Not another fish, but a different life stage.
The underwater world continues to captivate and surprise! Who would have thought that young fish often look very different from their adult counterparts? It turns out this has to do with their way of life. Adult reef fish often form pairs, live territorially, and fiercely defend their territory against other fish. These rivals are not only seen as competition for food but also as threats to their mate. The young fish, on the other hand, have different colors and patterns, allowing them to pass by unnoticed and without getting into trouble.

Angelfish (Pomacanthus)

There are many different species of angelfish, three of which swim in the waters around the ABC islands.

Angelfish are truly the kings of the tropical oceans! With their graceful appearance, impressive colors, and fascinating patterns, they immediately catch the eye. They live near coral reefs, where they feed on algae and small organisms.

What makes angelfish particularly special is their complex social behavior. Although they are known to be territorial, they often form strong bonds with their partner. They fiercely defend their territory against other fish, but when not fighting, they spend their time in the company of their kind.

Interestingly, the young fish have a different pattern than the adult specimens, and this change is not just a matter of growth, but also an adaptation to their environment.

Angelfish are not only a feast for the eyes but also true strategists in the underwater world!

French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)

• English name: French Angelfish

• Latin name: Pomacanthus paru

• Dutch name: Franse engelvis

• Papiamentu name: Pescá di angelu

• Spanish name: Pez ángel francés

• German name: Französischer Engelsschwamm

• Size cm/inch: Up to 40 cm (16 inches)

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

English name: Queen Angelfish
Latin name: Holacanthus ciliaris
Dutch name: Koningin-keizersvis
Papiamentu name: Reina di peská ángel
Spanish name: Ángel reina
German name: Königin-Engelsfisch
Size cm/inch: Tot ongeveer 45 cm (18 inches)

Grey Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus)

English name: Grey Angelfish
Latin name: Pomacanthus arcuatus
Dutch name: Grijze keizersvis
Papiamentu name: Peská ángel gris
Spanish name: Ángel gris
German name: Grauer Engelsfisch
Size cm/inch: Tot ongeveer 60 cm (24 inches)

surgeon fish (Acanthurus chirurgus)

Size : tot 38 cm 

Doktersvissen danken hun naam aan de scalpelachtige vergroeiingen aan beide zijden van de staartwortel. Deze scherpe uitsteeksels dienen als bescherming en verdediging, aangezien ze vlijmscherp, zeer hard en strategisch geplaatst zijn. Deze stekel wordt in een gleuf in de zijkant van de staart bewaard en kan worden uitgeklapt als de vis zich bedreigd voelt of zich wil verdedigen. Met deze ‘scalpels’ kunnen ze concurrerende soortgenoten en predatoren flink verwonden.
Tijdens het snorkelen of duiken, zie je deze vissen vaak  in grote scholen, voorbij zwemmen waarbij ze in groepen over het rif foerageren op zoek naar voedsel. Toch zijn doktersvissen geen echte scholenvissen. Het zijn ze van nature solitaire vissen die hun eigen territorium hebben, dat ze gedurende de dag af en toe verlaten om voedsel te zoeken.

The blue tang, also known as the  is a striking fish. These fish have a beautiful blue color, with a yellow spot on their tail and a distinctive purple-blue glow. They are commonly found in tropical reefs and are considered the "gardeners of the coral reef" because they graze on algae, helping to keep the reef healthy.

Bahia Doctorfish (Acanthurus bahianus)

Size cm/inch: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

The Bahia surgeonfish (Acanthurus bahianus) is a striking fish commonly found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic, including the Caribbean. This fish has a yellowish color with blue and green accents, giving it a vibrant appearance. Like other surgeonfish, the Bahia surgeonfish has sharp spines at the base of its tail, which serve as a defense against predators. Bahia surgeonfish are often found in rocky and coral-rich environments, where they feed on algae. They are social and often seen in groups, though they also defend their own territory.

Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor)

English name: Rock Beauty
Latin name: Holacanthus tricolor
Dutch name: Rotskeizersvis
Papiamentu name: Peská ángel di rots
Spanish name: Ángel tricolor
German name: Dreifarbiger Engelsfisch
Size cm/inch: Tot ongeveer 25 cm (10 inches)

The adult Rock Beauty is usually yellow, becoming bluer towards the tail. It feeds mainly on sponges, jellyfish, and corals; plankton and algae are also on the menu. However, sponges are essential for survival. The adult fish stay in pairs year-round, indicating a long-lasting, monogamous bond. Reproduction occurs upright in the water, with the bellies pressed together in clouds of sperm and eggs. The female produces 25,000 to 75,000 eggs per day, up to 10 million per cycle. The transparent eggs float and hatch into larvae after 15–20 hours, which later develop into free-swimming young.

Koraaljuweel (Microspathodon chrysurus)

The yellowtail damselfish is a colorful species found in tropical waters and is well-represented in coral reefs. There is a noticeable difference in color between adult and juvenile fish. Adult damselfish are yellow-brown with a yellow tail fin, while juveniles are purple with bright blue spots on their back and transparent tail fins.

Adult damselfish primarily feed on algae, while juveniles are carnivorous. As they grow older, their diet changes, which is related to their development and the changes in their environment.

The breeding season begins at sunrise, when male damselfish build nests on dead coral surfaces. The eggs adhere to the substrate, where the males carefully guard and aerate them. The eggs hatch on the sixth day after fertilization. Reproductive activity is highest during the full moon and new moon periods, when the tides are strongest.

NL.De gele staart damselfish of Koraaljuweel is een kleurrijke vis die voorkomt in tropische wateren en goed vertegenwoordigd is in koraalriffen. Er is een opvallend verschil tussen de volwassen en jonge vissen wat betreft kleur. Volwassen damselfish zijn geelbruin met een gele staartvin, terwijl de juvenielen paars zijn met felblauwe vlekken op hun rug en transparante staartvinnen.

Volwassen damselfish eten voornamelijk algen, terwijl de juvenielen carnivoor zijn. Naarmate ze ouder worden, verandert hun dieet, wat samenhangt met hun ontwikkeling en de veranderingen in hun omgeving.

Het broedseizoen begint bij zonsopgang, wanneer de mannetjes nesten maken op dode koraaloppervlakken. De vrouwtjes leggen de eieren die zich hechten zich aan de ondergrond, waar de mannetjes ze zorgvuldig bewaken en van zuurstof voorzien. De eitjes komen uit op de zesde dag na de bevruchting. De voortplanting is het meest actief tijdens de perioden van volle maan en nieuwe maan, wanneer de getijden het sterkst zijn.

PAP. E gele staart damselfish ta un pescado kolorido ku ta biba den aguas tropical i ta bien representá den rifu koraal. Tin un diferensia notabel entre e pescado adulte i e jovenan den kolor. E pescado adulte ta amarillo-brun ku un cola amarilla, mientrastanto e jovenan ta paars ku vlekki blau klaro riba su espalda i cola vin transparent.

E pescado adulte ta komé prinsipálmente algas, mientrastanto e jovenan ta carnivoro. Mientras nan ta crese, nan dieta ta cambia, loke ta relashona ku nan desaroyo i e kambio den su ambiente.

E sezon di reprodukshon ta kominsá na zonsopgang, ku e macho di damselfish ta konstrukta nido riba superfisies di koraal muert. E oya ta keda pega riba e fondo, kaminda e macho ta protehá i aerá nan. E oya ta sali na e 6di dia despues di e fertilisashon. E actividad reproductiva ta mas altu duranti luna llena i luna nobo, ora e mareanan ta mas fuerte.

Butterflyfish (Chaetodon spp.)

Butterfly fish feed on coral polyps and plankton. Their high, flat bodies make them well-suited to finding food in narrow rock crevices. The name "coral butterfly" refers to their bright colors like black, white, blue, red, yellow, and orange, and their fluid movements. Adult butterfly fish often form lifelong pairs and are almost always seen swimming together. They lay floating eggs that mix with plankton and are carried by the current. They are highly territorial and defend their own pieces of coral.

Trunkfish (Ostraciidae)

English name: Boxfish (e.g. Yellow Boxfish)
Latin name: Ostraciidae (familienaam – meerdere soorten koffervisjes!)
Dutch name: Koffervisje
Papiamentu name: Peská kahón
Spanish name: Pez cofre
German name: Kofferfisch
Size cm/inch:  15–45 cm (6–18 inches)

Trunkfish are generally angular in shape, as their name suggests. A unique feature is that they lack pelvic fins. They have a protective armor made of hexagonal bony plates, which are fused together in adults, forming a strong shield. This armored skin makes their body quite rigid. Unlike most other fish, boxfish swim mainly with their fins, which is quite amusing to watch. They are also very curious and will often swim towards you while snorkeling or diving, rather than away. Baby boxfish are particularly cute and are often called "dice fish."

