List of Fish in the Maldives – Discovering the Underwater Paradise at the Archipelago

Although the name might seem threatening, the Whale Shark is anything but threatening. A filter feeder, the Whale Shark's diet consists of planktons or small fishes. Being the largest of all living fishes, there is no chance that you will mistake the Whale Shark for any other fish. However, if you do need some distinguishable signs, it has a unique spotting along its body and a wide mouth that contains rows of minute teeth. It also has a wide head and has white bars along the top of its body next to the spots. Being endangered, the Whale Shark is one of the protected species in the Maldives marine life.

Torpedo Rays are somewhat hard to spot thanks to their excellent camouflage techniques. They can grow to a length of sixty-five centimetres and usually live till twenty-five to thirty years. They can be identified by their wide and flat bodies, small snout and long fins. The Torpedo Ray is listed as severely endangered and the main threat to its existence are humans.

One of the most iconic sea creatures, the Oceanic Manta Ray is the largest of all rays. Growing up to almost seven meters, these gentle beasts are known to weigh almost two tons and are harmless to humans. They lack the poisonous sting of the stingrays and they survive on plankton and tiny fishes. There are plenty of Manta sites in the Maldives where one can take a look at these fascinating sea creatures. Resorts such as Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort can hook you up with a tour of such diving spots.

The largest of all eels, the Moray Eel is an unnerving sight, there is no doubt about that. There are about hundred different variations of the moray eel and they can be found in all types of water bodies, fresh water, salt water and brackish water. Moray Eels generally like warm water and can be found lurking around in the surrounding reef of any island.

Lurking around bays and reefs, the Blacktip Reef Shark grows to a length of about four to five feet. One of the most common marine species in the Maldives, spotting the Blacktip Reef Shark is not a difficult task as they frequent the surface of the water and around schools of fishes. They have long noses, the trademark grey colour on the top and white underneath. The tip of the fins is black in colour, which explains the name of the shark. Their diet usually consists of fish, crustacean, squids and octopuses. They live for around twelve years and are listed as threatened species. This is because the shark's fins are highly prized as a delicacy.