Southwest 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.

Commonly known as the porkfish, this species is native to the western tropical Atlantic Ocean. During the day, this fish seeks refuge alone or in small groups in crevices while actively hunting mollusks and crustaceans once night falls. Juveniles participate in cleaning sessions for larger fish.

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 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 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.

The tiger shark is the third largest shark in the world. It is recognizable by its distinctive stripes along its sides, and by its short, flat snout. Tiger sharks are opportunistic hunters, known for their "bite-and-see" exploratory behavior to assess the nutritional value of their prey. These sharks generally prefer shallow waters, but can sometimes be found at greater depths.

The atlantic nurse shark is found in the Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico to southern Brazil. It spends most of the day resting under rocky shelters or in caves. This nocturnal predator feeds mainly on crustaceans, sea urchins, mollusks, and fish. It is oviparous and reaches sexual maturity at around 220 cm.

This species of seahorse is covered with bony plates and can hang on gorgonians or algae with its prehensile tail. During mating, the female lays its eggs in the pouch of the male: the "Marsupium". When the development of the juveniles is completed, it is the male who "gives birth"!