Bannerfish
The False Moorish Idol
Bannerfish are one of the most commonly seen fish amongst the Pacific reef community. Often referred to as false Moorish idols, bannerfish are easily distinguishable by their less ornate black, yellow, and white striping and smaller snout. There are two types of bannerfish, both native to the Indo-Pacific region: longfin and schooling bannerfish. These relatively small reef fish can grow to a maximum length of 18-21 cm.
Although they look very similar and are hard to distinguish from each other to the untrained eye, you can quickly determine which of the two species you are diving with based on their behavior. If you are diving with bannerfish congregated together on one spot of the reef in large numbers, they are schooling bannerfish. If, however, you only see one or two swimming around, they are most likely the longfin bannerfish. Check out the dive site map below to see where you can go diving with bannerfish.
Dive sites with this animal Show more on map
★★★★☆ Okobe Thila
This amazing reef are 3 blocks. The biggest begins in the south between 80-100m long and it's full of corals, it would be nice we can start here. In the east we have another wonderful block a bit similar to east block Maya Thila covert full with corals. In the north is the smallest block. AOW or higher
★★★★☆ Kani Corner
Kani Corner is basically a slope that goes to 25 - 30 m in a sandy bottom. There are some big blocks this deep and at the right time, mantas visit the blocks or pass by the top of the reef. The current can be strong so take caution.
★★★★☆ Frederiksted Pier
One of the top macro dives anywhere! Scattered ruins and columns are coral encrusted and provide habitat for many types of shallow sea life. The pier is 1526ft/465m long so lots to discover with a gradual westerly decline. Perfect for snorkeling & non-certified divers too.
★★★★☆ Marsa Gabal el Rosas (Ducks center)
Narrow entrance with a sandy bottom. Nice coral. A good dive site to make drift dives from the zodiac on the North Anemone City. Good for experienced and beginner divers.
★★★★☆ Crashboat Wall and Anchor
This site is the remnant of an old pier. It is a shallow site, no more than 30-35 feet of depth with a sandy bottom. The wreckage on the bottom provides an artificial reef for a large variety of marine life. Visibility ranges between 10 feet (if it has been raining) to over 50 or 60 feet.
★★★★☆ Tugboat
Tugboat is Curacao’s most famous dive and snorkel spot due to its shallow depth. It was wrecked just off the shore of Caracasbaai and sits in only 15 feet of water. The tugboat is crawling with marine life and is now covered in sponges and coral growth.