Florida Keys Reef Fish
Learn to identify 39 common reef fish found on the coral reefs of the Florida Keys. Study their features, then test yourself with an interactive quiz!
What to look for
When you're trying to figure out what fish you're looking at, focus on these key features. With practice, you'll be able to identify most reef fish at a glance!
Body Shape
Is the fish round and flat (like an angelfish), elongated (like a barracuda), or boxy (like a trunkfish)? Shape is the quickest way to narrow down a family.
Color
Note the base body color first, then look for accent colors on fins, tails, or faces. Many reef fish are vivid blue, yellow, or green. Remember that fish can change shade depending on mood, time of day, or life stage — juveniles often look totally different from adults.
Pattern
Stripes run horizontally from head to tail (like a blue-striped grunt). Bars run vertically from top to bottom (like a sergeant major or banded butterflyfish). Bands are wide blocks of color that wrap around the body (like a bluehead wrasse). Also watch for spots, speckles, and chevron patterns.
Fin Shape & Position
Look at the dorsal (top), tail, pectoral (side), and anal (bottom) fins. Spiny vs. soft fins, fan-shaped vs. forked tails — these are key identifiers.
Special Markings
Eye spots (false eyes near the tail), bars through the eye, or distinctive markings like the French angelfish's gold-rimmed scales make identification easier.
Mouth & Head
Parrotfish have fused beak-like teeth; groupers have huge mouths; butterflyfish have tiny pointed snouts. Mouth shape tells you what they eat.
Behavior & Habitat
Is it hovering near coral, swimming in open water, or hiding in a crevice? Schooling vs. solitary? Behavior and location narrow your ID fast.
39 Common Florida Keys Reef Fish
Click any fish to learn more about its identifying features, diet, habitat, and fun facts.
Reef Fish Quiz
Think you can identify these fish? Look at the photo and pick the right name! The quiz opens in a full-screen view so you can test yourself without peeking at the catalog above.