Spotted Drumfish (Equetus punctatus)

English name: Spotted Drum (of: Spotted Drumfish)
Latin name: Equetus punctatus
Dutch name: Gestipte tromslagenvis
Papiamentu name: Peská tambú strep
Spanish name: Tamboril pintado
German name: Gepunkteter Trommlerfisch
Size cm/inch: Tot ongeveer 27 cm (10.5 inches)

These unique fish have a very distinctive graphic appearance.

Drumfish don’t change much in color as they grow; they remain black and white, but their shape changes drastically!
The young spotted Drumfish isn’t actually spotted but striped. At first, it only has a head, with long, fluttering fins behind it, allowing it to gracefully flutter over the coral. Only as it grows does it take on a more fish-like form. Then, it starts to live up to its name, as its new body parts—its belly and tail fin—develop spots!

Young Drumfish are encountered more often than the adults because they are shyer. They live near rocks, where they have their hiding places. At night, they leave their shelters to hunt for shrimp, crabs, and bristle worms.

Bluehead Wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum)

English name: Bluehead Wrasse
Latin name: Thalassoma bifasciatum
Dutch name: Blauwhoofd-lipvissen
Papiamentu name: Peská kabes blau
Spanish name: Lápiz azul
German name: Blaukopf-Lippfisch
Size cm/inch: Tot ongeveer 15 cm (6 inches)

Although the Bluehead Wrasse's mouth is not strongly developed, it has well-developed lips. Some wrasse species produce a mucus cocoon at night, which likely protects them from certain parasites. Some species also act as cleaner fish. They build algae nests in the sand or between rock crevices, which are guarded by the males. These males become territorial and protect their nests from intruders.

Fairy Basslet (Gramma loreto)

• English name: Fairy Basslet

• Latin name: Gramma loreto

• Dutch name: Fairy Basslet

• Papiamentu name: Basslet di fantasia

• Spanish name: Pez basslet hada

• German name: Feenbarsch

• Size cm/inch: Up to 7.5 cm (3 inches)

Te stunning little Fairy Basslet has a beautiful color transition from light purple to deep violet, starting at the head and fading to golden yellow at the tail. It is a striking sight in the water. The fish primarily feeds on plankton, which it filters from the water with its fine fins. Despite its small size, it plays an important role in the coral reef ecosystem. Its colors may also serve to define its territory or to camouflage against rocks and coral as it feeds.

Sergeant Major (Abudefduf saxatilis)

• English name: Sergeant Major

• Latin name: Abudefduf saxatilis

• Dutch name: Sergeant-majoor

• Papiamentu name: Sargento major

• Spanish name: Pez sargento mayor

• German name: Sergeant Major

• Size cm/inch: Up to 25 cm (10 inches)

The Sergeant Major is commonly found in the waters around the ABC islands. They typically form large schools and feed on the larvae of invertebrates, zooplankton, small fish, crustaceans, and various types of algae. They play an important role in the coral reef ecosystem. Additionally, sergeant majors are known to act as cleaner fish for green sea turtles, removing parasites from their skin. This behavior contributes to the health of the turtles. Because they often swim in large schools, they are easily visible and are one of the characteristic fish in the region.

Spotted Goatfish (Pseudupeneus maculatus)

Spotted Goatfish (Pseudupeneus maculatus)

• English name: Spotted Goatfish

• Latin name: Pseudupeneus maculatus

• Dutch name: Baardvis

• Papiamentu name: Pescá di cabrito manchado

• Spanish name: Pargo manchado

• German name: Gescheckter Zackenbarsch

• Size cm/inch: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

The spotted goatfish is a type of sea barbel fish with three large red-black spots on its back. Its color changes depending on its physical condition, but it is usually pale with reddish or yellow-brown scales and a light blue spot in the center of its body. These fish have well-developed barbels, which help them detect invertebrates under the sandy seabed. Goatfish are often found in groups, especially in shallow waters up to 40 meters deep. They feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish during the day. At cleaning stations, they often queue to be cleaned by cleaner fish or shrimp.

