Practise Fish Identification Guide Fish Identification

• During your time in Madagascar you will learn to identify a large number of tropical fish species

• This guide has been put together by previous volunteers and includes species that are commonly seen in the Andavadoaka region

• Please use this guide to familiarise yourself with these species before your departure

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Online Resources

• A digital species library for the fish families and species of Madagascar can be found here: www.wiomweb.org

• This library can be used as an online learning resource to help you with your fish ID skills

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Surgeonfish and Unicorn fish (Acanthuridae) • Oval Body with small mouth • Continuous anal and Dorsal fins • Scalpel blade on either side of caudal peduncle (before tail), two blades in Unicornfish • 25-35cm • Family includes Bristletooths, Tangs Unicornfish and Surgeonfish

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Goldring Bristletooth Ctenochaetus strigosus Gold ring around eye

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Striped Bristletooth Ctenochaetus striatus Orange spots on head Blue lines on body

Emarginate tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Twospot Bristletooth Ctenochaetus binotatus

Orange/ 2 black Brown spots at colour rear base of dorsal Blue ring and anal around fins (hence eye the name ‘Twospot’)

Blue lines on body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blackstreak Surgeon Fish Acanthurus nigricaude

‘Black streak’ Thin behind streak on eye to rear body above to tail pectoral spine fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Convict Surgeonfish Acanthurus triostegus

White with 5-6 Black bars on head and body.

Think ‘convict’ behind bars!

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Dusky/Brown surgeonfish Acanthurus nigrofuscus

2 black spots at Numerous rear base orange of dorsal spots on and anal head fins

Brown body colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Elongate/Yellow mask Surgeonfish Acanthurus mata

Pale to Dark blue horizontal lines on body

Yellow band through eye

Yellow upper lip

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Eyestripe Surgeon Acanturus dussumieri

Yellow Blue tail band with through eye numerous black spots

Blue to brownish body with horizontal lines

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Powderblue Surgeonfish Acanthurus leucosternon ‘Powderblue’ Yellow body dorsal fin

Black Face

White ventral and anal fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Brushtail Tang Zebrasoma scopas

Yellow/ brown White tail colouration spine darkening to black on tail

‘Brushed’ fins and tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Desjardin’s Sailfin Tang Zebrasoma desjardinii Enlarged dorsal and anal fins marked with pale lines

Bars/spot patterns on Dark tail sides with blue spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blacktongue unicornfish Naso Hexacantus

Brown to Blueish grey graduating to yellow/white

‘Black tongue’ shaped lining just behind the head

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bluespine unicornfish Naso unicornis Grey to olive 2 ‘blue spines’ colouration on tail

Short horn does not proceed past mouth

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Orangespine Unicornfish Naso elegans

Brownish Black Grey band on dorsal fin

‘Orange spines’ on Yellow tail and edged anal fin Black area from mouth to eye

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Spotted Unicornfish

Dark spots Naso brevirostris on head

Brown Vertical rows of Broad based body spots and lines on tapering horn side

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Cardinal fish(Apogonidae) • Small moderately elongate fish • Large mouth and eyes • Two dorsal fins • Spine on operculum • Small resemblance to Goldfish. • Often seen in shoals around the reef These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Five Lined Cardinalfish Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus

Yellow tail base with black spot in line with mid lateral stripe

Grey to whitish with ‘5 black lines’ on the body.

