Arabian Heritage Guides

Arabian Heritage Guides

UAE and Gulf of Oman

Reef fishes
UAE and Gulf of Oman
Richard F Field

This fully illustrated book is primarily a guide to the

Richard F Field
identification of the most frequently seen reef fishes
of the UAE and Gulf of Oman. The book will present
an opportunity for naturalists, divers and snorkellers
to identify an amazing variety of reef fishes and thus
enhance their snorkelling and diving experiences.

4 The first guide to the reef fishes of the UAE and Gulf of Oman.
4 A comprehensive checklist of fishes of the region.
4 Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs.
4 A reference book for divers and snorkellers.
 Reef Fishes
UAE and Gulf of Oman
Published by Motivate Publishing

Dubai: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE

Tel: (+971 4) 282 4060, fax: (+971 4) 282 0428
e-mail: books@motivate.ae www.booksarabia.com

Office 508, Building No 8, Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE

Tel: (+971 4) 390 3550, fax: (+971 4) 390 4845

Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Tel: (+971 2) 627 1666, fax: (+971 2) 627 1566
UAE and Gulf of Oman
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER
e-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Directors: Obaid Humaid Al Tayer and Ian Fairservice

Edited by David Steele, assisted by Zelda Pinto

Richard F Field
Designed by Johnson Machado and Andrea Willmore

First published 2005

Front cover: A flag-tail triggerfish

Back cover: A female Townsend’s anthias with big-eye snappers
Half-title page: Lined eel catfishes

Copyright © Richard F Field 2005

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material
form (including photocopying or storing in any medium by electronic means) without
the written permission of the copyright holder. Applications for the copyright holder’s
written permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be addressed to the
publishers. In accordance with the International Copyright Act 1956 and the UAE
Federal Copyright Law No 40 of 1992, any person acting in contravention of this
copyright will be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

ISBN: 1 86063 161 4

Published with the support
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data and encouragement of
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Printed and bound in the UAE by Rashid Printers, Ajman, UAE

 Contents
Introduction 6
Scope of this book 10
The naming of species 13
General sensory characteristics 16
Observing fishes 17

Descriptions and photographs of species

Sharks and rays 18 Sweepers 72

Moray eels and snake eels 26 Chubs 74
Lizardfishes 30 Spadefishes 75
Milkfish 31 Butterflyfishes 76
Catfishes 31 Angelfishes 78

