Wrasse
Wrasse are one of the most common fish in the Great Barrier Reef, but though they are common, they are still spectacular. These fish can live for 30 years and can grow up to two meters. They have a distinctive bump on their heads and large lips, making them easily recognisable.
Despite living so long, and being relatively common in this area, wrasse are sadly an endangered species.
Triggerfish
Another easily recognisable fish of the Great Barrier Reef is the triggerfish, with beautiful lines and spots that separate them from the rest of the fish in this reef system. Triggerfish are feisty creatures, known to be very aggressive, often biting other fish with their strong jaws.
Surgeonfish
On your Great Barrier Reef adventure you might even meet Dory! The surgeonfish, now famous from Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, is also known as a pacific blue tang. This fish is one of the many vital elements of the wildlife, keeping the Great Barrier Reef alive by eating algae and keeping the algae on corals down to a manageable level. While most of us know the bright blue of Dory, you might also find surgeonfish in light violet and even yellow colours if you see one young enough.
Clownfish
And then, of course, there’s Nemo. He can be found in the Whitsundays as part of your Great Barrier Reef adventure. This little guy is an anemone fish, very popular amongst the diving and snorkelling community as they can be found often in shallow waters. Clownfish are very small and protect themselves by hiding in anemones, but their distinctive orange and white colours make them easy to spot.
Whether you’re planning a sailing and snorkelling adventure, or if you are planning to learn to scuba dive to explore the Great Barrier Reef, these are some of the fish you will discover. That’s not all, though, as there are literally thousands more waiting for you to find them on your Great Barrier Reef adventure. Check out our private charters to book a Great Barrier Reef adventure with us!