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Orange Lined Cardinalfish Archamia fucata

Pair of Black spot blue on tail stripes base through eye

Numerous narrow ‘orange lines’ on the body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Ringtailed Cardinalfish Apogon aureus

Yellow/orange graduating to Pair of blue pale on upper stripes back and tail through eye base

Black ‘ring’ tail’ base narrows in middle

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Trumpetfish (Aulostomidae)

• Elongate body with trumpet-like snout • Usually solitary • Yellow tail with two black spots • Distinguished from Cornetfish by having a shorter and thicker body • Upto 80cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Trumpetfish Aulostumus chinensis Trumpet like snout and mouth

Two black spots on tail, with yellow tip on end

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Triggerfish (Balistidae)

• Large diamond shaped laterally compressed body • Dorsal fin with elongate spine in front • Pelvic fin reduced • Eyes high on head • 25-35cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Clown Triggerfish Balistoides conspiculum Yellowish band across Pale patch top of snout with dark ‘clown’ spots on back

Black undercolour with white spots on lower body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Halfmoon Triggerfish Sufflamen chrysopterus Narrow Dark yellow/orange brown – bar behind eye yellow/ brown

White ‘moon coloured’ tail

Bluish chin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Moustache/Titan Triggerfish Balistoides viridescens Dark body Yellow/green with patch on Blue/Green cheek cross hatches

Dark ‘moustache’ Whitish above rear of mouth body

Very large upto 75cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Orangestriped Triggerfish Balistapus undulatus Large black spot on tail base

Dark green to brown with diagonally curved ‘orange stripes’ on body These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Picasso Triggerfish Rhinecanthus acualetes

Snout and back tan coloured

White underside ‘Picasso’ print on body, which extends to anal fin These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Scythe Triggerfish Sufflamen bursa

Grey to brown white with a white chin and belly

Yellow/brown scythe shaped marking behind eye

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Fusiliers (Caesionidae)

• Slender elongate/torpedo shaped body • Small terminal mouth • Forked Tail • Fast swimming in shoals

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Goldband Fusilier Pterocaesio chrysozona

‘Gold band’ from eye to tail base

Dark tail tips

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Lunar Fusilier Caesio lunaris

Row of black dashes on lateral line Black tail tips

Silvery blue colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Scissortail Fusilier Caesio caerulaurea

Yellow/gold stripe from eye to tail base Dark strips on each lobe of forked tail, creating ‘scissor’ Silvery effect blue colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Yellowtop Fusilier Caesio xanthonota

‘Yellow top’, back and tail

Silvery blue colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Jacks or Trevallys (Carangidae) • Laterally compressed torpedo shaped bodies • Sloping head • Large eyes and mouth • Two dorsal fins • Forked Tail with narrow caudal peduncle • 60-100cm These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bar Jack Carangoides ferdau Yellow/green tint to rear 5 -7 dorsal, anal chevron and tail fins ‘bars’ on body

Silvery blue colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Golden Trevally Gnathanodon speciousus

7-11 black bars

Bright ‘gold’ to silver

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae)

• Small colourful disc-like body • Small mouth often extended snout • Continuous dorsal fin • Often rounded tail • 15-20cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Big Longnose Butterflyfish Forcipiger longirostris

Black spot on Black upper anal fin head and below tail white below base

Yellow body

Has a ‘big long nose’

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blackbacked Butterflyfish Chaetodon melannotus White body ‘Black back’, with many with diagonal diagonal lines black lines

Black saddle on base of tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Chevroned butterflyfish Chaetodon trifascialis White body with many ‘chevron’ black markings

Black tail with yellow margins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Indian Teardrop Butterflyfish Chaetodon unimaculatus White body with bright yellow dorsal anal and ventral fins Black ‘teardrop’ shaped spot on back

Adults develop large bulbous snout

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Klein's Butterflyfish Chaetodon kleinii Light Dirty white brownish head yellow

Diffuse central bar

Black lips and ventral fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Lined Butterflyfish Chaetodon lineolatus White with Black eye bar black ‘lined’ with white body spot on nape

Wide black band on rear

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Longfin Bannerfish Heniochus acuminatus

‘Long’ dorsal fin filament

2nd black band ends behind tip of anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Madagascar butterfly Chaetodon madagascariensis Orange band Black eye bar on rear and and spot or orange tail tip smudge on nape

White with black chevron markings

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Masked Bannerfish Heniochus monoceros White band Yellow rear from body and extended fin fins filament to lower body with black band behind

