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E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-800-721-9986
 or 302/529-1876

 

MARINE FISH
of Belize
Honduras
and eastern Mexico
including the Yucatan Peninsula
and Cozumel Island
A list compiled by Armas Hill,
with fish to be found 
in coral reefs and otherwise 

Noting those seen during 
Focus On Nature Tours
and pelagic trips with an (*)

PHOTO AT UPPER RIGHT: Some fish travel in SCHOOLS. as do these GRUNTS


Codes:

BZ  Belize
 CZ  Cozumel Island (where the Caribbean Sea & the Gulf of Mexico meet)
HN  Honduras
YP  in the area of the Yucatan Peninsula, including coastal & offshore Caribbean & Gulf of Mexico waters 

 Classifications as designated by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) relating to threatened species:
(t1):  critically endangered
(t2):  endangered
(t3):  vulnerable
(nt):  near-threatened  

(ph):  species with a photo in the FONT website


Relating to Illustrations in Books: 

(ASC:xxx)    refers to plate numbers in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Seashore Creatures"
(ATMF:xxx)  refers to plate number of photo in the "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Tropical Marine Fishes"
(FGCF:xxx)  refers to page with an illustration in the book "A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes from Maine to Texas" by Val Kells & Kent Carpenter   


 Links:
A Listing of scheduled Focus On Nature Tours

Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours in Central America (including Mexico)

FONT Past Tour Highlights  


Other Marine Life in Belize & eastern Mexico  
 (incl. Sea Turtles, Corals, Jellyfish, Mollusks, Arthropods, & creatures in caves)  

Mammals, including Marine Mammals, in:  Central America    Mexico

Directory of Photos in this Website


Links, in the following list, to:

Sharks & Rays    Sawfishes    Guitarfish    Ocean Sunfish    Sea Catfishes
    
Toadfishes & Frogfishes    Needlefishes    Trumpetfishes    Cornetfishes    Pipefishes & Seahorses

Scorpionfishes    Sea Robins    Sea Basses & Groupers (inc. Hamlets)    Jacks & Pompanos    

Porgies    Drums & Croakers    Angelfishes    Butterflyfishes    Damselfishes    Wrasses

Parrotfishes    Cardinalfishes    Squirrelfishes    Remoras    Eels    Tarpon    Barracuda

Puffers    Dolphinfish    Tunas & Mackerels    Billfishes

 

       PLANKTON-FEEDING SHARKS & RAYS  

         WHALE SHARK  (Family Rhinocodontidae)

  1. Whale Shark  (t3) (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:29) (FGCF:65)
     Rhincodon typus

    The Whale Shark, Rhincodon typus, is the largest known fish in the world, and the largest known cold-blooded vertebrate.. It can reach up to 14 meters (42 feet) in length, but typical adults are between 7 meters (21 feet) and 10 meters (30 feet) long.
    It has an enormous head, that is wedge-shaped in side profile, flat-fronted, and squarish from above, and it has small barbets, and a cavernous mouth-opening 1.5 meters (almost 6 feet) wide. (See photo above.)
    There are hundreds of tiny, hook-like teeth in each jaw.
    Its eyes are inconspicuous, closed by retracting and rotating the eyeball backwards in its socket.
    The tail-fin of the fish is huge, about one-third of the total body length.    

    Another name for the fish is the Domino Shark, coming from its distinctive black skin covered in rows of white dots.

    The lifespan of the Whale Shark is long. It can typically live into its 70s.

    The Whale Shark is a true shark. Its name, of course, is due to its large size. Unlike vicious Great White Sharks, Whale Sharks are gentle filter-feeders. Plankton is its primary food. When feeding, Whale Sharks glide in circles, as they simply suck up whatever small sea-life is front of them.

    Often seen accompanying Whale Sharks are young Golden Trevally, Gnathanodon speciosus.  

    Although Whale Sharks populate the tropical zone around the globe, the shallow waters off the north coast of the Mexican province of Quintana Roo, on the Yucatan Peninsula, is the ONLY PLACE in the world where a very large population gathers. They occur, there, in pods of ten or twenty, and it has been estimated that total number there, in the waters, is MORE THAN 200. This apparently is due to the swirling waters where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. Those waters teem with plankton, noted as the Whale Shark's favored food.

    The highest number of Whale Sharks off the northern Yucatan Peninsula is said to be in the summer, although it does occur at other times.















    A mouth of a Whale Shark photographed during a FONT tour
    (photo by Marie Gardner)

    Another photo of a Whale Shark is later in this list with     Pilotfish (in the Jacks & Pompanos grouping).        


    EAGLE RAYS  (Family Myliobatidae)

  2. Giant Manta  (nt)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:64) (FGCF:95)
    Manta birostris

  3. Spotted Eagle Ray  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:62) (FGCF:93)
     Aetobatus narinari




    Spotted Eagle Ray
  4. Southern Eagle Ray  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (FGCF:93)z
    Myliobatis goodei


    AMERICAN ROUND STINGRAYS  (Family Urotrygonidae)

  5. Yellow Stingray  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:61) (FGCF:89)
    Urobatis jamaicensis 


    WHIPTAIL STINGRAYS  (Family Dasyatidae)

  6. Southern Stingray ______   BZ  YP  (AMTF:59,60) (FGCF:91)
     Dasyatis americana

         The Southern Stingray was 1 of 3 species of rays found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006.  
  7. Longnose Stingray ______  BZ(south)  
    Dasyatis guttata

         The Longnose Stingray was 1 of 3 species of rays found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006.  
  8. Atlantic Stingray  ______  YP  (FGCF:91) (FGCF:91)
     Dasyatis sabina

  9. Chupare Stingray  ______  BZ  YP  (another name is Caribbean Whiptail Ray)
    Himantura schmardae   

         The Chupare Stingray was 1 of 3 species of rays found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006. 

    BUTTERFLY RAYS      (Family Gymnuridae)
  10. Smooth Butterfly Ray  ______  YP(west) (FGCF:93)
    Gymnura micrura 


    NURSE SHARKS  (Family Ginglymostomatidae)
  11. Nurse Shark ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:30) (FGCF:63)
     Ginglymostoma cirratum  

     During shark & ray surveys In waters off southern Belize in 2006, the Nurse Shark was the most-commonly found shark.   


    REQUIEM or GRAY SHARKS  (Family Carcharhinidae) 

  12. Blacknose Shark  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:45) (FGCF:71)
    Carcharhinus acronotus
  13. Bignose Shark  ______  (FGCF:71)  (species described in 1950)
    Carchahinus altimus
    The Bignose Shark occurs worldwide, in deep water.

  14. Silky Shark  ______  YP  (AMTF:40) (FGCF:71)
    Carchahinus falciformis
  15. Bull Shark ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:44) (FGCF:71)
     Carcharhinus leucas

         The Bull Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys off southern Belize in 2006.
  16. Blacktip Shark  ______  BZ  (FGCF:73)
    Carcharhinus limbatus

    The Blacktip Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006.

