Indian Ocean - Fish

The coral reefs of Kenya's coastal waters provide visitors with a wide variety of colorful fish life. This page provides a brief introduction to some of the more common reef inhabitants, identifying them by both their English and Swahili names.

Angelfish, Brinzi (Swahili)

Angelfish drawing		 Angelfish picture
Angelfish are without a doubt one of the most beautiful fish found on Kenya's reefs. While the adults usually have dazzling coloration, the juveniles tend to have almost black bodies with bright stripes. Graceful swimmers, the larger ones can get up to 45 centimeters (18 inches) long.

Batfish, Tuguu (Swahili)

Batfish drawing A frequently seen species, batfish are unmistakable. Their round bodies and large fins are easy to identify and fun to watch. Often found around coral gardens, it is not unusual to see small groups of 10 or more. The most commonly seen size is around 20-30 centimeters (8-12 inches), with distinctions between juveniles (on left) and adults (on right) readily seen.

Butterfly fish, Kitatange (Swahili)

Butterfly fish drawing Some species of Butterfly fish are extremely common reef inhabitants. Recognizable in part by their protuding snout, few grow over 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. The several species share a common shape and differ mainly in their markings.		 Two butterfly fish

Damselfish, Dodosi (Swahili)

Sergeant Major drawing Damselfish (also called Coralfish) and coral reefs go hand in hand; find one and you find the other. A large family which seems to have little in common between some members, it varies from the Clown (or Anemone) fish hiding between the tentacles of anemones to the striped "Sergeant Majors" (in illustration at left) which often swarm about visitors to coral gardens. Clown fish are usually less than 12 centimeters (5 inches), and Sergeant Majors rarely get over 18 centimeters (7 inches). One of the largest Damselfish, which looks much like a Sergeant Major but has some yellow markings, gets up to about 25 centimeters (10 inches).

Parrotfish, Kwangu or Pono (Swahili)

parrotfish drawing Closely related to Wrasse, Parrotfish have a beak formed by fused teeth. This is used to eat coral, with the resulting powder aiding in the formation of Kenya's white sand beaches. Lacking the wide variation between the different types of Wrasse, Parrotfish are fairly easy to recognize. Often found in small groups, they can get up to 100 centimeters (40 inches) in length.

Rock Cod (Grouper), Tewa (Swahili)

Rock Cod drawing A fairly common reef dweller, this type is one of the larger fish encountered in reef waters. This is particularly true in the protected marine reserves. The largest specimens can reach lengths of 360 centimeters (12 feet) and weights of several hundred kilograms (at 2.2 pounds per kilo). Even the large Groupers can be found in water as shallow as 5 meters (16 feet), although I have never personally seen one this large in Kenya's coastal waters. There are some large Groupers near the Big Three Caves at Watamu, so if you want to see some about 2 meters long and weighing up to 300 kilos, that's where you should go. The large ones have the capacity to be dangerous and should not be provoked under any circumstances. Most are much smaller, however, and generally range in size from 30 to 120 centimeters (1 to 4 feet).

Soldier Fish, Vifuvu (Swahili)

Two Soldier fish under a coral overhang		 Soldier fish drawing Growing up to 45 centimeters (18 inches), these common red or orange-bronze colored fish generally hide under coral overhangs or in crevices. Some species tend to be somewhat bolder and may sometimes be seen away from the cover of coral heads or other protection. Smaller specimens can generally be seen in abundance around coral heads.

Surgeon fish and Unicorn fish, Kangaja and Puju (Swahili)

These herbivorous fish, also quite common, have a movable spine attached to each side of their tail. The spines cannot be bared at will, and are exposed only when the fish turns or moves its tail quickly from side to side. The spines are extremely sharp and can cause deep cuts. Some Unicorn fish, as the name suggests, also have a bump or horn on their forehead. Most Surgeons are between 20 and 30 centimeters (8-12 inches) long, although one common species reaches 45 centimeters (18 inches). Unicorn fish are often larger and can grow up to 60 centimeters (24 inches).		Surgeon fish drawing

Sweepers

In abundant supply seemingly everywhere, Sweepers are easily spotted by their rather unique shape. Usually seen in schools hanging around coral heads for protection, they are virtually impossible to miss. Adults reach 20 centimeters (8 inches) in length.

Sweetlips, Fute or Nyeya (Swahili)

Sweetlips drawing 		This fish, often seen in coral gardens, includes two commonly seen species (accounting for the two Swahili names) which are easily distinguishable. Adults (above left) can grow to lengths of 60 centimeters (24 inches).

Triggerfish, Kikande or Gona (Swahili)

A frequently seen type, the brightly colored Triggerfish have a locking mechanism which allows them to jam themselves inside crevices. The main spine of their dorsal fin can be locked in an erect position by the second spine, and can only be released if the second spine (the trigger) is released. 		Triggerfish drawing

Wrasse, Pono (Swahili)

Wrasse drawing		 A personal favorite, Wrasse have vibrant colors in incredible combinations and must be seen to be appreciated. As shown by the drawing, there can be considerable variation between adults (top) and juveniles (bottom). Although most species are between 15 and 30 centimeters (6 and 12 inches), Wrasse vary greatly in size, weight, swimming style, and body shape, with some getting up to 100 centimeters in length.




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