Remoras — often called “suckerfish” — are fascinating fish best known for hitching rides on larger marine animals. Their most distinctive feature is a flat suction disc on top of their head, evolved from a dorsal fin, which allows them to attach securely to sharks, turtles, rays,...
The Cobia is a powerful, fast-swimming pelagic fish that occasionally cruises through Koh Tao’s dive sites. Growing up to 2 meters in length, they have a long, torpedo-shaped body, broad flattened head and a distinctive dark horizontal stripe running from nose to tail. At first glance, they can resemble a...
The Hawksbill Turtle is one of the most beautiful and distinctive sea turtles found in tropical coral reef ecosystems. It is easily recognised by its narrow, pointed “hawk-like” beak and the overlapping (imbricated) scutes on its shell. Adults typically grow to around 70–90 cm in shell...
The Green Turtle is one of the most iconic and beloved marine animals you can encounter around Koh Tao. Recognisable by its smooth, oval-shaped shell and relatively small head, this gentle ocean giant can grow over 1 metre in length. Despite the name, the shell is...
Peacock Sole’s look more like flatworms than fish. They even move like flatfish. But look closely and you’ll see that it actually has eyes. Its body is oval-shaped and flat, with both of its eyes on the same side of its body. It lives in shallow coral reef areas...
The Weedy Filefish, also known as a Leafy Filefish, has its name for a reason. When full-grown, it is covered in skin flaps that give it the appearance of being covered in leaves or seaweed. Because filefish are related to triggerfish, the Weedy Filefish also has a small retractable...
Scorpionfish are masters of camouflage and among the most perfectly disguised predators on the reef. Their mottled colouring, textured skin and irregular body shape allow them to blend seamlessly into coral, rock and rubble. Around Koh Tao, they are typically found resting motionless on reef structures...
The Indian Walkman — more accurately known as the Indian Lizardfish — is a well-camouflaged ambush predator commonly found resting on sandy seabeds. Its elongated body, large mouth filled with sharp teeth and mottled brown patterning allow it to blend almost perfectly with sand and rubble. Around Koh Tao,...
Nudibranchs — often called “sea slugs” — are some of the most colourful and photogenic creatures on the reef. Despite their delicate appearance, many species are chemically defended and brightly coloured to warn predators. They have soft bodies with no shell in adulthood and are recognised...
