Squirrelfish are close relatives of soldierfish and share their bright red colouration and large, light-sensitive eyes. They are slightly more robust in body shape and often display bold white or silver stripes along their sides. Around Koh Tao, squirrelfish are commonly found hiding under coral ledges,...
Parrotfish are some of the most important — and colourful — residents of Koh Tao’s reefs. Named for their beak-like teeth, which are fused into a strong dental plate, they scrape and bite algae from coral surfaces with a distinctive crunching sound you can sometimes hear underwater.
Rabbitfish are easily recognised by their oval bodies, small rabbit-like faces and often intricate patterns of spots, stripes or mottled colouration. Many species have a slightly pointed snout and large eyes, giving them a gentle appearance. Around Koh Tao, rabbitfish are commonly seen in pairs or...
Mullet are streamlined, silver-grey fish commonly seen in shallow coastal waters, bays and near sandy shorelines. They have blunt heads, small mouths and forked tails, giving them a simple but sturdy appearance. Around Koh Tao, mullet are most often spotted in sheltered bays, near piers or...
“Coralfish” is a general term often used by divers to describe small, brightly coloured reef fish that live closely among coral structures — most commonly butterflyfish species. These fish are tightly linked to coral health and are rarely seen far from reef cover. With flattened bodies...
The Saddleback Anemonefish, also known as the Saddleback Clownfish, is a black and white species of anemonefish with a distinctive white saddle on its back. Like all anemonefish, it forms a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones and is unaffected by their sting. The Saddleback Anemonefish can grow to a...
The Pink Anemonefish, also known as a Pink Skunk Anemonefish, is pinkish-orange in colour with a white stripe down each side of its face. It also has a white stripe right along its back, which is why it’s often called a Pink Skunk Anemonefish. You’ll find these guys on...
The Striped Catfish — more accurately known as the Striped Eel Catfish — is a fascinating and highly distinctive reef species. Recognisable by its long eel-like body and bold black-and-white horizontal stripes, it’s often seen moving in tightly coordinated groups. Juveniles form dense, swirling “bait-ball” formations...
The Cleaner Wrasse is one of the hardest-working fish on the reef. Small and slender, with a bright blue stripe running along its body, this species is famous for operating “cleaning stations” where larger fish line up to have parasites removed. Around Koh Tao, Cleaner Wrasse...
