When diving in the Canary Islands, one can theoretically observe over 600 marine species. Of course, there are many species that are shy, prefer deeper waters, or are simply very rare in the region. Therefore, here is an overview of the 10 most common fish in the Canary Islands. Most of these fish can be seen on almost every dive.
Atlantic Damselfish
No reef in the Canary Islands is without the Atlantic Damselfish. If you dive over a lava reef and look up, you will occasionally see hundreds of small orange dots bustling around. These are Atlantic Damselfish, which prefer to stay in loose schools at mid-water depth.
Atlantic Damselfish
Bastard Grunt
Although the Bastard Grunt does not occur in large numbers on all islands, it is found in masses on the larger Canary Islands. Schools of several hundred fish like to stay on rocky reefs and leisurely swim in circles.
Bastard Grunt
Brown Pufferfish
The Brown Pufferfish is usually found in sandy reef areas. There are plenty of these in the Canary Islands, providing the best conditions for this occasionally intrusive fellow. Even during introductory dives, he is always present.
Brown Pufferfish
Brown Garden Eel
Yes, eels and moray eels are also considered fish. The Brown Garden Eel is almost never seen alone. While it does form small colonies, in most cases you will see them by the hundreds. However, they are very shy and quickly disappear into their burrows if a diver gets too close.
Brown Garden Eel
European Parrotfish
Parrotfish can be found in all colors around the globe. The European Parrotfish is the only representative in the Canary Islands but is very widespread. You see them on every dive without exception. Usually, they are solitary but can also appear in larger schools.
European Parrotfish
Black Moray Eel
The Black Moray Eel is by far the most common representative of the moray eel family. It is especially exciting to encounter them during night dives, as they move around freely then. During the day, you can find them hidden in caves, holes, and crevices. But even then, they make for a great photo subject and always have a smile ready.
Black Moray Eel
Bogue
Bogue here, Bogue there, what can I say, they are just everywhere. Sometimes alone, sometimes in small groups. Often, they can be found in schools with other fish species. A fish that can be observed during every introductory dive.
Bogue
Salema
Salema are one of the schooling fish you can observe while diving in the Canary Islands. They are less shy and occasionally allow you the opportunity to dive into a school. Their silver and gold shimmering appearance is always pleasing to watch.
Salema
Madeira Rockfish
Although the Madeira Rockfish is not necessarily noticeable at first glance, it is always there. Well-camouflaged among algae, under rocks, or on a reef. You should exercise some caution with them, as they have venomous spines on their backs, though they do not use them actively.
Madeira Rockfish
Macaronesian Sharpnose Pufferfish
A name that is quite a mouthful. Whether in colloquial or scientific terms, the Macaronesian Sharpnose Pufferfish is also a tongue twister. This fish can be found at every reef but is challenging to observe up close.
Macaronesian Sharpnose Pufferfish
Ornate Wrasse
Ornate WrasseAlso found at every reef, the Painted Comber is never alone. They gather in groups of around 20 fish, moving among the rocks. For every male, there is a whole harem of females. The sexes are easily distinguishable by their different patterns.
Ornate Wrasse
Atlantic Damselfish
The Atlantic Damselfish only grows to 10 cm, but it often acts like a much larger fish. If another fish approaches its territory or its eggs, it will chase away any intruder, no matter how big. It doesn’t even spare divers!
Atlantic Damselfish
Redlip Blenny
The Redlip Blenny prefers to stay in shallow water. It is the most widespread blenny in the Canary Islands. Its namesake feature is rarely seen up close because it’s difficult to get near them.
Redlip Blenny
Trumpetfish
Long and slow, the Trumpetfish is one of my personal favorites due to its unique shape. It’s less frequently seen on the eastern islands but much more often on the western ones. Additionally, it’s one of the few larger fish on this list.
Trumpetfish
Wide-eyed Flounder
So those were the 10, well, 15 most common fish of the Canary Islands. I just couldn’t decide. You can observe the majority of them on every dive. This gives the Atlantic a colorful baseline. Of course, there are many other fish that you see very often. Additionally, there are other marine life forms such as corals, nudibranchs, and echinoderms, etc.
Wide-eyed FlounderSo, those were the 10, or rather the 15, most common fish of the Canary Islands. I simply couldn’t decide. The majority of them can be observed on every dive. This already provides the Atlantic with a colorful backdrop. Of course, there are also many other fish that you see very often. In addition to the fish, there are also sea anemones, snails, echinoderms, and more…
