When snorkelling or diving in the Red Sea, you will encounter hundreds of fish species. These are the ones you will almost certainly see — and after this guide, you will recognise them too.
The colourful classics
*Clownfish (Amphiprioninae)* — Yes, like Nemo. Orange with white stripes, lives in symbiosis with sea anemones. Find it by looking for anemones. Very site-loyal — it rarely strays far from its anemone.
*Emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)* — One of the most beautiful fish in the Red Sea. Bright yellow and blue stripes, up to 40 cm long. Shy but curious.
*Parrotfish (Scaridae)* — Recognisable by its beak-like mouth (used to nibble corals). Colourful, large, loud when feeding. It produces white sand — yes, parrotfish make sand.
The hunters
*Lionfish (Pterois)* — Spectacular, but caution: the fin spines are venomous. Never touch. Usually found on reef slopes, often motionless and waiting.
*Grouper (Epinephelidae)* — Large, solitary hunter. Camouflages itself well among corals. Up to 1 metre long.
*Barracuda (Sphyraena)* — Often found in schools of 50–100, silvery gleaming. Looks dangerous, but is harmless towards divers.
The friendly ones
*Triggerfish (Balistidae)* — Territorial fish that can become aggressive during breeding season — just keep your distance then. Otherwise: a colourful personality.
*Napoleon fish (Cheilinus undulatus)* — One of the largest reef inhabitants, up to 2 metres long. Friendly, curious, often found near divers. Recognisable by the bump on its forehead.