Marine wildlife of Baa Atoll
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The marine wildlife of Baa Atoll consists of marine species living in a circular archipelago in the Maldives, inside the administrative division of
Baa Atoll Baa Atoll (includes Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi, Fasdhūtherē Atoll, and Goifulhafehendhu Atoll) is an administrative division of the Maldives. It consists of three separate natural atolls, namely southern Maalhosmad ...
, which is the southern part of Maalhosmadulu Atoll. Baa Atoll was named a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 2011. The whole is approximately 38 km by 46 km, covering a surface of 1,127 km2.Paul S. Kench ''et al.'',
The geomorphology of Baa (south Maalhosmadulu) atoll and its reef islands
, ''in'' Andréfoüet ''et al.'', ''Biodiversity, resources, and conservation of Baa atoll (Republic of Maldives) : a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve'', Washington DC, Atoll Research Bulletin, 2012
However, the atoll shelters only 5.5 km2 of emerged land, consisting of sandy islands not higher than 3.19 m, and of which half do not exceed an area of 10 hectares. The administrative subdivision of Baa, shelters 11,910 inhabitants, distributed on 13 of the 75 islands, 8 other islands being
island resort A resort island (French ''Île-hôtel''; "hotel island") is a hotel complex located on an island; in many cases one luxury hotel may own the entire island. More broadly, resort island can be defined as any island or an archipelago that contains ...
s; the capital is
Eydhafushi Eydhafushi ( Dhivehi: އޭދަފުށި) is the capital of Baa Atoll. The island is geographically located at the southern edge of Baa Atoll (Southern Maalhosmadulu Atoll or Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi). It has the highest population in the atoll a ...
. The archipelago has been located inside the UNESCO Biosphere reserve since 2011. Its shallow waters, particularly rich in coral and fish as well as turtles and dolphins, madk a favored place for seaside and underwater tourism. The ecosystem is characterized by a very high rate of coral cover, highly diverse and dominated by table, digitate and branched corals of the genus ''
Acropora ''Acropora'' is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria. Some of its species are known as table coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. Over 149 species are described. ''Acropora'' species are some of the major reef corals r ...
''. The shallow waters of this atoll and its particular richness in corals and fish have made it a destination for underwater tourism. The presence of huge animals such as
manta ray Manta rays are large rays belonging to the genus ''Mobula'' (formerly its own genus ''Manta''). The larger species, '' M. birostris'', reaches in width, while the smaller, '' M. alfredi'', reaches . Both have triangular Pectoral fin#AnchPect ...
s and whale sharks add spectacular encounters to the beauty of the place. Scientific studies suggest that the faunistic composition can vary greatly between neighbor atolls, especially in terms of benthic fauna. All of the images illustrating this article, except for the satellite view, were taken in the waters of Baa Atoll.


General view

Image:Baa Atoll.jpg, Map of the Baa atoll. The north is on the right. Image:Baa atoll islands.JPG, Aerial view of a part of Baa atoll. Image:Maldives island.JPG, A typical uninhibited island of Baa atoll, with its coral reef. Image:Reethi Beach Maldives.jpg, A view of the
resort island A resort island (French ''Île-hôtel''; "hotel island") is a hotel complex located on an island; in many cases one luxury hotel may own the entire island. More broadly, resort island can be defined as any island or an archipelago that contains ...
of Fonimagoodhoo. Image:Baa Atoll (Voavah).JPG, A typical underwater landscape of Baa atoll dominated by coral, at Voavah.


Marine mammals

Image:Stenella longirostris Maldives.jpg, A spinner dolphin (''
Stenella longirostris The spinner dolphin (''Stenella longirostris'') is a small dolphin found in off-shore tropical waters around the world. It is famous for its acrobatic displays in which it rotates around its longitudinal axis as it leaps through the air. It is a ...
'') Image:Tursiops truncatus Maldives.jpg, A couple of bottlenose dolphins (''
Tursiops truncatus Bottlenose dolphins are Aquatic mammal, aquatic mammals in the genus ''Tursiops.'' They are common, cosmopolitan distribution, cosmopolitan members of the family Delphinidae, the family of oceanic dolphins. molecular biology, Molecular studies ...
'')


Reptile Reptiles, as most commonly defined are the animals in the class Reptilia ( ), a paraphyletic grouping comprising all sauropsids except birds. Living reptiles comprise turtles, crocodilians, squamates (lizards and snakes) and rhynchocephalians ( ...
s

Image:Green Turtle Chelonia mydas.JPG, Green turtle ('' Chelonia mydas'') Image:Eretmochelys imbricata Maldives.JPG, Hawksbill turtle ('' Eretmochelys imbricata'') Image:Lepidochelys olivacea Landaa.JPG, An olive ridley turtle ('' Lepidochelys olivacea''), stuck in a drifting net.


Fish


Ray Ray may refer to: Fish * Ray (fish), any cartilaginous fish of the superorder Batoidea * Ray (fish fin anatomy), a bony or horny spine on a fin Science and mathematics * Ray (geometry), half of a line proceeding from an initial point * Ray (g ...
s and sharks (" Chondrichthyes")


Ray Ray may refer to: Fish * Ray (fish), any cartilaginous fish of the superorder Batoidea * Ray (fish fin anatomy), a bony or horny spine on a fin Science and mathematics * Ray (geometry), half of a line proceeding from an initial point * Ray (g ...
s

Image:Manta alfredi Maldives.JPG, Manta ray (''
Manta alfredi Manta or mantas may refer to: * Manta ray, large fish belonging to the genus ''Manta'' Arts and entertainment Fictional entities * Manta (comics), a character in American Marvel Comics publications * Manta (''Uridium''), a spaceship in the Br ...
'') Image:Aetobatus ocellatus Maldives.jpg, Eagle ray (''
Aetobatus narinari The spotted eagle ray (''Aetobatus narinari'') is a cartilaginous fish of the eagle ray family, Myliobatidae. As traditionally recognized, it is found globally in tropical regions, including the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Recent autho ...
'') Image:Ornate eagle ray (Aetomylaeus vespertilio) Baa Atoll, Maldives (2018).jpg, Ornate eagle ray (''
Aetomylaeus vespertilio The ornate eagle ray or reticulate eagle ray (''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'') is a species of large stingray of the family Myliobatidae. Appearance ''Aetomylaeus vespertilio'' has a maximum size of around 240 cm in disc width and a clearly di ...
'') Image:Himantura jenkinsii Maldives.JPG, Jenkins stingray (''
Himantura jenkinsii The Jenkins' whipray (''Pateobatis jenkinsii'') is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, with a wide distribution in the Indo-Pacific region from South Africa to the Malay Archipelago to northern Australia. This large species grows ...
'') Image:Pastinachus sephen Landaagiraavaru.JPG, A feathertail stingray (''
Pastinachus sephen The cowtail stingray (''Pastinachus sephen'') is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, widespread in the Indo-Pacific region and occasionally entering freshwater habitats. Other common names include banana-tail ray, drab stingray, ...
'') Image:Black-blotched Stingray.jpg, Black-blotched stingray (''
Taeniura meyeni The round ribbontail ray (''Taeniurops meyeni'') is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, found throughout the nearshore waters of the tropical Indo-Pacific, as well as off islands in the eastern Pacific. It is a bottom-dwelling i ...
'') Image:Urogymnus asperrimus Voavah.jpg, Porcupine stingray ('' Urogymnus asperrimus'')


Sharks

Image:Carcharhinus melanopterus angsana velavaru.jpg, Two young blacktip sharks (''
Carcharhinus melanopterus The blacktip reef shark (''Carcharhinus melanopterus'') is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, which can be easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and its caudal fin). ...
'') on a beach. Image:3 day break in Bandos, Maldives.jpg, An adult blacktip shark (''
Carcharhinus melanopterus The blacktip reef shark (''Carcharhinus melanopterus'') is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, which can be easily identified by the prominent black tips on its fins (especially on the first dorsal fin and its caudal fin). ...
'') Image:Triaenodon obesus Maldives.JPG, A coral shark (''
Triaenodon obesus The whitetip reef shark (''Triaenodon obesus'') is a species of requiem shark, in the family Carcharhinidae, and the only member of its genus. A small shark that does not usually exceed in length, this species is easily recognizable by its slen ...
'') Image:Negaprion acutidens Maldives.JPG, A sicklefin lemon shark (''
Negaprion acutidens The sicklefin lemon shark (''Negaprion acutidens'') or sharptooth lemon shark is a species of requiem shark belonging to the family Carcharhinidae, widely distributed in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. It is closely related to the better ...
'') Image:Stegostoma fasciatum.JPG, A leopard shark (''
Stegostoma fasciatum The zebra shark (''Stegostoma tigrinum'') is a species of carpet shark and the sole member of the family Stegostomatidae. It is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific, frequenting coral reefs and sandy flats to a depth of . Adult zebra sharks ...
'') Image:Ginglymostoma cirratum Maldives.JPG, A nurse shark (''
Nebrius ferrugineus The tawny nurse shark (''Nebrius ferrugineus'') is a species of carpet shark in the family Ginglymostomatidae, and the only extant member of the genus ''Nebrius''. It is found widely along coastlines in the Indo-Pacific, preferring reefs, sa ...
'') Image:Whale shark Maldives.jpg, Whale shark (''
Rhincodon typus The whale shark (''Rhincodon typus'') is a slow-moving, filter-feeding carpet shark and the largest known extant fish species. The largest confirmed individual had a length of .McClain CR, Balk MA, Benfield MC, Branch TA, Chen C, Cosgrove J, Do ...
'')


Ray-finned fishes (Teleostei)

; Elopomorpha ("eels") Image:Gymnomuraena zebra Thiladhoo.JPG, Zebra moray eel ('' Gymnomuraena zebra'') Image:Honeycomb Moray.jpg, Honeycomb moray eel
(''
Gymnothorax favagineus The laced moray (''Gymnothorax favagineus''), also known as the leopard moray, leopard moray eel, tessellate moray or honeycomb moray, is a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae. Description ''Gymnothorax favagineus'' is a large moray ...
'') Image:Gymnothorax javanicus Maldives 2.JPG, Giant moray eel (''
Gymnothorax javanicus The giant moray (''Gymnothorax javanicus'') is a species of moray eel and a species of marine fish in the family Muraenidae. In terms of body mass, it is the largest moray eel; however, the slender giant moray is the largest in terms of body l ...
'') Image:Gymnothorax rueppelliae.jpg, Banded moray eel ('' Gymnothorax rueppelliae'') Image:Gymnothorax undulatus Maldives.jpg, Undulate moray eel (''
Gymnothorax undulatus The undulated moray (''Gymnothorax undulatus'') is a moray eel of the family Muraenidae, found in the Indo-Pacific and east-central Pacific Ocean at depths down to 30 m. Their length is up to 1.5 m. Description and biology The undulated mora ...
'') Image:Siderea thyrsoidea Landaagiravaru.JPG, White-eyed moray eel ('' Siderea thyrsoidea'') Image:Heteroconger hassi Maldives.JPG, Spotted garden eel ('' Heteroconger hassi'')


