Six Water Species You’ll See in The Bahamas

Picture yourself in Nassau & Paradise Island, where the crystal-clear waters beckon you to dive into a world of wonder. But have you ever paused to consider the breathtaking beauty beneath the surface? Imagine 1.4 million acres of protected marine habitat, a haven where all marine life can thrive, with coral reefs stretching as far as the eye can see. Let’s delve into the world of six species you’ll find in these incredible waters and be inspired by their unique characteristics.

Blue Marlin

Imagine encountering a living legend of the deep: the blue marlin, the national fish of The Bahamas. This sleek giant —noted for its striking blue and white hues — is built for speed and can swim up to 50 miles per hour. But its most awe-inspiring feature is the unmistakable sword, a pointed bill that juts from its upper jaw. Most commonly found in the waters near Paradise Island and Alice Town, blue marlin can grow up to 14 feet long and weigh upwards of 2000 pounds!

Bahamian Rock Lobster

Now, let’s explore the world of the Bahamian rock lobster. These fascinating spiny creatures are always growing, and through a process called moulting, they grow a soft shell underneath their hard outer shell. When the time is right, they split this hard shell open and leave it behind. Eventually, the new soft shell expands and hardens, giving the lobster more room to grow until the process repeats itself. Come late spring, they embark on a journey into deeper waters — a move that allows them to be more active prior to the onset of winter. You can find them on Paradise Island and in many other areas across Nassau.

Barracuda

Ah, the barracuda — sleek, stealthy, and always ready for action. We encourage you to admire them from a safe distance, perhaps on a guided fishing trip. These big guys are blue-grey above, fading into a silvery white below on their underbelly. Known to inhabit both the Atlantic and Pacific and several seas across the globe, barracudas prefer a warmer water climate and are one of the main predators of the reefs.

Lionfish

The lionfish is a fierce player in the underwater realm. With their array of long venomous dorsal fins, potential predators know to be cautious of these colorful lions of the water. The key difference between venom and poison is that venom is transmitted via a wound, and poison doesn’t have to be, meaning they need to be in contact with their prey to have an impact. They consume over 50 species of fish through active hunting and ambushing their prey in the waters surrounding Nassau & Paradise Island.

Starfish

Now, let’s take a closer look at the starfish. Did you know starfish are not even considered fish? These resilient creatures, with no brain or blood to speak of, boast nearly 2,000 variations across the species. They have the incredible ability to regenerate lost limbs, redefining the concept of resilience. From pale yellows to vibrant reds, each starfish is a unique gem in the ocean’s array of wonders. You can spot these fascinating creatures all over — visit the interactive touch tank aquarium at the Atlantis Paradise Island to get up close and personal with conch, starfish, crabs, and more. Just be mindful of your steps as you enter the ocean! Or Baha Mar for their Animal Sanctuary and explore fun, hands-on experiences with Carribean fish and even flamingos.

Clownfish

Finally, we have the clownfish. Don’t let the name fool you. While these captivating and colourful fish are known for their quirky personalities, they also take nurturing and protecting their young very seriously. The males are the primary caregivers in this species, while a female leads groups of clownfish. But here’s the interesting twist: all clownfish are born male! In fact, they often only transition into the female of the species when their leader dies. When this happens, the second-in-command male transforms into a female to become the new leader. If you’re snorkelling the reefs off Nassau & Paradise Island, you’re likely to see these tropical fish made famous by the heartwarming film Finding Nemo.

Come Sea the Underwater Beauty For Yourself

Calling all marine enthusiasts — The Bahamas is a haven that awaits you! Its stunning waters, teeming with life, offer a playground for anyone passionate about all things aquatic. Start planning your vacation full of underwater adventure in Nassau & Paradise Islands today, and get ready for an experience like no other!