  17. Oceanic Whitetip Shark  (t3)  ______  YP  (AMTF:39) (FGCF:73)
    Carcharhinus longimanus
  18. Caribbean Reef Shark  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:42) (FGCF:73)
    Carcharhinus perezi

         The Caribbean Reed Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006. 

  19. Sandbar Shark  (t3)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:43) (FGCF:73)
    Carcharhinus plumbeus
  20. Tiger Shark  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:35) (FGCF:75)
    Galeocerdo cuvieri

         The Tiger Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006.  

  21. Lemon Shark  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:36) (FGCF:75)
    Negaprion brevirostris

         The Lemon Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006.

  22. Blue Shark  (nt)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:38) (FGCF:75)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
     Prionace glauca
    The Blue Shark is the most widely distributed of all sharks, occurring in all of the tropical and warm temperate seas. It prefers shallow, sunlit, open-ocean habitat. 

  23. Atlantic Sharpnose Shark  ______  YP  (AMTF:37) (FGCF:75)
    Rhizoprionodon terraenovae
  24. Caribbean Sharpnose Shark  ______  BZ(south)  
    Rhizoprionodon porosus

    The Caribbean Sharpnose Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006.

    HOUND SHARKS  (Family Triakidae)
  25. Smooth Dogfish Shark  ______  YP  (AMTF:46) (FGCF:69)
     Mustelis canis
  26. Florida Smoothound Shark ______  (FGCF:69)
     Mustelis norrisi

         The range of the Florida Smoothhound Shark includes the western Caribbean. 

    HAMMERHEAD SHARKS  (Family Sphyrnidae)
  27. Scalloped Hammerhead Shark  (t2)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:48,49) (FGCF:77)
     Sphyrna lewini
  28. Great Hammerhead Shark  (t2)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:47) (FGCF:77) 
     Sphyrna mokarran

         The Great Hammerhead Shark was 1 of 8 species of sharks found during shark & ray surveys in waters off southern Belize in 2006. 

    The Great Hammerhead Shark grows to 19.7 feet in length.  
  29. Bonnethead Shark ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:50) (FGCF:77)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Sphyrna tiburo


    COW SHARKS  (Family Hexanchidae) 

  30. Bigeyed Six-gill Shark  ______
     Hexanchus vitulus  

         In the western Caribbean, the Bigeyed Six-gill Shark has been recorded in waters off Nicaragua and Costa Rica. 

    MACKEREL SHARKS  (Family Lamnidae)

  31. Shortfin Mako Shark ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:33) (FGCF:67)
     Isurus oxyrhynchus


    CATSHARKS  (Family Scyliorhinidae)
  32. Chain Dogfish Shark  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:33) (FGCF:69)
     Scyliorbinus retifer


    SAWFISHES  (Family Pristidae)
  33. Smalltooth Sawfish  (t1)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:53) (FGCF:83)
    Pristis pectinata

    The Smalltooth Sawfish has been found up to 18 feet in length.

  34. Largetooth Sawfish  (t1)  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:83)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Pristis pristis

    The Largetooth Sawfish has been found up to 20 feet in length.

    The coastally-restricted Largetooth Sawfish was formerly at least common throughout Belize. 

    But during a survey conducted in 2006, during which over 150 fishermen were interviewed, neither the Largetooth Sawfish nor the more-broadly distributed Smalltooth Sawfish were found to have been sighted in Belize during the previous 17 years, suggesting extinction - that is except however for one instance when some sawfish were encountered and captured, 3 years previously near Spanish Point. They were apparently young of the year and adults.
    So it is hoped that the northern coast and lagoons of Belize and the Corozal Bay may be a final refuge for a remnant population of Sawfish, either the Smalltooth or the Largetooth.

    Based on interviews with fishermen in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, both Sawfish species are longer found in those areas of the Mesoamerican Reef Region.        


    GUITARFISH  (Family Rhinobatidae)
  35. Atlantic Guitarfish  ______  YP(west)  (ATMF:55) (FGCF:85)
    Rhinobatos lentiginosus

         Atlantic Guitarfish     bury themselves in bottom sediment. They prey on crustaceans and mollusks. The fish is sluggish and harmless. 


    OCEAN SUNFISHES  (Family Molidae)
    Large fish with disc-like bodies, lacking a tail. 
  36. Ocean Sunfish  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:417) (FGCF:427)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
     Mola mola
    The Oceanic Sunfsh can weigh up to 2 tons. 
    An Oceanic Sunfish photographed during a FONT pelagic trip


     SEA CATFISHES  (Family Ariidae)
  37. Hardhead Catfish  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:86) (FGCF:115)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
     Ariopsis (or Arius) felis
  38. Mayan Sea Catfish  ______  BZ  YP
     Arius assimilis  
  39. Gafftopsail Catfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:85) (FGCF:115)
     Bagre marinus 
  40. Madmango Sea Catfish  ______  BZ
     Cathorops spixii 

    TOADFISHES  (Family Batrachoididae)  
    TOADFISHES     and FROGFISHES are collectively known as ANGLERFISHES.  
  41. Gulf Toadfish  ______  YP(west)  (ATMF:93) (FGCF:135)
    Opsanus beta
  42. Splendid Toadfish  ______  Cozumel Is.  (ATMF:94)  (also called Coral Toadfish)
     Sanopus splendidus
    The spectacular Splendid Toadfish seems to be endemic to Cozumel Island, Mexico. The flattened head is especially striking with its densely packed black and white stripes. The ventril fins are entirely yellow, while the rest of the fins have an attractive yellow yellow border. There are very prominent barbels around the mouth.
    This is a shy species, most likely to be found in crevices and other dark recesses, where it is supported by its pectoral fins.

  43. Sanopus astrifer  ______  BZ

     Sanopus astrifer     is endemic to Belize, in the Turneffe Islands, at Glovers Reef. 

  44. Sanopus greenfieldorum  ______  BZ

     Sanopus greenfieldorum     is endemic to Belize.

  45. Sanopus johnsoni  ______  Cozumel Is.

  46. Sanopus reticulatus  ______  YP

     Sanopus reticulatus     occurs in the Gulf of Mexico at Progreso on the Yucatan Peninsula.

  47. Batrachoides giberti ______  BZ

     The range of Batrachoides gilberti is from Belize to Panama. 


    FROGFISHES  (Family Antennariidae)
  48. Longlure Frogfish  ______  BZ  (ATMF:95) (FGCF:137)
    Antennarius multiocellatus
  49. Ocellated Frogfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:96) (FGCF:137)
    Antennarius ocellatus
  50. Striated Frogfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:98) (FGCF:137)  (another name is Split-lure Frogfish) 
    Antennarius striatus

    LIZARDFISHES  (Family Synodontidae)

  51. Sand Diver ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:87) (FGCF:119)
     Synodus intermedius 
    The Sand Diver is a common reef inhabitant that belongs to the lizardfish family. It often lies half buried in the sand, which along with its camouflaged coloration, both protects it from predators and allows it to dart out and grab unwary prey. Sand Divers have a mottled reddish coloration but can change hue to blend with the background.  