exomos/ Needlefishes
Pupfishes
32
33
Damselfishes
Hawkfishes
80
86

dpa ad
Squirrelfishes and soldierfishes 33
Cornetfishes 34
Shrimpfishes 34
Pipefishes 35
Scorpionfishes and stonefishes 36
Flatheads 40
Groupers and soapfishes 41
Dottybacks 45
Big-eyes 46
Cardinalfishes 47
Remoras 52
Jacks 53
Mojarras 56
Snappers 57
Fusiliers 61
Grunts 62
Monocle breams 65
Emperors 66
Sea breams 68
Mullets 69
Goatfishes 70
Monos 72
Barracudas 87
Wrasses 89
Parrotfishes 96
Jawfish 99
Sandperches 99
Blennies and triplefins 100
Gobies and dartfishes 105
Surgeonfishes 112
Rabbitfishes 114
Moorish idol 115
Mackerels and tunas 115
Flounders and soles 117
Triggerfishes 118
Filefishes 120
Trunkfishes 121
Pufferfishes 122
Porcupinefishes and burrfishes 124
Photograph origins 127
Checklist of species 128
Index of common and 139
scientific names
 Introduction
­ he UAE and the Sultanate of Oman
T relatively low faunal diversity, while the
share both the east and west coasts of the
Musandam peninsula, bordering the Gulf
of Oman and the Arabian Gulf regions.
The Gulf of Oman extends southwards to
Ras al Hadd where it meets the Arabian
Sea region and Oman's longest coastal
exposure, down to Dhofar.
The diversity of marine species of reef
fishes is greatest along the Arabian Sea
coastline, and the number of species
available declines as you go northwards.
Consequently many species that are found
in the southern regions are not found
along the northern coastlines of Oman
and the UAE.
During one dive at the southern tip of
Masirah Island (400 km south of Muscat),
the author positively identi­fied 49 species,
of which seven had not to date been seen
by him in the Gulf of Oman.
The characteristics of these different
regions differ significantly. The Arabian
Gulf is a shallow inhospitable sea with
A live-aboard schooner anchored in the magnificent Musandam area.
6 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
Gulf of Oman is a deep sea with only a
quarter of its area less than 1,000 m deep.
The Arabian Sea is fully exposed to the
Indian Ocean cold upwelling with its
water rich in nutrients (the upwelling is
an effect of the summer monsoon, when
south-wester­ly winds drive surface water
out to sea). These are not of course
isolated regions, so fishes have no physical
barriers to migra­tion; nevertheless the
cold upwelling along the Arabian Sea
coastline, and to some extent the Gulf of
Oman coast­­line, may prove disasterous to
some species which are unable to tolerate
large, and sudden, temperature changes.
Equally, the cold-water upwelling may be
depleted of oxygen and in some instances
may cause asphyxia­tion on a large scale,
particularly amongst shallow-water species.
It has been suggested that the canny The Musandam Peninsula offers splendid marine life for the advanced diver.
Omani fishermen know that they should
fish in certain areas during the cold up­wel­ and fish numbers are therefore greater. region, but there are some that have
ling – areas where oxygen levels are higher, The cold upwelling may present a barrier restric­ted distributions (as far as is current­
to the migration of sensitive species; ly known) and could be called ‘Arabian’
the region is very poorly researched and species – some of these are very common
further discoveries and distributions can be and snorkellers are guaran­teed to see them
expected, some of which may be surprising. – the Persian parrotfish (S persicus),
The author was collecting specimens spotted-tail hawkfish (C calliurus), pearly
with scientist friends in South Africa goatfish (P margaritatus) and black-spotted
near the Mozambique border recently and butterflyfish (C nigropunctatus) are all
collected what is now known to be Trimma ‘local’ UAE/Oman species.
omanensis, a small goby that had previously To fully appreciate the faunal diversity of
only been found in the Gulf of Oman, after the waters of Oman and the UAE it is of
which it was named. Dr JE Randall, the course necessary to don snorkelling or scuba
authority on Indo-Pacific species, during gear. There are only a few coastal locations
three short stays in Oman, recorded more accessible or suitable for snorkelling or
than 100 previously unrecorded species, diving in a coral environment, so it is
52 of which were new to science. There best to use a boat (there are several diving
are at least nine species which have been organisations which all offer services for
named omanensis (and two muscatensis), snorkellers as well as divers).
ranging from a shark to the small goby. A boat allows access to the islands,
There are probably between 1,300 and principally the Daymanyat group and
1,500 different species to be found in the Fahl Island where corals and reef fishes
coastal waters of Oman and about half as are abundant. For the more adventurous,
many in the Arabian Gulf. Most will also the coastline and offshore islands of
be present elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific the Musandam peninsula offer splendid
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 7
 Introduction
marine life and excellent diving. The very
inaccessibility of the area protects it from
human intrusion, and its strong currents
can be hazardous for divers.
For visitors to Muscat, the Daymanyat
Islands provide an environment to rival
the Red Sea and, in terms of fish numbers,
exceeds what you would expect in the Red
Sea. Huge schools coexist with marauding
jacks and large groupers. Zebra sharks are
resident, as are the small black-tip sharks
which can be seen in the shallow waters
often behind a dividing mass of nervous
sardines. With so much prey available the
sharks are quite docile. Underwater photo­
graphy can be difficult at the Daymanyat
Islands simply because a fish may often
cross unex­pectedly in front of a photo­
grapher’s lens.
It is clearly impractical to describe all
the species you may see (the author invari­
ably sees something new on each dive). So
if we take a ‘virtual’ journey with snorkel,
mask and fins seaward from a beach in
Oman, we are likely to see first, goatfishes
stirring the sand with their sensory barbels
looking for small crustaceans – the pearly
goatfish is the most common. Small silvery
Splendid marine life – a colourful crinoid.
8 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
fishes will also be hovering over sand
watching for movement – these will be
mojarras and breams. Mullet, some­times
in large schools, will also be searching the
sand. Approaching the rock or coral sides
of the bay, fish life increases dramatically.
In the shallower water, nervous epaulet
groupers will be watching and Abudefduf
damselfishes will be fussily protecting their
eggs. In the sand at the base of the rocks,
partner gobies warn their host shrimps of
the presence of danger, and both dart back
into their holes.
Moving into deeper water, the diversity
increases still further – an anemonefish
rises from its host to inspect the intruder,
small wrasses busily dart around and larger
species, such as the beautifully coloured
queen coris wrasse, continue feeding with­
out alarm. Various damselfishes hide in
coral, blennies on algae patches have their
tails curled ready to dart away and a glori­ Fishermen at Fahl Island with a giant guitarfish and a shark.
ously coloured dottyback stares nervously,
resenting our intrusion into its territory. Divers visiting Fahl Island or the or with controlled access, will provide
For the keen fishwatcher, a boat ride Daymanyats will always be impressed a nursery for fish catches further afield