Black ‘masked’ face

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Meyer's Butterflyfish Chaetodon meyeri White to Yellowish Bluish rim around body

Curving black bands meeting near pectoral fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Racoon butterflyfish Chaetodon lunula Black spot White band on caudal connected peduncle to black band running to dorsal fin

Yellow body with Black dark ‘racoon’ diagonal band face lines

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Redfin Butterflyfish Chaetodon trifasciatus

‘Red’ tail Pale with base purplish horizontal lines

Yellow edged black band ‘Red’ anal across base fin of anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Spotted Butterflyfish Chaetodon guttatissimus

Wide yellow margin on dorsal fin Black eye extending to band tail base

White with brown/purple ‘spotted’ body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Threadfin Butterflyfish Chaetodon auriga Thin trailing ‘threadfin’ filament

Black spot on rear dorsal fin

White with Yellow tail black and rear chevron dorsal fin lines

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Vagabond Butterflyfish Chaetodon vagabondus

Black band across rear body does not cover entire rear dorsal fin

White with thin black chevron lines

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Yellowhead Butterflyfish Chaetodon xanthocephalus

Yellow dorsal ‘Yellowhead’ and anal and stripe fins on gill cover

White with thin black vertical stripes

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Cornetfish (Fistulariidae)

• Elongate Body and snout • Whip-like tail • Generally solitary but may form shoals • Longer and thinner than trumpetfish • Upto 150cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Cornetfish Fistularia commersonii Thin Thin silvery whip like body tail

Elongated trumpet like snout

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Sweetlips (Haemulidae)

• Also known as grunts • Sloping forehead • Prominent thickened lips • Tail (Caudal) fin straight back edge in adults • 70-90cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Dusky Sweetlips Plectohinchus chubbi

Rounded head profile Pale in colour

Large thickened lips

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Goldspotted Sweetlips Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus

‘Goldspotted’ body Grey/blue with stripes extending to dorsal and tail fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blackspotted Sweetlips Plectorhinchus gaterinus

Doral, tail Whitish and yellow pectoral ‘blackspotted’ and anal body fins yellow

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Squirrelfish and Soldierfish (Holocentridae) • Medium sized fish with bony head • Large Eyes • Reddish colour • Soldierfish distinguished by blunter snout and lack of pre- opercular spine

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bronze Soldierfish Myripristis adusta Dark margin on tail, dorsal and anal fins Black spot on rear gill cover

Pale pink with dark scale margins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Pearly Soldierfish Myripristis kuntee Orange- pink with Red fins small with scales narrow white margins

Brown band on rear gill cover

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Red Soliderfish Myripristis murdjan

Spiny red dorsal fin with narrow white margins on all except pectoral fins

Brown margin on gill cover

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bloodspot Squirrelfish Neoniphon sammara Spiny Silvery dorsal fin with thin with large dark lines black spot at front, white spine tips and white spots at base

Dark ‘bloodspot’ on gill cover

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Tailspot Squirrelfish Sargocentron caudimaculatum

Red with variable amount of silvery white on Silver rear of white body and streak at tail base upper edge of gill cover White ‘tailspot’

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Crown Squirrelfish Sargocentron diadema

Alternating red/white stripes Dark red/black spiny ‘crown like’ dorsal fin

White margin on anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Wrasse (Labridae)

• Diverse and large family • Elongated with continuous dorsal fin • Most are brightly coloured • Thickened lips with protruding teeth • Most species have ability to change sex • Juveniles often have different colouration to adults

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Axilspot Hogfish

Reddish Bodianus axillarius head and White/pale rear body front of body

Juvenile

Black spot on base of pectoral and rear of dorsal and anal fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Lyretail Hogfish White rear Bodianus anthioides body with scattered brown Deeply spots forked ‘lyretail’

Orange/ brown head

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Barred Thicklip Wrasse Hemigymnus fasciatus