  52. Red Lizardfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:88) (FGCF:119) (other names are Red-barred Lizardfish, or Diamond Lizardfish)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Synodus synodus
  53. Snakefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:89) (FGCF:119)
    Trachinocephalus myops

    PEARLFISHES  (Family Carapidae) 
  54. Pearlfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:92) (FGCF:129)
    Carapus bermudensis

    BROTULA  (Family Ophidiidae)
  55. Atlantic Bearded Brotula  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:129)
    Brotula barbata

    BATFISHES  (Family Ogcocephalidae)
  56. Shortnose Batfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:100) (FGCF:141)
         Ogcocephalus nasutus

    SILVERSIDES  (Family Atherinidae)
  57. Hardhead Silverside  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:107) (FGCF:145)
     Atherinomorus stipes
  58. Reef Silverside  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:106) (FGCF:145)
     Hypoatherina harringtonensis 

    HALFBEAKS  (Family Hemiramphidae)
  59. Ballyhoo  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:108) (FGCF:151)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Hemiraamphus brasiliensis  
  60. Hardhead Halfbeak  ______  YP  (FGCF:151)
     Chriodorus atherinoides

    NEEDLEFISHES  (Family Belonidae)
  61. Flat Needlefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:109) (FGCF:153)
     Ablennes hians
  62. Atlantic Needlefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:110) (FGCF:153)
     Strongylura marina
  63. Timucu  ______  YP  (FGCF:153)
     Strongylura timucu
  64. Houndfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:111) (FGCF:153)
     Tylosurus crocodiles

    FLYING FISHES  (Family Exocoetidae)
  65. Spotfin Flyingfish  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:104,105)
     Cypselurus furcatus
  66. Atlantic Flying Fish  (ph) (*) ______  YP  CZ  (FGCF:147)
     Cypselurus melanurus

    FLYING GURNARDS  (Family Dactylopteridae)

         FLYING GURNARDS     are distinctive, spectacular fishes, but their relationships to other fish are not clear. 
    Some ichthyologists consider them to be related to the SEAHORSES and PIPEFISHES. 
    Others believe that they are related to the SCORPIONFISHES because, like them, they are mail-cheeked fishes, so-called because one of the bones surrounding he eye has an extension that crosses the cheek and connects with the preopercle.
    Because there is no firm evidence supporting their relationship to other mail-cheeked fishes, they are placed in a separate order containing only one family.         

  67. Flying Gurnard  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:133,134) (FGCF:177)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
         Dactylopterus volitans

         Flying Gurnards are easily recognized by their huge pectoral fins and heavily armored heads. Contrary to their name, they do not fly, although the big pectoral fins look like wings. 
    Juveniles are pelagic, drifting in the open sea. Adults are bottom-dwellers.

    With its enlarged pectoral fins, the Flying Gurnard sometimes resembles a ray when seen underwater. Some searobins also have enlarged pectoral fins, but they do not have keeled scales as the Flying Gurnard does.
    Flyingfishes have enlarged pectoral fins, but also have abdominal pelvic fins.

     

    Flying Gurnard   

    NEW WORLD RIVULINES  (Family Rivulidae)
  68. Mangrove Rivulus  ______  BZ  (ATMF:112) (FGCF:155)
    Kryptolebias     (or Rivulus) marmoratus

    PUPFISHES (OR KILLIFISHES)  (Family Cyprinodontidae
  69. Fundulus grandissimus  ______  YP  (similar to the Gulf Killifish) 

  70. Sheepshead Minnow  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:114) (FGCF:159)
     Cyprinodon variegatus
  71. Gold-spotted Killifish  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:159)
     Floridichthys carpio
  72. Jordanella pulchra  ______  BZ  YP


    LIVEBEARERS  (Family Poeciliidae)

  73. Gambusia yucatana  ______  YP

  74. Sailfin Molly  ______  YP  (FGCF:161)
    Poecilia latipinna

    TRUMPETFISHES  (Family Aulostomidae)
  75. Atlantic Trumpetfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:131) (FGCF:175)
     Aulostomus maculatus

         Atlantic Trumpetfish grow to 3 feet in length. The fish often hovers and drifts vertically. It darts toward and sucks in its prey, feeding on crustaceans and fishes.

    CORNETFISHES  (Family Fistulariidae)
  76. Blue-spotted Cornetfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:132) (FGCF:177)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
         Fistularia tabacaria

         The Blue-spotted Cornetfish grows to 6 feet in length, minus the filament. It is found over seagrass beds and reefs. 

    PIPEFISHES & SEAHORSES  (Family Syngnathidae)
    A very good book about SEAHORSES, and an enjoyable read, is "Poseidon's Steed, the Story of Seahorses, from Myth to Reality", by Helen Scales, Gotham Books, 2009. 
  77. Lined Seahorse  (t3) (ph)  ______  YP(west)  (ATMF:130) (FGCF:171)
    Hippocampus erectus



    Lined Seahorse
  78. Dusky Pipefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:126) (FGCF:173)
    Syngnathus floridae
  79. Sargassum  Pipefish  (ph)  ______  YP  (ATMF:128) (FGCF:175)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Synganthus pelagicus
    The Sargassum Pipefish is in floating sargassum weed in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

  80. Gulf Pipefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:127) (FGCF:175)
    Syngnathus scovelli

  81. Fringed Pipefish  ______  YP  (FGCF:171)
    Anarchopterus criniger
  82. Ocellated Pipefish  ______  BZ
    Bryx randalli
  83. Banded Pipefish  ______  YP  (FGCF:173)
    Halicampus     (or Micrognathus) crinitus 

    SCORPIONFISHES  (Family Scorpaenidae)
  84. Barbfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:135) (FGCF:181)
     Scorpaena brasiliensis
  85. Mushroom Scorpionfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:136) (FGCF:181)
     Scorpaena inermis
  86. Spotted Scorpionfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:137,138) (FGCF:183)
     Scorpaena plumieri
  87. Reef Scorpionfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:139) (FGCF:183)
     Scorpaenodes caribbaeus

    SEAROBINS  (Family Triglidae)
  88. Horned Searobin  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:140) (FGCF:185)
     Bellator militaris
  89. Spiny Searobin  ______  YP  (FGCF:185)
    Prionotus alatus
  90. Bandtail Searobin  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:185)
     Prionotus ophryas
  91. Bluewing Searobin  ______  BZ
     Prionotus punctatus
  92. Blue-spotted Searobin  ______  YP  (FGCF:187)
     Prionotus roseus  

    SEA BASSES & GROUPERS  (Family Serranidae)  including HAMLETS
  93. Bank Sea Bass  ______  YP  (FGCF:199)
     Centropristis ocyurus
  94. Sand Perch  ______  YP  (ATMF:143) (FGCF:203)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766) 
         Diplectrum formosum

