Fish Identification for South Florida

Know the fish you meet on a dive. Start with body shape, narrow by approximate size, then compare the species.

This growing guide focuses on fish a diver may encounter in South Florida. Begin with lionfish, blacktip shark and queen angelfish. More profiles will be added as this guide grows.

Try “Identify this fish”

1. Choose a body shape

Shapes are practical visual clues, not scientific family groups. Compare fin position, markings, habitat and behavior too. Do not approach wildlife to measure it.

Fan-finned & spiny

2. Narrow by approximate size

Medium: 6–18 inches; some adults exceed 18 inches

3. Compare the species

Lionfish

I spread my fins to corner small prey. Original AI-assisted illustration, not a photograph.

Sharks

2. Narrow by approximate size

Large: over 18 inches

3. Compare the species

Blacktip Shark

I sometimes leap and spin while feeding. Original AI-assisted illustration, not a photograph.

Deep-bodied & oval

Tall, flattened from side to side. Start here for the queen angelfish.

2. Narrow by approximate size

Small: under 6 inches · Medium: 6–18 inches · Large: over 18 inches. Use the size of the fish you saw; young fish can belong in a smaller band than adults.

Medium · 6–18 inches

3. Compare the species

Queen angelfish

Holacanthus ciliaris · Usually 8–14 inches, maximum about 18 inches. Look for the blue-ringed forehead crown and all-yellow tail.

Original AI-assisted educational illustration, not an underwater photograph.

Small and large deep-bodied species profiles are coming. More deep-bodied profiles are being developed.

Streamlined & torpedo-shaped

Longer than tall, often built for efficient swimming. More profiles are coming.

Size step: note whether the fish is under 6 inches, 6–18 inches or over 18 inches, then record distinguishing features. Species comparisons for this group are not yet available.

Long & eel-like

Very elongated bodies, sometimes hiding in cracks. More profiles are coming.

Size step: note whether the fish is under 6 inches, 6–18 inches or over 18 inches, then record distinguishing features. Species comparisons for this group are not yet available.

Flattened & bottom-associated

Broad, flattened shapes associated with the seabed, including rays. More profiles are coming.

Size step: note whether the fish is under 6 inches, 6–18 inches or over 18 inches, then record distinguishing features. Species comparisons for this group are not yet available.

Build a better underwater observation

Notice the body outline and where the fish is swimming.
Estimate size without moving closer or touching the animal.
Look for distinct tail, fin and head markings.
Record several clues after the dive. Allow for juvenile colors, poor visibility and lighting changes.

Keep a respectful distance from all marine life, including sharks. Follow your dive briefing and never chase, touch, feed or block an animal’s path.