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Acapulco Damselfish (Juvenile)

Stegastes acapulcoensis Explore - Pacific Fish ID Juvenile Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) Size: 2 – 6 cm (1 – 2.5 in) Depth: 2 – 10m (5 –...

Blue and Gold Snapper

Lutjanus viridis Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult  Family: Snappers (Lutjanidae) Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cm Depth: 3 – 30m (10 –...

Dragon Wrasse

Novaculichthys taeniourus (Juvenile) Explore - Pacific Fish ID Juvenile Family: Wrasses (Labridae) Size: Transitions to adult phase around 8 cm (Max...

Moorish Idol

Zanclus cornutus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Moorish Idols (Zanclidae) Size: Up to 23 cm (9 in) | Common: 15 cm Depth: 3 – 180m (10 –...

Pacific Porgy

Calamus brachysomus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Porgies (Sparidae) Size: Up to 61 cm (24 in) | Common: 35 cm Depth: 3 – 80m (10 – 260ft)...

Spotted Boxfish

Ostracion meleagris Explore - Pacific Fish ID AdultMale Family: Boxfishes (Ostraciidae) Size: 15 – 25 cm (6 – 10 in) | Weight: ~180g Depth: 3 – 30m...

Blue-barred Parrotfish

Scarus ghobban Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Parrotfishes (Scaridae) Size: Up to 75 cm (30 in) | Common: 40 cm Depth: 1 – 30m (3 – 100ft)...

Whitetip Reef Shark

Triaenodon obesus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Requiem Sharks (Carcharhinidae) Size: Up to 210 cm (7 ft) | Common: 160 cm (5.2 ft) Depth:...

Yellowfin Surgeonfish

Acanthurus xanthopterus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) Size: Up to 70 cm (28 in) | Common: 40 cm Depth: 5 –...

Broomtail Grouper

Mycteroperca xenarcha Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Sea Basses & Groupers (Serranidae) Size: Up to 150 cm (5 ft) | Common: 80 cm...

Panamic Graysby

Cephalopholis panamensis Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Sea Basses & Groupers (Serranidae) Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) Depth: 3 – 76m (10...

Zebra Moray

Gymnomuraena zebra Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Moray Eels (Muraenidae) Size: Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) Depth: 3 – 50m (10 – 165ft)...

Panamic Soldierfish

Myripristis leiognathos Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult  Family: Squirrelfishes & Soldierfishes (Holocentridae) Size: Up to 18 cm (7 in) |...

Ember Parrotfish

Scarus rubroviolaceus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Initial Phase Family: Parrotfishes (Scaridae) Size: Up to 70 cm (28 in) | Common: 45 cm Depth: 1 –...

Rockmover Wrasse

Novaculichthys taeniourus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Family: Wrasses (Labridae) Size: Up to 30 cm (12 in) | Common: 20 cm Depth: 3 – 25m (10 – 82ft)...

Redhead Goby

Elacatinus puncticulatus Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Gobies (Gobiidae) Size: Up to 4 cm (1.5 in) | Common: 2.5 cm Depth: 1 – 20m (3 –...

Leather Bass (Juvenile)

Dermatolepis dermatolepis Explore - Pacific Fish ID Juvenile Family: Sea Basses & Groupers (Serranidae) Size: 5 – 15 cm (2 – 6 in) for juveniles...

Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish

Scorpaena mystes Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Scorpionfishes (Scorpaenidae) Size: Up to 45 cm (18 in) | Common: 25 cm Depth: 1 – 30m (3 –...

Acapulco Damselfish

Stegastes acapulcoensis Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Damselfishes (Pomacentridae) Size: Up to 18 cm (7 in) Habitat: Shallow rocky reefs...

Rainbow Runner

Elagatis bipinnulata Explore - Pacific Fish ID Adult Family: Jacks and Pompanos (Carangidae) Size: Up to 120 cm (47 in) | Common: 80 cm Depth: 0 –...

Pacific Fish ID

Explore the diverse fish species of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. From massive schools of jacks to the elusive cryptic blennies hiding in the reef.

Meet the Locals

7

Fish List

A head-on, close-up underwater photograph of a Panamic Graysby grouper peeking out from a narrow crevice between two mossy reef rocks, showcasing its distinctive face covered in bright blue-and-gold honeycomb scale patterns.

