Sea Basses & Groupers

“The Serranidae family is one of the most diverse and important groups of predators on the Pacific reef. Ranging from the small, colorful Hamlets hiding in the seagrass to the robust Groupers patrolling the rock walls, these fish are united by their large mouths and powerful bodies.

Most members of this family are ambush predators. They rely on excellent camouflage and patience, waiting motionless for prey to pass by before striking with lightning speed. In Bahia Solano, you will often find them sheltering under ledges or claiming specific caves as their territory.”

Panamic Graysby

Cephalopholis panamensis
Family: Serranidae | Size: 30 cm

Panamic Green Moray

Gymnothorax castaneus
Family:
Muraenidae | Size: 150 cm

Coral Hawkfish

Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus
Family: Cirrhitidae | Size: 10 cm

Spotted Boxfish

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

Blacknosed Butterflyfish

Johnrandallia nigrirostris
Family: Chaetodontidae | Size: 20 cm

Longnose Hawkfish

Oxycirrhites typus
Family: Cirrhitidae | Size: 13 cm

Zebra Moray

Gymnomuraena zebra
Family: Muraenidae | Size: 1.5 m

Panamic Fanged Blenny

Ophioblennius steindachneri
Family: Blenniidae | Size: 18 cm

Panamic Sergeant Major

Abudefduf troschelii
Family: Pomacentridae | Size: 20 cm

Acapulco Damselfish

Stegastes acapulcoensis
Family: Pomacentridae | Size: 18 cm

Gorgona Guitarfish

Pseudobatos prahli
Family: Rhinobatidae | Size: 90 cm

Brassy Chub

Kyphosus vaigiensis
Family: Kyphosidae | Size: 50 cm

Spot-fin Porcupinefish

Diodon hystrix
Family: Diodontidae | Size: 90 cm

Balloonfish

Diodon holocanthus
Family: Diodontidae | Size: 50 cm

Guineafowl Puffer

Arothron meleagris
Family: Tetraodontidae | Size: 50 cm 

King Angelfish

Holacanthus passer
Family: Pomacanthidae | Size: 35 cm

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.