  95. Rock Hind  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:158) (FGCF:203)
    Epinephelus adscensionis

  96. Speckled Hind  (t1)  ______  YP  (FGCF:203)
     Epinephelus drummondhayi
  97. Red Hind  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:159) (FGCF:203)  (another name is Strawberry Grouper) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Epinephelus guttatus

  98. Marbled Grouper  (nt)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:157) (FGCF:201)
    Dermatolepis     (or Epinephelus) inermis
  99. Goliath Grouper (t1)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:160) (FGCF:205)  (also called Jewfish)
         Epinephelus itajara

  100. Red Grouper  (nt)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:161) (FGCF:205)
    Epinephelus morio

  101. Misty Grouper  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:162) (FGCF:205)
    Epinephelus mystacinus

  102. Snowy Grouper  (t3)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:163) (FGCF:205)
    Epinephelus niveatus
  103. Nassau Grouper  (t2) ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:164) (FGCF:207)
     Epinephelus striatus

         The Nassau Grouper forms large, complex spawning aggregations. Spawning correlates to phases of the Moon.
      
  104. Graysby ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:155) (FGCF:201)
     Epinephelus     (or Cephalopholis) cruentatus
  105. Coney ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:154) (FGCF:201)  (described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Epinephelus (or Cephalopholis) fulvus 
  106. Black Grouper  (nt)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:166) (FGCF:213)
    Mycteroperca bonaci

  107. Gag  ______  YP  (FGCF:215)
     Mycteroprca microlepis
  108. Tiger Grouper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:169) (FGCF:215)
     Mycteroperca tigris
  109. Yellowfin Grouper  (nt) (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:168) (FGCF:215)
     Mycteroperca venenosa



    Yellowfin Grouper, and to the left of it in this photo, a Green Moray 
  110. Reef Bass  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:171) (FGCF:217)
         Pseudogramma gregoryi 
  111. Lantern Bass  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:149) (FGCF:221)
    Serranus baldwini
  112. Snow Bass  ______  HN  (FGCF:221)
     Serranus chionaraia

  113. Tobaccofish ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:151) (FGCF:223)
     Serranus tabacarius
  114. Harlequin Bass  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:152) (FGCF:223)
    Serranus tigrinus

  115. Chalk Bass  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:153) (FGCF:223)
    Serranus tortugarum
  116. Golden Hamlet ______  HN  (FGCF:209)
     Hypoplectrus gummigutta
  117. Black Hamlet  ______  BZ  (ATMF:148) (FGCF:211)
     Hypoplectrus nigricans

         The Black Hamlet is said to mimic the Dusky Damselfish.
  118. Barred Hamlet  ______  YP  (ATMF:146) (FGCF:211)
    Hypoplectrus puella
  119. Tan Hamlet  ______  BZ  (FGCF:211)  (species described in 2011, but it has been recognized in literature for decades, since about 1960) 
     Hypoplectrus randallorum 

         The Tan Hamlet occurs widely in the Caribbean, including the Florida Keys, Puerto Rico, other West Indian islands, and Belize. 

  120. Maya Hamlet  ______  BZ  (species described in 2011, after being first found in 1993)
    Hypoplectrus maya   

    The Maya Hamlet occurs only in one restricted locality in Belize, in the vicinities of the Pelican and Laughing Bird Cays. 
    It is distinguished by its having no black markings whatsoever. 

  121. Greater Soapfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:173) (FGCF:219)
    Rypticus saponaceus

  122. Spotted Soapfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:174) (FGCF:219)
         Rypticus subbifrenatus
  123. Atlantic Creole-fish  ______  YP(west)  (ATMF:165) (FGCF:215)
         Paranthias furcider
  124. Peppermint Basslet  (ph)  ______  BZ  (ATMF:170) (FGCF:213)  (another name is Swissguard Basslet)
         Liopropoma rubre



    Peppermint Basslet


     BASSLETS  (Family Grammatidae)
  125. Fairy Basslet  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:175) (FGCF:223)  (also called Royal Gramma)
         Gramma loreto
  126. Blackcap Basslet  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:176)
         Gramma melacara 

    JACKS, POMPANOS, PERMITS, SCAD  (Family Carangidae)
  127. Round Scad  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:252) (FGCF:245)
    Decapterus punctatus

  128. Bigeye Scad  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMH:253) (FGCF:249)
    Selar crumenophthalmus
  129. Yellow Jack  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:254) (FGCF:243)
     Caranx bartholomaei
  130. Blue Runner  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:255) (FGCF:243)
    Caranx crysos 

  131. Crevalle Jack  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:256) (FGCF:243)  (described by Linnaeus in 1766)
         Caranx hippos
  132. Horse-eye Jack  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:257) (FGCF:243) (also called Bigeye Jack or Horse-eye Trevally) 
     Caranx latus
  133. Black Jack  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:258) (FGCF:245)
    Caranx lugubris 

  134. Bar Jack  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:259) (FGCF:245)  (also called Skipjack)
    Caranx ruber

  135. Atlantic Bumper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:260) (FGCF:245)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
         Chloroscombrus chryurus

  136. African Pompano  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:261) (FGCF:243)
    Alectis ciliaris

  137. Atlantic Moonfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:262) (FGCF:249)
    Selene setapinnis

  138. Lookdown  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:263,264) (FGCF:249)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Selene vomer

  139. Rainbow Runner  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:265) (FGCF:247)
    Elagatis bipinnulata
  140. Greater Amberjack  (*) ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:266) (FGCF:249)
     Seriola dumerili
    A roving offshore predator, the Greater Amberjack is the largest and most common of the Atlantic amberjacks.

  141. Leatherjack  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:267) (FGCF:247)
    Oligoplites saurus

  142. Pilotfish  (ph)  ______  (FGCF:247)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Naucrates ductor

    Adult Pilotfish follow large sharks, rays, and sea turtles.



    Above: Pilot Fish;  Below: Pilot Fish with a Whale Shark 




  143. Florida Pompano  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:268) (FGCF:251)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
         Trachinotus carolinus

  144. Permit  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:269) (FGCF:251)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Trachinotus falcatus

  145. Palometa  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:270) (FGCF:253)  
    Trachinotus goodei 


    POMFRETS  (Family Bramidae)

  146. Atlantic Pomfret  ______  BZ  (FGCF:253)
    Brama brama

  147. Caribbean Pomfret  ______  (FGCF:253)  (species described in 1972)
    Brama caribbea 


    SNAPPERS  (Family Lutjanidae)

  148. Mutton Snapper  (t3)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:205) (FGCF:257)
     Lutjanus analis
  149. Schoolmaster  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:206) (FGCF:257)
    Lutjanus apodus

  150. Red Snapper  ______  BZ  YP(north)  (ATMF:210) (FGCF:259)
         Lutjanus campechanus    
  151. Cubera Snapper  (t3)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:209) (FGCF:259)
     Lutjanus cyanoopterus
  152. Gray Snapper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:208) (FGCF:259)  (another name is Mangrove Snapper) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)  
         Lutjanus griseus

         Gray Snapper spawning occurs during full moon phases.   

