown/black diagonal bars over a light background. Lower body has a network of pale lines surrounding the spots. Bottom of the head is densely covered in spots. Can change color rapidly from pale to dark. Can occasionally be a bright reddish/brown coloration. Juvenile coloration is bright yellow with dark brown midbody stripe beginning at the mouth and going through eye and extending to the rear 1/3 of the body. Dorsal: XI, 15-17. Anal: III, 11-12. Caudal: slightly concave in adult, blunt in juveniles

Distribution

Bermuda, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on reefs and walls.

Behavior

Solitary, often resting in secluded areas like holes and undercut ledges.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish.

Reference

Pg. 167, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo cuvier

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Carcharhinidae
	Max Size (cm) 600
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 350

Distinct Features

Head and body are stout and become slender towards the tail. Snout is short, blunt and rounded. There is a long groove over the top of the mouth extending to under the eye. Large, round eye and large wide mouth. Teeth are serrated and the front edge is convex with an oblique tip and a deep notch at the lower rear side. Five gill slits and the last two slits are situated over the pectoral fin. Origin of the dorsal fin is located over the posterior corner of the pectoral fin. The first dorsal fin is relatively small compared to the total length (less than 10% of total length). Tip of dorsal fin is pointed and the rear edge is concave. Origin of the second dorsal fin originates before the origin of the anal fin. Caudal fin has a narrow caudal peduncle and the fin its strongly asymmetrical with strongly pointed tips and pointed lower lobe. The upper lobe is larger than the lower lobe. The adults are gray overall with vertical bars on the upper half of the dorsal portion of the body sides resembling the pattern of a tiger (sometimes faint or absent). Juveniles have large dark spots that can merge to form bars.

Distribution

Circumtropical

Habitats

Marine, coastal pelagic. Often found in turbid areas, estuaries but also on reefs.

Behavior

Found in deeper waters during the day, but can be found feeding on shallow reefs at night. Usually solitary. Generally unconcerned of divers but may make close passes as they swim by. Considered dangerous because it is a predator and could be aggressive when provoked or in the vicinity of spearfishing activities.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on a variety of prey including marine mammals, marine reptiles, seabirds and bony fish.

Reference

Pg. 516, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Tobaccofish

Serranus tabacarius

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 22
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 94

Distinct Features

Elongate body, moderately compressed. The lower lip is exposed when mouth is closed (underbite). The snout is shorter than the length of the eye. The midbody is shades of orange to brown, with alternating blotches of white and dark brown on the upper body starting behind the eye. The dorsal fin has a brownish U shaped marking. Dorsal: X, 12. Anal: III, 7. Caudal: blunt

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Georgia to Brazil, including Bermuda and the Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found in sandy, rubble areas near reefs.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found hovering over sandy areas near reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds primarily on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 187, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Tomtate

Haemulon aurolineatum

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 25
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 70

Distinct Features

Oblong body and compressed, deep and blunt head. Coloration is silvery white, dusky head with a gray snout. Two bronze yellow stripes, first is along midline from head to tail, and the second one along the upper half of the body. Faint stripes can be seen between these two distinct ones. A large dark blotch at base of the tail fin and the upper and lower borders of the caudal fin may be dark. Spot can be absent. Juvenile coloration is the same as the adult. Dorsal: XIII - XIV, 14-16; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often hide in the shade at bottom of reefs.

Behavior

Often found in large schools, mixed with other grunts. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 101, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Trumpetfish

Aulostomus maculatus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Aulostomidae
	Max Size (cm) 100
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 40

Distinct Features

Body is very elongated and somewhat compressed, the head is compressed with a tubular snout and barbel under the snout. Coloration is variable but is usually reddish brown to gray brown with faint blue lines and scattered black dots on the upper head and body. Two large black spots at the caudal peduncle. Dorsal: VIII - XIII, 21-25; Anal: 21-25; Caudal: rounded with pointed lobes.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Often found in soft coral stands and seagrass beds

Behavior

Solitary and often drift vertical in a feeding position. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and invertebrates

Reference

Pg. 441, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

White Grunt

Haemulon plumierii

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body and compressed, deep and blunt head. Coloration is yellow to bluish silver with yellow and blue stripes only on the head. Dorsal: XII, 15-17; Anal: III, 8-9; Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Maryland and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated on hard bottoms and seagrass beds.

Behavior

Often in small to large mixed schools of other grunts. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 99, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

White Margate

Haemulon album

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Haemulidae
	Max Size (cm) 80
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 60

Distinct Features

Oblong body and compressed, deep and blunt head. Small eyes, no distinct markings or patterns. Coloration is pearly gray to silvery. The soft dorsal fin and tail are dusky in color, and tail is deeply forked. Dorsal: XII, 16-17; Anal: III, 7-8; Caudal: forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated; found on hard bottoms and nearby soft bottoms like seagrass beds.