Aulopiformes

Image:Synodus dermatogenys Maldives.JPG, A sand lizardfish ('' Synodus dermatogenys'') Image:Synodus variegatus Thiladhoo.JPG, A variegated lizardfish (''
Synodus variegatus ''Synodus'' is a genus of fish in the family Synodontidae found in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Species Currently, 46 species in this genus are recognized: * ''Synodus binotatus'' L. P. Schultz, 1953 (two-spot lizardfish) * ''Synodus ...
'')


Lophiiformes

Image:Antennarius commerson Maldives.jpg, Giant frogfish (''
Antennarius commerson Commerson's frogfish or the giant frogfish, ''Antennarius commerson'', is a marine fish belonging to the family Antennariidae. Description Commerson's frogfish grows up to . Like other members of its family, it has a globular, extensible body ...
'')


Mugiliformes The mullets or grey mullets are a family (Mugilidae) of ray-finned fish found worldwide in coastal temperate and tropical waters, and some species in fresh water. Mullets have served as an important source of food in Mediterranean Europe since R ...

Image:Crenimugil crenilabis Maldives.JPG, Fringelip mullet (''
Crenimugil crenilabis ''Crenimugil crenilabis'', the fringelip mullet, is a member of the ray-finned fish family Mugilidae The mullets or grey mullets are a family (Mugilidae) of ray-finned fish found worldwide in coastal temperate and tropical waters, and some sp ...
'')


Atheriniformes

Image:Atherinomorus lacunosus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Robust hardyhead (''
Atherinomorus lacunosus The hardyhead silverside (''Atherinomorus lacunosus''), also known as the broad-banded hardyhead, broad-banded silverside, Capricorn hardyhead, pitted hardyhead, robust hardyhead, robust silverside, slender hardyhead and wide-banded hardyhead silv ...
'')


Beloniformes

Image:Platybelone argalus Maldives.JPG, Keeltail needlefish ('' Platybelone argalus'') Image:Tylosurus crocodilus Maldives.jpg, Houndfish (''
Tylosurus crocodilus The houndfish (''Tylosurus crocodilus'') is a game fish of the family Belonidae. It is the largest member of its family, growing up to in length and in weight. It is also often called the crocodile needlefish. Description While the houndfish h ...
'') Image:Hyporhamphus dussumieri.JPG, Dussumier's halfbeak (''
Hyporhamphus dussumieri The Dussumier's halfbeak (''Hyporhamphus dussumieri''), also known as the slender garfish, lives in reefs and shallow lagoons. It is an Indo-Pacific species which is found from the Seychelles east to the Tuamotu Islands, north to Hong Kong and Ok ...
'')


Beryciformes

Image:Myripristis adusta.JPG, Shadowfin soldierfish ('' Myripristis adusta'') Image:Myripristis berndti Maldives.JPG, Yellow-fin soldierfish (''
Myripristis berndti The blotcheye soldierfish (''Myripristis berndti'') is a species of soldierfish belonging to the family Holocentridae. Description This species grows to a length of TL. The body is oval and laterally compressed and the scales are quite lar ...
'') Image:Myripristis murdjan Maldives 3.JPG, Crimson soldierfish (''
Myripristis murdjan ''Myripristis murdjan'' is a species of soldierfish found in the Indo-Pacific The Indo-Pacific is a vast biogeographic region of Earth. In a narrow sense, sometimes known as the Indo-West Pacific or Indo-Pacific Asia, it comprises the tro ...
'') Image:Myripristis violacea Maldives.JPG, Violet soldierfish ('' Myripristis violacea'') Image:Myripristis vittata Maldives.JPG, Immaculate soldierfish ('' Myripristis vittata'') Image:Neoniphon opercularis.JPG, Mouthfin squirrelfish (''
Neoniphon opercularis ''Neoniphon opercularis'', the blackfin squirrelfish, also known as the mouth-fin squirrelfish or clearfin squirrelfish, is a species of squirrelfish found in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean from East Africa as far east as New Caledonia. It ...
'') Image:Neoniphon sammara Maldives.JPG, Spotfin squirrelfish (''
Neoniphon sammara ''Neoniphon sammara'', the sammara squirrelfish, also known as the blood-spot squirrelfish, slender squirrelfish, spotfin squirrelfish, armed squirrel-fish or javelin squirrelfish, is a species squirrelfish found in the Indian Ocean and Pacific ...
'') Image:Sargocentron diadema Maldives.JPG, Crown squirrelfish (''
Sargocentron diadema ''Sargocentron diadema'', known commonly as the crowned squirrelfish, is a member of the family Holocentridae in the order Beryciformes. Squirrelfish in general are large, active, nocturnal fish which are usually red in color.Bailey, M. and G. Sa ...
'') Image:Sargocentron spiniferum Maldives 2.JPG, Sabre squirrelfish (''
Sargocentron spiniferum ''Sargocentron spiniferum'', common name sabre squirrelfish, giant squirrelfish and spiny squirrelfish, is a large Indo-Pacific species of squirrelfish belonging to the family Holocentridae. Description ''Sargocentron spiniferum'' is the larges ...
'')


Syngnathiformes

Image:Aulostomus chinensis Maldives 2.JPG, Chinese trumpetfish (''
Aulostomus chinensis The Chinese trumpetfish, ''Aulostomus chinensis'', is a demersal marine fish belonging to the family Aulostomidae. Description ''Aulostomus chinensis'' is a medium-sized fish which grows up to 80 cm in length. Its body is elongated and comp ...
'') Image:Corythoichthys haematopterus Maldives.JPG, Messmate pipefish ('' Corythoichthys haematopterus'') Image:Fistularia commersonii Maldives.JPG, Smooth flutemouth ('' Fistularia commersonii'')


Scorpaeniformes (scorpionfish, stonefish…)

Image:Pterois antennata (2) Maldives.JPG, Spotfin lionfish (''
Pterois antennata ''Pterois antennata'', the spotfin lionfish, banded lionfish, broadbarred lionfish, broadbarred firefish, raggedfinned firefish, raggedfinned scorpionfish or roughscaled lionfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Sc ...
'') Image:Pterois radiata Landaagiraavaru 2.jpg, White-lined lionfish (''
Pterois radiata The clearfin lionfish (''Pterois radiata''), also called the tailbar lionfish, radiata lionfish, fireworks fish or radial firefish, is a carnivorous, ray-finned fish with venomous spines belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes and ...
'') Image:Pterois miles Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Common lionfish (''
Pterois miles ''Pterois miles'', the devil firefish or common lionfish, is a species of ray-finned fish native to the western Indo-Pacific region. It is frequently confused with its close relative, the red lionfish (''Pterois volitans''). The scientific name ...
'') Image:Scorpaenopsis oxycephala Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Smallscale scorpionfish (''
Scorpaenopsis oxycephala ''Scorpaenopsis oxycephala'', the tasseled scorpionfish, or small-scaled scorpionfish, is a species of venomous marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes. It has a wide distribution in the Indian and Pacific ...
'') Image:Taenianotus triacanthus (1).jpg, A leaf-fish ('' Taenianotus triacanthus'') Image:Synanceia verrucosa Maldives.jpg, Reef stonefish (''
Synanceia verrucosa ''Synanceia verrucosa'', the reef stonefish or just stonefish, is a species of venomous, marine ray-finned fish, a stonefish belonging to the subfamily Synanceiinae which is classified as being within the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfish ...
'') Image:Scorpaenopsis cf diabola Maldives.JPG, Young ''
Scorpaenopsis ''Scorpaenopsis'' is a genus of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfishes. The fishes in this genus are found in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Taxonomy ''Scorpaenopsis'' was first formally described as a ...
'' sp.


