For Students

You can identify fish by their colour, shape and distinctive markings. It is however important to note that while somtimes, these features are clearly visible, at other times the differences between fish species can be quite subtle. In addition many fish have the ability to change colour or are different colours at different stages in their life cycle. Markings are given specific names. When you go snorkeling or diving pay attention to fish markings so that you can identify any new fish that you see using a field guide once back on land.

Look for these markings on the pictures below.

Photos by Sandy Voegeli and Paul Humann

Check these out!

Bahamian Marine Reserves

Conch Anatomy diagrams

Conch photo - labeled - Department of Marine Resources

Fish Anatomy - labeled diagram

Fish Anatomy - unlabeled diagram

Fish ID markings

Nassau grouper markings - student worksheet

Lionfish database

About Invasive species

Record lionfish sightings

Nassau grouper

The Nassau grouper has 5 irregular bars (vertical markings) on its body. A band (diagonal marking) runs from its snout, through its eye to just before the dorsal fin. A dark saddle shaped spot is located on the base of its tail

Red Hind

The red hind has reddish spots (circular markings) on its body and fins except for its tail and dorsal fin.

Bluestriped grunt

The Blue striped grunt has blue stripes over a yellow background colour. Stripes are horizontal markings on the body of fish.

Foureye butterflyfish

The foureye butterflyfish bears an ocellated spot on its tail. The spot, is black ringed with white, and acts as a fake eye to confuse predators. Its body has thin lines (thin markings) that radiate from its midline.