Fish, coral, rays and other marine species documented in Maldivian waters.
| Name | Dhivehi | Scientific | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
Dhonkaru dhanbaa | Chrysiptera unimaculata | Chrysiptera unimaculata is sometimes confused with C. biocellata, but the former… | |
Filolhu | Lutjanus monostigma | Lutjanus monostigma is a moderately common species in the Maldives and is often … | |
Ran geri | Naso lituratus | Naso lituratus is one of the most beautiful Maldivian reef fishes, with its stri… | |
Dhaifuku rondu | Balistapus undulatus | The Balistapus undulatus is a common inhabitant of the Maldivian reefs and an in… | |
Kandu guruva | Plectorhinchus vittatus | Plectorhinchus vittatus is the most commonly seen Sweetlips in the Maldivian ree… | |
Bisburu bibee | Chaetodon trifasciatus | The Pacific population of Chaetodon trifasciatus, sometimes recognized as a dist… | |
Rongu dhanbaa | Stegastes fasciolatus | Stegastes fasciolatus is common throughout most of its range, but it is not well… | |
Kilanbu guruva | Diagramma pictum | Diagramma pictum can easily be distinguished from other sweetlips by its short f… | |
Dhon noo kaalhu | Paracanthurus hepatus | Paracanthurus hepatus is one of the most beautiful reef fishes, but it is not co… | |
Hunike | Pomacentrus pavo | Pomacentrus pavo is superficially similar in appearance to Chromis viridis, as s… | |
Mas faana | Cephalopholis argus | Cephalopholis argus is the most common and widespread species of the genus, and … | |
Saamaraa hikaa | Xyrichthys pavo | The Xyrichthys pavo lives on open sandy areas and dives into the sand when it se… | |
Haluvi venfunna | Entomacrodus striatus | Entomacrodus striatus is the most common and widely-spread species of its genus,… | |
Raagondi koli | Lagocephalus lagocephalus | Although Lagocephalus lagocephalus is not common in the Maldives, it is occasion… | |
Thikijehi boadhi | Fowleria punctulata | Isostigma (Jordan and Seale) is a synonym of Fowleria punctulata, which is very … | |
Raiykothari raiverimas | Sargocentron punctatissimum | The Sargocentron punctatissimum, like other squirrelfishes, is essentially noctu… | |
Dhon nigoo dhanbaa | Pomacentrus philippinus | In the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Pomacentrus philippinus has a distinctive yellow … | |
Gabulhi rondu | Rhinecanthus aculeatus | Rhinecanthus aculeatus is a very common inhabitant of Maldivian reefs, often see… | |
Kafihi mas | Naucrates ductor | Naucrates ductor has a semi-obligate commensal relationship with large sharks, r… | |
Berebedhi dhanbodu | Myripristis murdjan | Myripristis murdjan is a common species in the Maldives that can be distinguishe… | |
Berebedhi raiverimas | Sargocentron tiereoides | Sargocentron tiereoides is an uncommon species, and the first record of it from … | |
Aila | Coryphaena equiselis | Coryphaena equiselis is much rarer than C. hippurus, but they are so similar tha… | |
Kattelhi | Promethichthys prometheus | This record of Promethichthys prometheus is based on a series of photographs tak… | |
Maaniyaa mas | Elagatis bipinnulata | Elagatis bipinnulata is sometimes associated with schools of Skipjack tuna (Kats… | |
Thun raiy filolhu | Lethrinus conchyliatus | Lethrinus conchyliatus resembles the adult form of L. variegates in general appe… | |
Lah fathaa | Archamia fucata | Archamia fucata is sometimes used by Maldivian fishermen as bait, although it is… | |
Raiy onugandu tholhi | Fistularia petimba | A specimen of Fistularia petimba, which served as the basis for this report, was… | |
Ginimas faana | Aethaloperca rogaa | Aethaloperca rogaa is a moderately common fish that normally occurs singly along… | |
