Diving Guru | Marine Life | Fish
Discover the Fascinating Fish of Our Waters
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just beginning to explore the underwater world. The diversity of fish you encounter beneath the waves is truly mesmerizing. From the delicate seahorse swaying in seagrass meadows to the vibrant wrasse darting around rocky outcrops, each species has its own unique story to tell. This page gives you a glimpse into some incredible marine life waiting to be discovered. Dive deeper into each species in our dedicated blog posts. Where you’ll find detailed insights about their behaviors, habitats, and how best to spot them on your next dive.
Here’s a preview of some fascinating species you may encounter:
- Atlantic Cod – Gadus morhua: A predatory often found in deeper waters around wrecks and rocky areas.
- Bass – Dicentrarchus labrax: A common predatory fish in both shallow coastal waters and around rocky areas.
- Bib (Pouting) – Trisopterus luscus A member of the cod family, often found swimming in large schools around wrecks and rocky areas.
- Blennies/ Shanny – Blenniidae family Small, bottom-dwelling fish that often hide in crevices and among rocks.
- Rock Gunnel – Pholis gunnellus A small, slender fish with an eel-like body, often found in shallow coastal waters hiding among rocks and seaweed.
- European Eel – Anguilla anguilla Long, snake-like fish found in both fresh and saltwater. They are known for their migration from freshwater to the Sargasso Sea to spawn.
- Flatfish Includes species such as Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and Flounder (Platichthys flesus), both well-camouflaged and found on sandy or muddy bottoms.
- Gobies – Gobiidae family Small fish often seen darting along the seabed, frequently around rocky or sandy areas.
- Herring – Clupea harengus A schooling fish, known for their migrations, often found in deeper waters.
- Lumpsucker – Cyclopterus lumpus A round, bumpy fish that uses its modified pelvic fins to cling to rocks and kelp.
- Pipefish – Syngnathus acus Closely related to seahorses, they are long, slender fish often found in seagrass beds.
- Sand Smelt – Atherina presbyter Common in shallow waters, often seen in schools near the surface.
- Sandeel – Ammodytes tobianus Small, slender fish that bury themselves in the sand when threatened.
- Seahorse – Hippocampus Often found in seagrass meadows, the seahorse is known for its upright swimming posture and prehensile tail.
- Striped Red Mullet (Mullus surmuletus) Also known as the red mullet, this colorful fish is often found in shallow waters, foraging on the seabed with its whisker-like barbels. Its bright stripes make it a standout species in Zeeland’s waters.
- Thicklip Mullet – Chelon labrosus Often seen swimming in schools near the surface, mullets are strong swimmers and can tolerate brackish water.
- Wrasse – Labridae family Brightly colored fish often seen around rocky areas. Common species include the Ballan Wrasse (Labrus bergylta).
Explore our blog to learn more about these and other amazing species.
Including where and how to find them, their unique behaviors, and what makes them so special in our underwater world. Whether you’re looking for detailed guides or fun facts, we have something for every diving enthusiast!