Phuket Marine Guide / Schooling Fish

Pickhandle Barracuda

Unlike the schooling blackfin barracuda, this species has a yellow tail and is larger in size. They usually do not form large schools, often seen in pairs or trios. Also called Yellowfin (Tail) Barracuda. Found at Shark Point near Marine Park and Dok Mai Island.

Oxeye Scad

Previously called Longfin Trevally, now identified as a separate species. Can be seen gathering at Bay 1 of Racha Yai Island during the high season.

Yellowband Fusilier

Silver body with vivid yellow stripes and a black spot at the edge of the tail. Found at dive sites around Marine Park, King Cruiser, Shark Point, and Dok Mai Island.

Yellowtail Barracuda

Small barracuda often seen in schools around shallow coral reefs. Called Yellowtail Barracuda due to the yellowish tail. Found in shallow areas around Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands.

Bigeye Snapper

Can form such large schools that your buddy may disappear from view. Found at dive sites in Phi Phi, Bida Nok, and Turtle Rock, where they form wall-like aggregations called the "Golden Wall".

Longfin Batfish

Flat-faced fish. Juveniles sometimes display what seems like courtship behavior towards divers and are popular among divers. Size ranges from 0.5 m to 1 m. Found around Phi Phi and Marine Park.

Java Rabbitfish

Named for its rabbit-like face, but has venomous dorsal fins. About 50 cm in length. Found around Phi Phi and Marine Park areas.

Neon Fusilier

Overall pale bluish body with a fluorescent blue line running from behind the eye to the tail. Very beautiful. Found throughout the Phuket area.

Yellowdash Fusilier

Similar to the Neon Fusilier but with a fluorescent yellow line running from behind the eye to the tail. Found at Bida Nok Island and Shark Point.

Yellowback Fusilier

Resembles the Blue-and-Gold Fusilier but differs by having a yellow stripe extending over the head. Found at Bida Nok Island and Shark Point.

Yellowband Fusilier

Silver body with vivid yellow lines and a black spot at the tail edge. Smaller among fusiliers, usually swimming in shallow to mid-water. Found at Bida Nok Island and Shark Point.

Yellowfin Goatfish

Appears yellow underwater but turns red when caught, hence the name. Found in shallow coral reef areas around Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands.

Spotted Garden Eel

Named after its face resembling a Japanese Chin dog. Lives in relatively shallow sandy areas, extending part of its body to feed on drifting plankton. Found in sandy areas of Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands.

Bluelined Snapper

Yellow body with four white vertical stripes. Often forms schools in shallow reef areas. Found in sandy areas of Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands.

Two-spot Snapper

Brown body with thick white stripes and two prominent white spots. About 20 cm in length. Found in shallow areas of Bida Nok Island, Phi Phi Island.

Sea Goldie

Named for its goldfish-like color. Forms large schools in well-circulated coral reefs and rocky slopes.

Glassfish

Each individual is very small and almost transparent, including the bones. They form schools that cover rocks along the reef. The sunlight reflecting off these fish creates a stunning underwater scene.