Raiy hulhunbu hikaa | Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis | Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis is likely to be fairly common in the Maldives, however… | |
Raiy thiki alathandu | Parapercis schauinslandi | Parapercis schauinslandi is a moderately deep-dwelling species whose color patte… | |
Raiy thiki hikaa | Pseudocoris yamashiroi | Pseudocoris yamashiroi is commonly found on the deeper parts of outer reef slope… | |
Venubandeyri | Corythoichthys haematopterus | Corythoichthys haematopterus is of little interest to aquarists, and was previou… | |
Dhon kothari fathirondu | Pervagor janthinosoma | Pervagor janthinosoma is closely related to P. alternans and P. aspricaudus; how… | |
Dhon faana | Epinephelus retouti | Epinephelus retouti is very similar in appearance to E. fasciatus, but can be di… | |
Vaalan rondu | Odonus niger | The Odunus niger, the most common Maldivian triggerfish, can often be seen swimm… | |
Gabulhi fattaa rondu | Rhinecanthus rectangulus | The Rhinecanthus rectangulus can be easily distinguished from the R. aculeatus b… | |
Kula kokaamas | Pygoplites diacanthus | The stunning coloration of Pygoplites diacanthus makes it a favorite among aquar… | |
Hima fathirondu | Pseudalutarius nasicornis | It appears that Pseudalutarius nasicornis is relatively rare in the Maldives, li… | |
Gaa furolhaa hikaa | Novaculichthys taeniourus | Novaculichthys taeniourus is a popular aquarium fish, well-known for its ability… | |
Dhon olhu faana | Plectropomus pessuliferus | Plectropomus pessuliferus has been characterized as an uncommon species, but it … | |
Lah kattelhi | Rexea prometheoides | R. V. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen caught specimens of Rexea prometheoides near the north… | |
Fashuvi rankaru mas | Aphareus rutilans | Of the two related species of Aphareus, the larger one appears to dwell deeper i… | |
Raiverimas | Sargocentron spiniferum | Sargocentron spiniferum is the largest of the squirrelfishes and is frequently t… | |
Asdhaanu bibee | Chaetodon falcula | The popular aquarium fish Chaetodon falcula is closely related to C. ulietensis … | |
Thaavalha | Hypoatherina temminckii | Hypoatherina temminckii is occasionally used as bait, and fishermen sometimes re… | |
Huifathu bohmas | Histrio histrio | Unlike other frogfishes, Histrio histrio is a pelagic species which can be found… | |
Kashikeyo mas | Pseudanthias squamipinnis | Pseudanthias squamipinnis is the most common species of the genus found on shall… | |
Kaaligandu miyaru | Sphyrna lewini | There are possibly three species of hammerhead sharks that occur in the Maldives… | |
Fulah hikaa | Cheilinus fasciatus | Cheilinus fasciatus is one of the most brightly-colored members of its genus, wh… | |
Kula bohmas | Antennarius coccineus | Although Antennarius coccineus is not rare, its camouflage and infrequent moveme… | |
Ali dhanbodu | Myripristis pralinia | The Myripristis pralinia can be best identified by its restricted shoulder bar, … | |
Dhidha bibee | Heniochus diphreutes | Heniochus diphreutes is one of the most common Maldivian butterflyfishes, and it… | |
Fankaa fathirondu | Aluterus scriptus | Aluterus scriptus is one of the largest filefishes, similar to A. monoceros; how… | |
Saiboani mas | Amphiprion sebae | Amphiprion sebae and Amphipron clarkii are similar in appearance, but the latter… | |
Baiburu kokaamas | Pomacanthus semicirculatus | Pomacanthus semicirculatus is rare in the Maldives, but a pair of them lived on … | |
Gui burandha | Abudefduf septemfasciatus | Abudefduf septemfasciatus is similar to A. sordidus, but lacks the black spot on… | |