  153. Dog Snapper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:207) (FGCF:259)
    Lutjanus jocu
  154. Mahogony Snapper ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:204) (FGCF:259)
     Lutjanus mahogoni
  155. Lane Snapper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:203) (FGCF:261)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Lutjanus synagris
  156. Yellowtail Snapper ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:211) (FGCF:261)
     Ocyurus chrysurus
  157. Vermilion Snapper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:212) (FGCF:261)
    Rhomboplites aurorubens 


    TRIPLETAILS  (Family Lobotidae)

  158. Atlantic Tripletail  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:193)  (FGCF:262)
    Lobotes surinamensis 


    MOJARRAS  (Family Gerrreidae)

  159. Spotfin Mojarra  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:213) (FGCF:263)
    Eucinostomus argenteus

  160. Yellowfin Mojarra  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:215) (FGCF:265)
    Gerres cinereus

  161. Mojarra del Brasil  ______  BZ 
    Eugerres brasilianus 

    GRUNTS  (Family Haemulidae)

  162. Tomtate  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:219) (FGCF:267)
    Haemulon aurolineatum

  163. Caesar Grunt  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:220) (FGCF:269)
    Haemulon carbonarium

  164. Smallmouth Grunt  ______ BZ  YP  (ATMF:221) (FGCF:269)
    Haemulon chrysargyreum 
  165. French Grunt ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:222) (FGCF:269)
     Haemulon flavolineatum
  166. Spanish Grunt  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:223) (FGCF:269)
    Haemulon macrostomum

  167. Cottonwick  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:224) (FGCF:269)
    Haemulon melanurum

  168. Sailor's Choice  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:225) (FGCF:271)
         Haemulon parva
  169. White Grunt ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:226) (FGCF:271)
     Haemulon plumieri
  170. Blue-striped Grunt ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:227) (FGCF:271)
     Haemulon sciurus
  171. Striped Grunt  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:228) (FGCF:271)
    Haemulon striatum
  172. Black Margate  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:216) (FGCF:267)
    Anisotremus surinamensis
  173. Porkfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:217) (FGCF:267)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Anisotremus virginicus
  174. Pigfish  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:229) (FGCF:271)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
         Orthopristis chrysoptera

    GOATFISHES  (Family Mullidae) 

  175. Yellow Goatfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:281) (FGCF:289)
     Mulloidichthys martinicus
  176. Spotted Goatfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:283,284) (FGCF:291)
    Pseudupeneus maculatus

  177. Dwarf Goatfish  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:282) (FGCF:291)
         Upeneus parvus

    BONNETMOUTHS  (Family Inermiidae)
  178. Boga  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:231)
    Inermia vittata


    PORGIES & SEA BREAM  (Family Sparidae)
  179. Sheepshead  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:232) (FGCF:273)
    Archosargus probatocephalus

  180. Sea Bream  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:233) (FGCF:273)  (another name is Western Atlantic Sea Bream) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
    Archosargus rhomboidalis 

  181. Pinfish  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:234) (FGCF:277)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
    Lagodon rhomboides

  182. Jolthead Porgy  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:238) (FGCF:275)
    Calamus bajonado

  183. Saucereye Porgy  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:236) (FGCF:275)
    Calamus calamus

  184. Whitebone Porgy  ______  YP(west)  (FGCF:275)
    Calamus leucosteus

  185. Knobbed Porgy  ______  YP(west)  (ATMF:237) (FGCF:275)
    Calamus nodosus

  186. Littlehead Porgy  ______  YP  (FGCF:277)
    Calamus proridens  

  187. Longspine Porgy  ______  YP  (FGCF:279)
    Stenotomus caprinus


    THREADFINS  (Family Polynemidae)

  188. Atlantic Threadfin  ______  YP  (FGCF:279)
    Polydactylus octonemus

  189. Barbu  ______  YP  (FGCF:279)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Polydactylus virginicus 

    DRUMS, CROAKERS  (Family Sciaenidae)
  190. Blue Croaker  ______  Bay of Campeche  (FGCF:281)
    Corvula batabana

  191. Jackknife-fish  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:194) (FGCF:283)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Equetus lanceolatus



    Jackknife-fish
  192. Spotted Drum  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:195) (FGCF:283)
     Equetus punctatus
  193. High-hat  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:197) (FGCF:287)
    Pareques acuminatus

  194. Cubbyu  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:196) (FGCF:287)
         Pareques umbrosus

  195. Gulf Kingfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:198) (FGCF:285)  (other names are Gulf Whiting and Sea Mullet)
         Menticirrhus littoralis

  196. Atlantic Croaker  ______  YP  (ATMF:199) (FGCF:285) (also called simply Croaker) (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
         Micropogonias undulatus

    SWEEPERS  
  197. Glassy Sweeper  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:277) (FGCF:291)
    Pempheris schomburgki

    SEA CHUBS  (Family Kyphosidae)
  198. Bermuda Sea Chub  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:312) (FGCF:291)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Kyphosus sectatrix


    SPADEFISHES
  199. Atlantic Spadefish  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:313) (FGCF:371)
     Chaetodipterus faber



    Atlantic Spadefish

    ANGELFISHES  (Family Pomacanthidae)
    Closely related to the BUTTERFLYFISHES  

  200. Blue Angelfish  ______  YP(west & north)  (AMTF:321) (FGCF:295)
    Holacanthus bermudensis

         The Blue Angelfish is known to hybridize with the Queen Angelfish. The resulting fish is known as the Townsend Angelfish and has several features of each.
  201. Queen Angelfish  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:322) (FGCF:297)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
         Holocanthus ciliaris 



    Queen Angelfish
  202. Rock Beauty  (ph)  ______  Cozumel Is.  (ATMF:323) (FGCF:296)
    Holacanthus tricolor



    Rock Beauty
  203. Gray Angelfish  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:325) (FGCF:297)
    Pomacanthus arcuatus
  204. French Angelfish  (*) ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:324) (FGCF:297)
     Pomacanthus paru
    The French Angelfish is a wonderful fish to see on the reef, up to one and a quarter feet in length.
  205. Cherubfish  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:320) (FGCF:295)  (species described in 1951)
         Centropyge argi


    BUTTERFLYFISHES  (Family Chaetodontidae)
    Much like marine butterflies, butterfly fish flash in yellow and black-banded beauty around West Atlantic coral reefs.