Black/dark rear body with 5 narrow white bars

Green face with pink bands and ‘thick lips’

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bicolour Cleaner Wrasse Labroides bicolor

Blue/Black front of body

Blue crescent on Blue lips tail

White rear and tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse Labroides dimidiatus

Black streak from snout becomes wider towards tail

Rear of body White to becomes yellowish blue head

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Greenish head with pink stripes Checkerboard Wrasse and spots on nape Halichoeres hortulanus Juvenile

‘Checkerboard’ Three yellow pattern on scales Yellow spot below saddle spots front of dorsal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Crescent Wrasse Thalassoma lunare

Deep lunate tail with yellow centre Purple and green bands on head

Blue – blue/green

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Gold Bar Wrasse Thalassoma hebriacum ‘Gold bar’ behind pectoral fin

Deep lunate tail with dark base

Yellow/brown face with bluish lines Yellow/brown body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Indian Ocean Bird Wrasse Gomphosus caeruleus

Slender body with elongate ‘beak like’ snout

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Napoleon/Humphead Wrasse Chelinus undulatus

Pronounce hump above eyes Greenish body with dark vertical streaks

Blue head Large fish with upto 2 ½ m intricate maze like patterns

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Sixbar Wrasse Thalassoma hardwicke

Pink bands on head

Greenish body with ‘6 bars’ which decrease in size towards tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Slingjaw Wrasse Dark body Epibulus insidiator with orange back

Black Juvenile streak colouration through eye Black outline around scales These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Tripletail Wrasse Cheilinus trilobatus Greenish colour with pink lines and spots cover head

Rounded tail fin with extended upper and lower lobes

Two white bars on tail base

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Yellowbreasted Wrasse Anampses twistii

Twin spots on rear of dorsal and anal fins

‘Yellow breasted’ lower body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Yellowtail Wrasse Anampses melegrides Black with Full white ‘yellow spots tail’

Twin spots on rear of dorsal and anal fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Zig-zag Wrasse Halichoeres scapularis Whitish/pale green

continuous or interrupted ‘zig-zag’ black stripe from head to tail base

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Emperors (Lethrinidae)

• Thickened lips • Emarginate/For ked tail • Continuous dorsal fin • Similar in appearance to snappers • Upto 100cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bigeye Emperor Monotaxis grandaculis Silvery/ grey back Yellow tint with paler on head underside

Black spot on base of pectoral fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blackspot emperor Lethrinus harak Pale grey colour

‘Blackspot’/ mudge on middle of its side, often with orange halo

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Long Face Emperor Lethrinus olivacea No distinct markings although often mottled colour

Long pointed snout

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Orange Stripe Emperor Lethrinus obsoletus Pale grey colouration

‘Orange stripe’ from base of pectoral fin to tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Snubnose Emperor Lethrinus borbonicus

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Snapper (Lutjanidae)

• Medium sized oblong fish with a triangular shaped head • Shallow notched tail • Single continuous dorsal fin • Large canine teeth

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Big Eye Snapper Silvery with yellow tail Lutjanus lutjanus and several narrow yellow stripes Small gap between eye and lip

Yellow/brown stripe from eye to tail Bronze eye

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Black Snapper Macolor niger Grey/brown

Juvenile

Large eye No blue with dull lines or gold iris spots These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Black-spot Snapper

Whitish with Lutjanus fulviflamma yellow stripes below lateral line

‘Black spot’ on Yellow tail and lateral line anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bluelined Snapper Lutjanus kasmira Yellow upper body 4 neon ‘blue lines’

White underside with faint grey stripes These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Onespot Snapper Lutjanus monostigma Silvery coloured body Yellow/orange fins and tail

‘One spot’ on rear back

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Twinspot/Red snapper

Red to reddish Lutjanus bohar grey colour Groove in front of eye

Dark upper edge of pectoral fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Dartfish (Ptereleotridae) • Small elongate fish with two- part dorsal fins • Long anal fins • Small upturned mouths • Generally solitary although sometimes in pairs or small feeding groups

