Fish ID?

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 1:10 pm Post subject: Fish ID?

WHAT AM I? fish

On my way back at Cemetery, I was very close to shore when I saw this.

I?m hoping some of you smart people with super duper fish books can help me with this. The jack behind it will give you an idea of its size. It was big! I don?t know what it is, but I know I haven?t seen it before! Maybe an ocean triggerfish?

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

That's called a Queen Triggerfish .... Nice pic ...

Look at page 23 of the CAG and you'll find a fish guide.... not every fish you might see, but covers most of them..

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 1:43 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Capt. Jack. I have a Caribbean Fish book, but I wanted a second opinion. The only thing was that it didn't have any of the pretty markings of the Queen Triggerfish. It was really fairly plain. Its tail fin didn't seem as decorative, for lack of a better term. It also looked a lot bigger than the Queens that we've seen, but then again they are usually 15 feet or so below us. This one was right next to me!

Posted: Tue May 08, 2007 7:49 pm Post subject:

I think what you are looking at is an Ocean Triggerfish.

Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 7:01 am Post subject:

Thanks, Rumrunner! Now for my next installment....

WHAT AM I? fish

This yellow worm-like guy was on the coral at the barrier reef. It moved like a caterpillar. It was in the entrance to a little cul-de-sac in the coral. I turned and made several passes to make sure I got a picture. It was definitely moving. Maybe a bristle worm? That?s the only thing in my book that looks even close.

Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 10:01 am Post subject:

You are right! clap

It is a fireworm. (I see in your trip report, you called it a bristle/fireworm). Anyway, I looked it up in my Reef Creatures book and it is a fireworm. I guess you could get quite a sting if you accidentally were to touch one!

I don't think I've ever seen one of these......not sure how often they are out in the open like that. You were lucky and very observant! Good for you!

Char

Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 1:40 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Char. Sometimes I'm impatient. It seemed like that was what it was, but I'm glad to have your verification.

It was really cool. I have one more. I'll put it on here and see how it goes!

WHAT AM I? fish

I spotted this when we were at Governor?s Beach. I should?ve taken more, because I have no guesses. I was probably in trouble again for not going back in when I was supposed to!

Top view

Side view

Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 2:07 pm Post subject:

Haltom~I had to chime in here and say I noticed your vacation to Petoskey is coming up soon. I'm from Michigan and have been there several times. It's a really beautiful area with lots to do. I hope you enjoy it!

Posted: Thu May 10, 2007 2:15 pm Post subject:

theuhens,

Yes, we like it there, too. We are lucky enough to have a friend with a cabin there. We go with some long-time friends and their kids. Our husbands act like kids Rolling Eyes

and the little ones have fun, too. Last year's child activity was Diet Coke and Mentos. Who knows what will happen this time?!