Behavior

Swim alone or in small schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 107, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Whitespotted Filefish

Cantherhines macrocerus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Monacanthidae
	Max Size (cm) 46
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 40

Distinct Features

Oblong body, deep and compressed with a long pointed snout and a small mouth with strong teeth. Coloration is variable but is usually brown or an irregular brown/orange pattern. Pale white spots can be seen over most of the body and head. A pair of white spots can be seen at the top and bottom of the base of the caudal fin. Spines on the caudal peduncle are yellow. Juvenile coloration is black with many white spots. Dorsal: II, 34-36; Anal: 29-32; Caudal: rounded.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Coral and rocky reefs.

Behavior

Swim slowly around reef tops, can be found in pairs with one partner displaying the white spotted pattern. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on sponges, gorgonians and algae.

Reference

pg. 465, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellow Goatfish

Mulloidichthys martinicus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Mullidae
	Max Size (cm) 40
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 135

Distinct Features

Elongated, cylindrical body with the underside of the head and body nearly flat. Blunt snout with distinct barbels just below the mouth. Coloration is light olive upper body with whitish lower body. There is a single yellow stripe from eye to the base of the bright yellow caudal fin. Dorsal and anal fins can be a yellow tint. Two, distinctly spaced dorsal fins. Dorsal: VIII + I, 8; Anal: II, 6. Caudal: forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Mostly observed in shallow coral reefs.

Behavior

Feed alone or in schools, observed using barbells to dig in the sand for food. Can also form mixed schools. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on benthic invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 443, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowbelly Hamlet

Hypoplectrus aberrans

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 15

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. The yellow on the underbelly extends to the tail. May have distinct blue markings along the face, but these may also be absent. The upper part of the body will be a purplish brown color that fades into the yellow of the underbody. The dorsal fin will be purple and yellowish. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: slightly forked.

Distribution

Bahamas to the Caribbean, but uncommon.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed primarily on crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 151, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowcheek Wrasse

Halichoeres cyanocephalus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 7 - 100

Distinct Features

Elongate, compressed and fusiform body. Mouth is protrusible with thick lips, enlarged teeth are visible. One continuous dorsal fin, anal fin starts at midbody and extends to caudal peduncle. Terminal phase has deeper head profile with steeper slope with more pointed snout. Coloration in juveniles is yellow at the top of the head and dorsal portion of the body, with blue/purple below that fades to white along the ventral side. Black ocellus surrounded by iridesent blue is located at the base of the dorsal fin and at the caudal peduncle. Initial phase has bright yellow on upper half of head and dorsal portion of the body that fades to a dark blue/purple with the lower half of the head and ventral portion of the body is white. No ocellus are present. Caudal fin is bright blue. Terminal phase (illustrated) is yellow on the upper two-thirds of the head and top of the dorsal portion of the body. A blue stripe from snout to top of the head, with blue stripes radiating from the eye towards the back of the head. A broad blue/purple stripe runs from behind the pectoral fin to the caudal fin. Lower half of the body is white. In between the purple stripe and the white lower body is a series of linear green dots extending towards the caudal fin. Dorsal fin is a darker blue. Caudal fin is yellow with a faint blue blotch at the center. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 12. Caudal: blunt

Distribution

South Florida, Flower Gardens, Yucatan and Caribbean to Venezuela including Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Usually around rubble and sand bottoms within reefs.

Behavior

Continuously swimming around the reef, like other wrasses.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 239, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowfin Grouper

Mycteroperca venenosa

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 100
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 140

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust, compressed body. Elongated snout. Lower jaw projects out. Adult coloration on the head and body has densely covered with small reddish brown to dark brown spots overlaid with a network of pale lines that outline irregular elongated dark brown to reddish brown blotches on the upper body. Marginal edges of pectoral fin and dorsal spines are yellow. Outer margins of the soft dorsal, anal and caudal fin are dark. The base color of the body is a light gray but can change drastically to almost black. Juvenile coloration has more widely spaced dark brown spots that fade to reddish brown dorsally and ventrally on a base color of light gray that fades to a yellowish gray dorsally and ventrally. Dorsal: XI, 15-16. Anal: III, 11-12. Caudal: blunt to slightly concave

Distribution

Bermuda, Florida, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on reef tops and walls

Behavior

Usually solitary. Could be found around caves and holes where it will retreat if approached.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish.

Reference

Pg. 163, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowhead Jawfish

Opistognathus aurifrons

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Opistognathidae
	Max Size (cm) 12
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 60

Distinct Features

Elongate, compressed body with large round head. Eye is large and located high on the head, just above the nostril. Large mouth that extends well past the eye. Elongated dorsal and anal fins but they are not continuous with the caudal fin. Coloration is white to pearly white with blue/green tint on the body and a yellow tinted head. Dark bar through the eyes. Dorsal: XI, 14-18. Anal: III, 14-17. Caudal: rounded

Distribution

Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Inhabit areas of sand and coral rubble near reefs.

