Philippine Sea - List of fishes

The yellow boxfish is recognizable by its characteristic trapezoidal shape and its round mouth protruding like a beak. Its two large round eyes are prominent on the top of its head. Adults typically display a bright yellow color, covered with scattered black spots. However, there are variations in color such as ochre and blue, sometimes with white spots or black-ringed white spots, especially in the Red Sea. Juveniles are blue to greenish, always with the same pattern.

This fish lives camouflaged among the gorgonians. it watches its prey from a promontory and swims quickly toward them to catch them before returning to it observation post. During the breeding season, the male performs a courtship display to attract the attention of a female.

The palette surgeonfish sports a pair of venomous, erectable scalpel spines at the base of its tail, used for self-defense against predators. It primarily dwells in small groups within coastal reefs. Its electric blue color inspired the character of Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory".

The juveniles of this species have very long fins. They often let themselves drift with the currents in all positions, so they look like dead leaves. Adults sometimes gather in huge schools.

At night, the yellowbanded sweetlips hunt benthic invertebrates in sandbanks and seagrass beds. During the day, they rest in the crevices and recesses of the reefs. This tropical species, which can grow over 70 cm, is targeted by fishermen in many Pacific Ocean islands.

The Emperor Angelfish is found from the Red Sea to the Great Barrier Reef. Juveniles hide under reef overhangs or in holes in outer lagoons, while adults prefer caves in coral-rich areas. These fish feed on sponges and form pairs for reproduction.