close
10 Intriguing Fish of the Mediterranean Sea

10 Intriguing Fish of the Mediterranean Sea

Written by Scuba.com
|
Updated on August 2, 2023
symphodus tinca rainbow wrasse caught in the Mediterranean Sea

The varied climate and gentle currents of the Mediterranean Sea make it an ideal place for underwater exploration. With approximately 17,000 marine species in this great body of water,  you’re guaranteed encounters with intriguing and beautiful fish of all shapes and sizes during your Mediterranean Sea dives

Whether it’s exploring the lush underwater caves and tunnels in Mallorca, Spain, or the temperate coastal waters off Beirut in Lebanon, you’ll be blown away by the diversity of the marine life you’ll encounter. Check out our list of the 10 most captivating Mediterranean fish species to look out for.

Top 10 Fish in the Mediterranean Sea

Rainbow Wrasse

close-up of the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse
Image via Shutterstock

The reefs and underwater caves of the Mediterranean Sea are home to a variety of small, colorful fish. The rainbow wrasse lives near the shallows and boasts a brilliant silver color and bright red stripe running down the length of its body. This species can grow up to 25 centimeters long, though all fish over 18 centimeters long are male.

Like many reef fish, the rainbow wrasse is a sequential hermaphrodite, meaning it can change its sex as it grows. Far from solitary, rainbow wrasses swim in groups consisting of adults and juveniles. Try to make your approach as gentle as possible since these fish bury themselves in the sand when frightened.

Mediterranean Parrotfish

Mediterranean Parrotfish
Image via Shutterstock

If you’re on the lookout for really colorful fish, there’s nothing that comes close to the vivid splendor of the Mediterranean parrotfish. Its bold colors appear to have been mixed on an artists’ palette: females are colored a brilliant red and yellow, with a striking saddle of silver across their backs. Males are colored grey and their fins are pink. This species can also change sex as necessary, but not all females will change their sex in their lifetime.

The Mediterranean parrotfish can be found along the Portuguese coast, in parts of coastal Africa, and throughout the Mediterranean.

Painted Comber

painted comber
Image via Shutterstock

An equally iridescent, albeit solitary fish, the painted comber has an orange-red to pinkish color, with darker colored vertical stripes along its body (resembling a comb) and a shimmery silver-blue spot towards the tail end. This fish is a hermaphrodite and spends the majority of its days in rocky cave areas, coming out at dusk to feed. They can be found often laying in the seabed, between rocks and grass, waiting for any potential prey.

Small Red Scorpionfish

small red scorpionfish
Image via Shutterstock

The small red scorpionfish is a striking-looking fish, to say the least. This fish has a pug-like face and a rounded, lumpy body with white and red blotches. If you’re swimming near one, be wary of its three venomous spines protruding from the dorsal fin. The effect of the venom is said to be more painful than that of the weever fish and can cause headaches and vomiting.

Small red scorpionfishes are highly nocturnal, hiding between the cracks and crevices of rocks during daylight hours and emerging at night to hunt their prey. They can usually be found where prawns and small fish are present.

Tentacled Blenny

tentacled benny fish
Image via Shutterstock

Also known as coral blennies and fringehead blennies, Mediterranean tentacled blennies have bright blue dots and black stripes covering their elongated bodies. Two tentacles perch atop their heads, giving them a caterpillar-like appearance. They like to stay close to sandy bottoms and hide in crevices where the males guard the nests.

Atlantic Bonito

Atlantic Bonito fish
Image via Shutterstock

Native to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Black Sea, the Atlantic bonito is an important commercial and game fish. This species possesses a prominent sail-fin and dark, oblique stripes along its blue form. As its flesh is similar to that of tuna and mackerel, the Atlantic bonito can be found in many Mediterranean dishes. They often spawn between May and July in most habitats in the Mediterranean, though this period extends from March to May off the coast of Algeria.

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

close-up of the Atlantic bluefin tuna
Image via Shutterstock

The Atlantic bluefin tuna is one of the biggest fish in the Mediterranean Sea. They have streamlined bodies built for endurance and speed. They can even retract their pectoral and dorsal fins to reduce drag when swimming at fast speeds. This species can still be found in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, though they’ve become extinct in the Black Sea.

Prized by fishermen since Antiquity, the Atlantic bluefin tuna is now threatened by overfishing. Conservation programs are now in full swing to prevent further population declines.

Mediterranean Swordfish

Mediterranean swordfish spotted above the water
Image via Shutterstock

Due to their impressive size, strength, and speed, Mediterranean swordfishes have long held the fascination of sports fishermen. Known for their distinctive “swords,” which protrude from their heads, this feature is used to slash and injure prey rather than spear it. They can grow to about 177 inches long, from the tip of their bills to the ends of their caudal fins.

