The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
Boarfishes (Caproidae) are unusual-looking reef fish with tall, compressed bodies, found in temperate to subtropical oceans—including waters around New Zealand, southern Australia, and parts of the Atlantic. They are typically seen at moderate to deeper reef depths, swimming in an upright, almost vertical posture. Most species, like the red boarfish, display striking reddish or pinkish hues, often highlighted by reflective scales.
They feed on small invertebrates, using their long snouts to probe between rocks or into sandy crevices. Though not always easy to spot, boarfish are a rewarding find for divers exploring deep reef walls or boulder-strewn seabeds, where their shape and color stand out against more typical reef species. Their unique profile and calm movements make them great subjects for underwater photography and fish ID enthusiasts.