to the islands will pay dividends in terms by the huge schools of snappers (black- – a number of species, particularly in the
of the number of different species to be spot, big-eye and Bengal) feeding in the grouper family, have a breeding life of
seen. The islands are home to several current. The variable-lined fusilier (a close decades, so by protecting certain areas
larger species; they are also relative of the snappers) is one of the most other areas benefit through migration.
visited by ocean-roaming abundant schooling species in the islands. Another National Nature Reserve is
species in search of an Groupers are well represented amongst the proposed for Barr al Hikman-Masirah
easy meal, or in a number smaller species; of the larger species the Island, and others suggested for
of cases, to breed. white-blotched is common at Fahl Island Khawar Quway-Jazirat Um al Ghanam
Groups of large-scale – others have probably been overfished. (Musandam) and Raaha (Dhofar). In
triggerfish are often There are few places in the world that the UAE the Al Yasat area has just been
present at Fahl Island, boast so many moray eels – the sometimes declared a marine sanctuary. Marine
where they deposit immense laced (honeycomb) moray is Reserves have no value as simply a shaded
eggs in pits in the sand. abundant, and zebra, grey, yellow-mouth area on a map. Awareness of the beauty
Magnificent eagle rays can and undulate morays will always be seen of the creatures that they are designed to
be seen glid­ing over the amongst the coral. protect, and respect for their existence
reefs. As with most large The Daymanyat Islands are the first to are important ingredients for successful
species, it is always best to be declared a National Nature Reserve conservation. I sincerely hope that this
be still in the water when in Oman, in line with the Sultanate’s small book goes some way to engendering
they approach – fishes determination to protect and preserve its such respect and awareness.
are inquisitive, so a diver resources and to encourage tourism.
presents a curious object The Islands serve as a breeding area Richard Field
to investigate. for many species and, if left un­­disturbed, Muscat, 2005
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 9
 Scope of this book
This book is primarily a photographic
reference guide to the identification of the
most frequently seen reef fishes in the Gulf
of Oman (and round the Musandam
peninsula, including the UAE). It will be
useful for divers and snorkellers anywhere
in the Arabian Gulf – species which are
known to be present there will be high­
lighted in the descriptions. With one
exception, all the photographs shown in
this book were taken by the author or
immediate family.
In some cases a photograph taken in the
Red Sea has been used where a Gulf of
Oman photograph was not available or of
unsuitable quality. Red Sea photographs
are listed at the back of the book.
Readers should be aware that there are
a few species that have different colour
forms de­­pending on their location; only
the Gulf of Oman colour forms are
shown in this particular book.
Fahl Island, a favourite dive site near Muscat.
10 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
The various authors of books on
the subject of reef fishes disagree
on the distribution of some species
– unfortunately the Gulf of Oman is not
exempt from these disagreements. It is
bordered on the one side by the Arabian
Gulf (which contains a low diversity of
species) and on the other by the Arabian
Sea (with a high diversity).
Overlaps in distribution can be
expected. This may become permanent
or merely a temporary phenomenon
resulting from particular water conditions
or circumstantial occurrences.
For example, the yellow-ear angelfish
(Apolemichthys xanthotis), originally
reported by Randall as Red Sea and Gulf
of Aden (Red Sea Reef Fishes, 1985) and
extended to Oman (Coastal Fishes of
Oman, 1995), has an interesting distribu­
tion. In the author’s experience, this
species is common in the most northerly
part of the Red Sea, absent in the central
east coast of the Red Sea, the most
common angelfish in Dhofar and fairly
common in the Daymanyat Islands
of Oman.
This guide shows those species that have
been personally observed and identified
by the author, sometimes with the help
of specific experts, as being present in the
waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Many common Indian Ocean species
are not included since they cannot strictly
be called reef fishes. Amongst these are
some cartilaginous species (sharks, rays)
and the truly pelagic, such as tuna, jacks
and the other ‘sport fishing’ species.
Although these species may be to a
greater or lesser extent dependent on the
reef fauna for their survival, they do not
permanently inhabit the reef, but may
visit to breed, rest or forage; however,
a small number of photographs are
included of very commonly seen species
in this category – such as those of sharks,
stingrays and the most common jacks,
barracudas and mackerels.
Some of the descriptions are somewhat
anthropomorphic, and would therefore be
considered unscientific by experts. This
book is intended for divers and snorkellers
who observe the fishes in the Gulf of
Oman and Arabian Gulf as a relaxing
pastime, and who wish to identify what
they see. A whimsical description of a
species can often be a more useful aid to
identification than details of scales, spines
and teeth expressed in scientific language.
It is customary in scientific books to
depict a fish (usually a dead specimen)
with all its spines erect and tail spread
but, in its natural habitat, it is seldom
seen like this (with the exception
perhaps of some nocturnal species).
The recreational diver and snorkeller
sees colours, shapes, patterns, swimming
action and, often, eyes. These are the
characteristics used in this book to assist
in the identification of species. A good
picture is worth a thousand words, so
only salient features of a fish are noted
in the text. On the whole, the photo­
graphs in this book are selected on the
basis of showing the best lateral view of
the animal.
Every effort has been made to ensure
that identifications are accurate, and
that the latest accepted names are used.
There is still much work to be done by
the scientific community in agreeing
classifications and naming of Indo-Pacific
species – the names used in this book, in
some cases, may differ from those in others,
which simply shows that taxonomic work
is continuing.
Common names present a problem –
they can be descriptive, but also misleading
and sometimes quite obscure (a lionfish is
a turkeyfish is a scorpionfish!). The author
has, in the great majority of cases, adopted
the names given by the ICLARM FishBase
database (Fishbase.org on the Internet).
The amateur photographer has a role
to play in ichthyology. One well-known
ichthyologist (and respected friend)
when presented with a photograph of
a fish which was most certainly one
that had been described by the same
scientist candidly confessed that scientists
sometimes don’t know what the live
animal looks like! Often, specimens may
be collected, slow cooked in a tub on a
boat, and examined many hours later. The
scientist may never see a live, naturally
coloured, specimen.
The author has experienced
considerable difficulty in identifying
some juvenile forms – juvenile shapes
and colours can vary considerably from
the adults, but many have not been
documented fully in scientific or popular
publications. The only sure way to
