Fishes of Andaman

Millions and billions in number, the vibrant marine life of Andaman cannot be counted. Fish, corals, reefs, etc., every fauna of the Andaman sea is unique in its own way. Explorers have still managed to gather data about the number of fishes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The data says a total of 1439 species are there under 577 genera that belong to 33 orders and 165 families in the archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Out of which, 400 species are of commercial significance, which we also call the food fishes. Coral inhabitants made a whooping 75.68% i.e. 1089 species, whilst 290 species from mangroves, 152 species from seagrass meadow and 101 species were from the offshore environment. Last but not the least, 258 species were commonly observed to overlap among mangrove, seagrass, coral reefs and offshore ecosystems.

These large numbers show the diversity of fauna marine life in the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. But, for now, let's talk about some famous world-known fishes of this region. These fish bring joy and happiness when you see them underwater when you are
scuba diving, snorkelling or sea walking. They are colourful and make your experience worth every penny.

Ocellaris Clownfish aka Nemo

The most distinctive trait of Clownfish is their orange bodies, three white bands with a black outline and black tips around the fins. They have a life span of 3-6 years and they have small bodies, measuring up to 11 cms in length on average.

Clownfish are hermaphrodites, which means they can be both male and female. Clownfish are born male and have the distinctive ability to change into females. This happens when the dominant female dies, and the dominant male will turn into a female and choose a mate from another male in the group. Once they change, they cannot turn back.

These little creatures are omnivores and their diets consist mainly of algae, zooplankton and small crustaceans.

Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. They have a mucus layer which is immune to the toxins that the sessile predators produce to capture prey. The anemone provides shelter from predators and the clownfish thank them and return the favour by removing parasites and driving away intruders of the sea.

Dorado

Dorado fish, also known as the Dolphin Fish or locally known as Haathi Kokari by the natives is one of the most popular offshore game fish. The male and female can be easily differentiated, as the males have their foreheads flat. Also called Mahi Mahi, they
weigh around 80 pounds and are hard to break away from the clutches of the fishermen.

Dorado’s move quickly under the water surface with a top speed of 50 nautical miles per hour. They depend on crabs, squid, crustaceans and on fishes like flying fish and mackerel.

With a life span of 5 years, these fish grow quickly. They spawn frequently throughout the year in warm ocean currents while their youngs mature amongst the seaweed.

Dorado aka dolphin fish is one of the highest in-demand fishes in the food industry.

Coral Trout

Plectropomus Leopardus or easily known as Leopards of the reefs are from the Serraniade familia. Coral trouts are experts in distinguishing themselves between the coral reefs and finding their baits hiding in the reefs. The extraordinary and breathtaking feature of this fauna is that their colour varies at different intervals of the day and capturing them is not an easy task.

They live on coral reefs in deep crevices and ledges and rarely move from their home reef. The coral trout are quick and they use every inch of their body weight to fight and escape from the restraints.

These fishes have two different ways of feeding, ambush and prowling. They ambush fish that live among the coral on the reef bottom by hiding and staying still and alert to attack the passing prey; while they use the prowling method to hunt schools of fish
higher up in the water and attack them at great speed. They like to feast upon a varied form of reef fish, but they usually feed at dusk and dawn.

Coral Trouts, the bold coloured fish has bright blue spots on their body and head. They weigh around 14 lbs and have a length of approximately 70 cm. The marine leopards initiate their lives as females and once after breeding at least will turn into males at the ages of three to seven.

Hawai Surmai

Famously known as Sailfish also, these weigh around 240 lbs and are 3 meters long in length. Sailfish have sword-like bills, which they use to threaten their baits and attackers. They also have a vibrant dark blue colour and silver whitish colour belly. Hawai Surmai is not easy to catch and is the most famous and costliest delicacy of Andamans.

Surmai

Surmai is one of the most famous fishes enjoyed in the major parts of India. Also known as King Mackerel famously, Surmai is the native name for the fish. These are also called the leaders of the blue waters. They weigh up to 70 lbs and are 2 meters in length. These are not easily found and are magnificent in their own way. Surmai is considered the main attraction of Andamans, and are also perfect predators and fishermen's pride.