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blackfin/Twotone Dartfish Ptereleotris evides Pale grey Black rear head and body and front of ‘black fins’ body

Pale forked tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Fire Dartfish Nemateleotris magnifica Yellow head Elongated first dorsal fin

White front of body graduating to ‘Fire’ red/brown coloured tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Filefish (Monacanthidae)

• Similar in appearance to Triggerfish • First dorsal spine does not lock • Can change colouration and patterns to match surroundings

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Barred filefish Cantherhinea dumerii

Brownish Grey colour

Yellow iris

Yellow tail spines Faint dark bars on rear body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Broom Filefish Amanses scopus

Several dark/black bars on side

Black tail

Dark brown

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Wirenet Filefish Cantherhinea pardalis

White spot Blue on upper stripes on tail base head

Pale blue ‘wirenet’ pattern on body Bluish grey to bluish brown

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Goatfish (Mullidae)

• Pair of distinct barbels on chin • 2 separate dorsal fins • Forked tail • 30-40cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Dash-Dot Goatfish Parupeneus barberinus

Yellow back with black ‘dash’ from snout to 2nd dorsal fin

Black ‘dot’ on tail base

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Indian Goatfish Parupeneus indicus

Black dot Yellow on tail oval patch base in middle of body

Bluish/ white to brownish

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Yellowfin Goatfish Mulloidichthys vanicolensis

Yellow back and fins

Yellow stripe from eye to tail base

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Coral Bream/Spinecheeks (Nemipteridae)

• Small-medium sized • Small terminal mouth never extends past the eye • Single unnotched dorsal fin • Indented/forked tail • Mainly solitary although occasional groups • 25cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Arabian Spinecheek Scolopsis ghanam

Alternating white and grey/brown stripes on back

White lower body with rows of dark spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Thumbprint Spinecheek Scolopsis bimaculatus

Blue line Dark from eye to brown/black corner of ‘thumb print’ mouth on side

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Boxfish or Trunkfish (Ostraciidae)

• Square/triangular bony fish • Also includes Cowfish which have a sharp spine over each eye • Swim with sculling action of dorsal anal and pectoral fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Spotted Trunkfish/Boxfish Ostracion meleagris

Black to dark brown back with Blue head white and sides ‘spotted’ with orange back spots

Pale pink area below eye

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Sweepers (Pempheridae)

• Distinctive thin hatchet shaped body • Seen in groups within caves and shadows

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Copper Sweeper Pempheris oualensis Copper Dark spot at brown base of colour pectoral fin

Dark edge to 1st dorsal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Schwenk's Sweeper Pempheris schwenkii Purple tint Silvery on back and colour head (sometimes copper colour)

Often Dark line on purple/green inside/base iridescence of anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Vanikoro Sweeper Pempheris vanicolensis Black tip on Copper st brown 1 dorsal fin colour

Black line on Steep outside/ curve in margin of anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Angelfish (Pomacanthidae) • Small-medium sized • Brightly coloured • Sharp spine on lower edge of gill covers • More robust body than butterflyfish • Small spines on head • Juveniles often different colour and pattern to adult • 10-15cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Earspot Angelfish Pomacanthus chrysurus Yellow tail Black ‘earspot’ with yellow halo

Bright blue stripes around mouth

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Emperor Angelfish Pomacanthus imperator Vivid blue and yellow Yellow tail stripes

Blue edged black eye mask

White mouth and snout

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Many Spined Angelfish Centropyge multispinus

Black ear spot Dark brown with black bars

Iridescent margins to anal and ventral fins

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Regal Angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus Yellow tail Yellow with 7-8 black edged bluish/white Blue and bars orange stripes on anal fin

Dark patch around eye

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Semicircle Angelfish Pomacanthus semicirculatus