identify juveniles is to capture them (not
an easy task) and have an expert examine
them. In some cases, the author, in
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 11
 Scope of this book
desperation, has captured a juvenile and
resorted to observing its development into
another, recognisable, stage within the
confines of an aquarium (see the entry for
10404 Plectorhinchus gaterinus). This can
be a lengthy process!
There are many small species, typically
gobies and blenny-like creatures, that
will be seen in the Gulf of Oman if
the observer is patient and curious
enough to examine the contents of coral
branches, sponges and gorgonions (or
even sea cucumbers). Information is
scarce on these species but perhaps now
that underwater macro photography
is becoming more popular, these tiny
creatures will receive closer attention.
They are not adequately covered by this
book and I hope that some day a book
will be written describing these often
beautiful little animals.
There are many species which are
not recorded in this book, despite being
present in the Gulf of Oman. Those
shown can be considered those most likely
to be seen; it would take many years to
photograph and document all the species
known in the region and it would require
a very large handbook indeed to describe
them all.
A checklist of Gulf of Oman species,
compiled by the author using data from
various publications, and from his own
12 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
observation, is included at the back of
this guide. This checklist contains some
1,000 species, and species are numbered
according to the author’s own convention.
These numbers appear with the fish
descriptions. The last two digits of the 3–5
digit number define the species (01–99);
the preceding digits (1–168) define the
family to which the species belongs. Thus
Scarus persicus (12714) is the 14th species
of the Scaridae family (127).
The goby family unfortunately is too
large for this system, so has therefore been
split into Gobiidae and the sub-family
Gobiinae (141 and 142 respectively).
Gobies in the Gobiinae sub-family are
commonly called ‘shrimp gobies’ since
they cohabit with shrimps in burrows.
The Gulf of Oman checklist contains
species that have been recorded in the
Gulf of Oman, and the presence of
species in adjacent regions is recorded in
adjacent columns. New records for the
Gulf of Oman can be expected as species
known in the more species-rich south are
discovered in the Gulf. The list does not
include the deep-water species, of which
there is very little known.
This system has been adopted to allow
additions within the families, as new species
are discovered, or names changed. Species
will therefore not be in any particular order,
alphabetically or otherwise.
The naming of species
Scientific names are made up of two
parts. The first part is the name of the
Genus (generic name) and the second
the Species (specific name). The generic
name always begins with an upper case
letter, the specific name with lower case;
both names should be in italics.
A genus contains animals that are
very closely related in terms of outward
appearance (morphology), internal
structure (anatomy) and reproductive
habits. Members of the same genus are
usually very similar, in shape and size but
they will differ in colour and small details
such as the shape of the tail, number of
teeth and so on.
A genus may contain many species
within it – eg the genus Chaetodon,
the major genus of butterflyfish in the
Chaetodontidae family, contains more
than 60 species world wide. On the other
end of the scale the family Zanclidae
contains only one species, Zanclus
cornutus, the Moorish idol.
The strict biological definition of
a species is a group of organisms that
reproduce sexually to produce fertile
offspring. Different species within a
genus may be able to interbreed but the
offspring will be sterile.
The genus and species together define a
unique animal. At times a third name is
added to specify a local variant of a species.
The scientific naming, or nomenclature,
of animals is consistent throughout the
world. Whatever variations there are
result from disagreements amongst
taxonomists as to which group certain
animals belong. The characteristics used
in classification overlap to a great degree
and it is not always easy to decide at what
point the differences become great enough
to warrant the introduction of a new
genus or species. Confusion also arises as a
result of the same animal having been
found and named by different people in
different parts of the world. In some cases,
different names have arisen for species
that have a juvenile phase that looks very
different from the adult. Reference books
usually quote the name of the first
describer and the date after the scientific
name. The rule is that the oldest
published name should prevail. It is
interesting to specu­late what effect DNA
sampling will have on the grouping, and
naming, of species.
Scientific names are mostly derived
from Latin or sometimes Greek words that
describe a particular feature of a fish. A
turkeyfish is in the genus Pterois from the
Greek word for ‘wing’ (to be doubly sure,
the Western Australian form of P miles is
Pterois volitans which has both Latin and
Greek origins!). The pectoral fins of a
lionfish and a turkeyfish are indeed remi­
niscent of wings as the fish gently glides
through the water. The genus Chaetodon
of the butterflyfish family is named after
the brush-like teeth of its members.
Specific names are more varied in
origin, being derived from appearance (eg
Cheilodipterus quinquelineatus – five-line
cardinalfish); the name of the discoverer
(Paracheilinus mccoskeri – McCosker’s
wrasse); or the local common name
(Acanthurus sohal from the Arabic name
of this surgeonfish).
Related genera are grouped together in
families. In the animal kingdom the names
of families always end with ‘idae’, eg Blen­
nii­dae (blennies) or Labridae (wrasses).
Members of a family share a number of
characteristics of appearance, anatomy
and behaviour but they are not as obvious­
ly similar as members of the same genus.
There is no mistaking, even upon
casual observation, the family relationship
amongst the parrotfishes. The wrasses
are much more diverse in appearance but
have similarities such as tooth structure
and methods of reproduction.
Dr John Randall’s work Coastal Fishes of
Oman is still the only recent authoritative
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 13
 The naming of species
systematic investigation of species of the
Oman coast and his work has played a
substantial contribution in the prepara­
tion of this book.
It should be noted, however, that since
publication of his work, Randall has
changed the scientific names of some
species, and endorsed changes suggested
by others. There have been a number of
changes, and the author has included as
many as are known to him.
Common names are much more con­
fusing and vary throughout the world.
A tiny ghost goby on soft coral in the Daymanyat Islands.
14 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
Some are a direct trans­lation of the
Some commonly used Latin and Greek stems
scientific name. This is often true of a
fish whose scientific name stems from an
acanth (Gr) thorn Acanthurus – surgeonfish (caudal spines)
obvious physical feature. Some are named
acumin (L) taper-pointed Heniochus acuminatus – long-fin butterflyfish
after their discoverer. Many common
aetos (Gr) eagle Aetobatus narinari – eagle ray
names are derived from names used by the