Hiyani dhanbodu | Myripristis adusta | Myripristis adusta is the largest species of the genus, and its size and distinc… | |
Hohalha hikaa | Wetmorella nigropinnata | Wetmerella nigropinnata is rarely seen by divers due to its cryptic habits. W. p… | |
Thundhigu madu miyaru | Heptranchias perlo | A specimen of Heptranchias perlo weighing 4.2 kg was caught by bottom trawl in 2… | |
Woshimas miyaru | Isurus oxyrinchus | Isurus oxyrinchus is an extremely fast and powerful shark, as evidenced by its n… | |
Fahdhemi dhanbodu | Myripristis kuntee | Myripristis kuntee is apparently closely related to M. pralinia; however, it has… | |
Femunu miyaru | Negaprion acutidens | Negaprion acutidens is a species of shark in the family Carcharhinidae. It is al… | |
Lah kalhuoh’ | Parupeneus pleurostigma | Parupeneus pleurostigma is a fairly common goatfish in the Maldives, and the mal… | |
Oivaali miyaru, Ainu miyaru | Carcharhinus falciformis | Carcharhinus falciformis is one of the most common oceanic sharks in Maldivian w… | |
Asdhaanu raiverimas | Sargocentron caudimaculatum | Sargocentron caudimaculatum is one of the most common squirrelfishes in the Mald… | |
Rehi | Spratelloides gracilis | Spratelloides gracilis is one of the most widely used baits for pole and line tu… | |
Dhon bureki | Pseudanthias cooperi | Pseudanthias cooperi is often misidentified as Pseudanthias taeniatus Klunzinger… | |
Giulhu koli | Lagocephalus sceleratus | Lagocephalus sceleratus is one of the largest species of the family Lagocephalid… | |
Kattafulhi miyaru | Carcharhinus albimarginatus | Carcharhinus albimarginatus is said to be very aggressive, with individuals ofte… | |
Kaashi hikaa | Thalassoma hardwicke | Thalassoma schwanefeldii (Bleeker) is a synonym of Thalassoma hardwicke, which i… | |
Landaa faana | Cephalopholis sexmaculata | Cephalopholis sexmaculata is active nocturnally in shallow water and diurnally i… | |
Keyla | Polydactylus sexfilis | Polynemus sexfilis is a species commonly found in shallow sandy shores of the Ma… | |
Harongu hikaa | Pseudocheilinus hexataenia | Pseudocheilinus hexataenia is a shy and secretive species that tends to stay hid… | |
Kalhubilamas | Katsuwonus pelamis | Katsuwonus pelamis is the most commercially important species in the Maldives, a… | |
Dhalhu neiy thunbi | Naso hexacanthus | Males of Naso hexacanthus display a large pale blue area on the upper head and d… | |
Dhandi muguraan | Gymnocaesio gymnoptera | There is some debate as to whether Gymnocaesio gymnoptera, which is used as a li… | |
Boalhajehi faana | Anyperodon leucogrammicus | Juveniles of Anyperodon leucogrammicus mimic wrasses of the genus Halichoere, an… | |
Kandu kirulhiyamas | Pinjalo lewisi | Randall, Allen, and Anderson (1987) cleared up the confusion between Pinjalo lew… | |
Kandu kirulhiyamas | Pristipomoides auricilla | A research vessel named "Farumas" caught a total of four specimens of Pristipomo… | |
Janbu kandu uniya | Nemipterus | Nemipterus zysron appears to be rather uncommon in the Maldives, and has been pr… | |
Thun dhamaa hikaa | Epibulus insidiator | Epibulus insidiator is a common inhabitant of the Maldivian reefs, and it can be… | |
Hikandhi thun miyaru | Loxodon macrorhinus | The common Loxodon macrorhinus is of commercial importance in some areas, partic… | |
Goru vaali | Trachinotus baillonii | Trachinotus baillonii is commonly found in small groups in lagoons and shallow r… | |
Keyolhu rovvi | Aphareus furca | There are two species of Aphareus that occur in the Maldives, which can be easil… | |
