Barracuda are sleek, powerful predators instantly recognisable by their long torpedo-shaped bodies, pointed heads and rows of sharp, fang-like teeth. Their silver bodies often reflect light dramatically, especially when schooling in open water. Around Koh Tao, divers commonly encounter large swirling schools of Pickhandle Barracuda, particularly...
Queenfish are sleek, high-speed predators built for open-water hunting. With long, silver bodies, deeply forked tails and powerful musculature, they are designed for acceleration and agility in blue water. The Doublespotted Queenfish is the species most commonly encountered around Koh Tao. It can be recognised by...
Fusiliers are fast-moving, streamlined schooling fish that bring constant motion and energy to Koh Tao’s dive sites. With slender torpedo-shaped bodies and vibrant blue and yellow colouring, they are usually seen moving in large, synchronised groups above reef slopes and pinnacles. Species such as
Batfish are graceful, disk-shaped reef fish known for their tall dorsal and anal fins and calm, curious behaviour around divers. As juveniles, they look completely different from adults — often dark brown or black with bright orange edging, mimicking drifting leaves for protection. As they mature,...
The great barracuda is a large, predatory fish found in subtropical oceans all over the planet. It is a common species of barracuda and usually the type that is associated with the entire family of fish. They live in a variety of areas with a lower depth...
Mackerel are fast, streamlined pelagic fish built for life in open water. With torpedo-shaped bodies, forked tails and metallic silver flanks often marked with stripes or bars, they are designed for speed and endurance. Around Koh Tao, smaller species such as the Indian Mackerel (
Emperor Fish are strong, bottom-oriented reef predators known for their thick lips, large eyes and subtle but beautiful colouration. Around Koh Tao, species such as the Spangled Emperor and Pink Ear Emperor are occasionally seen cruising over sandy reef margins and gentle slopes. They typically grow...
The Titan Triggerfish is the largest triggerfish species found on coral reefs, growing up to around 75 cm in length. Solid, muscular and unmistakably confident, they’re easily recognised by their oval-shaped body, powerful jaws, yellow-edged fins and the dark “moustache” marking above the mouth. Around Koh Tao, they’re a common...
The Yellow Margin Triggerfish is one of the larger and more striking triggerfish species found around Koh Tao. Growing up to around 60 cm in length, they are instantly recognisable by their dark, textured body covered in fine patterning and the bright yellow edging along their dorsal, anal and...
