Phuket Marine Guide / Other Creatures

Christmas Tree Worm

A polychaete worm living on rocks or stony corals in reef areas. Exhibits rich color variations, including red, blue, yellow, and green. Found throughout Phuket’s nearby waters.

Durban Hinge-Beck Shrimp

Known for its red body with white stripes. Also recognized as a cleaner shrimp. Found at dive sites around Phi Phi Islands, Marine Park, and Shark Point.

Banded Coral Shrimp

A cleaning shrimp with striking red and white coloration. Usually hides behind rocks during the day and is hard to spot without looking carefully into crevices.

Rock Cleaner Shrimp

Transparent body with reddish-brown spots. Acts as a cleaner shrimp for large moray eels and groupers. Found in darker areas like cave entrances and rock crevices.

Celestial Phyllidia

A relatively large species of nudibranch, easy to spot. Found throughout Phuket’s nearby waters.

Serpent Pteraeolidia

Named for its appearance resembling purple cerata. Feeds on jellyfish and accumulates their toxins for protection. Contains symbiotic zooxanthellae that contribute to its beautiful purple coloration.

Crown-of-Thorns Starfish

Feeds on coral and significantly impacts reef ecosystems. Its spines are poisonous; accidental stings can cause swelling and may trigger anaphylactic shock. Exercise caution when handling for removal.

Diadema Urchin

Spiky sea urchins common worldwide. Hides in rock shadows during the day, becomes active at night. Certain areas near Phi Phi Islands and Marine Park have high concentrations.

Blue Sea Star

A large starfish with arms exceeding 10 cm in length. Most individuals are blue, but green or brownish ones can also be seen.

Pharaoh Cuttlefish

Near Phuket, courtship behavior can be observed from December to February. Divers approaching during this time may be threatened by the cuttlefish. Size ranges from 20–50 cm. Found around Racha Yai Island and Shark Point.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

Considered the most colorful mantis shrimp, but its powerful claws can crush shells and crabs. Never touch it.

Harlequin Snake Eel

Resembles the highly venomous black-headed sea snake but is non-venomous. Found near Racha Yai Island, Racha Noi Island, and Phi Phi Islands.

Giant Moray

Known as the Giant Moray in English, can grow up to 3 meters. Its bite is not venomous, but consuming it may cause food poisoning.

Porcelain Anemone Crab

Shaped like a crab but actually a type of shrimp (distinguishable by the number of legs). Lives under sea anemones and appears above during feeding times in the morning and evening.

Feather Star

Found worldwide, usually attached to rocks. Feather stars can cling to wetsuits, so beginner divers or those unable to maintain neutral buoyancy may accidentally bring them back unknowingly.

Soft Coral (Alcyonacea)

Many polyps with eight tentacles form colonies 10–50 cm tall. Colonies are often red or yellow, making them popular with underwater photographers. Found near Phi Phi Islands and Marine Park (Shark Point).

Sea Fan

Extends like a net to catch nutrients carried by water currents. Shark Point has areas with abundant large sea fans.