Fish of Koh Tao | Part 2 – What You Could See While Diving with Chalok Reef Divers
Introduction
Welcome to Part 2 of our Fish of Koh Tao series, your guide to the amazing reef life you can see while diving around this beautiful tropical island. Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise with an incredible variety of fish species—some elegant, some quirky, all fascinating.
Whether you’re a new diver or a seasoned underwater explorer, every dive here brings you face to face with unforgettable marine life. Let’s dive into some of the remarkable fish species you might encounter with Chalok Reef Divers!
Six Banded Angelfish
About:
Recognized by their bold black stripes over a golden body, Six Banded Angelfish are a regal presence on Koh Tao’s coral reefs. Juveniles look completely different—dark with neon blue stripes!
How Common?
Occasionally spotted near thriving coral gardens.
Fun Fact:
They often swim in pairs and are incredibly graceful. Juveniles of this species look completely different, sporting a black body with electric blue lines—a true transformation as they mature!
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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White Rock (outer coral formations)
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Laem Thian
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Ao Leuk (deep eastern section)
Longfin Bannerfish
About:
Often mistaken for the famous Moorish Idol, Longfin Bannerfish have a beautiful flowing dorsal fin and striking black, white, and yellow bands.
How Common?
Fairly common, especially at coral-rich dive sites.
Fun Fact:
Their fluttering swim gives them the nickname “reef butterflies.”
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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Twins (especially near the buoy line reef)
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Hin Ngam
Yellowtail Barracuda
About:
Smaller and less intimidating than their larger relatives, Yellowtail Barracudas form dense schools that shimmer in the sunlight. Their slender, torpedo-like bodies and yellow-tipped tails make them easy to identify.
How Common?
Very common, often seen schooling around dive sites like Shark Island.
Fun Fact:
Unlike the solitary Great Barracuda, Yellowtail Barracudas rely on their numbers for protection, creating mesmerizing underwater displays.
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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Shark Island (circling midwater above reef)
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Hin Pee Wee
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White Rock (big schools near the sand channels)
Scribbled Filefish
About:
With its unique, scribble-like patterns and elongated snout, the Scribbled Filefish is a quirky addition to Koh Tao’s reefs. These fish are often found near coral heads, nibbling on polyps and algae.
How Common?
Occasionally seen but worth the effort to spot!
Fun Fact:
Filefish can change their coloration to blend into their surroundings, making them masters of underwater camouflage.
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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Hin Wong Bay (particularly northern side)
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Laem Thian Caves
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Red Rock / Nang Yuan Cave
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Aow Leuk (edge of reef near boulders)
Honeycomb Grouper
About:
The Honeycomb Grouper is a stunning reef dweller with a body covered in dark, honeycomb-like spots. These fish are usually found resting near coral outcroppings or hiding in crevices.
How Common?
Fairly common, especially around sheltered reef areas.
Fun Fact:
Like many groupers, the Honeycomb Grouper starts life as a female and can change to male as it matures.
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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Hin Pee Wee
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Green Rock (inside swim-throughs)
Blacktip Grouper
About:
One of the most common grouper species on Koh Tao, the Blacktip Grouper is named for its dark-tipped fins. These solitary hunters can often be seen resting on the reef or darting out to catch unsuspecting prey.
How Common?
Very common and easy to spot.
Fun Fact:
Blacktip Groupers have a wide diet, feasting on small fish, crustaceans, and even octopuses.
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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Hin Ngam
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White Rock (resting on coral heads)
Maze Rabbitfish
About:
The Maze Rabbitfish gets its name from the intricate, maze-like patterns on its body. Often found in pairs, these herbivores play a vital role in keeping algae growth under control on Koh Tao’s reefs.
How Common?
Fairly common, especially in areas with abundant algae growth.
Fun Fact:
Rabbitfish are known for their venomous spines, which can deliver a painful sting if handled carelessly.
Commonly Found At Dive Sites:
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Hin Wong Bay (very common)
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Tanote Bay
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Laem Thian Bay
This is just a taste of the amazing marine life waiting to be discovered beneath the waves of Koh Tao. From the bold Yellowtail Barracuda to the delicate Longfin Bannerfish, the waters around the island are teeming with color, diversity, and wonder.
So why just read about the Fish of Koh Tao when you can see them up close?
Join us for a day of fun, safe, and unforgettable diving at some of the island’s best dive sites. We’ll help you spot all of these species and more!
👉 Want more? Check out Part 1 and Part 3 of our Fish of Koh Tao blog series!
All images are AI-generated. Come diving with us to see the real stars of the reef in their natural habitat!