Perciformes

Image:Pseudanthias squamipinnis male Maldives.JPG, Sea goldie ('' Pseudanthias squamipinnis'') Image:Priacanthus hamrur Maldives.JPG, Crescent-tail bigeye (''
Priacanthus hamrur ''Priacanthus hamrur'', the lunar-tailed bigeye, goggle eye, or moontail bullseye, is a species of marine fishes belonging to the family Priacanthidae. Distribution This species is uncommon but widespread in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea a ...
'') Image:Maldives cardinal Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Yellowstriped cardinalfish (''
Ostorhinchus cyanosoma ''Ostorhinchus cyanosoma'', commonly known as the yellow-striped cardinalfish, goldenstriped cardinalfish, or the orange-lined cardinalfish,Aphareus furca ''Aphareus furca'', the small toothed jobfish, blue smalltooth jobfish, fork-tailed snapper or snapper jobbyfish is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Taxon ...
'') Image:Malacanthus latovittatus Maldives.JPG, Blue blanquillo (''
Malacanthus latovittatus ''Malacanthus'' is a small genus of tilefishes, family Malacanthidae. They are native to the western Atlantic Ocean and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Species There are currently three recognized species in this genus: * ''Malacanthus brevirost ...
'') Image:Kyphosus bigibbus Maldives.JPG, Brown chub ('' Kyphosus bigibbus'') Image:Kyphosus cinerascens Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Blue sea chub ('' Kyphosus cinerascens'') Image:Caesio caerulaurea Maldives.JPG, Variable-lined fusilier (''
Caesio varilineata ''Caesio varilineata'', the variable-lined fusilier or thin-lined fusilier, is a species of pelagic marine ray-finned fish, a fusilier belonging to the family Caesionidae. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Taxonomy ''Caesio varilineata'' wa ...
'') Image:Caesio varilineata Maldives.JPG, Variable-lined fusilier (''
Caesio varilineata ''Caesio varilineata'', the variable-lined fusilier or thin-lined fusilier, is a species of pelagic marine ray-finned fish, a fusilier belonging to the family Caesionidae. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Taxonomy ''Caesio varilineata'' wa ...
'') and dark-banded fusilier ('' Pterocaesio tile'') Image:Caesio xanthonota Maldives.JPG, Yellowback fusilier (''
Caesio xanthonota The yellowback fusilier (''Caesio xanthonota'') is a pelagic marine ray-finned fish, a fusilier belonging to the family Caesionidae. It is native to the tropical Indo-Pacific, being found in shallow water from the East African coast to Indonesia ...
'') Image:Gerres longirostris Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Strongspine silver-biddy ('' Gerres longirostris'') Image:Diving Maldives, 2009.jpg, Live sharksucker ('' Echeneis naucrates'') Image:Decapterus macarellus Maldives.JPG, Mackerel scad (''
Decapterus macarellus The mackerel scad (''Decapterus macarellus''), or speedo, is a species of fish of the family, Carangidae. While mackerel scad can be considered gamefish, they are usually used as bait. They are popular for consumption in Hawai'i, the Philippines ...
'') Image:Rastrelliger kanagurta Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Indian mackerel (''
Rastrelliger kanagurta The Indian mackerel (''Rastrelliger kanagurta'') is a species of mackerel in the scombrid family (family Scombridae) of order Perciformes. It is commonly found in the Indian and West Pacific oceans, and their surrounding seas. It is an impor ...
'') Image:Euthynnus affinis Maldives.JPG, Kawakawa or mackerel tuna ('' Euthynnus affinis'') Image:Dogtooth Tuna Maldives.jpg, Dogtooth tuna (''
Gymnosarda unicolor The dogtooth tuna ''Gymnosarda unicolor'', also known as white tuna, is a species of pelagic marine fish which belongs to the family Scombridae. Description The dogtooth tuna can reach a length of in males and a weight of .Collette, B.B. and C. ...
'') Image:Caranx ignobilis Voavah.JPG, Giant trevally (''
Caranx ignobilis The giant trevally (''Caranx ignobilis''), also known as the lowly trevally, barrier trevally, ronin jack, giant kingfish, or ''ulua'', is a species of large marine fish classified in the jack family, Carangidae. The giant trevally is distribut ...
'') Image:Caranx lugubris Maldives.JPG, Black jack ('' Caranx lugubris'') Image:Caranx melampygus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Bluefin trevally (''
Caranx melampygus The bluefin trevally (''Caranx melampygus''), also known as the bluefin jack, bluefin kingfish, bluefinned crevalle, blue ulua, omilu, and spotted trevally), is a species of large, widely distributed marine fish classified in the jack family, Car ...
'') Image:Caranx sexfasciatus Baa atoll.JPG, Bigeye trevally ('' Caranx sexfasciatus'') Image:Elegatis bipinnulata Maldives.jpg, Rainbow runner (''
Elagatis bipinnulata The rainbow runner (''Elagatis bipinnulata''), also known as the rainbow yellowtail, Spanish jack and Hawaiian salmon, is a common species of pelagic marine fish of the jack family, Carangidae. The species is widespread throughout the tropical an ...
'') Image:Seriola rivoliana.JPG, Longfin yellowtail (''
Seriola rivoliana The longfin yellowtail (''Seriola rivoliana''), also known as the almaco or silvercoat jack, deep-water, falcate, European or highfin amberjack, rock salmon, longfin or yellow kingfish, is a game fish of the family Carangidae; they are in the sam ...
'') Image:Trachinotus baillonii Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Black-spotted pompano (''
Trachinotus baillonii The smallspotted dart (''Trachinotus baillonii'') is an Indo-Pacific species of pompano in the family Carangidae. Description ''Trachinotus baillonii'' can reach a maximum length of in males and a maximum weight of . The body color varies from ...
'') Image:Trachinotus blochii Landaagiraavaru.JPG, snub-nose pompano (''
Trachinotus blochii The snubnose pompano (''Trachinotus blochii''), also called the snubnose dart, golden pompano, and golden pomfret, is an Asia Pacific species of pompano in the family Carangidae. It is a pelagic fish associated with rocky reefs, coral reefs as w ...
'') Image:Gnathodentex aureolineatus Maldives.JPG, Goldspot seabream ('' Gnathodentex aureolineatus'') Image:Mulloidichthys flavolineatus Maldives.JPG, yellowstripe goatfish (''
Mulloidichthys flavolineatus The yellowstripe goatfish (''Mulloidichthys flavolineatus'') is a species of goatfish native to the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The fish is known as Weke 'a'a in Hawaiian. Description The species' color ranges from grey to white on i ...
'') Image:Mulloidichthys vanicolensis Maldives 2.JPG, Yellowfin goatfish (''
Mulloidichthys vanicolensis The yellowfin goatfish (''Mulloidichthys vanicolensis'') is a species of goatfish native to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Description ''M. vanicolensis'' can reach a maximum length of . The back is red-orange, while the flanks and the ...
'') Image:Upeneus vittatus.JPG, Striped goatfish ('' Upeneus taeniopterus'') Image:Parupeneus barberinus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Dash-and-dot goatfish (''
Parupeneus barberinus ''Parupeneus'' is a genus of goatfishes native to the Indian and Pacific oceans. Species There are currently 32 recognized species in this genus: * '' Parupeneus angulatus Randall & Heemstra, 2009 * '' Parupeneus barberinoides'' (Bleeker, 185 ...
'') Image:Parupeneus cyclostomus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Gold-saddle goatfish (''
Parupeneus cyclostomus ''Parupeneus cyclostomus'', the gold-saddle goatfish, blue goatfish or yellowsaddle goatfish, is a species of goatfish native to the Indo-Pacific. It is a commercially important species, as well as being sought out as a game fish, though it has ...
'') Image:Parupeneus macronema.JPG, Long-barbel goatfish (''
Parupeneus macronemus ''Parupeneus'' is a genus of goatfishes native to the Indian and Pacific oceans. Species There are currently 32 recognized species in this genus: * ''Parupeneus angulatus Randall & Heemstra, 2009 * '' Parupeneus barberinoides'' (Bleeker, 1 ...
'') Image:Parupeneus bifasciatus Thiladhoo.JPG, Doublebar goatfish (''
Parupeneus trifasciatus ''Parupeneus'' is a genus of goatfishes native to the Indian and Pacific oceans. Species There are currently 32 recognized species in this genus: * ''Parupeneus angulatus Randall & Heemstra, 2009 * '' Parupeneus barberinoides'' (Bleeker, 185 ...
'') Image:Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides Maldives.JPG, Harlequin sweetlips (''
Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides ''Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides'', the harlequin sweetlips, clown sweetlips, spotted sweetlips or many-spotted sweetlips, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a sweetlips belonging to the subfamily Plectorhinchinae, one of two subfamilies in ...
'') Image:Plectorhinchus gibbosus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Brown sweetlips (''
Plectorhinchus gibbosus ''Plectorhinchus gibbosus'', commonly known as the Harry hotlips, black sweetlips, brown sweetlips, dusky sweetlips, gibbous sweetlips, hairy hotlips or humpback sweetlips, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a sweetlips belonging to the su ...
'') Image:Plectorhinchus obscurus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Giant sweetlips ('' Plectorhinchus obscurus'') Image:Oriental Sweetlips.jpg, Oriental sweetlips ('' Plectorhinchus vittatus'') Image:Scolopsis affinis Maldives.JPG, Yellowstripe monocle bream (''
Scolopsis aurata ''Scolopsis'' is a genus of threadfin breams native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Species The currently recognized species in this genus are: * '' Scolopsis affinis'' W. K. H. Peters, 1877 (Peters' monocle bream) * '' Scolo ...
'') Image:Scolopsis bilineata Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Two-lined monocle bream (''
Scolopsis bilineata ''Scolopsis'' is a genus of threadfin breams native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Species The currently recognized species in this genus are: * '' Scolopsis affinis'' W. K. H. Peters, 1877 (Peters' monocle bream) * '' Scolo ...
'') Image:Platax orbicularis Voavah.JPG, Orbicular batfish (''
Platax orbicularis The orbicular batfish (''Platax orbicularis''), also known as the circular batfish, orbiculate batfish, round batfish, or orbic batfish is a popular aquarium fish which occurs naturally in the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The ...
'') Image:Platax teira Maldives.jpg, Longfin batfish (''
Platax teira ''Platax teira'', also known as the teira batfish, longfin batfish, longfin spadefish, or round faced batfish is a fish from the Indo-West Pacific. It occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of in length. Descript ...
'') Image:Siganus corallinus Maldives.jpg, Blue-spotted spinefoot or coral rabbitfish ('' Siganus corallinus'') Image:Siganus stellatus Maldives.JPG, Brown-spotted spinefoot ('' Siganus stellatus'') Image:Parapercis millepunctata Madhirivaadhoo.JPG, Black dotted sand perch ('' Parapercis millepunctata'') Image:Zanclus cornutus Maldives.JPG, Moorish idol (''
Zanclus cornutus The Moorish idol (''Zanclus cornutus'') is a marine fish species, the sole extant representative of the family Zanclidae (from the Greek ζαγκίος, ''zagkios'', "oblique") in order Acanthuriformes. A common inhabitant of tropical to sub ...
'') Image:Sphyraena barracuda Voavah.JPG, Great barracuda (''
Sphyraena barracuda ''Sphyraena barracuda'', commonly known as the great barracuda, is a species of barracuda: large, predatory ray-finned fish found in subtropical oceans around the world. Distribution and habitat The great barracuda is present in tropical to warm ...
'') Image:Monodactylus argenteus Baa atoll.jpg, Silver moony (''
Monodactylus argenteus ''Monodactylus argenteus'' is a species of fish in the family Monodactylidae, the moonyfishes. Its common names include silver moonyfish, or silver moony,Froese, R. and D. Pauly, Editors''Monodactylus argenteus''.FishBase. 2017. butter bream, a ...
'') Image:Longfin comet- Calloplesiops altivelis.jpg, Longfin comet (''
Calloplesiops altivelis The comet or marine betta (''Calloplesiops altivelis'') is a species of reef-associated tropical marine fish in the longfin family Plesiopidae, most commonly found between 3 and 50 m deep. It is native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It can reach a ...
'')