Adult

Panamic Graysby

Cephalopholis panamensis
Family: Serranidae | Size: 30 cm

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A dramatic close-up macro photograph of a Panamic Green Moray eel with its mouth wide open, showcasing its sharp, glass-like teeth and a tiny orange-banded cleaner fish resting on its lower jaw.
Panamic Green Moray | Ankla Azul

Adult

Panamic Green Moray

Gymnothorax castaneus
Family: Muraenidae | Size: 150 cm

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A stunning macro underwater photograph of a vibrant pink and orange spotted Coral Hawkfish perched perfectly between hard coral branches, showing off its raised dorsal spines topped with unique yellow hair-like filaments.
Coral hawkfish | Ankla Azul
Coral hawkfish | Ankla Azul
Coral hawkfish | Ankla Azul

Adult

Coral Hawkfish

Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus
Family: Cirrhitidae | Size: 10 cm

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A side-profile underwater photograph of a male Spotted Boxfish, showcasing its distinctive boxy body with a black, white-spotted back, vibrant electric blue sides covered in orange-centered dark spots, and a bright gold band on its head.

Adult
Male

Spotted Boxfish

Ostracion meleagris
Family: Ostraciidae | Size: 15-25 cm

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A beautiful side-profile underwater photograph of a Blacknosed Butterflyfish (Barberfish) swimming over a reef, showcasing its compressed, silvery-yellow body, sharp black bands along the dorsal fin, and distinctive black markings around its eyes and muzzle.

Adult

Blacknosed Butterflyfish

Johnrandallia nigrirostris
Family: Chaetodontidae | Size: 20 cm

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An underwater macro photograph capturing a pair of Longnose Hawkfish with distinct red-and-white checkered patterns and long snouts, resting together among the branches of a white gorgonian sea fan.
A side-profile underwater photograph of a single Longnose Hawkfish perched on a rocky, algae-covered reef, displaying its long pointed snout and distinct red-and-white crosshatch pattern next to a branching orange gorgonian coral sea fan.

Adult

Longnose Hawkfish

Oxycirrhites typus
Family: Cirrhitidae | Size: 13 cm

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Zebra Moray | Ankla Azul

Adult

Zebra Moray

Gymnomuraena zebra
Family: Muraenidae | Size: 1.5 m

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A close-up macro photograph of a Panamic Fanged Blenny peeking out of a barnacle-encrusted reef, featuring a dark brown body, a distinctive orange-ringed eye, and translucent blue pectoral fins.

Adult

Panamic Fanged Blenny

Ophioblennius steindachneri
Family: Blenniidae | Size: 18 cm

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A close-up, front-facing underwater photograph of a juvenile Acapulco Damselfish, showing off its dark body and brilliant neon blue spots and facial stripes, hovering near a rocky reef crevice.
A detailed macro photograph of a juvenile Acapulco Damselfish, featuring a dark body adorned with bright iridescent neon blue spots and facial stripes, swimming against a colorful out-of-focus reef background.

Juvenile

Acapulco Damselfish (Juvenile)

Stegastes acapulcoensis
Family: (Pomacentridae) | Size: 6 cm

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Acapulco Damselfish
Acapulco Damselfish

Adult

Acapulco Damselfish

Stegastes acapulcoensis
Family: Pomacentridae | Size: 18 cm

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Gorgona Guitarfish | Ankla An overhead underwater photograph of a Gorgona Guitarfish resting near the seabed, showing its smooth, olive-brown body speckled with small white spots, its highly pointed triangular snout, and its prominent yellow-and-black eyes.
Gorgona Guitarfish | Ankla Azul
Gorgona Guitarfish | Ankla Azul

Adult

Gorgona Guitarfish

Pseudobatos prahli
Family: Rhinobatidae | Size: 90 cm

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Brassy chub | Ankla Azul
Brassy Chub | Ankla Azul

Adult

Brassy Chub

Kyphosus vaigiensis
Family: Kyphosidae | Size: 50 cm

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Spot-fin porcupinefish | Ankla Azul
Spot-fin porcupinefish | Ankla Azul
Spot-fin porcupinefish | Ankla Azul