argentum (L) silver Monodactylus argenteus – silver moony
local population of the area where the fish
axilla (L) armpit Chromis flavaxilla – Arabian chromis (yellow pectoral base)
is found. For common names, the author
cauda (L) tail Sphyraena flavicauda – yellow-tail barracuda
has adopted those used by ICLARM in
chaet (L) bristle Chaetodon – butterflyfish (bristle-like teeth)
its FishBase website, in the absence of a
chrysos (Gr) gold Pterocaesio chrysozona – gold-band fusilier
standard list of names. Arabic names are
dimidiatus (L) halved Labroides dimidiatus – cleaner wrasse (half blue, half black)
not included, since no standard list of
fascia (L) band Acanthopagrus bifasciatus – two-bar sea bream
names is available.
ferruginus (L) rusty coloured Scarus ferrugineus – rusty parrotfish
fuscus (L) brown, dusky Scarus fuscopurpureus – purple-brown parrotfish
flavus (L) yellow Sphyraena flavicauda – yellow-tail barracuda
fuco (L) to paint Archaemia fucata – orange-lined cardinalfish
gibbus (L) humped Lutjanus gibbus – hump-back red snapper
gramma (Gr) mark, line Diagramma pictum – painted sweetlips
leptos (Gr) slender Pomacentrus leptus – slender damselfish
lunatus (L) crescent shaped Thalassoma lunare – moon wrasse
macula (L) spot or mark Parapercis maculata – harlequin sandperch (spotted)
marga (Gr) pearl Parupeneus margaritatus – pearly goatfish
margo (L) edge Gymnothorax flavimarginatus – yellow-edged moray
mitra (Gr) head dress Petroscirtes mitratus – floral blenny
mugilis (L) sea fish, mullet Mugilidae – mullets
niger (L) dark, black Odonus niger – red-tooth triggerfish (dark teeth)
notatus (L) marked Epinephelus multinotatus – white-blotched grouper
odontos (Gr) tooth Cheilodipterus macrodon – large-tooth cardinalfish
para (Gr) related to Paracheilinus mccoskeri – closely related to genus Cheilinus
pinnula (L) small plume Cirrhitus pinnulatus – stocky hawkfish (plumed fin spines)
pleura (Gr) ribs, sides Leptojulis cyanopleura – wrasse (blue spots on sides)
pter (Gr) wing, fin Pterois scorpionfish – wing-like pectoral rays
punctatus (L) spotted Chaetodon nigropunctatus – black-spotted butterflyfish
purpur (L) purple Scarus fuscopurpureus – purple-brown parrotfish
rubescens (L) becoming red Parupeneus rubescens – rosy goatfish
scaros (Gr) parrotfish Scaridae – parrotfish
sinus (L) a curve Torpedo sinuspersici – curved markings on back
sordidus (L) dirty Abudefduf sordidus – dull marking
stigma (Gr) point, mark Lutjanus monostigma – one-spot snapper
taeniatus (L) striped Scolopsis taeniatus – black-streaked bream
thalassa (Gr) sea, marine Thalassoma lunare – moon wrasse
torpedius (L) to make numb Torpedinidae – electric rays
xanthos (Gr) yellow Chromis xanthopterygia – yellow-fin chromis
(Source: A Source Book of Biological Names, Edmund C Jaeger)
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 15
 General sensory characteristics
EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS
Lateral line Spinous part of dorsal fin
Operculum Pectoral fin Pelvic fin
The fishes are believed to be the oldest
group of vertebrates (animals with back­
bones) and it is thought that all other
vertebrates evolved from them. There are
more than 20,000 species known – about
40 per cent of all living vertebrate species.
They ‘breathe’ by means of their gills.
Water is sucked in through the mouth
– then with the mouth closed the water
is forced over the gills and out through
the opening of the operculum. As the
water passes over the feathery surface of
the gill filaments, oxygen is absorbed from
the water into the bloodstream and waste
carbon dioxide is passed into the water.
According to Lieske & Myers (Coral Reef
Fishes), they can effectively remove about
74 per cent of available oxygen.
Fishes have a well-developed nervous
system. Of the senses, that of smell
is especially keen, so that very small
concentrations of substances can be
detected. Sharks, as an example, can
detect minute quantities of blood in the
water, and salmon are thought to find
16 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
Soft part of dorsal fin Caudal peduncle
Anal fin Caudal fin
their home waters guided by their sense
of smell.
The lateral line (usually clearly visible
as a curved line from operculum to
caudal peduncle) detects vibrations and
pressure changes in the water. In some
species, changes of water temperature are
also detected.
Research scientists have recently
concluded that the lateral line also assists
shoaling species to synchronise their
movement. This is achieved by subtle
changes in light refraction, and hence
colour, and thus serves as an optical
communication system.
Fishes are the only animals that can
generate and discharge electricity and
electric eels, rays and catfish produce a
voltage strong enough to stun prey.
Most species have well-developed
vision. Focusing is however limited and
is usually achieved by moving the lens
towards, or away, from the retina. Some
species have a double lens (see the entry
for 12657 Paracheilinus mccoskeri).
For snorkellers and divers alike, the first
early morning venture into the sea can be
the most rewarding moment of the day.
To be first in the water is to be the first
to see the larger species that rule and feed
during the night. Once disturbed, they will
quickly disappear and not be seen again
during the day. It is well worthwhile to
enter the water gently, or approach a reef
cautiously, to catch a glimpse of life in the
sea as it is without the presence of humans.
A diver starting to descend should
look around – before the rays, turtles and
other larger creatures decide to escape this
intrusion into their world. When entering
from a boat, a clumsy entry can frighten
away the very animals you want to see!
At the beginning of a dive, slowly
descend, without excessive movement to
a good vantage point, and then keep quite
still for a few minutes – by doing this, a
large fish may approach to investigate.
Also, when swimming, a diver naturally
tends to look downwards and may miss a
large fish alongside.
Divers should always move carefully in
the water, and particularly when inves­ti­
gating the contents of a coral head or
other hiding place. Although it is contrary
to good diving practice to hold your
breath, as long as you are relaxed and
maintaining good buoyancy, it is some­
times acceptable and necessary when
approach­ing a fish – particularly when
taking photographs. Bubbles can frighten
it, not only because they can be seen, but
because they have noisy origins! The sea is
already a noisy place, but to introduce an
unfamiliar sound may make an interesting
subject quickly dart for cover.
At night many species sleep, and can
be observed closely. When using a torch,
project the beam to one side of the fish,
and use a narrow beam torch. Light
will confuse and frighten them. A fish
frightened out of its hiding place at night
becomes an easy target for predators.
Observing fishes
Divers should be aware that the colours
they see underwater may not be the same
as those in photos. The sea acts as a blue
filter, so that colours at the red end of the
spec­trum cannot be seen at depth. Perhaps
the best example of a fish that demon­
strates this effect is a soldierfish which in
daylight near the surface is bright red in
colour, but at depths below 10 m appears
to be a drab, dark brown. A photo taken at
depth with flash restores most of the mis­
sing colours. The colour red is quite a domi­­
nant colour in fishes, which may help them
to hide at depth, although I have often