= Groupers

= Image:Aethaloperca rogaa Maldives.JPG, Redmouth grouper (''
Aethaloperca rogaa The redmouth grouper (''Aethaloperca rogaa''), also known as the red-flushed rock cod is a species of ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea bass ...
'') Image:Cephalopholis argus Maldives 2.JPG, Peacock grouper (''
Cephalopholis argus ''Cephalopholis argus'', the peacock hind, roi, bluespotted grouper, and celestial grouper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a member of the subfamily Epinephelinae, the groupers, and part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the ...
'') Image:Cephalopholis leopardus Maldives.jpg, Leopard grouper (''
Cephalopholis leopardus ''Cephalopholis leopardus'', also known as the Leopard grouper or Leopard hind , is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is in the family Serranidae which also includes the anthias and sea basses. ...
'') Image:Cephalopholis miniata Maldives.JPG, Coral grouper (''
Cephalopholis miniata ''Cephalopholis miniata'', also known as the coral grouper, coral hind, coral rock cod, coral cod, coral trout, round-tailed trout or vermillion seabass is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is ...
'') Image:Cephalopholis urodeta Maldives.JPG, Darkfin grouper ('' Cephalopholis nigripinnis'') Image:Cephalopholis sexmaculata Maldives.jpg, Sixblotch grouper ('' Cephalopholis sexmaculata'') Image:Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus Maldives.JPG, Whitespotted grouper ('' Epinephelus coeruleopunctatus'') Image:Epinephelus fasciatus Maldives.jpg, Blacktip grouper (''
Epinephelus fasciatus The blacktip grouper (''Epinephelus fasciatus''), also known as the redbanded grouper, blacktipped cod, black-tipped rockcod, footballer cod, red-barred cod, red-barred rockcod, scarlet rock-cod or weathered rock-cod, is a species of marine ray-fi ...
'') Image:Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Brown-marbled grouper or flower grouper (''
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus The brown-marbled grouper or tiger grouper (''Epinephelus fuscoguttatus'') is a benthic marine fish which belongs to the family Serranidae or also known as the groupers. Description ''Epinephelus fuscoguttatus'' is a medium-sized fish which gro ...
'') Image:Epinephelus macrospilos Maldives.JPG, Subnose grouper (''
Epinephelus macrospilos ''Epinephelus'' is a genus of marine ray-finned fish, groupers from the subfamily Epinephelinae, part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses. They are predatory fish, largely associated with reefs and are found i ...
'') Image:Diving Maldives, 2009 Epinephelus merra.jpg, Honeycomb grouper ('' Epinephelus merra'') Image:Epinephelus polyphekadion Maldives.JPG, Camouflage grouper (''
Epinephelus polyphekadion The camouflage grouper (''Epinephelus polyphekadion''), also known as the blue-tailed cod, camouflage rockcod, small-toothed rockcod, smooth flowery rock-cod, snout-spot grouper or snout-spot rock-cod, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a g ...
'') Image:Epinephelus spilotoceps Maldives.JPG, Foursaddle grouper ('' Epinephelus spilotoceps'') Image:Plectropomus aerolatus Maldives.JPG, Squaretail coral grouper (''
Plectropomus areolatus The squaretail coral grouper (''Plectropomus areolatus'') is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily Epinephelinae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the anthias and sea basses. Description The ...
'') Image:Plectropomus laevis Huludhoo.JPG, Black-saddle coral grouper (''
Plectropomus laevis ''Plectropomus laevis'', known commonly as the black-saddled coral grouper, cluespotted coral trout, blacksaddled coral trout, blue-spot trout, Chinese footballer, footballer cod, footballer coral trout, oceanic coral trout or tiger trout, is a s ...
'') (juvenile) Image:Plectropomus laevis adulte.JPG, Black-saddle coral grouper (''
Plectropomus laevis ''Plectropomus laevis'', known commonly as the black-saddled coral grouper, cluespotted coral trout, blacksaddled coral trout, blue-spot trout, Chinese footballer, footballer cod, footballer coral trout, oceanic coral trout or tiger trout, is a s ...
'') Image:Variola louti Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Lyretail grouper (''
Variola louti The yellow-edged lyretail (''Variola louti'') also known as the yellowedge coronation trout, fairy cod, lunar tail rock cod, lunartailed cod, lyre-tail cod or moontail seabass,, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a grouper from the subfamily ...
'')


= Emperors (Lethrinidae)

= Image:Lethrinus erythracanthus Maldives.JPG, Orange-spotted emperor (''
Lethrinus erythracanthus ''Lethrinus erythracanthus'', common names the orange-spotted emperor, orangefin emperor, and yellow-spotted emperor, is a species of emperor fish. Description ''Lethrinus erythracanthus'' is the largest of the 27 species in the genus ''Lethri ...
'') Image:Lethrinus harak Landaagiraavaru.jpg, Thumbprint emperor (''
Lethrinus harak ''Lethrinus harak'', common names the thumbprint emperor and blackspot emperor, is a species of emperor fish. Description This species is olive-green in colour, becoming paler toward the belly. It can grow to a maximum length of 50 cm but ...
'') Image:Lethrinus obsoletus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Orange-striped emperor ('' Lethrinus obsoletus'') Image:Lethrinus microdon Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Smalltooth emperor (''
Lethrinus microdon ''Lethrinus microdon'' is a species of emperor fish. It is a marine fish, bluish-grey or brown in colour with pale or somewhat orange fins. This species is reef-associated and is often found in small schools, occasionally with '' Lethrinus oliva ...
'') Image:Lethrinus ornatus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Ornate emperor ('' Lethrinus ornatus'') Image:Monotaxis heterodon.jpg, Redfin Emperor (''
Monotaxis heterodon '' Monotaxis heterodon'', the redfin emperor, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Lethrinidae, the emperors and emperor breams. This fish is found in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans. Taxonomy ''Monotaxis heterodon ...
'')


= Snappers (Lutjanidae)

= Image:Lutjanus bengalensis.JPG, ''Lutjanus bengalensis'' Image:Lutjanus biguttatus Landaagiraavaru 2.jpg, Two-spot banded snapper (''
Lutjanus biguttatus ''Lutjanus biguttatus'', the two-spot banded snapper or two-spot snapper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family (biology), family Lutjanidae. It is native to the western Pacific and eastern Indian Oceans. Tax ...
'') Image:Lutjanus bohar Maldives.JPG, Two-spot red snapper (''
Lutjanus bohar ''Lutjanus bohar'', the two-spot red snapper, the red bass, twinspot snapper or bohar snapper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution. Taxonomy ''Lutjanus b ...
'') Image:Lutjanus gibbus Maldives 2.JPG, Humpback red snapper (''
Lutjanus gibbus The humpback red snapper (''Lutjanus gibbus''), the paddletail, paddletail snapper or hunchback snapper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lutjanidae. It has a wide Indo-West Pacific distribution. It is a ...
'') Image:Bluestripe Snapper.jpg, Bluestripe snapper (''
Lutjanus kasmira The common bluestripe snapper (''Lutjanus kasmira''), bluestripe snapper, bluebanded snapper, bluestripe sea perch, fourline snapper, blue-line snapper or moonlighter, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the family Lut ...
'') Image:Lutjanus monostigma Maldives.JPG, One-spot snapper (''
Lutjanus monostigma ''Lutjanus monostigma'', the one-spot snapper, onespot seaperch or Moses snapper, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a snapper belonging to the Family (biology), family Lutjanidae. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region. Taxonomy ''Lutjanu ...
'') Image:Macolor macularis Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Midnight snapper ('' Macolor macularis'') Image:Macolor niger Maldives.JPG, Black and white snapper ('' Macolor niger'')


