western Indian Ocean - List of fishes

The yellow and blueback fusilier is a tropical fish that lives in schools in coral lagoons. Its body is elongated and two-toned, primarily yellow and blue. This species feeds on zooplankton around coral reefs.

Carcharhinus falciformis, known as the silky shark, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical seas. However, this species is threatened due to overfishing, and is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN. Recognizable by its elongated and slender body, gray back, and white belly, this fast and aggressive predator feeds on fish, mollusks, and crustaceans.

The bull shark is listed in most tropical and subtropical seas. It is feared due to its propensity to attack humans, being responsible for most recorded fatal attacks to date. This active predator primarily hunts in murky waters. It is capable of swimming long distances and adapts to changes in salinity, frequenting estuaries, coves along the coasts, and waters with high turbidity.

The blacktip reef shark is viviparous and gestation lasts about a year. The litter varies from 2 to 4 juveniles, measuring about 40 centimeters. After giving birth, the female abandons it juveniles. If disturbed, this small sized shark, may attack. It gets into the Mediterranean more and more often via the Suez Canal.

Carcharodon carcharias, known as the white shark, is found in the coastal and oceanic waters of temperate and sub-tropical oceans and seas worldwide. A solitary predator, it feeds on fish, sharks, rays, and marine mammals, and can also scavenge on whale carcasses. With a keen sense of sight, it is curious and observant towards objects and activities. It is sometimes responsible for attacks on surfers.

This fish is very shy and it is easy to approach it when diving. it eyes are hidden by transverse black lines. It has a black eyespot on the dorsal fin, which attracts the attention of predators to parts of its body where there are no vital organs.

The bleeker's parrotfish is a common tropical fish in the shallow waters of reef zones and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific region. Females have a dark brown body with light bands on the sides, while males are green in color and roam the corals alone.

The captain parrotfish is distinguished by its blue-green color and slightly rounded caudal fin. It can be found around Mauritius, the Maldives, the Chagos archipelago, and more recently around Reunion Island.