  206. Longsnout Butterflyfish  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:314) (FGCF:295)
    Prognathodes     (formerly Chaetodon) aculeatus



    Longsnout Butterflyfish
  207. Bank Butterflyfish  ______  YP  (ATMF:315) (FGCF:295)
    Prognathodes     (formerly Chaetodon) aya
  208. Foureye Butterflyfish  (*)  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:316) (FGCF:293)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Chaetodon capistratus 
    The Foureye Butterflyfish is the most common butterfly fish in the West Atlantic. 
  209. Spotfin Butterflyfish ______ BZ  YP  (AMTF:317) (FGCF:293)
     Chaetodon ocellatus
  210. Reef Butterflyfish  ______  BZ  YP  (AMTF:318) (FGCF:293)
    Chaetodon sedentarius

  211. Banded Butterflyfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:319) (FGCF:293)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Chaetodon striatus

    DAMSELFISHES  (Family Pomacentridae)
  212. Longfin Damselfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:247) (FGCF:303)
     Stegastes diencaeus
  213. Dusky Damselfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:246) (FGCF:301)
     Stegastes fuscus
  214. Beaugregory  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:250) (FGCF:303)
    Stegastes leucostictus

  215. Bicolor Damselfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:251) (FGCF:303)
    Stegastes partitus
  216. Threespot Damselfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:248) (FGCF:303)
     Stegastes planifrons
  217. Cocoa Damselfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:249) (FGCF:303)
     Stegastes variabilis
  218. Yellowtail Damselfish  (ph) (*) ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:241) (FGCF:301)
     Microspathodon chrysurus
    The Yellowtail Damselfish is common on coral reefs; both adults & juveniles are splendid with their bright blue or white spots set like rhinestones across their bodies. 



    A juvenile Yellow-tail Damselfish

  219. Sergeant Major ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:242) (FGCF:299)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Abudefduf saxatilis
  220. Night Sergeant  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:243) (FGCF:299)
    Abudefduf taurus
  221. Blue Chromis ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:244) (FGCF:299)
     Chromis cyanea
  222. Brown Chromis  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:245) (FGCF:301)  (also called Yellow-edge Chromis) 
     Chromis multilineata
  223. Purple Chromis  ______  BZ  (FGCF:301)   (also called Purple Reeffish) 
     Chromis scotti  


    HAWKFISHES  (Family Cirrhitidae)
  224. Red-spotted Hawkfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:240) (FGCF:299)
    Amblycirrhitus pinos


    JAWFISHES  (Family Opistognathidae) 

  225. Yellowhead Jawfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:349) (FGCF:225)
         Opistognathus aurifrons

    WRASSES  (Family Labridae)
  226. Hogfish  (t3)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:287) (FGCF:311)
     Lachnolaimus maximus
  227. Spotfin Hogfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:286)
    Bodianus pulchellus
  228. Spanish Hogfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:285) (FGCF:305)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Bodianus rufus
  229. Creole Wrasse ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:288) (FGCF:305)
         Clepticus parrae
  230. Slippery Dick  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:290) (FGCF:307)
     Halicentrus bivittatus
  231. Yellowcheek Wrasse  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:291) (FGCF:307)
         Halichoeres cyanocephalus
  232. Yellowhead Wrasse ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:292) (FGCF:309)
         Halichoeres garnoti
  233. Rainbow Wrasse  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:294) (FGCF:309)
         Halichoeres pictus

  234. Blackear Wrasse  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:295) (FGCF:309)
    Halichoeres poeyi

  235. Puddingwife  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:296) (FGCF:309) (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Halichoeres radiatus   



    Puddingwife 

  236. Clown Wrasse  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:293)
    Halichoeres maculipinna
  237. Bluehead Wrasse  (*) ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:289)
     Thalassoma bifasciatum
    The Bluehead is one of the most successful fish in the tropical West Atlantic, with representatives of the species seemingly "everywhere". 
    The name "bluehead" is a misnomer, since only the terminal phase male, constituting about 4% of the population, has a blue head. Adult females, adult males, and juveniles are yellow-jacketed with a midlateral stripe or bar.    

    PARROTFISHES  (Family Scaridae)
  238. Bluelip Parrotfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:300)
    Cryptotomus roseus
  239. Blue Parrotfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:304)
     Scarus coeruleus
  240. Midnight Parrotfish ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:306)
     Scarus coelestinus
    The Midnight Parrotfish is the only large black or blue-black parrotfish in the area. It sometimes schools with surgeonfishes.
  241. Rainbow Parrotfish  (ph) (*) ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:305)
    Scarus guacamaia 
    The Rainbow Parrotfish is one of the largest and most impressive of West Atlantic parrotfishes, up to 4 feet long.  



    Rainbow Parrotfish
  242. Striped Parrotfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:303)
    Scarus iserti
  243. Princess Parrotfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:301,302)
    Scarus taeniopterus
  244. Queen Parrotfish  (*) ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:298,299)  
         Scarus vetula
    So different are the male & female Queen Parrotfishes that earlier fish experts assumed they were two different species; this fish has been seen to occur in "harems" of 3 or 4 females to 1 supermale, grazing together like cows & a bull. 
  245. Stoplight Parrotfish  (ph) (*) ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:310,311)
     Sparisoma viride 
    The harlequin-garbed red-bellied female and immature male Spotlight Parrotfishes are lovely creatures to see on the reef; the supermales are distinguished from the others by their lunate, flowing tails.



    Spotlight Parrotfish
  246. Redband Parrotfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:308)
    Sparisoma aurofrenatum
  247. Redtail Parrotfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:309)
    Sparisoma chrysopterum
  248. Bucktooth Parrotfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:307)
    Sparisoma radians     

    CARDINALFISHES  (Family Apogonidae)
  249. Barred Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:185) (FGCF:229)
    Apogon binotatus  

  250. Oddscale Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:182)
    Apogon evermanni

  251. Whitestar Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:184) (FGCF:231)  (species described in 1959)
    Apogon lachneri
  252. Flamefish  ______   BZ  YP  (ATMF:183) (FGCF:231)
     Apogon maculatus
  253. Pale Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:187) (FGCF:233)
         Apogon planifrons

  254. Sawcheek Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:188) (FGCF:233)
    Apogon quadrisquamatus 

  255. Belted Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:186) (FGCF:233)
         Apogon townsendi

  256. Freckled Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:189) (FGCF:235)
    Phaeoptyx conklini

  257. Dusky Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:190) (FGCF:235)
         Phaecoptyx pigmentaria

  258. Blackfin Cardinalfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:192) (FGCF:235)
    Astrapogon puncticulatus

  259. Conchfinch  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:191) (FGCF:235)
    Astrapogon stellatus

         Conchfish live commensally in the mantle cavity of the Queen Conch, Strombus gigas, and in the Stiff Penshell, Atrina rigida. 