Unfortunately, both game and commercial fishing have reduced their numbers. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has initiated efforts to reform the fishing industry and save the Mediterranean swordfish from extinction.

Ocean Sunfish

ocean sunfish
Image via Shutterstock

When it comes to the oddest-looking fish in the Mediterranean, the ocean sunfish surely tops the list. They tip the scales at 2,200 lbs, making them one of the largest fish to inhabit the Mediterranean Sea. (The biggest one ever recorded weighed over 2.7 tons, three meters long and measured four meters from fin to fin.)

Ocean sunfishes are often seen basking in the sun near the surface of the water (hence their name). When they breach the surface, their fins sometimes trick humans into thinking they’re sharks. Meanwhile, their wide eyes often make them appear scared or confused.

Flying Fish

Mediterranean flying fish spotted above the water
Image via Shutterstock

Perhaps the most fascinating Mediterranean species of all is the flying fish. It uses two pairs of elongated pectorals to catch updrafts, sailing out of the water for distances of 655 feet at heights of over four feet. This bizarre ability is said to have evolved to escape predators, like mackerel, tuna, swordfish, and marlin.

Mediterranean Sea Dive Spots to See Fish

The Mediterranean Sea, renowned for its azure waters, vibrant marine life, and captivating underwater landscapes, is a diver’s paradise. This ancient body of water, surrounded by three continents, offers an array of breathtaking dive spots where enthusiasts can witness an astonishing variety of fish species in their natural habitats. From secluded coves to bustling underwater cities, the Mediterranean hosts some of the most captivating aquatic encounters.

The Costa Brava, Spain

Situated in northeastern Spain, the Costa Brava boasts an impressive diversity of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of colorful fish, including groupers, damselfish, and breams. The Medes Islands Marine Reserve, just off the coast of L’Estartit, is a must-visit spot, teeming with barracudas and the occasional sighting of moonfish.

Blue Hole, Gozo, Malta

The Blue Hole, located on the small island of Gozo in Malta, is a natural wonder that beckons divers from around the world. The crystal-clear waters and awe-inspiring limestone formations provide an enchanting backdrop for an encounter with vibrant marine life. Keep an eye out for parrotfish, damselfish, and the elusive seahorse.

Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt

Considered one of the Red Sea’s jewels, Ras Mohammed National Park‘s southern tip boasts unparalleled biodiversity. The Mediterranean waters here mingle with the Red Sea, creating an ideal environment for a remarkable variety of fish species. Expect to swim alongside snappers, unicornfish, and even the majestic Napoleon wrasse.

The Greek Islands

The Greek Islands offer a treasure trove of diving spots catering to all levels of divers. Crete, in particular, is a hotspot, with marine life ranging from sea turtles and moray eels to amberjacks and colorful nudibranchs. Additionally, the Cyclades archipelago is famous for its ancient shipwrecks, which have become artificial reefs supporting thriving ecosystems.

Kornati Islands National Park, Croatia

Known for its striking topography, the Kornati Islands National Park in Croatia offers a truly unique diving experience. The submerged cliffs and underwater caves serve as shelter for countless fish species, making it an excellent spot for observing large schools of sardines, groupers, and mackerels.

Capo Carbonara, Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia’s marine richness is epitomized by Capo Carbonara, located at the southern tip of the island. Divers can immerse themselves in the colorful world of Mediterranean damselfish, scorpionfish, and sea breams. If lucky, they may encounter bottlenose dolphins playfully dancing through the waves.

Cyprus

Cyprus, with its numerous dive sites, offers something for everyone. The Zenobia wreck is one of the world’s most famous wreck dives, hosting an impressive congregation of marine life, including wrasses, groupers, and jacks. For those seeking a unique experience, the Green Bay and Cape Greco sites offer mesmerizing seagrass meadows where seahorses and pipefish hide.

Brijuni National Park, Croatia

Declared a national park to protect its rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity, Brijuni is an oasis of aquatic life. The waters surrounding these islands harbor octopuses, sea bass, and a myriad of colorful damselfish that add vibrancy to the underwater landscape.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Sea is a treasure trove of underwater wonders, offering divers an unparalleled chance to witness the incredible diversity of marine life. From Spain to Cyprus, the range of fish species and underwater landscapes is truly remarkable.

scuba.com favicon

Scuba.com

Our team of experts and scuba diving pros at Scuba.com share their knowledge of the underwater world.