Theyo miyaru, Meedhaa miyaru | Odontaspis ferox | Odontaspis ferox is sometimes caught by bottom-set gillnets laid down at the ree… | |
Dhaiythoonu funna | Meiacanthus smithi | Meiacanthus smithi was first discovered by scientists during Dr. Hans Hass' "Xar… | |
Maarehi | Amblygaster leiogaster | Amblygaster leiogaster is not a common species in the Maldives, as this is the f… | |
Dhaiy bulhi miyaru | Hemipristis elongatus | Hemipristis elongatus appears to be rare in the Maldives, with the only known re… | |
Ali tholhi | Gempylus serpens | A specimen of Gempylus serpens, which this report is based on, was caught by lon… | |
Raiy reendhoo mas | Lutjanus rufolineatus | The two specimens reported here are the only record of Lutjanus rufolineatus fro… | |
Filaa hikaa | Cheilinus oxycephalus | Divers and snorkelers often overlook Cheilinus oxycephalus due to its secretive … | |
Fijjehi faana | Epinephelus macrospilos | Specimens of Epinephelus macrospilos from the Western Indian Ocean differ from t… | |
Rindha vaali | Trachinotus blochii | Trachinotus blochii is not very common, but it can occasionally be caught by han… | |
Kirulhiya mas | Kyphosus cinerascens | Kyphosus cinerascens is similar in appearance to K. vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard… | |
Kalhihi | Lethrinus rubrioperculatus | It is surprising that Lethrinus rubrioperculatus, a common and widespread specie… | |
Raiythiki raiverimas | Neoniphon sammara | Neoniphon sammara is one of the most common squirrelfishes in the Indo-Pacific w… | |
Thalakalhu bibee | Chaetodon oxycephalus | The species Chaetodon oxycephalus is very similar to C. lineolatus, however, the… | |
Lah nigoo alathandu | Parapercis hexophthalma | Parapercis hexophthalma is a fairly common inhabitant of Maldivian reef flats, u… | |
Dhon miyaru | Carcharhinus sorrah | Carcharhinus sorrah is not seen very often in the Maldives, but individuals have… | |
Lahjehi bibee | Chaetodon guttatissimus | Chaetodon guttatissimus may be mistaken for C. citrinellus, however, the latter … | |
Thijjehi kaalhu | Ctenochaetus strigosus | Ctenochaetus strigosus is very similar to C. striatus, as seen on the previous p… | |
Thunbi | Naso brevirostris | Naso brevirostris is a common and distinctive member of the Maldivian reef fish … | |
Koveli hikaa | Anampses meleagrides | Anampses meleagrides is a beautiful species which is widespread on Maldivian ree… | |
Olhu faana | Plectropomus areolatus | Plectropomus areolatus can be distinguished from other species of Plectropomus f… | |
Thari rondu | Abalistes stellatus | The Abalistes stellatus is rarely seen in the Maldives, as it is a species that … | |
Hon’du miyaru | Mustelus manazo | Mustelus manazo is found on outer atoll slopes in depths of 100-200 m in the Mal… | |
Fala gaaboa | Cirrihitus pinnulatus | Cirrhitus pinnulatus, like other hawkfishes, is a lie-and-wait predator that per… | |
Rongu dhemi kaalhu | Ctenochaetus striatus | Ctenochaetus striatus is one of the most common reef fishes, but its dull colora… | |
Naaringu faana | Cephalopholis spiloparaea | Cephalopholis spiloparaea is perhaps the most common grouper in the Indo-Pacific… | |
Huifathu hikaa | Stethojulis strigiventer | The terminal males of Stethojulis strigiventer are more colourful and very diffe… | |
E-ahttehi | Plotosus lineatus | The sharp dorsal and pectoral spines of Plotosus lineatus are extremely venomous… | |
Faiga koshaa dhanbaa | Chrysiptera brownriggii | This species was previously known as Chrysiptera leucopoma, but it has since bee… | |
Thungadu hibaru, Kanneli hibaru | Xiphias gladius | Roughly 80% of the billfish caught during the offshore fishery survey conducted … | |