= Butterflyfish

= Image:Chaetodon andamanensis Maldives.JPG, Andaman butterflyfish or yellow butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon andamanensis ''Chaetodon andamanensis'', commonly known as the Andaman butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It is native to the Indian Ocean. Description ''Chaetodon andamanensis'' is ...
'') Image:Maldives Butterflyfish, Chaetodon auriga.jpg, Threadfin butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon auriga The threadfin butterflyfish (''Chaetodon auriga'') is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It has a wide Indo-Pacific distribution. Distribution ''Chaetodon auriga'' is found in the Indo-Pacific region, fr ...
'') Image:Chaetodon benneti.JPG, Bluelashed butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon bennetti The bluelashed butterflyfish (''Chaetodon bennetti''), also known as the eclipse butterflyfish, archer butterflyfish or Bennett's butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae, It i ...
'') Image:Chaetodon citrinellus Maldives 2.JPG, Speckled butterflyfish or citron butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon citrinellus ''Chaetodon citrinellus'' is a species of butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae). It is commonly known as the speckled butterflyfish or citron butterflyfish. It is found in the Indo-Pacific: the Red Sea, East Africa to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and ...
'') Image:Chaetodon collare.jpg, Redtail butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon collare __NOTOC__ The red-tailed butterflyfish (''Chaetodon collare''), also known as the brown butterflyfish, Pakistani butterflyfish or redtail butterflyfish , is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodont ...
'') Image:Chaetodon decussatus Maldives.jpg, Indian vagabond butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon decussatus The Indian vagabond butterflyfish (''Chaetodon decussatus''), also known as the blackened butterflyfish or black-finned vagabond, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the ...
'') Image:Chaetodon falcula Maldives.JPG, Black-wedged butterflyfish ('' Chaetodon falcula'') Image:Chaetodon guttatissimus Maldives.JPG, Peppered butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon guttatissimus The peppered butterflyfish (''Chaetodon guttatissimus'') is a species marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish from the (family Chaetodontidae). It is found in the Indian Ocean. Description The peppered butterflyfish is silvery white in colour ma ...
'') Image:Chaetodon interruptus Maldives 2.JPG, Yellow teardrop butterflyfish ('' Chaetodon interuptus'') Image:Chaetodon kleinii Maldives 2.JPG, Sunburst butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon kleinii The sunburst butterflyfish (''Chaetodon kleinii''), also known as the black-lipped butterflyfish, "blacklip butterflyfish" or Klein's butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. ...
'') Image:C. lunula maldives.JPG, Raccoon butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon lunula The raccoon butterflyfish (''Chaetodon lunula''), also known as the crescent-masked butterflyfish, lunule butterflyfish, halfmoon butterflyfish, moon butterflyfish, raccoon butterfly, raccoon, raccoon coralfish, and redstriped butterflyfish, is ...
'') Image:Chaetodon madagaskariensis Maldives 2.JPG, Seychelles butterflyfish or Madagascar butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon madagaskariensis The Seychelles butterflyfish (''Chaetodon madagaskariensis'') is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family (biology), family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the Indian Ocean from eastern Africa (as far south as ...
'') Image:Chaetodon melannotus Maldives.jpg, Blackback butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon melannotus The black-backed butterflyfish or blackback butterflyfish (''Chaetodon melannotus'') is a species of butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae). It is widespread through the Indo-Pacific area from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, to southern Japa ...
'') Image:Chaetodon meyeri Maldives.JPG, Scrawled butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon meyeri The scrawled butterflyfish (''Chaetodon meyeri''), also known as Meyer's butterflyfish or the maypole butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the Indian and P ...
'') Image:Chaetodon triangulum Landaagiraavaru.jpg, Triangle butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon triangulum ''Chaetodon triangulum'', the triangle butterflyfish or herringbone butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It is native to the tropical Indian Ocean. Description ''Chaetodo ...
'') Image:Chaetodon trifascialis Maldives.JPG, Chevron butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon trifascialis The chevron butterflyfish (''Chaetodon trifascialis''), also known as chevroned butterflyfish, triangulate butterflyfish or V-lined butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae. It ...
'') Image:Chaetodon trifasciatus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Melon butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon trifasciatus The melon butterflyfish (''Chaetodon trifasciatus'') or the Indian redfin butterflyfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family (biology), family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the Indian Ocean from East A ...
'') Image:Chaetodon xanthocephalus Maldives.JPG, Yellowhead butterflyfish (''
Chaetodon xanthocephalus ''Chaetodon xanthocephalus'', known commonly as the Yellowhead butterflyfish, is a species of marine fish in the family Chaetodontidae. It is found in the Indian Ocean. Description The yellowhead butterflyfish has a pearly white body with a gol ...
'') Image:Forcipiger flavissimus Maldives.JPG, Longnose butterflyfish (''
Forcipiger flavissimus The yellow longnose butterflyfish or forceps butterflyfish (''Forcipiger flavissimus'') is a species of marine fish in the family Chaetodontidae. The yellow longnose butterflyfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific ...
'') Image:Forcipiger longirostris Madhirivaadhoo.JPG, Big longnose butterflyfish (''
Forcipiger longirostris ''Forcipiger longirostris'', commonly known as the longnose butterflyfish or big longnose butterflyfish, is a species of butterflyfish found on coral reefs throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific. Even with its distinctive, point-lik ...
'') Image:Hemitaurichtys zoster Hulhudhoo.JPG, Brown-and-white butterflyfish (''
Hemitaurichthys zoster ''Hemitaurichthys zoster'', commonly known as the brown-and-white butterflyfish, black pyramid butterflyfish, zoster butterflyfish, or brushtooth butterflyfish, is a marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae ...
'') Image:Heniochus acuminatus Maldives.JPG, Longfin bannerfish (''
Heniochus acuminatus The pennant coralfish (''Heniochus acuminatus''), also known as the longfin bannerfish, reef bannerfish or coachman, is a species of fish of the family Chaetodontidae, native to the Indo-Pacific area. Description The pennant coralfish is a sm ...
'') Image:Heniochus diphreutes Maldives.JPG, Schooling bannerfish (''
Heniochus diphreutes The schooling bannerfish (''Heniochus diphreutes''), also known as the false moorish idol, is a marine ray-finned fish, a butterflyfish from the family Chaetodontidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific area. Description The schooling bannerfish ...
'') Image:Heniochus pleurotaenia Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Phantom bannerfish ''
Heniochus pleurotaenia ''Heniochus pleurotaenia'', the phantom bannerfish, is a marine fish belonging to the family Chaetodontidae, native from the central Indo-Pacific area. Description The phantom bannerfish is a small-sized fish that can reach a maximum length of ...
''


= Angelfish

= Image:Apolemichthys trimaculatus Maldives.jpg, Threespot angelfish ('' Apolemichthys trimaculatus'') Image:Apolemichthys xanthurus Maldives.jpg, Yellowtail angelfish ''
Apolemichthys xanthurus ''Apolemichthys xanthurus'', the Indian yellowtail angelfish, is a species of marine angelfish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae. Other common names include cream angelfish, smoke angelfish, and yellowtail black angelfish. It is found in the ...
'' Image:Pomacanthus imperator Maldives.JPG, Emperor angelfish (''
Pomacanthus imperator The emperor angelfish (''Pomacanthus imperator'') is a species of marine angelfish. It is a reef-associated fish, native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, from the Red Sea to Hawaii and the Austral Islands. This species is generally associated ...
'') Image:Pomacanthus xanthometopon Dive Baa Atoll Milaidhoo-009.JPG, Blueface angelfish (''
Pomacanthus xanthometopon ''Pomacanthus xanthometopon'' is a marine ray-finned fish, a marine angelfish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae found in shallow parts of the Indo-Pacific. It is commonly known as the blueface angelfish or the yellowface angelfish because of ...
'') Image:Pygoplites diacanthus Maldives.JPG, Regal angelfish ('' Pygoplites diacanthus'')


= Hawkfish

= Image:Cirrhichthys oxycephalus Maldives.JPG, Coral hawkfish (''
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus The coral hawkfish (''Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus''), the pixy hawkfish or sharp-headed hawkfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a hawkfish belonging to the family Cirrhitidae. It is native to tropical reefs of the Indian Ocean and the P ...
'') Image:Paracirrhites arcatus Hulhudhoo.JPG, Arc-eye hawkfish ('' Paracirrhites arcatus'') Image:Paracirrhites forsteri Maldives 2.JPG, Black-sided hawkfish or freckled hawkfish ('' Paracirrhites forsteri'')


= Clownfish and damselfish

= Image:Amphiprion clarkii Maldives.JPG, Clark's Clownfish (''
Amphiprion clarkii ''Amphiprion clarkii'', known commonly as Clark's anemonefish and yellowtail clownfish, is a marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae, the clownfishes and damselfishes. Characteristics of anemonefish Clownfish or anemonefish are fis ...
'') Image:Amphiprion nigripes Maldives.jpg, Maldivian clownfish (''
Amphiprion nigripes ''Amphiprion nigripes'' (Maldive anemonefish or blackfinned anemonefish), is a marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae, which includes clownfishes and damselfishes. Description The Maldive anemonefish is a small fish which grows up to ...
'') (endemic) Image:Abudefduf vaigiensis Maldives.JPG, Indo-Pacific sergeant (''
Abudefduf vaigiensis The Indo-Pacific sergeant (''Abudefduf vaigiensis'') is a species of damselfish in the family Pomacentridae. It may also be known as the Sergeant major although this name is usually reserved for the closely related species ''Abudefduf saxatilis''. ...
'') Image:Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Yellowbelly damselfish ('' Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster'') Image:Chromis dimidiata Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Half-and-half chromis '' Chromis fieldi'' Image:Chromis ternatensis Maldives.JPG, Ternate chromis ('' Chromis ternatensis'') Image:Chromis viridis Maldives.JPG, green chromis (''
Chromis viridis ''Chromis viridis'' (green chromis) is a species of damselfish. Individuals tend to be Iridescence, iridescent apple-green and light blue, and reach a maximal length of 10 cm. It is sometimes called the "blue-green chromis", but that may al ...
'') Image:Chrysiptera biocellata Landaagiravaru.JPG, Twinspot damselfish (''
Chrysiptera biocellata ''Chrysiptera'' is a genus of damselfish in the family Pomacentridae. Species There are currently 38 recognized speciesYoutube Creatures section, Damselfish - Author:Sublanding Fish020-06-19/ref> in this genus: * '' Chrysiptera albata'' G ...
'') Image:Chrysiptera brownriggii Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Young surge damselfish (''
Chrysiptera brownriggii ''Chrysiptera brownriggii'', commonly known as the surge damselfish, is a marine fish widespread in Indo-Pacific waters from East Africa to the Marquesas Islands and Society Islands, north to Japan and south to Australia. Its common name arises b ...
'') Image:Diving Maldives, 2009 - Dascyllus aruanus.jpg, Whitetail dascyllus (''
Dascyllus abudafur ''Dascyllus abudafur'', the Indian Ocean humbug, is a species of ray-finned fish from the family Pomacentridae, the clownfishes and damselfishes. It is found from the Red Sea, along the coasts of eastern Africa to South Africa, the Seychelles, ...
'') Image:Dascyllus carneus Maldives.JPG, Cloudy dascyllus (''
Dascyllus carneus ''Dascyllus carneus'', known commonly as the cloudy dascyllus or Indian dascyllus among other vernacular names, is a species of marine fish in the family Pomacentridae. Cloudy dascyllus is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indian ...
'') Image:Plectroglyphidodon dickii Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Dick' s damselfish ('' Plectroglyphidodon dickii'') Image:Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus Maldives.JPG, Jewel damselfish ('' Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus'') Image:Pomacentrus caeruleus Maldives 2.JPG, Caerulean damselfish (''
Pomacentrus caeruleus ''Pomacentrus caeruleus'', the cerulean damselfish, is a species of damselfish from the Western Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or ~19.8% of the water on Earth's surface. It ...
'') Image:Pomacentrus chrysurus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Whitetail damselfish ('' Pomacentrus chrysurus'') Image:Pomacentrus indicus.JPG, Indian damselfish ('' Pomacentrus indicus'') Image:Pomacentrus philippinus Hulhudhoo.JPG, Philippine damselfish ('' Pomacentrus philippinus'') Image:Stegastes nigricans Landaagiravaru.JPG, Dusky farmerfish (''
Stegastes nigricans ''Stegastes nigricans'', the dusky farmerfish, is a species of damselfish found around coral reefs at a depth of one to 12 meters, in tropical climates between 30°S and 30°N. They are known for farming monocultures of algae such as cyanophores ...
'')