Narrow blue margin on fins, tail, cheek spine and gill cover

Yellow lips

Distinctive white semi- circle bands in juvenile ‘Semicircle’ Greenish brown with blue spots behind eyes These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. 3 Spot Angelfish Apolemichthys trimaculatus

Bright yellow

Black spot Broad black on nape and margin on grey spot anal fin behind head

Blue lips

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. 2 Spined Angelfish Centropyge multispinis

Orange with Head and numerous fins blue- blue bars purple

Two spines from lower gill cover

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Damsels (Pomacentridae) • Small rounded often colourful • Continuous dorsal fin • Two nostrils either side of snout • Forked or lunate tail • Includes demoiselles, dascyllus, anemonefish, sergeants and chromis

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Madagascan Anemonefish Amphiprion latifasciatus Orange with two white Orange with bars numerous blue bars

Yellow/orange tail with pale/white margin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Skunk Anemonefish Amphiprion akallopiosis White ‘skunk’ stripe from head to tail

Pinkish orange colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bronze Reef Chromis Chromis agilis ‘Bronze’ colour with blue tint on breast and lower head

Black spot on base of pectoral fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Choc Dip Chromis Chromis dimidiata Dark black/brown White lower head and body and front of tail body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Ternate Chromis Chromis ternatensis Brown with silver/blue lower parts Black borders on tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Scaly Chromis Chromis lepidolepis

Grey/brown Dark tips on colour dorsal fin

Dark tips on tail fin

Dark blotch on edge of anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Weber's Chromis Chromia weberi Grey/brown with dark margins on scales Dark bar on gill cover

Black tips on tail lobes

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Baench's Damsel Pomacentrus baenschi Pale cream colour with blue spots Black spot on top back

Blue fin tips

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Jewel Damsel Plectroglyphidodon lacymatus Brown with black scale Small blue margins spots on head and body

Pale tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Pale Damsel Amblyglyphidodon indicus Pale Blue/green Black margins of tail and dorsal fin

Dusky bar on cheek

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Sulphur Damsel Pomacentrus sulfureus

Yellow

Black spot on base of pectoral fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Indian Dascyllus Dascyllus carneus Dirty head Broad black margin on dorsal Diffuse fin black bar

Black White pectoral and body anal fins and tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. 3-Spot Dascyllus Dascyllus trimaculatus Grey/black All fins dark with black except rear Juvenile black with white spot on scale margins dorsal forehead and middle of upper back

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. False Eye Sergeant Abudefduf sparoides

Pale grey Black spot on lower tail base

Distinct lateral line

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Indo-Pacific Sergeant Abudefduf vaigiensis 5 Black Silvery grey bars colour including band on tail base

Yellow back

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Natal Sergeant Abudefduf natalensis

Pale grey Black margins to tail

4 white bars and black back

Black lower margin on anal fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Scissortail Sergeant Abudefduf sexfasciatus Whitish grey with 5 black bars

Bold black ‘scissor shaped’ borders on tail

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Parrotfish (Scaridae) • Teeth fused into distinctive beak • Large scales • Males larger and more brightly coloured • Females upto 30cm, Males upto 150cm • Hermaphroditic, change colour with age (life stages) and sex

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bicolour Parrotfish Cetoscarus bicolor Green with pinkish spots Pink stripe from and lines on mouth to belly head

Juvenile – white with orange bar around head and large black spot on dorsal fin Pink bands on fins These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blue Banded Parrotfish Scarus ghobban

Yellow with Blue/green Blue tail scale borders markings

Blue bands around mouth

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bullethead Parrotfish Juvenile Chlorurus sordidus distinct 3-4 Green with vertical rows Pale green lavender of small tail base scale edges white spots

Blue/lavender /pale green patch on snout

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Swarthy Parrotfish Scarus niger

Yellow/green Dark Red/brown spot/streak becoming behind eye purple green with size These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Redlipped Parrotfish Scarus rubroviolaceus

