Fish Spot: Lionfish

Common Name: Lion fish

Scientific Name: Pterois Antennata

 

Where to spot them here: The lion fish was not a fish originally found in the caribbean.  It is unclear how they have been able to established themselves but one theory is that aquarium released specimens has started to propagate in the warm waters. They are aggressive and seem to have no native predator here and sadly can be found in abundance on all sites particularly in Tortugas where they hide in the large barrel sponges.

 

How to identify them: This is actually quite a pretty fish being zebra striped with long tentacle like fins which fan out on all sides when alarmed, much like a lion’s mane. They are a variety of sizes and juveniles are quite well camouflaged on the reef, so watch where your hands are!

What you may not know about them: Lion fish have venomous spines on the end of their fins that can produce painful and potentially life threatening puncture wounds. The only treatment for the sting is to immerse the affected body part in boiling hot water for many hours. The venom in the spines remains active for days, so even dead fish should be treated with caution.

 

These limited edition pointillist Lionfish prints, signed by the artist are available in the shop now!

Fish Spot: The Porcupine fish

Common Name: Porcupine fish

Scientific Name: Diodon Hystrix

Where to spot them here: We see this fish between 5-65 feet, so Chunzumbul, Sabalos or Tortugas are all good sites! They can be seen either in the sand, on top of the reef or in midwater.

How to identify them: A rectangular shaped fish, they are sometimes confused with puffer fish but have heavier spines (hence the name porcupine) on their body. Porcupine fish are medium to large sized fish with giant eyes and a “smiley” mouth.

What you may not know about them: To deter predators Porcupine fish have the ability to inflate their body by swallowing water increasing in size to almost double vertically. The spines produce a toxin which when ingested, progressively shuts down the nervous system and can cause paralysis and death within hours. So while they might look funny when inflated, don’t mess with these ones!

Fish Spot: Hogfish

Common Name: Hogfish

Scientific Name: Lachnolaimus Maximus

 

Where to spot them here:  Usually found on day and night dives at Moc che, Jardines and the other shallow sites. Spot them changing color to quickly camouflage when they swim from reef to sandy bottom.

How to identify them: The hogfish gets its unusual name from its long, pig-like snout and protrusible mouth which it uses to root around the sea bottom for food. They have 3 long spines at the front of their dorsal fin which will be raised if alarmed. To camouflage itself their color changes between mottled brown to pearl white depending where it swims.

What you may not know about them: Hogfish have a fascinating life history; they are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning that individuals first function sexually as females and then later transform into males. This change generally occurs at around three years of age and a length of about 35 centimeters.

Fish Spot: Yellowtail Damselfish

Common Name: Yellowtail Damselfish

 

Scientific Name: Microspathodon Chrysurus

Where to Spot them here: These are much more common to the shallower sites where they breed but they have been seen deeper on Moc Che Deep and The Green Wall. Juveniles can be seen on Chunzumbul darting in and out of the  Lettuce Coral.

How to identify them: 10 to 15 cm in length. Easy to spot with that bright yellow tail and electric blue spots along their back. The juvenile is the “disco fish” with bright blue spots all over a dark blue body.

What you may not know about them: They, like all damselfish are a very territorial species and sometimes aggressively protect their homes in holes and coral colonies. They feed primarily on algae but also on polyps of fire coral.