Just beneath the azure waters of the Caribbean, kaleidoscopic schools of fish in all different shapes and sizes can be seen swimming every which way. The unbelievable variety of tropical fish in the Caribbean is one of the many reasons people from all over the world travel to this pocket of paradise. Every time a new diver exits the water, they are left eagerly asking questions about the types of fish species that they had the pleasure of witnessing. Here are just 5 tropical fish in the Caribbean that are common sights.
Blue-Striped Grunt
Of all of the tropical fish in the Caribbean, Blue-Striped Grunts and French Grunts are perhaps the most common. They can be seen swimming around almost every shallow reef around the Caribbean. Oddly, grunts acquired their names by the grunting sound that they produce when they grind their teeth together. The noise is then amplified by the air in their bladders and can be easily heard while underwater.
Smooth Trunkfish
The Smooth Trunkfish is an entertaining fish to witness while diving in the Caribbean’s crystal clear waters. They may be cute with their white polka dots and puckered lips, but they always seem to be on the hunt for their next meal. Smooth Trunkfish are easily found in sandy areas near just about any reef in the Caribbean, where they can be seen blowing jets of water in the sand to reveal food.
Trumpetfish
Trumpetfish are one of the easiest Caribbean fish species to identify. Their long, tubular bodies and trumpet-shaped snouts easily stick out, even on rainy and overcast days. They come in many colors, such as blue, brown, red, and bright yellow, allowing them to easily blend in with their reef habitats.
Sand Diver
On the other hand, Sand Divers are quite difficult to spot. Often, entire groups of divers will pass right by them and fail to notice their presence. Perhaps this is due to the fish’s chameleon-like qualities, allowing them to disguise themselves quite well in the shallows using filtered sunlight and seagrasses.
Banded Butterflyfish
The Banded Butterflyfish is only one of numerous butterflyfish species found in and around Caribbean reefs. However, this particular species of butterflyfish is easily identified by the wide black vertical stripes that adorn its sides. It is a striking fish and a favorite of many snorkelers and SCUBA divers throughout the Caribbean.