Greenish with Green/blue band on upper lip and Juvenile – reddish/reddish darker front double bands on brown with small black chin spots, often red lips These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Lionfish and Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) • Large spiny head with bony ridge on cheek • Dorsal fins usually notched • Well developed pectoral fins • Venemous fin spines

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Lionfish Pterois volitans Long feather- Dark spotted like pectoral fin dorsal, anal and rays tail fins

Numerous brown/black bands with white lines between

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Grouper (Serranidae)

• Robust body • Large Mouth with more than one row of teeth • Single well defined dorsal fin • Upto 270cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Coral Hind/Grouper Cephalopholis miniata Narrow blue margin on all fins except pectorals

Orange/ Red with numerous dark edged blue spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Lyretail Grouper

‘Lyre tail’ Variola louti with yellow margin

Yellow margin on fins Orange/Red colour with numerous blue spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Marbled Grouper Plectropomus punctatus Brown with numerous dark brown/black spots

Irregular pattern of dark blotches creating marbled effect

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Peacock Grouper Cephalopholis argus

Broad blue margins on fins

Yellow/ brown with small black edged blue spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Potato Grouper Epinephelus tukula

Large round grey/black blotches on Dark spoke body like lines radiating from eye

Huge, pale grey

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Whitespotted Grouper Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus

White spots Anal and and blotches convex tail fin black

Brown/dark grey

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Barracuda (Sphyraenidae)

• Elongate silvery fish • Two widely spaced dorsal fins • Pointed head • Large mouth and big teeth • 70-100cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Great Barracuda Sphyraena barracuda

Long cylindrical body (Biggest of Large the under Barracuda) slung jaw with pointed teeth

Silvery

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Pickhandle Barracuda Sphyraena jello

20 wavy bars on upper body

Yellowish tail

Silvery, long cylindrical body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Yellowfin/Yellowtail Barracuda Sphyraena flavicauda

‘Yellow tail’ Diffuse brown stripes on side

Silvery, long cylindrical body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Puffers and Tobies (Tetraodontidae) • Odd shaped scaleless fish • Ability to expand size of body by drawing in water • Four teeth fused to form a beak • Small single dorsal fin with no fin spines • Poisonous • 10-40cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Blackspotted Puffer Arothron nigropunctatus

Scattered Black lips ‘black spots’ on body

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Whitespotted Puffer Arothron hispidus

Numerous ‘white spots’

White edged black Grey/brown spot around ish colour base of pectoral fin

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bennet's Toby Canthigaster bennetti Brown upper body

Blue edged black spot at base of dorsal fin

White underneath Blue lines and spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Black Saddled Toby Canthigaster valentini

4 dark brown to ‘black saddles’ (middle two extend to lower body)

White with light brown spots

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Spotted Toby Canthigaster solandri

Blue lines on upper body

Blue spots on lower body and Brown/tan tail colour

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Moorish idol (Zanclidae)

• Three wide black and two pale yellow bars • Long protruding snout • Elongated dorsal fin • Upto 20cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Moorish idol Zanclus cornutus

Yellow Extended saddle dorsal fin marking on filament snout

Two wide yellow bars

Three wide black bars

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Bigeyes (Priacanthidae)

• Deep compressed body • Large upturned mouth with projecting lower jaw • Large ventral fin connected to belly by membrane • Nocturnal • 30-40cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Goggleeye Priacanthus hamrur Red to silvery red Crescent tail

‘Goggle eyes’

Fins without spots or mottling

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Rabbitfish (Siganidae)

• Medium sized • Small terminal mouth • Complete lateral line • Venemous dorsal, ventral and anal spines • 20-50cm

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages. Forktail Rabbitfish Siganus argenteus

Blue to Deeply Bluish grey ‘forked tail’

Numerous small yellow spots and lines

These photographs are not the property of Blue Ventures, they have been taken from various web sources and are intended as a training guide. To save on paper please do not print these pages.