With so many different species of fish plying Bermudian waters, it would be an arduous task indeed to describe them all. So, we have chosen to list a few of the more readily seen species that surround our island.

Angelfish

Bermuda is home to many species of these dazzling fishes, but the most commonly seen here are the blue, queen and townsend angelfish (which is unique to our waters, and occurs in abundance).

• Blue angelfish are usually seen travelling in mated monogamous pairs. They are greenish-blue with yellow highlights rimming their fins
• Queen angelfish are stunning. Primarily patterned with bright blue scales edged with yellow, their colours are completely changed as juveniles. Then, they are midnight blue with thin vertical stripes of light blue. Their heads and pectoral fins are chrome yellow
• The townsend angelfish is a naturally occurring cross between the blue and the queen species

Barracuda

This large fish with protruding teeth and uncanny black-eyed stare can instantly make a snorkeller or diver nervous. Especially since this fish’s curiosity may inspire it to follow you. Fortunately, a barracuda will not attack unless provoked. Often travelling in schools, the barracuda changes colour to match our reefs while lying in wait for smaller fishes.

Boxfish

Several types of boxfish make their home here. You will recognize them by their heavy armour, triangulated bodies and short fins.

• One particularly charming type, the smooth trunkfish, showcases delicate patterns of brown, yellow and white
• The middle of their bodies has a delicate honeycombed appearance, while their backs, undersides, tail and head are dark brown with pretty white polka dots
• Not very strong swimmers, they give the impression of hovering in place while their short fins oscillate

Butterflyfish

Foureye butterfly fish and banded butterfly fish are commonly found in our waters. Excellent swimmers, they can even propel themselves backwards, which comes in quite handy on a reef.

• You can distinguish the foureye butterfly fish by the false eyespots near its tail fin
• This light grey or white fish has subtle black ticking and sports a very bold black vertical band around its head and across its eyes
• The butterfly fish is usually seen in pairs

Eagle Rays

Often seen among the sand flats of Castle Harbour, these fluid creatures browse the bottom sand for molluscs and crustaceans. Eagle rays possess a long, thin tail equipped with several barbs used for defence. They grow to 1.5M / 5FT across, occasionally school in large squadrons and are a bit shy of humans.

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