Nidhan miyaru | Nebrius ferrugineus | Four individuals of Nebrius ferrugineus, ranging in total length from 134-226 cm… | |
Dhon bibee | Chaetodon unimaculatus | The Pacific form of Chaetodon unimaculatus differs from the Indian Ocean form in… | |
Lonu lunboa | Chromis ternatensis | Chromis ternatensis is sometimes used as bait in Maldives for pole and line fish… | |
Kalhali thunboa hikaa | Hemigymnus melapterus | Hemigymnus melapterus, similar to H. fasciatus, feeds on invertebrates which it … | |
Nigoo hudhu kaalhu | Acanthurus thompsoni | The species Acanthurus thompsoni is commonly found in schools and is prevalent o… | |
Naruvaa bibee | Chaetodon auriga | Chaetodon auriga is one of the common butterflyfishes found in the Maldives, and… | |
Muraka mas | Dascyllus aruanus | Dascyllus aruanus and D. melanurus are sometimes confused, although D. melanurus… | |
Dhon kokaamas | Apolemichthys trimaculatus | The bright yellow Apolemichthys trimaculatus is fairly common in Maldivian reefs… | |
Kalhu murakamas | Dascyllus trimaculatus | The hardy species Dascyllus trimaculatus is very common in the Maldives, and des… | |
Kandi miyaru | Alopias vulpinus | The first record of Alopias vulpinus in Maldivian offshore waters was made by US… | |
Lah filolhu, Vilu filolhu | Lethrinus harak | The least wary species of the Lethrinus genus, the Harak, is a common emperor fo… | |
Femunu miyaru | Galeocerdo cuvier | Galeocerdo cuvier is one of the most dangerous sharks, known for attacking diver… | |
Maarondu | Balistoides viridescens | The Balistoides viridescens is fairly common in the Maldives, ranging from lagoo… | |
Veli faana | Cephalopholis sonnerati | Cephalopholis sonnerati is a deep-dwelling species that is rarely seen by divers… | |
Thineskan bibee | Chaetodon triangulum | Chaetodon triangulum is sometimes classified in the genus Gonochaetodon, differi… | |
Kandu faana, Huifathu mas | Lobotes surinamensis | Adults of Lobotes surinamensis, when seen offshore, may appear similar to groupe… | |
Hiki fulhangi | Exocoetus volitans | Exocoetus volitans is capable of leaping out of the water and gliding for long d… | |
Eh rongu hikaa | Labrichthys unilineatus | Labrichthys unilineatus is a small and dark-coloured species, making it easily o… | |
Huras galhi londhimas | Diploprion bifasciatum | Both Diploprion bifasciatum and the related Grammistes sexlineatus are relativel… | |
Bodu reendhoomas | Lutjanus biguttatus | Like most snappers, Lutjanus biguttatus is a nocturnal species that forms school… | |
Dhanbaa | Chrysiptera biocellata | Chrysiptera biocellata is sometimes confused with C. unimaculata, but they can b… | |
Raiymas | Lutjanus bohar | Lutjanus bohar is perhaps the most common large snapper in the Maldives, and is … | |
Dhelah hikaa | Bodianus bimaculatus | Bodianus bimaculatus, the smallest member of the genus, does not appear to be co… | |
Lah jehi kaalhu | Ctenochaetus binotatus | There are three species of Ctenochaetus found in the Maldives that are rather si… | |
Dhethiki hikaa | Cheilinus bimaculatus | Cheilinus bimaculatus appears to be fairly uncommon and is typically found dwell… | |
Ehkibadhon nilamehi | Chromis dimidiata | Chromis dimidiata is a common species in the Maldives, often seen in small, wide… | |
Kokaa bibee | Chaetodon vagabundus | While the Chaetodon vagabundus is by no means rare, it is not especially common … | |
Vailet dhanbodu | Myripristis violacea | The Myripristis violacea is easily identifiable due to its distinctive colourati… | |
Raiykirulhi raiverimas | Sargocentron violaceum | Sargocentron violaceum is not particularly prevalent in the Maldives, but it can… | |
