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Coral Reef

Marvel at this kaleidoscope of dazzling, warm-water fish as they zip in and out of their Indo-Pacific-inspired coral reef.

What Will You Discover?

Spot thousands of intricately colored fish from the tropical islands of the Pacific Ocean! Joke with the clown triggerfish, find the blade on each side of the regal blue tang's tail, check out the venomous yellow spines of the foxface rabbitfish, and more as these rainbow-inspired beauties navigate a delicate reef. 

Achilles Tang Achilles Tang

Achilles Tang

The Achilles tang is a strikingly beautiful species typically found in shallow water with lots of surge where algae is plentiful.

Diet

Algae

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 10 inches

Range

South and central Pacific Ocean

Did You Know?

Though the name Achilles comes from the Greek mythical hero who was killed by a single arrow to the back of his heel, the red spot on the Achilles tang is far from defenseless, harboring a blade-like spine on both sides which can be extended when threatened.

Bluering Angelfish Bluering Angelfish

Bluering Angelfish

The bluering angelfish are typically found in pairs defending a territory around the size of a one-car garage. Juveniles stick close to the surface in dense coral cover, while adults may be found deeper down the reef slope.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 18 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Algae, sponge, tunicates, zooplankton

Did You Know?

Like many members of this genus, the bluering angelfish undergoes a complete color transformation from the juvenile to the adult stage.

Convict Tang Convict Tang

Convict Tang

The convict tang is an active species that may be found in massive groups, hundreds strong in areas where algae are plentiful. Juveniles may be found alone or in small groups in shallow water.

Diet

Algae

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 10 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Did You Know?

The convict tang has a white or pale green body with six black vertical stripes, similar to the uniform of a prison inmate.

Emperor Angelfish Emperor Angelfish

Emperor Angelfish

Perhaps the most recognizable marine angelfish, the emperor angelfish is an iconic species on the reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. These fish will aggressively defend their territories, especially against another male angelfish.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 16 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Algae, sponge, tunicates, zooplankton

Did You Know?

Adult emperor angelfish look so different from juvenile emperor angelfish they were thought to be an entirely different species until the 1930s.

Flame Hawkfish Flame Hawkfish

Flame Hawkfish

The flame hawkfish can typically be found perched on the branches of dense branching corals. This gives the fish a hawkish good view as its name suggests, but also a quick escape into the coral branches if danger arises.

Diet

Crustaceans

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 3.5 inches

Range

Western Pacific Ocean

Did You Know?

Despite being poor swimmers due to the lack of a swim bladder, flame hawkfish use their hefty pectoral fins to maneuver themselves around.

Foxface Rabbitfish Foxface Rabbitfish

Foxface Rabbitfish

Mature Foxface Rabbitfish are usually solitary animals, scouring the reef with their rasp-like teeth to scrape algae from rocks. When threatened, this fish can dramatically change color from its usual bright yellow to dark brown.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 10 inches

Diet

Algae, zooplankton

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Did You Know?

Rabbitfish spines contain a venom similar to that of a stonefish.

Harlequin Tuskfish Harlequin Tuskfish

Harlequin Tuskfish

The harlequin tuskfish is a stunning and inquisitive fish, often deliberately cruising the reef, using its orbital eyes, which can be moved independently to examine its surroundings.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 12 inches

Range

Western Pacific Ocean

Diet

Crustaceans, mollusks, worms

Did You Know?

The harlequin tuskfish is actually a member of the Wrasse family. Despite its large blue teeth and ferocious appearance, this fish is quite shy and peaceful, unless you're a crustacean!

Naso Tang Naso Tang

Naso Tang

Juvenile naso tang tend to prefer the shallow reef environment, while larger adults often cruise the deeper reef slope, foraging for zooplankton in the strong currents.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 18 inches

Diet

Algae and zooplankton

Range

Western Pacific and east Indian Oceans

Did You Know?

This fish is sometimes called the lipstick tang due to their striking orange lips!