    SQUIRRELFISHES & SOLDIERFISHES
  260. Squirrelfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:119)
     Holocentrus adscensionis
  261. Longspine Squirrelfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:120)
     Holocentrus rufus
  262. Reef Squirrelfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:123)
     Sargocentron coruscus
  263. Dusky Squirrelfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:122)
     Sargocentron vexillarius
  264. Blackbar Soldierfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:125)
     Myripristis jacobis
  265. Cardinal Soldierfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:124)
     Plectrypops retrospinis

    BIGEYES  (Family Priacanthidae)

  266. Short Bigeye  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:178) (FGCF:229)
         Pristigenys alta
  267. Glasseye ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:180) (FGCF:227)  (also called Glasseye Snapper)
    Heteropriacanthus (was Priacanthus) cruentatus  (also formerly Cookeolus boops)
  268. Bigeye  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:181) (FGCF:229)
     Priacanthus arenatus

    BLUEFISHES  (Family Pomatomidae) 
  269. Bluefish  ______  YP(north)  (ATMF:271) (FGCF:239)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
         Pomatomus saltatus 


     COBIA  (Family Rachycentridae)
  270. Cobia  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:272) (FGCF:239)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
    Rachycentrum canadum


    REMORAS  (Family Echeneidae)
  271. Sharksucker  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:273) (FGCF:241)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Echeneis naucrates

  272. Slender Suckerfish  ______  BZ  YP  
    Phtheirichtys lineatus

    The Slender Suckerfish is often attached to the Great Barracuda.

  273. Remora  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:274) (FGCF:241)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Remora remora


    TILEFISHES  (Family Malacanthidae)

  274. Sand Tilefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:275) (FGCF:237)
     Malacanthus plumieri

    FLATFISHES
  275. Peacock Flounder ______  BZ  YP
     Bothus lunatus


    SURGEONS, TANGS

  276. Blue Tang ______  BZ  YP
     Acanthurus bahianus

  277. Ocean Surgeonfish ______  BZ  YP
     Acanthurus bahianus

  278. Doctorfish  (ph)  ______  BZ  YP
     Acanthurus chirurgus



    Doctorfish

    TRIGGERFISHES, FILEFISHES
  279. Queen Triggerfish  (or "Old Wife")  (*) ______  BZ  YP
     Balistes vetula

     Unmistakable, the Queen Triggerfish is a mostly-yellow fish with a blue-striped head and long, trailing fin filaments. It has a special fondness for sea urchins. This fish is a reef dweller, but it also ventures into sand, seagrass, and rubble habitats. A good food fish, it's called "Turbot" in the West Indies due to its resemblance to the flatfish when skinned.

  280. Ocean Triggerfish ______  BZ  YP
     Canthidermis sufflamen

  281. Black Durgeon ______  BZ  YP
     Melichthys niger

  282. Scrawled Filefish ______  BZ  YP
     Aluterus scriptus


    COMBTOOTH BLENNIES  (Family 

  283. Redlip Blenny  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:342)
    Ophioblennius atlanticus

  284. Seaweed Blenny  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:343)
    Parablennius marmoreus

  285. Molly Miller  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:344) 
    Scartella cristata


    DRAGONETS  (Family

  286. Lancer Dragonet  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:348)
    Paradiplogrammus bairdi


    GOBIES  (Family Gobiidae)            

  287. Frillfin Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:351) (FGCF:353)
    Bathygobius soporator
  288. Notchtongue Goby  ______  (FGCF:353)
    Bathygobius curacao
  289. Colon Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:352) (FGCF:355)  (species described in 1960)
         Coryphopterus dicrus
  290. Bridled Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:353) (FGCF:355)
    Coryphopterus glaucofraenum
  291. Kuna Goby  ______  BZ  HN  YP  (FGCF:357)  (species described in 2007)
    Coryphopterus kuna
  292. Peppermint Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:357)  (species described in 1962)
         Coryphopterus lipernes
  293. Masked Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:355) (FGCF:357)
    Coryphopterus personatus
  294. Darter Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:359)
    Ctenogobius     (formerly Gobionellus) boleosoma
  295. Slashcheek Goby  ______  BZ  (FGCF:359)
    Ctenogobius pseudofasciatus 

  296. Cleaning Goby ______  BZ  YP
     Gobiosoma genie

  297. Yellowline Goby  ______  BZ  (FGCF:361)
    Elacatinus horsti
  298. Neon Goby  (ph)   ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:363) (FGCF:361)
    Elacatinus     (formerly Gobiosoma) oceanops
    The Neon Goby grows to 2 inches in length.


    A Neon Goby swimming by Common Star Coral
  299. Leopard Goby  ______  BZ  (FGCF:361)
    Elacatinus saucrus

  300. Lyre Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:363)
    Evorthodus lyricus

  301. Goldspot Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:367) (FGCF:363)
    Gnatholepis thompsoni

  302. Violet Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:368) (FGCF:363)
    Gobioides broussonnetii

  303. Orange-spotted Goby  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:369)
    Nes longus

  304. Rusty Goby ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:371)   
         Priolepis (or Quisquilius) hipoliti
  305. Hovering Goby  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:372)
         Ptereleotris helenae 


    JAWFISH
  306. Yellowhead Jawfish ______  BZ  YP
     Opistognathus aurifrons


    TUBEMOUTHED FISHES

  307. Trumpetfish ______  BZ  YP
     Aulostomus maculatus


    MORAY EELS  (Family Muraenidae)
  308. Chain Moray  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:68) (FGCF:99)
    Echidna catenata
  309. Viper Moray  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:69) (FGCF:99)  (other names are Mullato and Mottled Conger)
    Enchelycore nigricans
  310. Green Moray ______  BZ YP  (ATMF:71) (FGCF:99)
     Gymnothorax funebris 

         The coloring of the Green Moray is a result of yellow mucus overlying gray-blue skin. The species may be defensive or aggressive.

    The Green Moray grows to 6.2 feet in length.   
  311. Goldentail Moray  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:70) (FGCF:101)
     Gymnothorax miliaris

         The Goldentail Moray grows to 22 inches in length.
  312. Spotted Moray  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:72) (FGCF:101)
     Gymnothorax moringa

     The Spotted Moray grows to 3.3 feet in length. 

  313. Blackedge Moray  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:101)
     Gymnothorax nigromarginatus

  314. Purplemouth Moray  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:73) (FGCF:103)
     Gymnothorax vicinus

  315. Reticulate Moray  ______  YP  (FGCF:103)
     Muraena retifera

  316. Redface Eel  ______  Cozumel Is.
     Monopenchelys acuta 

  317. Broadbanded Moray  ______  YP
     Channomuraena vittata


    FALSE MORAYS  (Family Chlopsidae)
  318. Collared Eel  ______  YP(north) 
         Kaupichthys nuchalis

         Although the Collared Eel is common around coral reefs, it is seldom seen. Apparently it sometimes lives in tubular sponges, and it has been suggested that this is its primary habitat. Nothing is known of its life history.      

  319. Bicolor Eel  ______  YP
     Chlopsis bicolor

  320. Seagrass Eel  ______  BZ  YP
     Chilorhinus suensoni  


    SPAGHETTI  EELS  (Family Moringuidae) 
  321. Spaghetti Eel  ______  BZ  YP(east)
         Moringua edwardsi   


     WORM EELS & SNAKE EELS  (Family Ophichthidae)
  322. Spotted Spoon-nosed Eel  ______  YP  (FGCF:103)
     Echiophis intertinctus

  323. Speckled Worm Eel  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:103)
     Myrophis punctatus


     CONGOR EELS  (Family Congridae) 
  324. Brown Garden Eel  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:80)
    Heteroconger longissimus

         Brown Garden Eels live in dense colonies, which are spectacular sights for divers. The eels spend daylight hours partly our of their burrows, feeding on plankton and detritus drifting by. As the diver approaches, the eels slowly withdraw into burrows in the sand. 

