Eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean - List of fishes

The caribbean sergeant major is a tropical fish associated with coral reefs and rocky tropical areas of the western Atlantic Ocean. This small schooling fish has a morphologically very close cousin throughout the Indo-Pacific region: A. sexfasciatus.

Aetomylaeus bovinus, also known as the duckbill eagle ray, is one of the largest rays in the Mediterranean. This species, found in the tropical and warm waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean, is still poorly studied but appears to be endangered in the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. It frequents coastal areas and mainly feeds on crustaceans and mollusks, such as mussels, oysters, and gastropods.

It is found between 30 and 200 meters deep. It lives near cavities where it takes refuge in case of danger. The male has large pectoral fins and is surrounded by a harem of a dozen females. If it dies, the dominant female becomes a male (protogynous hermaphroditism).

Carcharhinus falciformis, known as the silky shark, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas. However, this species is threatened due to overfishing, and is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Recognizable by its elongated and slender body, gray back, and white belly, this fast and aggressive predator feeds on fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.

The bull shark is listed in most tropical and subtropical seas. It is feared due to its propensity to attack humans, being responsible for most recorded fatal attacks to date. This active predator primarily hunts in murky waters. It is capable of swimming long distances and adapts to changes in salinity, frequenting estuaries, coves along the coasts, and waters with high turbidity.

Carcharodon carcharias, known as the white shark, is found in the coastal and oceanic waters of temperate and sub-tropical oceans and seas worldwide. A solitary predator, it feeds on fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals, and can also scavenge on whale carcasses. With a keen sense of sight, it is curious and observant towards objects and activities. It is sometimes responsible for attacks on surfers.

The long-spine porcupinefish is a pufferfish found in the majority of tropical and subtropical marine areas around the globe. Juveniles can be found in small groups. As they age, this species becomes more solitary. Specialized in hunting mollusks and small crustaceans, this fish exhibits a seemingly clumsy swimming behavior.

The dorsal fin of the fish, turned into suction cup allows it to cling to other animals. It sticks mostly to the body of the animal, but also in the mouth or near the gills of some "hosts" (mantas, sharks ...). it often eats its host food leftovers.

The dusky grouper is a major predator of shallow rocky areas, hunting stealthily for octopuses, invertebrates, and fish. Despite its global distribution, it is threatened by overfishing. This species has been protected on the French Mediterranean coast since 1993. The combined effects of regulations, climate change, and marine protected areas contribute to the successful restoration of grouper populations, which are increasing once again.

Unlike many other sea Sparidae (sea bream, bream ...), it lives near the surface. It is sometimes found in ports where it feeds on waste. In some countries, it is highly prized by fishermen although its flesh is rather soft.

The blue shark, also known as the "blue skin shark," is a pelagic predator found in temperate and tropical marine waters, with occasional sightings near the coast. Its wide distribution, however, is threatened by overfishing. Recognizable by its blue back and white belly, this sleek-bodied shark mainly feeds on small fish, mollusks, cephalopods, and sometimes birds.

The whale shark, the largest living shark in the world, frequents tropical and subtropical waters, excluding the Mediterranean Sea. Despite its massive size, it is harmless to humans. Its population has declined due to fishing, and its conservation remains a challenge. These sharks move slowly and feed on plankton, small fish, crustaceans, and squid. They undertake seasonal migrations, and some populations are relatively isolated. Concerns have been raised about the impacts of tourism on their behavior.

During the day, it lives in schools and often "grazes" Posidonia leaves (underwater flowering plant). It also eats small animals that live hanging on the leaves. Juveniles live in very shallow waters. It flesh, soft and bland, is not appreciated.

It often lives below 30 meters depth. In the spring, it goes close to the surface to spawn in the sea grass. Its spines are venomous. The sting is very painful, but rarely fatal. It is one of the essential ingredients of bouillabaisse.