Adult

Spot-fin Porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix
Family: Diodontidae | Size: 90 cm

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Balloon Balloon fish | Ankla Azul

Adult

Balloonfish

Diodon holocanthus
Family: Diodontidae | Size: 50 cm

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Guineafowl puffer | Ankla Azul

Adult

Guineafowl Puffer

Arothron meleagris
Family: Tetraodontidae | Size: 50 cm 

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King Angelfish | Ankla Azul
King Angelfish | Ankla Azul

Adult

King Angelfish

Holacanthus passer
Family: Pomacanthidae | Size: 35 cm

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An underwater photograph of a White-spotted Pufferfish swimming over a rocky reef, displaying its greenish-brown body covered in small white spots, yellowish pectoral fins, and a pale underbelly.

Adult

White-spotted Puffer

Arothron hispidus
 Family: Puffers Size: Up to 50 cm (20 in)

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An underwater photograph of a vibrant, light blue Yellowfin Surgeonfish angled downward to pick algae off a rocky reef, displaying its bright yellow face markings and orange-striped dorsal fin.
A pristine side-profile underwater photograph of a large Yellowfin Surgeonfish swimming solo through clear, open blue water, showing its purplish-grey body, yellow-accented pectoral fins, and dark caudal spine.
A close-up macro underwater photograph focusing on the head of a Yellowfin Surgeonfish grazing on a rocky reef, capturing its gold-ringed eye, yellow facial band, and fine blue scribbled body lines.
A large school of light blue and grey Yellowfin Surgeonfish swimming closely together over a rocky reef floor in the Pacific Ocean.

Adult

Yellowfin Surgeonfish

Acanthurus xanthopterus
Family: Surgeonfishes Size: Up to 70 cm

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A bright yellow and blue Bluestriped Chub swimming against a clear blue water background in Bahía Solano.
Ankla Azul educational graphic featuring a close-up profile of a Bluestriped Chub with the text "Explore" and its scientific name Sectator ocyurus.

Adult

Bluestriped Chub

Kyphosus ocyurus
Family: (Kyphosidae) | Size: 35 cm

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A juvenile Giant Damselfish with a dark body and brilliant neon electric blue spots swimming over a coral reef in Bahía Solano.

Juvenile

Giant Damselfish (Juvenile)

Microspathodon dorsalis
Family: (Pomacentridae) | Size: 20 cm

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A vibrant Moorish Idol (Zanclus cornutus) swimming laterally over a reef, displaying its long white dorsal filament and bold black and yellow stripes.

Adult

Moorish Idol

Zanclus cornutus
Family: (Zanclidae) | Size: 15 cm

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A reddish-orange Pacific Creolefish with distinct white spots on its back swimming near a rocky reef in Bahía Solano.

Adult

Pacific Creolefish

Paranthias colonus
Family: (Serranidae) | Size: 35 cm

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Close-up of a Fine-spotted Moray eel (Gymnothorax dovii) peeking out of a rocky crevice with white spots on dark skin.

Adult

Fine-spotted Moray

Gymnothorax dovii
 Family: (Muraenidae) | Size: 1 m

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Sergeant major | Ankla Azul

Adult

Panamic Sergeant Major

Abudefduf troschelii
Family: Pomacentridae | Size: 20 cm

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Close-up macro shot of a vibrant red Sanguine Frogfish (Antennarius sanguineus) resting on a sponge in Bahía Solano.

Adult

Sanguine Frogfish

Antennarius sanguineus
Family: (Antennariidae) | Size: 10 cm

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A rare purple Roughjaw Frogfish (Fowlerichthys avalonis) blending perfectly into the rocky reef background in Bahía Solano.

Adult

Roughjaw Frogfish

Fowlerichthys avalonis
Family: (Antennariidae) | Size: 35 cm

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Profile view of a reddish Panamic Soldierfish (Myripristis leiognathos) with prominent white edges on its fins, swimming past coral.
A Panamic Soldierfish (Myripristis leiognathos) with a large dark eye and coppery-red body swimming on a rocky reef in Bahía Solano.
A close-up of a Panamic Soldierfish (Myripristis leiognathos) showing its large eye and textured scales against a blurred reef background.

