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Five Species of Tropical Fish You Need to Sea on Your Fiji Luxury Vacation

Scuba diving, snorkeling, and crystal clear waters of Fiji are the reasons my family first came to Fiji. And these same attractions were huge influences on the location, design, and continued culture at Raiwasa Private Resort.

Since, that first trip to Taveuni, I’ve been on dozens of dives and even more snorkel adventures out on the Rainbow Reef. Yet, the marine life and colorful coral found here continues to impress me. As I’ve learned more about the species of tropical fish, types of corals and tiny nudibranch found in Fiji, diving and snorkeling these activities have become even more enjoyable. I want to share some of this ever-growing knowledge with you, starting with five tropical fish you must look for during your Fiji luxury vacation.

#1: The Regal Emperor Angelfish

Many angelfish are beloved for their intense colors and unique patterns, and the Emperor angelfish is no different. Identified by its large size, vivid black, blue, and yellow color scheme and odd stripes, the Emperor angelfish isn’t difficult to find during a scuba dive or snorkeling experience in Fiji. Plus, their love of soft coral makes them an abundant species in Fijian waters.

The noticeable black lining around the eyes of an Emperor angelfish offsets the mesmerizing blue and yellow stripes on its body. This unique eye marking looks suspiciously like a bandit’s mask, and so its no wonder these fish steal a lot of attention when spotted underwater.

#2: Playful & Coy Clownfish

Nemo has become a household name, and along with it widespread recognition of an adorable, little tropical fish called the clownfish. There are actually several species of clownfish, and they come in different color combinations and patterns. Nemo is specifically a Percula clownfish, identified by his bright orange color and sharp white stripes.

Other species of clownfish can be a darker orange, yellow, maroon, and even pink. This variety of color reflects the diversity of the species and evolution of the varieties. You can see several types of clownfish in the water around Taveuni and other Fijian Islands. The best place to look is among their favorite hiding place and home, the sea anemone.

#3: The Impressively Dangerous Lionfish

While the lionfish is truly one of the world’s most impressive saltwater fish, it is also a dangerous one. All 10 species of lionfish are venomous. The strength of this venom is enough to make a human being seriously ill or worse. The venom is contained in the lionfish’s noticeable spines that run along its back. Depending on the species and size of the lionfish, there can be up to 13 of these dangerous spikes. Therefore, under no circumstances should a scuba diver or snorkeler touch a lionfish.

You can identify the lionfish by its distinctive stripes. These stripes can vary in color and size but are unique to the genus of fish. These tropical fish are also characterized by billowing, feathered pectoral fins on either side their bodies. While these fins attract the attention of underwater cameras, they actually serve a more sinister purpose – to entice smaller prey. The lionfish is an adept underwater hunter and carnivore. There are even instances of cannibalism within the species. However, viewing these fish from a safe distance is one of the most spectacular underwater experiences while on your Fiji luxury vacation.

#4: Large and In Charge Surgeonfish

Again, surgeonfish come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. You can several different species of surgeonfish while on your Fiji luxury vacation, but one type, in particular, fascinates scuba divers and snorkelers alike – the Palette surgeonfish. The Palette surgeonfish, also called a Regal Blue Tang, receive additional attention from underwater photographers and catches the eye because of its bright blue color.

In fact, the Regal Blue Tang has also become a highly renowned movie star in the form of Dory, the forgetful fish that accompanies Nemo to find his dad. You can find Dory for yourself in many of the reefs and shallow blue water in Fiji.

#5: Finally the Aggressive, But Beautiful, Triggerfish

If there is one tropical fish known for causing a scene underwater, it’s definitely the triggerfish. There are over 40 species of triggerfish, and quite a few are frequently found around Taveuni. You are more likely to see these underwater enforcers when scuba diving, but they occasionally come to more shallow water at various times. These larger fish – they can grow up to 25 centimeters in length – are also beautiful, with unique striped and spotted patterns across the various species.

Triggerfish aren’t always overly aggressive. But during mating season, scuba divers and snorkelers must take care. In an effort to protect their nests and guard their hard-won territory, triggerfish will come after fins and fingers, even chasing humans for a few minutes and a good distance from their homes. As well, triggerfish can swim forward, backward, and sideways, giving them a definite underwater advantage over us slower and less adept humans.

Booking a Scuba or Snorkel Experience

Spending some time underwater is a necessity while on a Fiji luxury vacation, and at Raiwasa Private Resort we offer both scuba and snorkel experiences that reflect our commitment to elite, exceptional travel. We work with the best scuba dive shops on Taveuni to ensure our guests have the experience of a lifetime on the Somosomo Strait. Want to learn more about the tours and activities offered through Raiwasa? Visit our website.