Great Barrier Reef - List of fishes

Easily recognizable by its shape and blue color, this triggerfish naturally lives in groups in the turbulent waters near coral reefs. During the breeding season, males and females pair up to build a nest. They fiercely defend this small territory against other fish species and, more broadly, against any intrusion, even human.

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.