Pacific Creolefish Pacific Creolefish

Pacific Creolefish

Pacific creolefish can be found in large groups hovering above the reef feeding on zooplankton during the day. At night, this fish changes color and lays against the reef to avoid detection from nighttime predators.

Size

Up to 14 inches

Habitat

Coral or rocky reefs

Range

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Diet

Zooplankton, fish, crustaceans

Did You Know?

Pacific creolefish are broadcast spawners, meaning that they release their eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs.

Pakistani Butterflyfish Pakistani Butterflyfish

Pakistani Butterflyfish

The Pakistani butterflyfish can often be found in pairs, utilizing their pointed mouths to pluck coral polyps from the reef.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 7 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Coral polyps, worms, crustaceans

Did You Know?

Abundant butterflyfish are a good indicator of reef health, as they require large expanses of healthy coral to thrive.

Purple Tang Purple Tang

Purple Tang

Like all members of this genus, purple tang spend their day picking filamentous algae off surfaces using their toothed, elongated, and pointed mouths and shelter in coral crevices at night.

Diet

Algae

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 14 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Did You Know?

Just in front of the retractable spine at the base of their tail, mature male purple tang have a small patch of stiff bristle-like scales called setae.

Raccoon Butterflyfish Raccoon Butterflyfish

Raccoon Butterflyfish

Raccoon butterflyfish are more active at night, which gives them better access to one of their favorite snacks, coral polyps.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 8 inches

Diet

Algae, coral, zooplankton, nudibranchs

Range

Indo-Pacific region and southeast Atlantic Ocean of the South African coast

Did You Know?

Notice the black and white bands across the face of this fish, similar to the raccoon-mask face of their terrestrial namesake.

Blue Tang Blue Tang

Blue Tang

The beautiful blue tang may be found alone, protecting and tending a small reef territory, or in peaceful groups, foraging the reef for algae.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Diet

Algae, plankton

Size

Up to 15 inches

Range

Western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea

Did You Know?

Juvenile blue tang are actually yellow, slowly changing to blue as they grow. When viewed under ultraviolet light, they actually appear neon green due to a process called biofluorescence, which may be used to signal members of their own species.

Sailfin Tang Sailfin Tang

Sailfin Tang

The sailfin tang can be found alone but also in large groups in areas where algae is plentiful. A pointed mouth and rasp-like teeth allow the sailfin to forage in crevices where other fish can't quite reach.

Diet

Algae

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 16 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Did You Know?

Named for the spectacular sail-like dorsal and anal fins, the sailfin tang usually keeps its massive fins folded back unless threatened or otherwise excited.

Picasso Triggerfish Picasso Triggerfish

Picasso Triggerfish

During the day, Picasso triggerfish typically cruise subtidal reef flats and protected lagoons. At night, however, they wedge themselves in a coral or rock crevice and lock themselves in by extending their dorsal fin, which resembles the trigger of a gun.

Habitat

Coral reefs

Size

Up to 10 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Fish, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, urchins

Did You Know?

Research suggests Picasso triggerfish have trichromatic vision, similar to humans!

Orbiculate Batfish Orbiculate Batfish

Orbiculate Batfish

Orbiculate batfish are typically found in shallow, protected coastal waters, including mangroves, coral reefs, and deeper areas with silt substrates. Juveniles will hide among mangroves and in protected lagoons, mimicking dead leaves floating in the water column. Adults may be found in large groups when food is plentiful.

Size

Up to 24 inches

Range

Indo-Pacific region

Diet

Fish, algae, plankton, crustaceans

Did You Know?

Orbiculate batfish display a dramatic change in appearance as they grow. As fry, they are identical to a dead leaf, brown and spotted, drifting lifelessly to not attract attention from predators. As juveniles, they display a silvery body with three vertical black lines and a massive dorsal fin, as tall as they are long. As adults, they maintain their silver bodies and black stripes but grow into their huge fins, making their body shape almost circular.

What's Inside

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What's Inside

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Ocean Realm

Be amazed by life under the sea and mesmerized by schooling fish, camouflaged flounders, and much more!

Meet the Species
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