Some people seek out sharks and big animals, others get down and dirty in the muck for tiny,
exotic critters. But all around us when we are diving are the “ordinary” reef fish that seem to get
a bit overlooked. This is to celebrate these fish who are just as beautiful in their way as the big and
the small. Here are just a few of this vast community.
Hawkfish
Forster’s, freckled or black-sided hawkfish
(Paracirrhites forsteri). There are at least nine
different types of hawkfish. This mainly solitary
ambush fish is seen perched on coral stands or
hard surfaces waiting to dart out and grab small
fish or crustaceans. It is common on reefs from
East Africa right across to Japan and Australasia.
It is great for photography because it sits very
still. It will only swim away when spooked, giving
photographers the chance to practise a very slow
approach so as to get as near as possible.
Damselfish
Sergeant major (Abudefduf saxatilis). Damselfish
are absolutely everywhere. They have a variety
of specialised roles as territorial algal farmers,
planktivores or partners living commensally with sea
anemones, the clownfish. This is a sergeant major
defending its nest in a small hole in a vertical wall,
and he is side by side with many other similar nests.
The eggs can often be clearly seen on hard surfaces,
which the fish aerate and defend from predators.
Parrotfish and Trumpetfish
Stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride). There are
at least 100 species of parrotfish across tropical
coral reefs. They spend up to 90 percent of
their day nibbling and cleaning the reef. This is
important as many reefs are being smothered by
algae because too many herbivores have been
fished out. They also excrete fine white sand –
lots of it. Yes, that idyllic, white sandy beach is
likely parrotfish poo – sorry! They are also very
garishly dressed and a big part of what makes
reef diving such a colourful experience. In this
picture a Caribbean trumpetfish (Aulostomus
maculatusis) is shadowing the parrotfish, using it
for cover while it hunts for food. SDOP