5 Beautiful Fish Species to Discover at Secret Bay

One of the reasons Secret Bay has been assigned the designation of an eco-luxury resort is that we have worked hard to preserve and re-establish the wildlife that thrives on the beautiful island of Dominica, while allowing you to experience it. In our self-published book, Life is Precious, we explore the flora and fauna that is native to our island and the species you can expect to see during your stay at Secret Bay.

This spotlight on our miraculous marine life is the first in an article series that will bring to light the amazing living world around us, above us and within the warm waters below.

Gramma Loreto

• Family Name: Grammatidae
• Local Name: Fairy Basslet
• Size: 2 in
• Habitat: Under dark ledges

Fairy basslets are easy to spot due to their vibrant purple fronts and yellow tails. These coral reef inhabitants can often be seen swimming upside down beneath cave ceilings, ledges and other natural shelves of the reef. Fairy basslets feed mostly on small crustaceans and make a great snack for larger reef life like eels.

Lactophrys triqueter

• Family Name: Ostraciidae
• Local Name: Smooth Trunkfish
• Size: 8 in
• Habitat: Reef top

The smooth trunkfish is known for its unusual shape (triangular from the front) and its seemingly pursed lips—an elongated mouth that’s used to blow water into crevices to expose prey such as crustaceans and mollusks.

Scarus Taeniopterus

• Family name: Scaridae
• Local Name: Princess Parrotfish
• Size: 12 in
• Habitat: Grazing on reef structure

The parrotfish is named as such because of the shape of its mouth. Beak-like, they use these strong plates to grind up dead coral skeletons and graze the algae that lives upon them. Their bodies vary in color pattern within shades of blue and green, and a pink stripe runs along the base of their dorsal fin.

Scorpaena plumieri

• Family Name: Scorpaenidae
• Local Name: Spotted Scorpionfish
• Size: 12 in
• Habitat: Rests on bottom using camoflauge to snap up prey.

Spotted scorpionfish are best known for their ability to camoflage due to their coloring and texture. This is the primary way they sneak up on prey. Caution should be used while diving into rocky areas, as this fish can produce a painful venom if stepped on, which is treated with hot water.

Gymnothorax funebris

• Family Name: Muraenidae
• Local Name: Spotted Moray
• Size: 3 ft
• Habitat: Under ledges and in crevices

Spotted morays are solitary animals that hide in narrow crevices of the coral reef. Their beautiful spots make them a spectacle while snorkeling and they are not aggressive unless provoked. This eel is often seen pumping water over its gills by opening and closing its mouth.