What Do Saltwater Fish Look Like? A Visual Guide to Popular Saltwater Species

As an avid aquarist and fish enthusiast, I’m constantly amazed by the vibrant diversity of saltwater fish. Their bright colors, unique patterns, and wide variety of body shapes offer a glimpse into the wonders of the marine world.

In this article, I’ll provide a visual guide to some of the most popular saltwater fish, highlighting their standout physical features. My goal is to showcase the incredible variety found among saltwater species through photos and brief descriptions.

So if you’ve ever wondered “what do saltwater fish look like?” read on for a tour of their captivating appearances!

Clownfish

The star of Finding Nemo, clownfish are among the most recognizable saltwater fish. Their bodies are an orange-yellow color, embellished with three thick white stripes outlined in black. One stripe runs horizontally across their face, passing through the eyes, while the other two stripes encircle the body vertically. They have rounded fins and grow up to 7 inches long. Fun fact – all clownfish are born male and can change sex!

Yellow Tang

Yellow tangs live up to their name with their vibrant yellow coloration. Their pale yellow fins are edged with black and white. They have an oval-shaped, compressed body with a sharp dorsal fin and anal fin. The caudal fin has a white sickle-shaped section on the posterior end. Yellow tangs grow up to 8 inches long.

Blue Tang

Better known as Dory from Finding Nemo, the blue tang astounds with its bright blue color and bold black palette. They have an oval, thin body marked by a single black vertical stripe behind each eye. The base of the caudal fin is black, while the other fins are a mix of yellow and blue. They can reach up to 12 inches in length.

Pufferfish

Pufferfish have round, ball-shaped bodies that taper to a point at the rear. They have big eyes and beak-like mouths on their large heads. In a defensive response, they can inflate themselves by gulping water or air, becoming almost spherical in shape. Pufferfish come in a rainbow of colors like yellow, green, and brown, and grow up to 12 inches long.

Lionfish

Lionfish have an otherworldly appearance with their bold stripes, fan-like fins, and venomous spines. Their bodies are white or cream-colored with wide reddish-brown vertical stripes. They have large, fan-shaped pectoral fins and long, separated dorsal fins. Lionfish grow over 18 inches long.

Damselfish

Damselfish are some of the most colorful petite fish, displaying vivid hues like electric blue, neon yellow, and deep purple They have oval, slightly flattened bodies with forked caudal fins Many species have bold patterns like horizontal stripes or dots. Damselfish grow up to 6 inches in length.

Angelfish

Angelfish look like swimming works of art, with their vivid colors, graceful fins, and elegant silhouettes. They have deep, elongated bodies that are laterally compressed. Long dorsal and anal fins run the length of their bodies. Vibrant patterns like stripes, dots, and crescents adorn their heads and bodies. Angelfish can grow over 18 inches long.

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish live up to their name with their thin, disk-shaped bodies and prominent fins that resemble insect wings They come in a variety of patterns like stripes, blotches, and bands in colors of yellow, black, and silvery white Butterflyfish grow up to 12 inches long, depending on the species.

Tangs

Characterized by their deep, oval-shaped laterally compressed bodies, tangs come in a spectacular range of bright colors. Distinctive sharp dorsal and anal fins run along their backs and bellies. Most species have eye-catching patterns like horizontal stripes, dots, or geometric shapes. Tangs grow up to 12 inches long depending on the variety.

Triggerfish

Triggerfish have oval-shaped, highly compressed bodies covered in tough scales. They have big eyes placed high on their big-lipped heads. Their first dorsal fins are retractable and reduced to just three spines. When threatened, they pull the dorsal spines back, making them lock in place like a trigger. Triggerfish grow over 20 inches long.

Blennies

Blennies are small, elongated fish with eel-like bodies and oversized eyes. They have a continuous dorsal fin that runs the length of the body and small fan-like pectoral fins. Coloration varies widely, including solid colors, stripes, spots, or complex patterns. Blennies grow up to 12 inches long depending on the species.

Seahorses

With their curled tails and unique upright posture, seahorses have a truly distinctive silhouette. Their heads are set at a 90-degree angle to their bodies and end in long tubular snouts. They have no pelvic or caudal fins, just a tiny dorsal fin. Seahorses grow up to 14 inches long and come in a variety of colors.

Trunkfish

Trunkfish have triangular, box-shaped bodies encased by thick, bony plates. They have big eyes positioned near the top of their bodies and small rabbit-like mouths. A single spine protrudes from between their eyes. Their fins are reduced to small nubs around the edges of their bodies. Trunkfish grow up to 16 inches in length.

Wrasse

Wrasses are elongated fish with pointed snouts, smooth scales, and a single continuous dorsal fin. They vary wildly in color and patterns, including stripes, dots, and multi-colored mottling. Male wrasses are more vividly colored than females. Wrasses range in size from 4 inches to over 6 feet long depending on the species.

Gobies

Gobies are small fish with cylindrical bodies and round fan-like pectoral fins. They have fused pelvic fins that act like suction cups, allowing them to attach to surfaces. Coloration includes mottling, spots, or solid colors. Gobies grow up to 12 inches long depending on the species.

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what salt fish looks like

How Salt Fish Is Cooked

When people in the Caribbean cook salt fish, they usually sauté it with thyme, lots of onions, tomatoes, and hot pepper. While it’s cooking this way, you can eat the salt fish with rice, roti (a flatbread), and ground provisions. It is most popularly eaten with bakes (a fried dough).

Along with salt cod, people in Jamaica make fritters called “stamp and go,” “bacalaitos,” and “acras de morue” in Guadeloupe and Martinique. The fish is dredged in a spicy batter and then deep fried until crispy.

How Salt Fish Is Indispensable

Salt fish has been a part of Caribbean cuisine dating back to the days of European colonial rule. Salt fish was first introduced to the Caribbean in the 16th century. Vessels from North America—mainly Canada—would come bringing lumber and pickled and salted cod. They would then return to their homeland with Caribbean molasses, rum, sugar, and salt.

The Caribbean still gets most of its salt fish from other countries, but some countries, like Guyana, now make their own salt fish.

What is Salt Fish | Real Salt Fish Head Reveal in JAMAICA

Is salt fish salty?

As the name suggests, salt fish is quite salty. It’s fairly common to soak the fish overnight in water before cooking to reduce the saltiness. Saltfish can be enjoyed on its own or alongside ackee for Jamaica’s national dish. What is Salt Fish? In the Caribbean, “salt fish” is the name given to meaty white cod that has been salt-cured.

Are saltwater fish Hardy?

The truth is that many popular saltwater fish are incredibly hardy and forgiving of beginner mistakes. Popular species, like damselfish, are some of the hardiest fish available and can make the transition from freshwater to saltwater seamless. Saltwater tanks aren’t difficult to keep and beginner saltwater fish adapt quickly.

What is saltwater fish?

Marine life, particularly saltwater fish, boasts an astonishing range of diversity and vibrant colors. As you have seen in the previous section, these fish come in all sorts of sizes and appearances.

What is the best saltwater fish?

Perhaps the most recognized saltwater fish is the Clownfish, mainly due to its starring role in the animated film “Finding Nemo.” Their vibrant colors and unique relationship with sea anemones make them a favorite among fish enthusiasts. What Is the Easiest Saltwater Fish to Take Care Of?