Marine Animals to Spot in Maldives: A Hidden World of Vibrant Colours

Easily recognised by their large ‘wings’ and graceful movements, Manta Rays are the largest rays in the world. They are highly intelligent and can create mental maps of their environment which suggests good long-term memory. Manta Rays can be found in large numbers at Hanifaru Bay in the northern Baa Atoll. The hotels or resorts nearby like Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort provide ample opportunity to witness these creatures at Hanifaru Bay.

Known for their vibrant colours and parrot-like beaks, Parrotfish play an essential role in maintaining the corals and reefs of the oceans. Their hard ‘beaks’ help them feed on large chunks of coral, which are then pulverised with grinding teeth in their throats. Parrotfish often excrete the undigested bits of coral, which make up much of the ‘sand’ found around their habitat.

This solitary species is easily recognised by the white, yellow and black vertical bars on its body, which have made it one of the more iconic species in the Maldives. Although they are often sought after to be kept in aquariums, these vibrant fish do not survive well in captivity.

Also known as the Flutemouth, this is a long-bodied fish that resembles a flute or trumpet. Despite this seemingly innocent appearance, trumpet fish are agile predators, staying camouflaged until they use their mouths to suck in unsuspecting prey in the blink of an eye! You’ll find them in various colours including blue, red and yellow.

This species of surgeonfish blends well in the waters with their bodies ranging from light to dark blue, with a distinctive yellow stripe on their dorsal fin. Often found in large groups, these fish can be aggressive when threatened, often injuring their rivals with the sharp section on their tail called a ‘scalpel’.

This is the third largest creature in the ocean and is easily recognised by the unique display of light spots and stripes on its black body. Just like human fingerprints, each whale shark has its own distinctive set of spots and stripes that help researchers identify and track them. Despite their size whale sharks are harmless to humans and many divers can swim up close with them. If you choose to stay at a beach villa in Maldives, you’ll get the chance to explore the waters and swim with these magnificent animals.

While there are many species of clownfish, the most common of them is endemic to the Maldives. While it isn’t the exact species of Pixar’s popular character Nemo, it does make its home among the tentacles of anemone, just like Nemo. It is the only fish that can live in symbiosis with an anemone due to a bodily mucus that protects it from the poisonous tentacles of the anemone.

This is yet another mesmerising fish to look out for with its signature bright yellow tail and white body, with a large black stripe across its eye. In addition to its noticeable colours, this fish features a series of oblique grey lines that run across its body and meet at perfect right angles to create an intricate pattern.

This is the most common shark you’ll find in the Maldives, easily spotted by the black-coloured tip of its dorsal fin. These sharks pose no threat to humans and will quickly shy away when approached. Adult blacktips can grow over 2 metres and can be seen even on the beach or a few metres away when snorkelling.

This is one of the larger species of triggerfish in the Maldives, growing up to around 1 foot in length. Its unique name refers to the beautiful pattern on its body that resembles a painting. Despite their beauty, these fish are extremely territorial, using their sharp teeth and retractable spines on their dorsal fins to protect themselves and their eggs.