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Pictures of Reef Fish and Tropical Fish

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Pictures of Reef Fish and Gifts for Tropical Fish Lovers

Tropical fish found on coral reefs and in tropical waters are astonishingly colorful and diverse. The beauty of tropical fish has inspired generations of artists and designers.

They're a popular element in powder room decor. Who hasn't seen cute little angel fish hanging on someone's bathroom wall? Or a coloful shower curtain full of yellow tangs?

Coral reefs, teeming with thousands of different species of marine fish, are a constant draw for divers and snorkelers.

But there's danger lurking in the rocks .... did you know a beautiful, but dangerous species has recently invaded Atlantic and Caribbean reefs?

photo: my own, taken while snorkeing off Eleuthera
Page created 02/15/2012
last updated 05/28/2012

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Coral Reef Lionfish Poster

by Carolym McFann

Coral Reef Lionfish Poster print
Coral Reef Lionfish Poster by twopurringcats
(Print of the original painting of a Pacific coral reef lionfish
by nature artist Carolyn McFann of Two Purring Cats Studio)



What a beautiful tropical fish!
But there's danger in this beauty... see section titled "Dangerously Beautiful Lionfish" for more details.

You can purchase this wonderful print, or any of the ones shown below, by clicking the image. Or, you can just "enjoy the scenery" here on this page. Don't forget to vote for your favorite!

Pictures of Tropical Fish


Mandarinfish print
Mandarinfish
by beverlytazangel




Metallic Striped Tropical Butterfly Fish print
Metallic Striped Tropical Butterfly Fish
by ElainePlesser




Underwater life; FISH: A Pair of Yellow Tangs print
Underwater life; FISH: A Pair of Yellow Tangs
by prophoto




Tropical fish collage Poster print
Tropical fish collage Poster
by Natures_Best_Images


Peek-a-Blue wrappedcanvas
Peek-a-Blue
by thejonescollection




Steepheaded Parrotfish in Great Barrier Reef print
Steepheaded Parrotfish in Great Barrier Reef
by corbis




Simple Fish - Moorish Idols print
Simple Fish - Moorish Idols
by psovart123

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Freshwater Tropical Fish vs. Reef Fish

type=Tropical-reef-fishThe term tropical fish can refer to either saltwater or freshwater fish that are typically found in tropical waters.

These fish, prized for their beauty and color, are popular with hobbyists who set up home aquariums to kee them.

Most freshwater tropical fish are colorful due to the irridescent nature of their. However, some are specially bread for pigmentation to satisfy the aquarium trade.

orange lined trigger fish, PD


Saltwater tropical fish, also referred to as Reef Fish, because they live primarily on the world's ocean reefs, generally owe their colorful appearance to natural pigmentation. The variety of reef fish is utterly amazing. They are also sometimes called marine fish by hobbyists.

Identify Reef Fish, Corals, and Reef Creatures

with this boxed reference set

For the serious diver snorkeler, or guardian of the wor'd's coral reefs. This set will help you identify just about everything you see whild diving of snorkeling the beautiful reefs in the waters off Florida, around The Bahamas, and in the Caribbean. A must have!

The books even have plastic covers and water resistant pages so you can take them along with you. (But not under water, of course)
The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral (3 Volumes)

The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral (3 Volumes)

by: Paul Humann, Ned Deloach

Amazon Price: $75.60 (as of 06/04/2012)Buy Now

Excellent photos and details about individiual species of corals, fish, and other creatures found in the reefs of Florida, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean

Add a Touch of Color to Your Decor

with Tropical Fish

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Reef Fish Living on the World's Coral Reefs

Coral Reef Locations

type=coral-reef-locations

The World's Coral Reefs {PD-USGov}, Courtesy NOAA



The vast majority of the world's coral reefs lie within the tropics: Between the Tropic of Cancer in the north, and the Tropic of Capricorn in the south. Technically speaking, that's between latitude 23.4378° N and 23.4378° S, though many people tend to think of the tropics as being generally between the 30 degree latitude lines.

Where do most of the tropical reef fish live?