won­dered whether the colour per­cep­tion
of man can be compared with that of a fish.
Judging the size of a fish in the water is
not easy, since the observer sees refracted
images that make a subject appear closer
than it actually is – so what may appear to
be a 2 m-long shark will actually be 1.6 m.
A number of authors of guides have
attempted to compile checklists of
physical characteristics for identification;
these are of limited use in identifying a
fish, unless the observer notes particular
physical features such as the shape of the
mouth, the position of fins, shape of tail,
size of the eyes and so on; furthermore,
he must remember them. After much
practice these characteristics become
easier to note, but by the time this stage is
reached he would probably recognise the
family to which the fish belongs from the
way it behaves, its swimming ‘style’ and
the habitat in which it was seen.
While a diver observes, he can be sure
that many eyes observe him. A fish below
a diver is able to clearly see shapes against
the sunlit background, while remaining
unseen in the gloomy depths. It should not
go unnoticed that most of the non-pelagic
species are dark on top of their body and,
usually, silver or white on the underside.
This is of course effective camouflage,
and makes some of those large bottom-
dwelling species very difficult to see.
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 17
 Stegostomidae Zebra shark
Stegostomidae Zebra shark
701 Stegostoma fasciatum, Seba, 1758 Zebra shark
Carcharhinidae Requiem sharks
The requiem sharks (whoever named
them so was surely of a fearful
disposition) comprise a family of 50
described species, 23 of which have been
reliably reported as present in Omani
waters. Re­­liable Arabian Gulf records
are scarce.
Requiem sharks are difficult to
differen­tiate to species level when seen
18 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
Carcharhinidae Requiem sharks
1012 Carcharhinus melanopterus, Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 Black-tip reef shark
The black-tip reef shark is the
most likely shark to be seen along
The widely distributed, Oman’s coastline; it is common
but uncommon zebra in localised areas of shallow
shark is the only mem­ water, but is very shy and
ber of the Stegostomidae extremely wary of divers. The
family. It is closely black tips to the fins and the
related to the nurse white band around the first dorsal
sharks, but differs in fin are distinctive. Maximum
having a very long tail, recorded length: 200 cm.
large rounded pectoral
fins and, as an adult, 1015 Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, Bleeker, 1856 Grey reef shark
longitudinal ridges of
skin along its body. Although the black-tip may be
As a juvenile it is black the most abundant reef shark
and white banded of the shallow coastal areas, the
(hence the name zebra) grey reef shark is the most likely
and on gaining maturity to be seen around offshore reefs,
the bands break up into particularly in the Musandam
dark spots on a yello­w­ area. It is recognised by the dark
ish/grey back­ground, trailing edge to its tail fin. This
somewhat resembling species in the Indian Ocean area
the markings of leo­ has a white tip to the rear edge
pards. The zebra shark is of its first dorsal – this mark is absent in when in groups, and should be approached
passive, usually resting specimens from the Pacific area. The grey with caution. Maximum recorded length:
by day; at night it hunts reef shark can be aggressive, particularly 200 cm.
in the reef feeding
chiefly on molluscs. 1023 Triaenodon obesus, Rüppell, 1837 White-tip reef shark
Maximum recorded
length: 235 cm. The white fin tips of this species, and its and may allow divers to approach.
blunt snout, are characteristic. During The specimen shown is probably near
daytime white-tip reef sharks may be maximum size. This species has not been
found resting on sand in open areas, reliably reported from the Arabian Gulf.
or in sandy caves. It is not aggressive Maximum recorded length: 213 cm.
under­­water, and they are also difficult
to approach, unless baited. The position,
size and marking of the first dorsal fin
provide the best clues for identification.
All requiem sharks are potentially
dangerous, but in local waters the bull
and tiger sharks, though rare and not
likely to be seen by divers, may pose the
greatest threat to man.
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 19
 Muraenidae Moray eels
Muraenidae Moray eels
Moray eels are characterised by their
lack of pelvic and pectoral fins. There
are at least 15 species known in the
Gulf of Oman, but it appears there
may be many more, some undescribed.
Morays have very small gill openings, so
they tend to ‘breathe’ heavily, opening
and closing their mouths continuously;
new divers may perceive this action as
2801 Echidna nebulosa, Ahl, 1789 Snowflake moray
2805 Gymnothorax favagineus, Bloch & Schneider, 1801 Laced moray
26 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
threatening – in fact morays are docile,
although they may not appear so when
they exhibit their impressive teeth.
Species in three other eel families
may be encountered by divers – snake
eels, in shallow waters (one such species
resembles the banded sea snake), conger
eels (the most likely to be seen are the
garden eels) and reef eels.
A small shallow-water
species which usually
hides amongst rocks, but is
sometimes found in seagrass.
Identified by its white snout
(with yellow nostrils) and
white body marked with
black blotches containing
yellow spots. Feeds primarily
on crustaceans. A nocturnal
species that sometimes
cohabits with other species.
Maximum length: 80 cm.
Perhaps the most common
and largest species found
in the Gulf of Oman,
sometimes referred to as the
honeycomb moray, reflecting
the pattern of black spots
of large individuals. Smaller
specimens have many black
spots with either white
or pale yellow surrounds.
Individuals found in non-
reef areas may be much
darker overall. Large adults
are said to be aggressive.
Attains a maximum length
of at least 180 cm.
Muraenidae Moray eels
2807 Gymnomuraena zebra, Shaw & Nodder, 1797 Zebra moray
A large, docile, secretive though
apparently social, moray which
feeds on crabs and molluscs, and
has short stubby teeth that assist
in crushing shells. It has a dark-
brown body with thin yellow
or white bands and its fins are
undeveloped. It is widely distri-
buted in the Indo-Pacific region
including the Arabian Gulf.
Reported length to 150 cm.
2811 Gymnothorax flavimarginatus, Rüppell, 1830 Yellow-edged moray
A large, thick-bodied moray
with a varied habitat, which has
not previously been reported in
the Gulf of Oman (but known
from southern Oman). Distinctly
yellowish compared to other large
morays, with a yellow/brown
body with dense brown spots. It
has a dark gill opening, similar
to the giant moray (G javanicus,
which does not appear to occur
in the Gulf of Oman). Feeds on
fishes and crustaceans. Maximum
length: 120 cm.
2819 Gymnothorax nudivomer, Playfair & Günther, 1867 Starry moray
The starry (or yellow-mouth)
moray is brown with many
bluish-white connected speckles
on the forebody – these speckles
enlarge to spots towards the
tail as the fish matures. Small
individuals are bluish-brown with
speckles. Its mucus is toxic but
the purpose of the toxin is not
known. The inside of the mouth
is a brilliant yellow. Maximum
length: 100 cm.
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 27
 Muraenidae Moray eels Muraenidae Moray eels