Behavior

Lives in colonies in the sand, makes burrows. Hover vertically over the burrow entrance, retreat when approached.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on plankton

Reference

Pg. 376, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowhead Wrasse

Halichoeres garnoti

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Labridae
	Max Size (cm) 30
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 90

Distinct Features

Elongated, compressed body. Continuous dorsal fin. Coloration for juvenile phase is yellow to yellow/brown with dark edges and a blue stripe down the midline. Initial phase coloration is dark/dusky upper portion of the head and dorsal portion of the body, while the bottom portion is yellow; two wavy lines radiate from the rear, upper eye. Terminal phase coloration is bright yellow head and forebody with a dark midbody bar that connects a broad black stripe along the dorsal side of the back body. Dorsal: IX, 10; Anal: III, 12; Caudal: bluntly rounded.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Sandy areas and rubble bottoms within and around edges of reef.

Behavior

Observed constantly swimming over sandy rubble areas; Terminal phase can observed swimming solitary, while juvenile and initial phases can be found schooling. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on invertebrates

Reference

pg. 229, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowmouth Grouper

Mycteroperca interstitialis

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 85
	Depth Range (m) 2 - 150

Distinct Features

Elongate, robust, compressed body. Lower jaw projects out, rear of the top jaw is exposed with the mouth closed. Outer margin of the caudal fin is serrated in adults. Adult coloration is pale/brownish gray with small brown spots along the dorsal half of the head and body, fading into the ventral side. Outer edge of the spiny dorsal fin and inside the corners of the mouth are yellow. Juvenile coloration is distinctly bicolored with dorsal half of the body dark brown and white below on the ventral side. The front of the spiny dorsal is yellow. Dorsal: XI, 16-18. Anal: III, 11-12. Caudal: slightly concave to blunt, serrated in adults.

Distribution

South Carolina to Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on deep reefs and drop-offs

Behavior

Usually solitary. Swims away when approached.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on fish.

Reference

Pg. 165, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowtail Damselfish

Microspathodon chrysurus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Pomacentridae
	Max Size (cm) 21
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 40

Distinct Features

Deep, oblong thick body, compressed. Much larger than the other Pomacentrids. Coloration in adults is gray/brown body with scattered blue spots around the head, caudal fin is paler than the body and often yellow. Juveniles are dark blue with scattered intense blue spots, clear caudal fin. Dorsal: XII, 14-15; Anal: II, 12-13; Caudal: bluntly forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Found on coral and rock reefs.

Behavior

Maintain a small territory but do not aggressively defend domain. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on algae and coral polyps.

Reference

Pg. 141, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowtail Hamlet

Hypoplectrus chlorurus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Serranidae
	Max Size (cm) 15
	Depth Range (m) 3 - 74

Distinct Features

Head and body is deep and strongly compressed. Snout is relatively short with downward pointing edges at the mouth. Distinct yellow tail , rest of the body will be dark purplish to black/brown. May have some faint bluish markings on the face, but are usually absent. Leading edge of the pelvic fins may be blue. Dorsal: X, 14-17. Caudal: slightly forked.

🔍 View distinct features

Distribution

Bahamas to Caribbean, but uncommon to Florida.

Habitats

Marine, reef associated.

Behavior

Usually solitary. Found near the bottom around soft and hard corals.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and crustaceans

Reference

Pg. 151, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowtail Parrotfish

Sparisoma rubripinne

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Scaridae
	Max Size (cm) 50
	Depth Range (m) 0 - 30

Distinct Features

Elongated, but robust body, somewhat compressed. Teeth fused to form a beak. Terminal phase head is relatively blunt, not seen in the initial phase. Initial phase: pale gray to brown, scale edges are darker. Base of the caudal fin and the caudal fin are yellow. Base of the pelvic and anal fin have a reddish tint. Terminal phase: dark greenish/gray body and fins with a dark blotch at the base of the pectoral fin. Caudal fin has pale yellow crescent along the outer edge. The iris of the eye is red. Dorsal: IX, 10. Anal: III, 9. Caudal: concave, but more obviously concave in terminal phase

Distribution

Bermuda to Southern Caribbean

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Shallow reefs and shallow areas of coral rubble and seagrass.

Behavior

May be found resting on the bottom. Can form schools, swimming around shallow reefs.

Feeding Ecology

Feeds on algae

Reference

Pg. 214-216, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

Reference / Species×

Yellowtail Snapper

Ocyurus chrysurus

🔍 Tap to enlarge	Family Name Lutjanidae
	Max Size (cm) 86
	Depth Range (m) 1 - 180

Distinct Features

Elongate oval body with a pointed head. Coloration has a distinct bright yellow stripe from the tip of snout, through the midbody to the bright yellow caudal fin. Yellow irregular spots can be found above the eye. Dorsal and anal fins are also yellow. Dorsal: X, 12-13; Anal: III, 9; Caudal: deeply forked.

Distribution

Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico. North to Massachusetts and Bermuda, south to Brazil

Habitats

Marine, reef associated. Juveniles can be found in seagrass beds.

Behavior

Solitary or can form schools to feed above the reef. Harmless to divers.

Feeding Ecology

Feed on fish and invertebrates.

Reference

Pg. 123, Humann, P. and DeLoach, N. (2014). Reef Fish Identification: Florida Caribbean Bahamas. New World Publications Incorporated.

Fishes: Greater Caribbean by Yunke International Inc & the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Fishbase.org

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