Vaalan mas | Naso vlamingii | Naso vlamingii is a very common inhabitant of Maldivian reefs, and it feeds on z… | |
Kurumas | Acanthocybium solandri | Acanthocybium solandri is typically caught by trolling and a specialized fishing… | |
Veli funna | Gnatholepis anjerensis | Gnatholepis anjerensis is very common in the Maldives, but is easily overlooked … | |
Fehurihi | Rhincodon typus | The whale shark, Rhincodon typus, is the largest living fish and is not a danger… | |
Baafothi faana | Epinephelus multinotatus | In the Maldives, the Epinephelus multinotatus is rarely caught by local fisherme… | |
Kandu raiy haa | Variola albimarginata | Variola albimarginata is often misidentified as V. louti, but it can be easily d… | |
Hudhu attamas | Remorina albescens | The White Remora (Remorina albescens) is likely to be quite common in the Maldiv… | |
Hudhu lah faana | Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus | Epinephelus caeruleopunctatus is a common inhabitant of Maldivian coral reefs, a… | |
Lahjehi koli | Arothron hispidus | Arothron hispidus, like other pufferfishes, is highly poisonous, with the degree… | |
Kirulhi faana | Epinephelus ongus | Epinephelus ongus is a medium-sized grouper that appears to be relatively uncomm… | |
Nigoo hudhu kokaamas | Centropyge flavicauda | Centropyge flavicauda is one of the smallest angelfishes and is rarely seen in t… | |
Olhufathi miyaru | Triaenodon obesus | Trianodon obesus is one of the most common sharks in the Maldives, and is often … | |
Dhaagandu fathirondu | Cantherhines paradilis | Cantharidines paradilis is closely related to C. sandwichensis of Hawaii and C. … | |
Mathi dhon bureki | Pseudanthias evansi | Pseudanthias evansi is one of the most beautifully-colored anthiids and is a ver… | |
Dhon kothari hikaa | Labropsis xanthonota | Labropsis xanthonota, like other wrasses, is among the first to retire to an ina… | |
Gonu | Ostracion cubicus | The boxfish Ostracion cubicus, previously recorded as O. tuberculatus Linnaeus i… | |
Kandu haa | Variola louti | Divers and snorkelers commonly see Variola louti along the reef slope, which app… | |
Mahi muguraan | Caesio xanthonota | Previously, the fusiliers of the species Caesio xanthonota were recognised as a … | |
Vilu kaalhu | Acanthurus xanthopterus | Acanthurus xanthopterus is perhaps the largest of the surgeonfishes, occurring i… | |
Reendhoo uraha kanneli | Thunnus albacares | Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is the second most important species in the M… | |
Boareendhoo bibee | Chaetodon xanthocephalus | The uncommon Chaetodon xanthocephalus can be found in Maldivian reefs and, once … | |
Vilu rondu | Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus | Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus is one of two large triggerfishes commonly seen b… | |
Dhon thiki handhi | Carangoides fulvoguttatus | Carangoides fulvoguttatus is often observed patrolling the edges of reefs in its… | |
Dhon fattaa kandu uniya | Scolopsis auratus | Previously, most authors referred to Scolopsis auratus as S. personatus. Members… | |
Nigoodhon noomas | Paracaesio xanthurus | The Paracaesio xanthurus appears to be uncommon in the Maldives, and its distinc… | |
Kanfaiykuda fanhaamas | Dendrochirus zebra | The genus Dendrochirus differs from Pterois by having the pectoral rays connecte… | |
Faana miyaru | Stegostoma fasciatum | Stegostoma fasciatum is not a very common shark in the Maldives, but it is occas… | |
Dhon hikaa | Halichoeres scapularis | The common wrasse Halichoeres scapularis is more often encountered on sand and r… |