Common Fish in the Caribbean: A Visual Guide for Divers

Famous for its electric blue color and algae-cleaning habits, the Blue Tang is one of Punta Cana’s most beloved reef fish. Discover why it’s essential to a healthy coral ecosystem.

Graceful and vibrant, angelfish are a favorite sight on Punta Cana’s reefs. Learn where to find them, their role in the reef, and fun facts about these elegant swimmers.

Bright, busy, and essential to reef health — parrotfish are one of Punta Cana’s most important marine species. Discover how they help shape both the reef and the beach.

With big eyes, a spiky body, and a slow-moving charm, the porcupine fish is one of the most delightful creatures you’ll encounter while diving or snorkeling in Punta Cana.

Strange, spindly, and surprisingly charming, arrow crabs are one of Punta Cana’s coolest underwater critters. Learn more about this reef-dwelling crustacean and where to find it.

Elegant, mysterious, and always impressive — Southern Stingrays are one of the most graceful marine creatures you'll encounter while diving or snorkeling in Punta Cana.

Small, striking, and important — the Blue-Headed Wrasse helps keep Punta Cana’s reefs clean and thriving. Learn all about this brilliant little reef resident.

Get to know the blacktip reef sharks of Punta Cana — where to dive with them, why they’re not dangerous, and how they help maintain healthy coral reefs.

Graceful and vibrant, angelfish are a favorite sight on Punta Cana’s reefs. Learn where to find them, their role in the reef, and fun facts about these elegant swimmers.

Long, slow, and full of surprises — trumpetfish are one of the most fascinating predators you’ll see while diving or snorkeling in Punta Cana.

Spot the bright red squirrelfish hiding in reef crevices on your next dive in Punta Cana — a curious and colorful favorite among divers.

Curious about those toothy reef dwellers with snake-like bodies? Meet the moray eel — a shy, fascinating predator found along Punta Cana’s vibrant reefs.

Caribbean reef squid are among the most fascinating marine creatures in Punta Cana — flashing color, showing intelligence, and gliding gracefully through the reef.

Sleek, silver, and often misunderstood — barracudas are a thrilling sight while diving in Punta Cana. Learn where to see them, how to identify them, and why they matter to the reef.

With their glowing yellow tails and sleek silver bodies, yellowtail snappers are some of the most beautiful fish you’ll encounter while diving in Punta Cana.

With their boxy shape and polka-dot pattern, trunkfish are some of the most unique reef fish you’ll encounter while diving or snorkeling in Punta Cana.

Small, curious, and always on the move — hermit crabs are some of the most entertaining reef dwellers to spot in Punta Cana, both on land and underwater.

With bold black stripes and a curious nature, Sergeant Major fish are among the most common and entertaining reef residents in Punta Cana.

The Spotted Drum Fish is one of Punta Cana’s most graceful reef fish. Shy by nature, they’re a treat for observant divers who appreciate quiet beauty underwater.

The hogfish is a quirky, snouted reef dweller found in Punta Cana. Learn about its unique feeding behavior, appearance, and fascinating biology.

Goatfish are smart, bottom-sweeping reef dwellers with chin barbels used to find prey. Learn about these curious fish found across Punta Cana’s sandy reefs.

Nurse sharks are peaceful reef dwellers commonly seen in Punta Cana. Learn about their behavior, where to spot them, and why they matter to the marine ecosystem.

The Rock Beauty is a brightly colored Caribbean angelfish found on Punta Cana’s reefs. Learn how to identify them and where to spot them while diving.

The Bar Jack is a fast, silver reef fish commonly seen in Punta Cana. Learn to identify them, understand their behavior, and know where to see them on your next dive.

The Scrawled Filefish is one of the most distinct reef fish in Punta Cana. Learn how to identify it, where to find it, and why it's such a fun species to spot while diving.

Learn about the elusive and endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle — how to identify them, where to spot them in Punta Cana, and why they play a vital role in reef conservation.

Graceful, spotted, and unforgettable — learn all about the eagle rays of Punta Cana, where to find them, what they eat, and how they glide through our tropical waters.

Beautiful but invasive, lionfish are now common in Punta Cana’s waters. Learn how they arrived, why they’re harmful to the reef, and how divers can make a difference.

Discover the gentle manatees of the Dominican Republic — where they live, why they're endangered, and how we can all play a part in protecting them.

Learn about the spiny lobster — a unique reef-dwelling crustacean found in Punta Cana’s waters. Discover its behavior, habitat, and how divers can protect it.

Learn about the elusive Glassy Sweeper — a silver, schooling fish found in caves and overhangs along Punta Cana’s reefs. A hidden gem for observant divers.

Explore the fascinating role of coral crabs in Punta Cana’s reefs. Small but mighty, these crabs defend coral and help keep the reef clean.

Explore the role of long-spined sea urchins in Punta Cana’s coral reefs. These nocturnal grazers are vital for maintaining reef balance and coral growth.