- About 500 - 700 species live on the Caribbean Reef (includes Florida and The Bahamas)
- The Indo-Pacific region reefs are home to 5000 - 6000 species.
- Australia's Great Barrier Reef reef, part of the Indo-Pacific region, has 1500 - 2000 species.

More Pictures of Tropical Fish

On Everyday Items

Costa Maya Reef Tile tile Vintage Tropical Fish and Coral in the Ocean candyjar mousepad - tropical fish mousepad

LEFT: Costa Maya Reef Tile by h2oWater
CENTER: Vintage Tropical Fish and Coral in the Ocean by YesterdayCafe
RIGHT: mousepad - tropical fish by kidblu

See Reef Fish - Snorkel in the Caribbean

type=Stoplight-ParrotfishIf you'd prefer not to go to the trouble of setting up a saltwater aquarium to enjoy the sight of beautiful tropical fish, consider doing a little snorkeling in the Caribben, the Florida Keys, or The Bahamas.

Even those who aren't experienced snorkelers or advanced swimmers, it's possible to snorkel with an experienced guide, who will instruct you in the use of the equipment, and provide you with an inflatable safety vest and flotation device. You will be amazed at the new world you will discover beneath the surfice of the turquoise waters!

Stoplight Parrotfish, CC
are common in the Caribbean


I am always fascinated by the way the stoplight parrotfishes glisten!

Have You Snorkeled a Reef?

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Tropical Fish Jewelry

from Amazon

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Dangerously Beautiful Lion Fish

A Danger and a Problem.

This fish may be beautiful, but it also poses a distinct danger . to humans, other fish, and the ecosystem of the Caribbean reef.

The red lionfish - Pterois volitans - has invaded the waters of Florida, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean in recent years, and it's causing a big problem. The invasion may be a result of pet owners releasing their aquarium specimens into the sea after tiring of them. In any event, it has become a problem

Red Lionfish Vintage Print photosculpture
Red Lionfish Vintage Print by SolPacifico


.

PROBLEM #1: Danger to Humans
Native to the Indo-Pacific reefs, the lionfish has venomous ray fins. The venom causes vomiting, fever and sweating. In rare cases, it's been fatal.

PROBLEM # 2: Danger to the Ecosystem
Lionfish have voracious appetites, reproduce rapidly, and have no kown preditors in the Atlantic or Caribbean. Scientists fear they may soon wipe out other species of fish and upset the balance of the ecosystem. For example, the supply of grouper has diminished as the population of lionfish has expanded.

A number of countries, including the US, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and The Caymans, have authorized 'lionfish hunts,' in an effort to stem the lionfish population explosion.

Government and non governmental organizations are encouraging restaurants to add lionfish to their menus, hoping an increased demand may eventually lead to active harvesting of the troublesome species.

Tropical Fish Themed Products

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Video of the Amazing Looking, but Dangerous Lionfish

powered by Youtube

Tropical Fish Collectibles

Can you find a something cool on eBay today?

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Related Information on the Web

Tropical Fish casematecase
Tropical Fish by cellphonecasesforall

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Books and Puzzles

Children's Fish Books and Puzzles

Fish Books and Puzzles for Younger Children

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Fish Books and Puzzles for Kids