  325. Margintail Eel  ______  YP
     Paraconger caudilimbatus


     SWAMP EELS  (Family Synbranchidae)
  326. Fatlips Swamp Eel  ______  BZ  YP
     Ophisternon aenigmaticum

    A specimen of swamp eel was taken in a soil sample of peat around mangrove roots at Twin Cays off Belize.  

    TENPOUNDERS  (Family Elopidae)
  327. Ladyfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:65) (FGCF:97)  (also called Tenpounder)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1766) 
     Elops saurus  


    TARPON  (Family Megalopidae)
  328. Tarpon  (*)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:66) (FGCF:97)
    Megalops atlantica 
    A number of 200-pound Tarpons have been taken by fishermen, but the record is an 8-foot giant that weighed 340 pounds. 


    BONEFISHES  (Family Albulidae)
  329. Bonefish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:67) (FGCF:97)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Albula vulpes

    SNOOK  (Family Centropomidae)
  330. Common Snook ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:142) (FGCF:197)
     Centropomus undecimalis
  331. Swordspine Snook  ______  BZ  (FGCF:195)
     Centropomus ensiferus

  332. Smallscale Fat Snook  ______  BZ  (FGCF:195)
     Centropomus parallelus
  333. Tarpon Snook  ______  BZ  (FGCF:195)
     Centropomus pectinatus
  334. Mexican Snook  ______  BZ  YP
     Centropomus poeyi 

    BARRACUDA  (Family Sphyraenidae)
  335. Great Barracuda  (ph) (*)  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:278) (FGCF:375)
     Sphyraena barracuda  
    The Great Barracuda occurs up to 10 feet in length, but is rare over 5 feet. Larger fish can carry ciguatera toxin. 

     


    MULLETS  (Family Mugilidae)
  336. Striped Mullet  ______  YP(west)  (ATMF:279) (FGCF:143)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Mugil cephalus  
  337. White Mullet ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:280) (FGCF:143)
     Mugil curema

    PUFFERS  (Family Tetraodontidae)
  338. Sharpnose Puffer  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:408,409) (FGCF:421)
    Canthigaster rostrata

    The Sharpnose Puffer is a very common reef fish.

  339. Southern Puffer  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:423)
    Sphoeroides nephelus

  340. Least Puffer  ______  YP  (FGCF:423)
    Sphoeroides parvus

  341. Bandtail Puffer  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:411) (FGCF:423)
    Sphoeroides spengleri 
  342. Checkered Puffer  (ph) (*) ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:412) (FGCF:423)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Sphoeroides testudineus
    The Checkered Puffer is conspicuous in grass flats in very shallow water. No other puffer has the greenish color pattern. 



    Checkered Puffer
         (photo by Marie Gardner during the March 2009 FONT tour in the Yucatan of Mexico)

  343. Speckled Puffer  ______  BZ
    Sphoeroides yergeri


    PORCUPINEFISHES & BURRFISHES

  344. Balloonfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:413) (FGCF:427)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Diodon holocanthus

  345. Porcupinefish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:414) (FGCF:427)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
     Diodon hystrix
    The Porcupinefish commonly occurs in caves and holes in shallow reefs.
  346. Bridled Burrfish  ______  Honduras   (FGCF:425)
    Chilomycterus antennatus


    BOXFISHES  (Family Ostraciidae)

  347. Honeycomb Cowfish  ______  BZ  YP(east)  (ATMF:404) (FGCF:419)
    Acanthostracion polygonius  

    The Honeycomb Cowfish occurs primarily over coral reefs.

  348. Scrawled Cowfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:403) (FGCF:419)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Acanthostracion quadricornis

    The Scrawled Cowfish is found primarily over shallow seagrass beds. It feeds on soft corals, sponges, tunicates, and shrimps.
  349. Smooth Trunkfish ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:405) (FGCF:419)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Rhinesomus (formerly Lactophrys) triqueter
  350. Spotted Trunkfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:406) (FGCF:419)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Rhinesomus (formerly Lactophrys) bicaudalis

  351. Trunkfish  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:407) (FGCF:419)  (also called Buffalo Trunkfish)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
    Lactophrys trigonus


    DOLPHIN FISHES  (Family Coryphaenidae)
  352. Dolphinfish  (ph)  ______  YP  (ATMF:276) (FGCF:239)  (other names are Dorado and Mahi-mahi)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Coryphaena hippurus 


    CUTLASSFISHES
  353. Atlantic Cutlassfish  ______  BZ  YP  (FGCF:379)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
    Trichiurus lepturus


    TUNAS & MACKERELS  (Family Scombridae)
  354. Bullet Mackerel  ______  YP  (ATMF:380) (FGCF:379)  (also called Bullet Tuna)
    Auxis rochei

  355. Little Tunny  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:381) (FGCF:379)  (also called False Albacore)
    Euthynnus alletteratus  
  356. Yellowfin Tuna  ______  YP(offshore) (ATMF:383) (FGCF:383)
         Thunnus albacares
  357. Blackfin Tuna  ______  YP(offshore)  (FGCF:383)
    Thunnus atlanticus
  358. Skipjack Tuna ______   YP(offshore)  (ATMF:382) (FGCF:381)  (described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Katsuwonus pelamis
  359. Spanish Mackerel  ______  YP(west0  (ATMF:378) (FGCF:383)
    Scomberomorus maculatus

  360. Cero  ______  YP  (ATMF:379) (FGCF:383)
    Scomberomorus regalis
  361. Wahoo  ______  YP(offshore)  (ATMF:377) (FGCF:379)
         Acanthocybium solandri 


    SWORDFISH  (Family Xiphiidae)

  362. Swordfish  ______  YP(offshore)  (FGCF:385)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758)
         Xiphias gladius

    The Swordfish grows up to 14.7 feet in length.

    BILLFISHES  (Family Xiphiidae)
  363. Atlantic Sailfish  ______  YP(offshore)  (ATMF:375) (FGCF:385)
    Istiophorus platypterus (formerly albicans)
  364. Atlantic White Marlin ______   (FGCF:387)
    Tetrapturus albidus
  365. Atlantic Blue Marlin  ______  BZ  YP  (ATMF:376) (FGCF:385)   
    Makaira nigricans 

         The Blue Marlin can weigh as much as 1,400 pounds. It grows up to 14.7 feet.

References include:
"Sea Life - A Complete Guide to the Marine Environment", edited by Geoffrey Waller, with principal contributors Marc Dando & Michael Burchett, 1996.  

"Fishes of the Atlantic Coast: Canada to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico, Florida, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean", by Gar Goodson, 1976.