2822 Gymnothorax undulatus, Lacepède, 1803 Undulated moray 2825 Gymnothorax pictus, Ahl, 1789 Peppered moray

The markings on this moray are A creature of the shallows, found

highly variable. The base body in sandy or silty areas with coral
colour is a dull yellow/green. The outcrops, hiding in the coral.
body is covered in brown Like species of the genus Siderea
blotches, which on some speci­ the snout is blunt and rounded.
mens are expanded to give the This species is said to sometimes
appearance of greenish/yellow jump out of the water in pursuit
lines and spots. The head is of small prey; it feeds on fishes
usually more yellow overall and and small crustaceans. Maximum
the lower jaw and snout are invari­ length: 120 cm.
ably brown. Its snout is pointed
and its eyes large. This species is 2830 Gymnothorax sp
said to be aggressive and may
bite. Reported from the Arabian Specimens have been observed in
Gulf. Maximum length: 100 cm. shallow coastal water near
Muscat. It has a passing resem­
2823 Scuticaria tigrina, Lesson, 1829 Tiger reef eel blance to G pictus but has large
eyes. The dentition suggests it is
Also known as the leopard of the genus Gymno­thorax. This
moray, the tiger reef eel is is one of a number of species yet
secretive and uncommon, seldom to be described from the area.
leaving the security of the reef. Length estimated at 80 cm.
All that is usually seen of this
moray is a patch of skin between
the rocks. The fins are almost Ophichthidae Snake eels
absent, giving it a snake-like
appearance. Maximum length: 3114 Myrichthys colubrinus, Boddaert, 1781 Harlequin snake eel
120 cm.
A long, thin, round-bodied eel much searching for food. Despite the presence
2824 Siderea grisea, Lacepède, 1803 Geometric moray resembling a snake. Like a snake it may of a dorsal fin, it is often mistaken for the
be found ‘wriggling’ in the shallow water venomous sea snake, Laticauda colubrina.
A common, narrow-bodied moray (typically in a sandy sea-grass area) Reported to 97 cm.
with distinctive markings on the
head. The forward part of the
body is white, with in-line brown
spots, while the body becomes
yellowish with brown speckles
towards the tail. The head is
slightly darker than the forward
body. A Western Indian Ocean/
Red Sea species, that is fairly
common in the Gulf of Oman.
Geometric morays are frequently
seen with groupers and are often
paired. Maximum length: 65 cm.