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  • mihgasper May 13, 2012 @ 1:57 am | delete
    Ah, the underwater world, world of piece and beauty!
  • skiesgreen Mar 26, 2012 @ 11:52 pm | delete
    Wonderful lens and great information. It's atrocious how people move species about and unwittingly cause major environmental problems. Blessed and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012.
  • Tipi Mar 25, 2012 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    Came by to be refreshed once again with your beauty here!
  • Richard3331 Mar 23, 2012 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    lovely lens Thank you for your visit earlier
  • pawpaw911 Mar 22, 2012 @ 10:36 am | delete
    Gorgeous images. I love reef fish.
  • squidoopets Mar 19, 2012 @ 11:57 pm | delete
    Bright and beautiful fish pictures, loved them
  • Einar_A Mar 13, 2012 @ 11:44 pm | delete
    What beautiful creatures!
  • sukkran Mar 12, 2012 @ 2:49 pm | delete
    wow. beautiful pics and vids. really enjoyed my visit. thanks for this wonderful presentation.
  • Tipi Mar 10, 2012 @ 9:41 am | delete
    Its just refreshing to stop by here again.
    I love the aquatic feel of the lens. :)
  • Sylvestermouse Mar 3, 2012 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    These are such beautiful fish and beautiful photos!
  • BiminiBahamas Mar 2, 2012 @ 1:44 pm | delete
    The lion fish is certainly creating a problem here in the Bahamas. Last year we had our first Lionfish Bash with another scheduled this July .. btw ... they make tasty fish nuggets breaded and fried!
  • CruiseReady Mar 2, 2012 @ 3:54 pm | delete
    Oo - No, that I would love to try!
  • mumsgather Feb 29, 2012 @ 6:26 pm | delete
    Beautiful. I enjoy snorkelling. Its like swimming in an aquarium. :)
  • CruiseReady Mar 2, 2012 @ 9:19 am | delete
    It's amazing. I can't get enough of it.
  • Pinkchic18 Feb 29, 2012 @ 8:33 am | delete
    Beautiful lens. We snorkeled while we were in cancun and it was really pretty. I've heard the caribbean is even more amazing. Great lens!
  • naheedahsan Feb 29, 2012 @ 2:34 am | delete
    i like the Red Lionfish, good idea..
  • savenlives Feb 25, 2012 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    I have earned the nickname of Suzie Snorkel by my husband!! lol. I once found about 40 lion fish right off the coast of the Bahamas, where people were swimming, scary. After returning back to that resort they are now all gone, thank goodnes!
  • Tipi Feb 25, 2012 @ 9:46 am | delete
    Tropical fish are so beautiful and these poster pictures tell it all.
    Very nice pictures of the fish, I enjoyed the colorful gallery. :)
  • queenofduvetcovers Feb 25, 2012 @ 8:27 am | delete
    Beautiful images of reef and tropical fish, thanks for sharing! =)
  • poutine Feb 23, 2012 @ 11:57 am | delete
    Beautiful and so colorful.
  • cffutah Feb 22, 2012 @ 10:03 pm | delete
    Fun article indeed to read and participate in too! *blessed!*
  • AlphaChic Feb 21, 2012 @ 7:26 am | delete
    Lovely pics. Makes me want an aquarium!
  • digitaltree Feb 20, 2012 @ 4:42 pm | delete
    Beautiful Lens, great choice of animals.
  • MelonyVaughan Feb 20, 2012 @ 12:48 pm | delete
    What a beautiful lens! Thanks for sharing!
  • kathysart Feb 20, 2012 @ 10:35 am | delete
    I am an artist and have a mermaid baby series so for awhile I tried to hunt down images of fish I could paint into the series.. I wish I had seen this lens when I was on the hunt.. wonderful!! Angel blessed!
  • cruiselinefans Feb 20, 2012 @ 7:56 am | delete
    Great lens - the kid who wanted to be a marine biologist when he was younger in me really wishes he had fish right now. We've been talking about getting the kids a fish tank 0- maybe it's time.

    Great lens, thanks for sharing.
  • Bash51214 Feb 19, 2012 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    i really enjoyed your post.. thank you..
  • Mujjen Feb 18, 2012 @ 3:56 am | delete
    I have snorkeled in different parts of the world, and seeing a lot of tropical fish. It is one of the most amazing experiences you can have.
  • Lindrus Feb 17, 2012 @ 5:46 am | delete
    Nice photos, such colourful fish. I love snorkelling in the Red Sea of Egypt - awesome and so beautiful!
  • karmicchristian Feb 16, 2012 @ 7:27 am | delete
    Oh my word! What a stunning array of beauties! Breathtakingly brilliant!
  • mnl7362 Feb 15, 2012 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Absolutely Breathtaking! Thanks for sharing! :)
  • entertainmenteveryday Feb 15, 2012 @ 8:47 pm | delete
    I love tropical fish. They are beautiful.
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This Page about Tropical Fish

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CruiseReady

Nothing fascinating here... just a cranky old lady who loves to cruise, watch the Indy 500, and follow tropical weather systems.
I live on Florida's... more »

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