= Wrasses

= Image:Anampses lineatus Maldives.JPG, Lined wrasse (''
Anampses lineatus The lined wrasse, ''Anampses lineatus'', is a species of wrasse native to the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to South Africa east to Bali. This species can be found at depths from (though usually below ) in lagoons and on reefs. It can reach a ...
'') Image:Bodianus axillaris Madhirivaadhoo.JPG, Axilspot hogfish '' Bodianus axillaris'' Image:Cheilio inermis Maldives.JPG, Cigar wrasse ('' Cheilio inermis'') Image:Coris aygula Thiladhoo.JPG, Clown coris (''
Coris aygula The clown coris (''Coris aygula''), also known as the clown wrasse, false clownwrasse, humphead wrasse, hump-headed wrasse, red-blotched rainbowfish or twinspot wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocea ...
'') Image:Coris frerei Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Queen coris ('' Coris frerei'') Image:Epibulus insidiator Maldives.JPG, Sling-jaw wrasse (''
Epibulus insidiator The slingjaw wrasse (''Epibulus insidiator'') is a species of wrasse from the family Labridae which is native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific where it occurs around coral reefs. This species is of minor importance to local commercial ...
'') Image:Gomphosus caeruleus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Female green birdmouth wrasse (''
Gomphosus caeruleus ''Gomphosus caeruleus'', the green birdmouth wrasse, is a species of wrasse belonging to the family Labridae. It can be found in the aquarium trade. Distribution and habitat This tropical species of wrasse is native to the Indian Ocean, from ...
'') Image:Halichoeres hortulanus Maldives.JPG, Checkerboard wrasse (''
Halichoeres hortulanus The checkerboard wrasse (''Halichoeres hortulanus'') is a fish belonging to the wrasse family. It is native to the area including the Indian Ocean to central Pacific Ocean. Description The checkerboard wrasse is a small sized fish that can reach ...
''), in two types Image:Hemigymnus fasciatus Maldives.JPG, Barred thicklip ('' Hemigymnus fasciatus'') Image:Hemigymnus melapterus Maldives.JPG, Blackeye thicklip ('' Hemigymnus melapterus'') Image:Iniistius aneitensis Maldives.JPG, Yellowblotch razorfish ('' Iniistius aneitensis'') Image:Labroides bicolor Voavah.JPG, Bicolor cleaner wrasse (''
Labroides bicolor ''Labroides bicolor'' is a species of wrasse endemic to the Indo-Pacific, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean and is known by various names including bicolor cleanerfish, bicolor cleaner wrasse, bicolored cleaner wrasse, bicolour cleaner wrasse, clean ...
'') Image:Labroides dimidiatus Maldives.JPG, Bluestreak cleaner wrasse (''
Labroides dimidiatus The bluestreak cleaner wrasse, ''Labroides dimidiatus'', is one of several species of cleaner wrasses found on coral reefs from Eastern Africa and the Red Sea to French Polynesia. Like other cleaner wrasses, it eats parasites and dead tissue off ...
'') Image:Macropharyngodon bipatitus (2).JPG, Blue star leopard wrasse ('' Macropharyngodon bipartitus'') Image:Novaculichthys taeniourus Maldives.JPG, Rockmover wrasse (''
Novaculichthys taeniourus ''Novaculichthys taeniourus'', also known as the rockmover wrasse, carpet wrasse, dragon wrasse, bar-cheeked wrasse, olive-scribbled wrasse or reindeer wrasse, is a species of wrasse mainly found in coral reefs and lagoons in the Indo-Pacific re ...
'') Image:Pseudodax moluccanus Maldives.JPG, Chiseltooth wrasse ('' Pseudodax moluccanus'') Image:Stethojulis trilineata Maldives.JPG, Three-lined rainbowfish ('' Stethojulis trilineata'') Image:Thalassoma amblycephalum juvenile.JPG, Young blunthead wrasse (''
Thalassoma amblycephalum ''Thalassoma amblycephalum'', the blunt-headed wrasse, blue-headed wrasse, blue-headed zoe, moon wrasse, paddle-fin wrasse or two-tone wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It is a reef inhabita ...
'') Image:Thalassoma hardwicke Maldives.JPG, Sixbar wrasse ('' Thalassoma hardwicke'') Image:Thalassoma lunare Maldives.JPG, Moon wrasse (''
Thalassoma lunare The moon wrasse (''Thalassoma lunare'') also known as the crescent wrasse or lyretail wrasse, is a species of wrasse native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. It is an inhabitant of coral reefs and surrounding areas at depths f ...
'') Image:Pseudocheilinus hexataenia Maldives.JPG, Six-line wrasse ('' Pseudocheilinus hexataenia'') Image:Cheilinus fasciatus Maldives.JPG, Red-breasted wrasse ('' Cheilinus fasciatus'') Image:Cheilinus undulatus Maldives.JPG, Napoleon wrasse ('' Cheilinus undulatus'')


= Parrotfish

= Since 2020, all species of parrotfishes are strictly protected in Maldives. Image:Cetoscarus ocellatus male Maldives.JPG, Bicolor parrotfish (''
Cetoscarus ocellatus ''Cetoscarus ocellatus'', common name Spotted parrotfish, is a species of parrotfish belonging to the family Scaridae. Taxonomy This species was formerly considered to be the same species as '' Cetoscarus bicolor'', which is otherwise restricte ...
'') Image:Chlorurus enneacanthus Maldives.JPG, Green parrotfish (''
Chlorurus enneacanthus ''Chlorurus enneacanthus'', known commonly as the captain parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a parrotfish from the family Scaridae. It is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean region. Its range extends fr ...
'') Image:Chlorurus sordidus Maldives.JPG, Daisy parrotfish (''
Chlorurus sordidus ''Chlorurus sordidus'', known commonly as the daisy parrotfish or bullethead parrotfish, is a species of marine fish in the family Scaridae. Description The initial phase has very variable colouration. The smaller fishes can be a uniform dark ...
'') Image:Scarus niger female Maldives.JPG, Dusky parrotfish or swarthy parrotfish ('' Scarus niger'') (female) Image:Scarus niger male Maldives.JPG, Dusky parrotfish or swarthy parrotfish ('' Scarus niger'') (male) Image:Scarus prasiognathos female.JPG, Singapore parrotfish ('' Scarus prasiognathos'') (female) Image:Scarus prasiognathus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Singapore parrotfish ('' Scarus prasiognathos'') (male) Image:Scarus strongylocephalus Maldives.JPG, Steephead parrotfish (''
Chlorurus strongylocephalus ''Chlorurus strongylocephalus'', commonly known as the steephead parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a parrotfish from the family Scaridae which is native to the Indian Ocean, where it lives in coral reefs. Its range extends f ...
'') Image:Hipposcarus harid Maldives.JPG, Longnose parrotfish (''
Hipposcarus harid ''Hipposcarus harid'', the Longnose parrotfish or Candelamoa parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a parrotfish from the family Scaridae found on coral reefs of Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Distribution ''Hipposcarus harid'' is ...
'') Image:Scarus frenatus.JPG, Bridled parrotfish (''
Scarus frenatus ''Scarus frenatus'' is a species of parrotfish. Common names include bridled parrotfish, sixband or six-banded parrotfish or vermiculate parrotfish. Description This species grows to a maximum length of 47 cm, and can be distinguished by it ...
'') Image:Scarus psittacus.JPG, Common parrotfish (''
Scarus psittacus ''Scarus psittacus'', the common parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a parrotfish, in the family Scaridae. Other common names for this species include the palenose parrotfish, Batavian parrotfish and the rosy-cheek parrotfish. It ...
'') Image:Scarus rubroviolaceus Maldives.JPG, Ember parrotfish ('' Scarus rubroviolaceus'') (female) Image:Scarus rubroviolaceus male Maldives.JPG, Ember parrotfish ('' Scarus rubroviolaceus'') (male) Image:Scarus russellii Maldives.JPG, Eclipse parrotfish ('' Scarus russelii'') Image:Scarus scaber female Maldives.JPG, Five-saddle parrotfish or dusky-capped parrotfish (''
Scarus scaber ''Scarus scaber'', the five-saddle parrotfish or dusky-capped parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a parrotfish, in the family Scaridae. It is native to Indian Ocean. Description This species grows to a maximum 37 cm in leng ...
'') (female) Image:Scarus scaber Maldives.JPG, Five-saddle parrotfish or dusky-capped parrotfish (''
Scarus scaber ''Scarus scaber'', the five-saddle parrotfish or dusky-capped parrotfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a parrotfish, in the family Scaridae. It is native to Indian Ocean. Description This species grows to a maximum 37 cm in leng ...
'') (male) Image:Scarus tricolor female Maldives.JPG, Tricolour parrotfish ('' Scarus tricolor'') (female) Image:Scarus tricolor Maldives.jpg, Tricolour parrotfish ('' Scarus tricolor'') (male) Image:Scarus viridifucatus.JPG, Greenlip parrotfish or roundhead parrotfish ('' Scarus viridifucatus'')


= Blennies

= Image:Blenniella chrysospilos Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Red-spotted blenny (''
Blenniella chrysospilos ''Blenniella chrysospilos'', the red-spotted blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny found in coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or ~19.8% of ...
'') Image:Ecsenius bicolor Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Flame tail blenny or bicolor blenny (''
Ecsenius bicolor ''Ecsenius bicolor'', commonly known as the flame tail blenny or bicolor blenny, is a blenny from the Indo-Pacific. It frequently makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to a size of in length. References External links

* Ec ...
'') Image:Ecsenius midas Maldives.JPG, Midas blenny ('' Ecsenius midas'') Image:Ecsenius minutus Maldives.JPG, '' Ecsenius minutus'' (endemic) Image:Meiacanthus smithi Maldives.JPG, Disco blenny ('' Meiacanthus smithi'') Image:Petroscirtes breviceps.JPG, Striped poison-fang blenny mimic (''
Petroscirtes breviceps ''Petroscirtes breviceps'', the striped poison-fang blenny mimic, striped fangblenny mimic, short-head sabretooth blenny, short-headed blenny, sabretooth blenny, or the black-banded blenny, is a species of combtooth blenny found in coral reefs in ...
'') Image:Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos Maldives.JPG, Bluestriped fangblenny (''
Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos ''Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos'', commonly called the bluestriped fangblenny, is a species of combtooth blenny found in coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian ocean. This species reaches a length of SL. It is also known as the ''bluestriped blenn ...
'')