Caesar Grunt (Haemulon carbonarium)

English name: Caesar Grunt
Latin name: Haemulon carbonarium
Dutch name: Caesar-knorvis
Papiamentu name: Peská Caesar
Spanish name: Ronco César
German name: Kaiser-Grunzer
Size cm/inch: Tot ongeveer 38 cm (15 inches)

Grunts undergo a drastic change in color and pattern from the juvenile to the adult phase. Juvenile grunts often have different colors and patterns than the adults. Grunts are almost always found in large schools, which helps protect them from predators. Their diet mainly consists of worms, zooplankton, and small crustaceans. These fish play an important role in the coral reef ecosystem by helping to maintain the balance of small invertebrates. They are also a popular species among divers and snorkelers due to their social behavior.

Blackbar Soldierfish (Myripristis jacobus)

• English name: Blackbar Soldierfish

• Latin name: Myripristis jacobus

• Dutch name: Zwarteband soldatenvis

• Papiamentu name: Pescá di soldá banda negro

• Spanish name: Pez soldado

• German name: Soldatenfisch

• Size cm/inch: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

The Blackbar Soldier Fish is a striking, bright red fish that is primarily nocturnal. It has a distinctive black bar behind its head, making it easily recognizable. This fish feeds mainly on plankton, but it may also consume other small invertebrates. What makes this fish unique is that it is sometimes found swimming upside down, a behavior not commonly seen in other fish species. The Blackbar Soldier Fish is often observed in the evening, swimming in schools near the coral, searching for food.

Squirrelfish (Holocentridae family)

• English name: Squirrelfish

• Latin name: Holocentridae (family name, species include Sargocentron spp.)

• Dutch name: Eekhoornvis

• Papiamentu name: Pescá de eekhoorn

• Spanish name: Pez ardilla

• German name:  Feuerfisch

• Size cm/inch: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

There are 84 different species of Squirrelfish. These beautiful fish have large eyes, which help them see better at night. They display fantastic colors ranging from pink to red and orange. Their long, spiny dorsal fin is usually gold/yellow, just like their tail. Squirrelfish are nocturnal and feed on plankton and small invertebrates. During the day, they hide in crevices or rock holes, though you can still encounter them while snorkeling or diving. Their distinctive appearance makes them one of the most recognizable fish in tropical waters.

Porkfish (Anisotremus virginicus)

• English name: Porkfish

• Latin name: Anisotremus virginicus

• Dutch name: Varkensvis

• Papiamentu name: Pescá di puerquito

• Spanish name: Pez puerquito

• German name: Schweinsfisch

• Size cm/inch: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

The Porkfish is a striking fish found in the tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, from the United States to Brazil. It has a yellow body with five dark vertical stripes running from head to tail, giving it its distinctive appearance. The Porkfish primarily feeds on plankton, small crustaceans, and invertebrates. It is a schooling fish and is often found in groups in shallow waters around coral reefs. This fish is known for its aggressive behavior when defending its territory and is also a popular species among sport fishermen.

Goby (Gobiidae family)

• English name: Goby

• Latin name: Gobiidae 

• Dutch name: Goby

• Papiamentu name: Gobi

• Spanish name: Gobio

• German name: Gobie

• Size cm/inch: Up to 20 cm (8 inches)

The goby is the name for many species of small fish with large heads and tapered bodies. They are found worldwide, particularly in tropical waters. Most of their diet consists of snails and insect larvae. Gobies are usually small in size and prefer to walk along the bottom using their fins rather than swim. They have a weak suction cup formed by the fusion of their pelvic fins. Many are brightly colored, and some species are even transparent.

Blenny (Blenniidae family)

• English name: Blenny

• Latin name: Blenniidae 

• Dutch name: Blenny

• Papiamentu name: Blenny

• Spanish name: Blénido

• German name: Blenny

• Size cm/inch: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)

Blennys are small fish that typically inhabit shallow waters. They are bottom dwellers and often burrow into the sand, hide in crevices of coral reefs, or occupy empty mollusk shells. These fish lead a reclusive life and are somewhat territorial by nature. They feed on small invertebrates, such as shrimp and snails, as well as small fish. Blennies are commonly found near coral reefs or sandy bottoms, where they defend their hideouts from intruders.