Adult

Panamic Soldierfish

Myripristis leiognathos
Family: (Holocentridae) | Size: 18 cm

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A side profile of a Blue and Gold Snapper (Lutjanus viridis) showing distinct electric blue stripes on a bright yellow body against a blue ocean background. Title Attribute: Blue and Gold Snapper - Pacific Reef Fish

Adult

Blue and Gold Snapper

Lutjanus viridis
Family: (Lutjanidae) | Size: 30 cm

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Close-up portrait of a Yellow-edged Moray Eel (Gymnothorax flavimarginatus) with bright orange eyes peering out of a rocky crevice.
Close-up portrait of a Yellow-edged Moray Eel (Gymnothorax flavimarginatus) with bright orange eyes peering out of a rocky crevice.

Adult

Yellow-edged Moray

Gymnothorax flavimarginatus
Family: (Muraenidae) Size: Common: 80 cm

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A colorful Wounded Wrasse (Halichoeres chierchiae) swimming laterally over a reef, displaying the distinctive red blotch behind its pectoral fin.

Adult

Wounded Wrasse

Halichoeres chierchiae
Family: (Labridae) Size: 20 cm

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Close-up side profile of a Yellowfin Goatfish showing its bright yellow stripe.
A school of Yellowfin Goatfish swimming together in formation over a rocky reef in Bahía Solano.
A vibrant Mexican Goatfish (Mulloidichthys dentatus) angled downwards, actively foraging for food on the sandy sea floor in the Colombian Pacific.

Adult

Mexican Goatfish

Mulloidichthys dentatus
Family: (Mullidae) Size: Up to 30 cm

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Close-up profile of a Burrito Grunt (Anisotremus interruptus) showing its silvery speckled body, yellow fins, and bright yellow eye.

Adult

Burrito Grunt

Anisotremus interruptus
Family: (Haemulidae) Size: Up to 60 cm

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A slender, pale Quakerfish (Malacanthus brevirostris) swimming horizontally over a sandy bottom, displaying its large blue eye with a yellow brow.

Adult

Quakerfish

Malacanthus brevirostris
Family: (Malacanthidae) Size: Up to 30 cm

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Close-up macro shot of a Sabertooth Blenny (Plagiotremus azaleus) with orange and brown markings peeking out of a hole in the reef.

Adult

Sabertooth Blenny

Plagiotremus azaleus
Family: (Blenniidae) Size: Up to 10 cm

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A side-profile underwater photograph of a Jolthead Porgy swimming just above a sandy ocean floor, showcasing its silvery scales speckled with iridescent blue dots and its distinct steep, sloping snout.

Adult

Pacific Porgy

Calamus brachysomus
Family: Porgies (Sparidae) Size: Up to 80 cm

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An underwater side-profile photograph of a Blue-barred Parrotfish swimming over a rocky reef, displaying bright turquoise and pink scales, orange eyes, and a distinctive beak-like mouth.
A brilliant underwater photograph of a terminal phase male Blue-barred Parrotfish swimming alongside a dark, mossy volcanic reef wall, displaying its striking teal-green and blue body scales and a bright yellow-and-blue pectoral fin.

Adult

Blue-barred Parrotfish

Scarus ghobban
Family: Parrotfishes (Scaridae) Size: Up to 90 cm

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A detailed macro underwater photograph of a juvenile Leather Bass grouper hovering near a colorful reef wall, displaying its striking jet-black and bright white vertical zebra-stripe pattern.

Juvenile

Leather Bass (Juvenile)

Dermatolepis dermatolepis
Family: Sea Basses Size: 5 – 15 cm

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Adult

Redhead Goby

Elacatinus puncticulatus
Family: Gobies Size: Up to 4 cm

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A vibrant side-profile underwater photograph of an adult Leather Bass swimming through clear blue water above a rocky reef, displaying its greyish-blue body covered in small white spots and striking bright yellow-green margins on all of its fins.

Adult

Leather Bass

Dermatolepis dermatolepis
Family: Serranidae Size: Up to 100 cm

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An underwater photograph of a Longnose Puffer hovering over a rocky reef, clearly displaying its elongated, tubular snout, a bright gold ring around its eye, and a brownish-green body covered in tiny light blue spots.