28 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 29
 Fistulariidae Cornetfishes Syngnathidae Pipefishes

Fistulariidae Cornetfishes Syngnathidae Pipefishes

6810 Fistularia commersonii, Rüppell, 1838 Blue-spotted cornetfish
Common in the Gulf of Oman, cornet­
fishes are usually observed in groups off
the island reefs, but a cornetfish may
also be seen hunting alone. They feed
primarily on small fishes and are often
found motionless just above the bottom
waiting for opportunities. In this mode,
they adopt a camouflage of broad dark
bars along their bodies. The usual colour
is blue-green dorsally, with either blue
dots or stripes along its body. This species
has been frequently observed ‘shadowing’
large non-carnivorous parrotfishes and
appears to use them as cover. It has
also been seen ‘shadowing’ stingrays.
Maximum length: 160 cm.
This family includes pipefishes and sea-
horses. There are at least 41 species
known from the Indian Ocean region.
The females deposit their eggs into the
pouch of the male, where the eggs are
fertilised and incubated. Seahorses are
7105 Corythoichthys flavofasciatus, Rüppell, 1838 Network pipefish
Probably the most frequently seen pipe-
fish in the Gulf of Oman. Found in
shallow, algal areas and also seaward reefs.
It has a tan-coloured body with reddish
rarely seen in the Gulf of Oman, but
close examination of sea-grass beds may
be rewarding. They may be seen at­tached
to abandoned lines and cables, feeding in
the current. Pipefishes feed on minute ani­
mals that they find on sand, coral or algae.
mottled bands, containing splashes of
light blue. It has a relatively short, red-
dish, snout. Distributed throughout the
Indo-Pacific. Maximum length: 12 cm.

Centriscidae Shrimpfishes
The peculiar fishes of the Centriscidae
family are not only oddly shaped – they
also have strange ways. They are
schooling fishes and move as a group
with their bodies vertical, heads down,
sucking in small crustaceans in the water
above the sand into their tubular mouths.
6902 Centriscus scutatus, Linnaeus, 1758 Grooved shrimpfish
Their fins are bunched together where
the tail should be; what appears to be
the tail is in fact the dorsal fin. The only
species in the family that is likely to be
seen is Centriscus scutatus, although the
widely distributed Aeoliscus strigatus can
be expected to be present in the region.
Although reported to range from
shallow water to 100 m in depth,
this species has been observed by
the author only in shallow, sandy
areas and typically in sheltered
bays. Juveniles settle in long spine
sea urchins for protection and
their dark stripe helps disguise
them. They will also harbour in
crinoids. The maximum reported
length is 15 cm.
7138 Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus, Bleeker, 1857 Double-ended pipefish
The double-ended pipefish, one of the
longest pipefishes, favours sand or mud
substrates and strong currents. Usually
dark brown in appearance, but may
also be much paler than shown here.
Since this pipefish anchors itself in the
current with its tail, the caudal fin is
often missing, or damaged, hence the
common name. When approached it may
sway from side to side, perhaps imitating
the motion of seaweed in a current.
Maximum length: 40 cm.

34 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 35
 Scorpaenidae Scorpionfishes & Stonefishes
Scorpaenidae Scorpionfishes and stonefishes
There are more than 50 scorpionfish
species in the Indian Ocean – some,
particularly of the Scorpaenopsis genus,
are extremely difficult to identify, which
makes their number questionable.
There are 24 species of Scorpaenopsis
so far known in the Indo-Pacific region,
eight of which have been described
only recently (2001). Typically, they
are bottom-dwelling, carnivorous and
dangerous, in that their dorsal, anal and
pectoral fins are venomous. They are
masters of camouflage, but some reveal
their true identity through individual
7218 Pterois mombasae, Smith, 1957 Mombasa turkeyfish
A similar species to P antennata opposite.
However, the dorsal rays are much
shorter and the pectoral fin markings are
36 reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman
colour patterns on the inside of their
pectoral rays when disturbed. In view
of the close similarity of species of
Scorpaenopsis, only the most common in
the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf
are detailed below – pictures of other
‘variants’ are included, which may be
the same or different species.
The more spectacular scorpionfish
species are called by a multitude of
common names, depending on where
you may be: stingfish, firefish, lionfish,
chickenfish, waspfish, turkeyfish, etc, so
there’s often confusion among divers.
distinctive. The specimen shown below
appears to have larger than usual tentacles
above the eyes. Maximum length: 18.6 cm.
Scorpaenidae Scorpionfishes & Stonefishes
7219 Pterois antennata, Bloch, 1787 Broad-barred firefish
A common species in the Gulf of Oman the author in the Gulf of Oman) by the
and also present in the Arabian Gulf, lack of horizontal white lines along the
usually seen hiding by day in caves caudal peduncle. The second photo shows
or crevices, sometimes upside down. a group of juveniles disguising themselves
Distinguished from the similar Pterois on an abandoned steel cable. Maximum
radiata (which has not been observed by size reported: 20 cm.
7220 Pterois miles, Bennett, 1828 Devil firefish
A Red Sea/Indian Ocean form of cardinalfishes) and crustaceans, a group
P volitans of the Western Pacific region. of this species may be seen ‘herding’
It would seem that no two specimens of a school of small fish, with the intention
this species are identical in colour, shape of surrounding it to pick out individual
of pectoral fins, or the shape and position fishes. They are particularly active at
of the various tassles and appendages they night and divers should take care not to
bear. It is perhaps fortunate that only inadvertently collide with them, since
one other common species (P antennata) their spines can inflict very painful stings.
resembles this species. Unlike many of The devil firefish is widely distributed and
the scorpionfishes which are lie-and-wait is present in the Arabian Gulf. Maximum
predators of small fishes (particularly length: 31 cm.
reef fishes – uae and gulf of oman 37