Phuket Marine Life Guide / Endemic Species

Aurora Goby

The Indian Ocean version of the Pacific Pinkbar Goby. It is characterized by a red tear-like mark under the eye and beautiful spots on its tail fin. Found in sandy areas around Raya Yai and Raya Noi islands.

Indian Vagabond Butterflyfish

The Indian Ocean version of the Pacific Vagabond Butterflyfish. The name "Vagabond" refers to its wandering nature. Observed along the reef slopes around Raya Yai and Raya Noi islands.

Indian Dascyllus

Resembling the Pacific Two-stripe Damselfish, but lacking the black horizontal band on the tail fin, making it the Indian Ocean counterpart. Lives among corals and quickly hides in gaps when approached. Found around Raya Yai and Raya Noi islands.

Indian Dragon

Resembling the Pacific Sohal Triggerfish, but with white-bordered tail fins, making it an endemic species of the Indian Ocean. Found throughout the Phuket area.

Tiger-tail Seahorse

Length: 5–10 cm. Long snout, body coloration mostly yellow and dark brown. Observed at Shark Point near Marine Park.

Coral Red-tailed Butterflyfish

The Indian Ocean version of the Pacific Eightband Butterflyfish. A distinctive black line above the eye resembling an eyebrow. Found throughout Phuket. Length: 10 cm.

Tomato Anemonefish

Juveniles have a white stripe behind the eye like the Tomato Clownfish. Adults lose the white stripe, retaining only black spots. Length: 5–10 cm. Found at dive sites around Phi Phi Islands and Marine Park.

Andaman Foxface

Named for its fox-like facial appearance. Found throughout Phuket, but in small numbers.

Indian Flame Fairy Basslet

The Indian Ocean version of the Pacific Lyretail Anthias. Often observed mixed among Anthias. Length: 2–7 cm. Found around Raya Yai and Raya Noi islands.

Skunk Anemonefish

The Indian Ocean version of the Pacific Saddleback Clownfish, characterized by a pink body and pure white dorsal fin. Found throughout the Phuket area.

Powder Blue Surgeonfish

An iconic endemic species of the Indian Ocean. In the Maldives, they are often seen in schools, but around Phuket, they are usually solitary. Observed at rocky dive sites around Raya Noi and Phi Phi Islands.

Emperor Angelfish

Also found in the Pacific, but Indian Ocean individuals around Phuket differ slightly. Pacific specimens have elongated rear dorsal fins, whereas Indian Ocean ones have rounded rear dorsal fins. Observed at rocky dive sites around Raya Yai and Phi Phi Islands.

Blue-ringed Angelfish

Also found in the Pacific, but Phuket individuals (Indian Ocean) differ slightly. Opposite to Emperor Angelfish: Pacific ones have rounded rear dorsal fins, while Indian Ocean ones have elongated rear dorsal fins. Observed at rocky dive sites around Raya Yai and Phi Phi Islands.

Andaman Sweetlips

Believed to be a hybrid of Butterflyfish species. Inhabits the Indian Ocean but is not very abundant. Very shy, quickly hiding in rock crevices when approached by divers.

Andaman Amsel

An endemic species of the Andaman Sea resembling Damselfish. Metallic blue body, lives singly or in small groups near the seabed. Very timid and quickly hides in holes. Length: approx. 5 cm. Observed at rubble sites around Raya Yai and Raya Noi islands.

Black Pyramid Butterflyfish

The Indian Ocean version of the Pacific Pyramid Butterflyfish. Often seen swimming in schools slightly away from the reef mid-water.

Indian Bannerfish

The Indian Ocean version of the Moorish Idol. A charming fish with small spines above the eyes that resemble curled eyelashes.