= Gobies

= Image:Amblyeleotris aurora Maldives.JPG, Pinkbar goby (''
Amblyeleotris aurora ''Amblyeleotris aurora'', the pinkbar goby, is a species of goby native to reefs of the western Indian Ocean at depths of from though usually not deeper than . It is commensal with the shrimp '' Alpheus randalli''. This species can reach a l ...
'') Image:Amblygobius semicinctus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Halfbarred goby (''
Amblygobius albimaculatus ''Amblygobius'' is a genus of fish in the family Gobiidae found in the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Species There are currently 15 recognized species in this genus: * '' Amblygobius albimaculatus'' ( Rüppell, 1830) (Butterfly siltgoby) * '' Ambly ...
'') Image:Bryaninops loki.JPG, Loki whip-goby (''
Bryaninops loki ''Bryaninops'' (commonly known as sea whip gobies) is a tropical Indo-Pacific genus of gobies. The genus takes its common name from the fact that it is commensal on gorgonians (commonly known as sea whips) and black coral. The genus is further ch ...
'') Image:Helcogramma maldivensis Maldives.jpg, Sebree's dwarfgoby ('' Eviota sebreei'') Image:Amblygobius hectori Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Hector's goby (''
Koumansetta hectori Hector's goby (''Koumansetta hector'') is a species of goby native to the Indian Ocean (including the Red Sea) to the islands of Micronesia in the western Pacific Ocean. It can be found on sheltered coral reefs at depths of from (though u ...
'') Image:Ptereleotris evides Huludhoo.JPG, Blackfin dartfish ('' Ptereleotris evides'')


= Surgeonfish and unicorn fish

= Image:Acanthurus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Ringtail surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus blochii ''Acanthurus blochii'' (ringtail surgeonfish) is a marine reef tang in the fish family Acanthuridae Acanthuridae are the family of surgeonfishes, tangs, and unicornfishes. The family includes about 86 extant species of marine fish living i ...
'') Image:Acanthurus leucosternon Maldives 2.JPG, Powder blue tang ('' Acanthurus leucosternon'') Image:Acanthurus lineatus Hulhudhoo.JPG, Lined surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus lineatus ''Acanthurus lineatus'', the lined surgeonfish, is a member of the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes. Other common names include blue banded surgeonfish, blue-lined surgeonfish, clown surgeonfish, pyjama tang, striped surgeonfish, and zeb ...
'') Image:Acanthurus mata Maldives.JPG, Elongate surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus mata ''Acanthurus mata'' is a marine tropical fish belonging to the family of the Acanthuridae or surgeonfishes. Its common names are elongate surgeonfish and blue-lined surgeonfish. Description It is a medium sized fish that can reach a maximum siz ...
'') Image:Acanthurus nigricauda Maldives.JPG, Epaulette surgeonfish ('' Acanthurus nigricauda'') Image:Acanthurus nigrofuscus Maldives.JPG, Brown surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus nigrofuscus ''Acanthurus nigrofuscus'', also known as the lavender tang, brown tang, or spot-cheeked surgeonfish, is a tang from the Indo-Pacific and Hawaii. It commonly makes its way into the aquarium trade. It grows to 21 cm in length. Recently, a hu ...
'') Image:Acanthurus triostegus Dhonfanu.jpg, Convict surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus triostegus ''Acanthurus triostegus'', also known as the convict tang, convict surgeonfish, or manini, is a small surgeonfish in family Acanthuridae of the order Perciformes. It is typically about long, but some individuals may reach 27 cm. These ta ...
'') Image:Ctenochaetus striatus Maldives.JPG, Striated surgeonfish (''
Ctenochaetus striatus The striated surgeonfish, ''Ctenochaetus striatus'', is a species of marine fish in the family Acanthuridae. The striated surgeonfish can reach a maximum size of 24 cm in length, but its common size is observed to be around 18 cm. Th ...
'') Image:Ctenochaetus strigosus Maldives.JPG, Spotted surgeonfish (''
Ctenochaetus strigosus ''Ctenochaetus strigosus'', known by the common names kole tang or spotted surgeonfish or goldring surgeonfish or yellow-eyed tang, is a marine reef tang in the fish family Acanthuridae which is endemic to Oceania Oceania (, , ) is a region ...
'') Image:Acanthurus thompsoni Maldives.jpg, Thompson's surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus thompsoni ''Acanthurus thompsoni'' is a tropical fish found in the Pacific and Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or ~19.8% of the water on Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to th ...
'') Image:Acanthurus xanthopterus Maldives 2.JPG, Yellow-fin surgeonfish (''
Acanthurus xanthopterus ''Acanthurus xanthopterus'', the yellowfin surgeonfish yellowmask surgeonfish, ringtail surgeonfish or Cuvier's surgeonfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae which includes the surgeonfishes, unicornfishe ...
'') Image:Ctenochaetus truncatus Milhadhoo.JPG, Indian gold-ring bristletooth (''
Ctenochaetus truncatus ''Ctenochaetus truncatus'' is a tropical fish found in the Indian Ocean The Indian Ocean is the third-largest of the world's five oceanic divisions, covering or ~19.8% of the water on Earth's surface. It is bounded by Asia to the north, Afr ...
'') Image:Naso brachycentron Landaagiraavaru 3.JPG, Humpback unicornfish ('' Naso brachycentron'') Image:Naso brevirostris Maldives.JPG, Spotted unicornfish (''
Naso brevirostris ''Naso brevirostris'', also known as the short-nosed unicornfish, spotted unicornfish, brown unicornfish, lined unicornfish, longnose surgeonfish, palefin unicornfish, paletail unicornfish, shorthorned unicornfish or shortsnouted unicornfish, is ...
'') Image:Naso hexacanthus Maldives.JPG, Sleek Unicornfish (''
Naso hexacanthus The sleek unicornfish (''Naso hexacanthus''), also known as the blue-tail unicorn, Thorpe's unicornfish, blacktongue unicornfish or ʻopelu kala, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unic ...
'') Image:Naso lituratus Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, ''
Naso lituratus ''Naso lituratus'' is a species of fish in the family Acanthuridae, the tangs and unicornfishes. Its common names include barcheek unicornfish, naso tang, and orange-spine unicornfish. Unique to members of Acanthuridae, including ''Naso lituratu ...
'' Image:Naso tuberosus 2.jpg, Humpnose unicornfish (''
Naso tuberosus ''Naso tuberosus'', the humpnose unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species occurs in the Indian Ocean but it may be more widespread. Taxonom ...
'') Image:Maldives Bluespine unicornfish (Naso unicornis)119.jpg, Bluespine unicornfish or short-nose Unicornfish ('' Naso unicornis'') Image:Naso vlamingii Maldives.JPG, Big-nose unicornfish (''
Naso vlamingii ''Naso vlamingii'', the bignose unicornfish, scibbled unicornfish, Vlaming's unicornfish, and zebra unicornfish, is a species of marine ray-finned fish belonging to the family Acanthuridae, the surgeonfishes, unicornfishes and tangs. This species ...
'') Image:Paracanthurus hepatus Maldives.JPG, Palette surgeonfish ('' Paracanthurus hepatus'') Image:Zebrasoma desjardinii Maldives 2.JPG, Indian sail-fin surgeonfish ('' Zebrasoma desjardinii'') (pre-adult) Image:Zebrasoma flavescens Maldives.JPG, Yellow tang (''
Zebrasoma flavescens The yellow tang (''Zebrasoma flavescens'') is a saltwater fish species of the family Acanthuridae. It is one of the most popular marine aquarium fish. It is bright yellow in color, and it lives in reefs. The yellow tang spawn around a full m ...
'') Image:Zebrasoma scopas Maldives.JPG, Brown tang ('' Zebrasoma scopas'')


Pleuronectiformes

Image:Bothus pantherinus Maldives.JPG, ''
Bothus pantherinus The leopard flounder (''Bothus pantherinus'') or panther flounder, is a flatfish found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Range ''Bothus pantherinus'' is found in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf to South Africa, as far as southeast Australia and ...
''


Tetraodontiformes

Image:Diving Maldives, 2009 Triggerfishes.jpg,
Orange-lined triggerfish The orange-lined triggerfish (''Balistapus undulatus'') is a demersal Balistidae, triggerfish. Although ''Balistapus'' is a monotypic taxon, monotypic genus, it is closely related to the genus ''Balistoides''. Description The orange-lined trig ...
('' Balistapus undulatus'') Image:Balistoides conspicillum Huludhoo.JPG, Clown triggerfish ('' Balistoides conspicillum'') Image:Titan Triggerfish.jpg, Titan triggerfish (''
Balistoides viridescens The titan triggerfish, giant triggerfish or moustache triggerfish (''Balistoides viridescens'') is a large species of triggerfish found in lagoons and at reefs to depths of in most of the Indo-Pacific, though it is absent from Hawaii. With a len ...
'') Image:Canthidermis macrolepis Maldives.JPG, Ocean triggerfishe ('' Canthidermis macrolepis'') Image:Melichthys indicus Maldives.JPG, Indian triggerfish ('' Melichthys indicus'') Image:Odonus niger Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Redtoothed triggerfish ('' Odonus niger'') Image:Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus Maldives.JPG, Yellowmargin triggerfish ('' Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus'') Image:Picasso triggerfish2.jpg, Picasso triggerfish (''
Rhinecanthus aculeatus The lagoon triggerfish (''Rhinecanthus aculeatus''), also known as the blackbar triggerfish, the Picasso triggerfish, or the Picassofish, is a triggerfish, up to 30 cm in length, found on reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. The Hawaiian name ...
'') Image:Sufflamen bursa Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Boomerang triggerfish (''
Sufflamen bursa The Lei Triggerfish (''Sufflamen bursa'') is also known as the bursa triggerfish, scythe triggerfish or boomerang triggerfish, is a triggerfish from the Indo-Pacific. Its name is derived from the two markings behind its eyes that wrap around t ...
'') Image:Sufflamen chrysopterus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Halfmoon triggerfish (''
Sufflamen chrysopterum ''Sufflamen'' is a genus of triggerfishes native to reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Species There are currently 5 recognized species in this genus: * ''Sufflamen albicaudatum'' Rüppell, 1829 (Bluethroat triggerfish) * '' Sufflamen burs ...
'') Image:Aluterus scriptus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, scrawled filefish ('' Aluterus scriptus'') Image:Oxymonacanthus longirostris Thiladhoo.JPG, Orange spotted filefish ('' Oxymonacanthus longirostris'') Image:Paraluteres prionurus Milhadhoo.JPG, Blacksaddle filefish (''
Paraluteres prionurus ''Paraluteres'' is a genus of filefishes native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Species There are currently 2 recognized species in this genus:Matsuura, K. (2014): Taxonomy and systematics of tetraodontiform fishes: a review focusing primarily ...
'') mimetic of (''
Canthigaster valentini Valentini may refer to: Places * Palazzo Valentini, a palazzo in Rome, Italy * ''Ca'Valentini'', a subdivision of the Casalgrande commune in Emilia-Romagna, Italy People * Valentini (ancient people), an ancient people of Sardinia * Valentini (sur ...
'') Image:Ostracion meleagris (male) Huludhoo.JPG, White-spotted boxfish (''
Ostracion meleagris The spotted or white-spotted boxfish (''Ostracion meleagris''), is a species of boxfish found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is found on reef A reef is a ridge or shoal of rock, coral or similar relatively stable material, lying b ...
'') Image:Arothron caeruleopunctatus Maldives.JPG, Blue-spotted pufferfish ('' Arothron caeruleopunctatus'') Image:Arothron hispidus Maldives.jpg, White-spotted puffer ('' Arothron hispidus'') Image:Arothron meleagris Landaagiraavaru.JPG, golden pufferfish ('' Arothron meleagris'') Image:Arothron meleagris Huludhoo.JPG, Golden pufferfish '' Arothron meleagris'', yellow version Image:Arothron nigropunctatus Huludhoo.JPG, Blackspotted pufferfish ''
Arothron nigropunctatus ''Arothron'' is a genus in the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae found in warm parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Ocean. These species are sometimes kept in aquaria. The largest species is ''A. stellatus'', which can reach in length. Spe ...
'' Image:Canthigaster janthinoptera Maldives.JPG, Honeycomb toby (''
Canthigaster janthinoptera ''Canthigaster janthinoptera'', known as the honeycomb toby, is a species of pufferfish in the family Tetraodontidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific, where it can be found along the east coast of Africa south to South Africa's Eastern Cape prov ...
'') Image:Canthigaster valentini Maldives.JPG, Valentinni's sharpnose puffer ''
Canthigaster valentini Valentini may refer to: Places * Palazzo Valentini, a palazzo in Rome, Italy * ''Ca'Valentini'', a subdivision of the Casalgrande commune in Emilia-Romagna, Italy People * Valentini (ancient people), an ancient people of Sardinia * Valentini (sur ...
'' Image:Diodon hystrix Maldives.JPG, Spot-fin porcupinefish (''
Diodon hystrix Porcupinefishes or balloonfishes, are any of the various species of the genus ''Diodon'', the type genus of Diodontidae. Distinguishing features Fish of the genus ''Diodon'' have: * two-rooted, movable spines (which are derived from modified s ...
'') Image:Diodon liturosus Maldives.JPG, Black-blotched porcupinefish ('' Diodon liturosus'')