Adult

Longnose Puffer

Sphoeroides lobatus
Family: Tetraodontidae Size: Up to 30 cm

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A close-up underwater photograph of a stocky Giant Hawkfish perched on a rocky reef, displaying its dark olive body covered in a maze-like pattern of bright iridescent blue lines, with orange branching corals in a soft-focus background.

Adult

Giant Hawkfish

Cirrhitus rivulatus
Family: Hawkfishes Size: Up to 60 cm

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A beautiful side-profile underwater photograph of a Razor Surgeonfish swimming through blue water, showcasing its smooth, compressed grey body, tiny black spots near its tail base, and a brilliant yellow caudal fin.

Adult

Razor Surgeonfish

Prionurus laticlavius
Family: Surgeonfishes Size: Up to 60 cm

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A sharp side-profile underwater photograph of a large Broomtail Grouper swimming above a rocky reef, displaying its robust body covered in dark, jagged blotches and its distinctively ragged tail fin.

Adult

Broomtail Grouper

Mycteroperca xenarcha
Family: Sea Basses & Groupers | Size: Up to 150 cm

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An underwater photograph of an initial phase Ember Parrotfish resting under a dark rocky reef ledge, showcasing its mottled grey and brown scaled body contrasting with a striking crimson-red face and underbelly.

Initial Phase

Ember Parrotfish

Prionurus laticlavius
Family: Surgeonfishes | Size: Up to 60 cm

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macro underwater photograph of a highly camouflaged Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish resting on a rocky reef. Its mottled reddish-purple and white body, covered in fleshy skin tassels, blends perfectly into the surrounding reef textures.

Adult

Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish

Scorpaena mystes
 Family: Scorpionfishes | Size: Up to 45 cm

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An underwater photograph of a Rockmover Wrasse swimming above a sandy, rubble-strewn ocean floor. The fish features a pale grey head with dark lines radiating from its eyes, a dark body covered in a grid of white spots, and a prominent white vertical band near its tail.

Adult

Rockmover Wrasse

Novaculichthys taeniourus
Family: Wrasses | Size: Up to 30 cm

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An underwater photograph of a massive Pacific Goliath Grouper hovering in the dark water of a deep rocky crevice, displaying its huge head, mottled grey-green skin, and thick lips.

Adult

Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish

Epinephelus quinquefasciatus
Family: Serranidae | Size: Up to 250 cm

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Juvenile

Dragon Wrasse

Novaculichthys taeniourus (Juvenile)
Family: Labridae | Size: Up to 8 cm

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An underwater side-profile photograph of a Whitetip Reef Shark swimming through dark blue water, clearly displaying its slender grey body and the distinct bright white tips on its first dorsal and caudal fins.

Adult

Whitetip Reef Shark

Triaenodon obesus
Family: Carcharhinidae | Size: Up to 210 cm

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A clear, side-profile underwater photograph of a Graybar Grunt swimming through deep blue water, showcasing its distinct dark body patterned with six thick, vertical pale gray bars and a bright yellow-ringed eye.

Adult

Graybar Grunt

Haemulon sexfasciatum
Family: Haemulidae | Size: Up to 71 cm

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An underwater side-profile photograph of a Rainbow Runner swimming in clear blue water, displaying its sleek, torpedo-shaped body, distinctive horizontal blue and yellow stripes, and a deeply forked yellow tail.
A crisp underwater photograph of a Rainbow Runner gliding slightly upward through bright blue water, highlighting its silvery underside, vibrant blue and yellow lateral lines, and yellow forked tail.

Adult

Rainbow Runner

Elagatis bipinnulata
Family: Carangidae | Size: Up to 120 cm

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A clear, side-profile underwater photograph of a Graybar Grunt swimming through deep blue water, showcasing its distinct dark body patterned with six thick, vertical pale gray bars and a bright yellow-ringed eye.

Adult

Graybar Grunt

Haemulon sexfasciatum
Family: Haemulidae | Size: Up to 71 cm

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More Fishes To Come ...

More Than Kicking Your Fins

At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It's patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano's wild Pacific.