Ascidians

Image:Atriolum robustum Maldives.JPG, Ascidians ''
Atriolum robustum ''Atriolum robustum'' is a colonial tunicate or sea squirt in the family ''Didemnidae''. It is native to the western and central Indo-Pacific where it is usually found anchored to a hard surface in shallow water. Description A colony of ''Atriol ...
'' Image:Didemnum molle Maldives.JPG, Ascidians ''
Didemnum molle ''Didemnum molle'' is a species of colonial tunicate in the family Didemnidae. It is commonly known as the tall urn ascidian, the green barrel sea squirt or the green reef sea-squirt. It is native to the Red Sea and the tropical waters of the ...
'' Image:Didemnum sp. Maldives.JPG, ''
Didemnum ''Didemnum'' is a genus of colonial tunicates in the family Didemnidae. It is the most speciose genus in the didemnid family. Species in this genus often have small calcareous spicules embedded in the tunic and form irregular or lobed colonies. S ...
'' sp. Image:Aplidium Milhadhoo.jpg, '' Aplidium'' sp. Image:Pyura sp. Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Pyura ''Pyura'' is a large genus of sessile ascidians that live in coastal waters at depths of up to 80 m (260 feet). Like all ascidians, ''Pyura'' are filter feeders. A few species, including Pyura chilensis are commercially fished. Specie ...
'' sp. Image:Ascidies non identifiées Maldives.JPG, Unidentified ascidians


Echinoderms An echinoderm () is any member of the phylum Echinodermata (). The adults are recognisable by their (usually five-point) radial symmetry, and include starfish, brittle stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers, as well as the sea li ...


Sea stars

Image:Asterinid sea star Maldives.jpg, Unidentified sea star of the family
Asterinidae The Asterinidae are a large family of sea stars in the order Valvatida. Description and characteristics These are generally small sea stars, flattened dorsally and bearing very short arms, often giving a pentagonal shape in the body ;example: ...
(maybe ''
Aquilonastra halseyae ''Aquilonastra'' is a genus of small sea stars within the family Asterinidae. It has over 20 described species. Description ''Aquilonastra'' has generally five rays, except fissiparous species which have five to eight ones. It looks like a s ...
'')
Image:Asteropsis carinifera Maldives.JPG, ''
Asteropsis carinifera Asteropsis may refer to: * ''Asteropsis'' (echinoderm) Müller & Troschel, 1840, a genus of sea stars in the family Asteropseidae * ''Asteropsis'' Perrier, 1875, a genus of sea stars in the family Asteropseidae; synonym of ''Petricia ''Petricia' ...
'' Image:Fromia indica Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Fromia indica'' Image:Fromia milleporella Madhirivaadhoo.JPG, ''
Fromia milleporella ''Fromia milleporella'', common name red starfish or black spotted starfish, is a species of starfish belonging to the family Goniasteridae. Description ''Fromia milleporella'' can reach a diameter of about . Red seastars may have various shad ...
'' Image:Fromia nodosa.JPG, ''
Fromia nodosa ''Fromia nodosa'', commonly called elegant sea star, is a species of marine starfish belonging to the family Goniasteridae. Description The elegant sea star has five triangular arms radiating around an apparent central disc. its coloration is ...
'' Image:Mithrodia clavigera.jpg, ''
Mithrodia clavigera ''Mithrodia clavigera'' is a species of tropical starfish in the family Mithrodiidae The Mithrodiidae is a family of starfish in the order Valvatida. Members of this family are big to huge tropical sea stars with 5 arms, rounded in cross-sec ...
'' Image:Gomophia egyptiaca Maldives.JPG, ''
Gomophia egyptiaca ''Gomophia egyptiaca'', sometimes called the Egyptian sea star, is a species of sea star from Ophidiasteridae family found throughout much of the Indo-Pacific The Indo-Pacific is a vast biogeographic region of Earth. In a narrow sense, s ...
'' Image:Leiaster speciosus.JPG, ''
Leiaster speciosus ''Leiaster'' is a genus of echinoderms belonging to the family Ophidiasteridae. The genus has almost cosmopolitan distribution In biogeography, cosmopolitan distribution is the term for the range of a taxon that extends across all or most of ...
'' Image:Linckia guildingi Maldives.JPG, '' Linckia guildingi'' Image:Linckia multifora Maldives.JPG, '' Linckia multifora'' Image:Nardoa galatheae.JPG, ''
Nardoa galatheae ''Nardoa'' is a genus of sea stars in the family Ophidiasteridae. Species Species include: *'' Nardoa frianti'' *'' Nardoa galatheae'' *''Nardoa gomophia ''Nardoa'' is a genus of sea stars in the family Ophidiasteridae The Ophidi ...
'' Image:Culcita schmideliana Maldives.JPG, ''
Culcita schmideliana ''Culcita schmideliana'', commonly known as the spiny cushion star, is a species of pin-cushion star. It has a variety of base colors and often patches of a different color. It is pentagonal in shape and lives in the tropical Indo-Pacific. This ...
'' Image:Choriaster granulatus Maldives.JPG, ''
Choriaster granulatus ''Choriaster'' is monotypic genus in the family Oreasteridae containing the single species ''Choriaster granulatus'' commonly known as the granulated sea star. Other common names include big-plated sea star and doughboy starfish. This species is ...
''


Brittle stars

Image:Ophiothrix savignyi.JPG, '' Ophiothrix purpurea'' Image:Ophiure non identifiée Landaagiraavaru 5.JPG, ''
Ophiactis ''Ophiactis'' is a genus of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea). Species The following species are recognised by the World Register of Marine Species : *'' Ophiactis abyssicola'' (M. Sars, 1861) *'' Ophiactis affinis'' Duncan, 1879 *'' Ophiactis al ...
'' sp. Image:Ophiure non identifiée Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Ophiothrix ''Ophiothrix'' is a large genus of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) found in oceans worldwide from tropics to Arctic and Antarctic regions. At present a total of 93 Ophiothrix species have been recognized. It is considered as one of the most interesti ...
'' sp. Image:Ophiure non identifiée Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, ''
Ophiothrix ''Ophiothrix'' is a large genus of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) found in oceans worldwide from tropics to Arctic and Antarctic regions. At present a total of 93 Ophiothrix species have been recognized. It is considered as one of the most interesti ...
'' sp. Image:Ophiure non identifiée Landaagiraavaru 3.JPG, ''
Ophiothrix ''Ophiothrix'' is a large genus of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) found in oceans worldwide from tropics to Arctic and Antarctic regions. At present a total of 93 Ophiothrix species have been recognized. It is considered as one of the most interesti ...
'' sp. Image:Ophiure non identifiée Landaagiraavaru 4.JPG, An unidentified brittlestar


Crinoids

Image:Comatulid Milhadhoo.JPG, ''
Clarkcomanthus mirabilis ''Clarkcomanthus'' is a genus of echinoderms belonging to the family Comatulidae. The species of this genus are found in Malesia, Australia and East Africa. Species: *''Clarkcomanthus albinotus'' *''Clarkcomanthus alternans'' *''Clarkcomanthu ...
'' Image:Comaster schlegelii.JPG, '' Comaster schlegelii'' Image:Oxycomanthus bennetti Maldives.JPG, '' Comaster schlegelii var. nobilis'' Image:Comatulid Night snorkeling Landaa House Reef.JPG, '' Stephanometra indica'' Image:Crinoid Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Cenometra bella ''Cenometra bella'' is a species of crinoids belonging to the genus ''Cenometra''. They can have up to 30 arms Lisa Kirkendale and Charles MessinAn annotated checklist and key to the Crinoidea of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas ...
'' Image:Comissa sp Maldives.JPG, '' Alloeocomatella pectinifera''


Sea urchin Sea urchins () are spiny, globular echinoderms in the class Echinoidea. About 950 species of sea urchin live on the seabed of every ocean and inhabit every depth zone from the intertidal seashore down to . The spherical, hard shells (tests) of ...
s

Image:Diadema savignyi Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Diadema savignyi ''Diadema savignyi'' is a species of long-spined sea urchin belonging to the family Diadematidae. Common names include long-spined sea urchin, black longspine urchin and the banded diadem. It is native to the east coast of Africa, the Red Sea, t ...
'' Image:Echinothrix diadema Landaagiraavaru.jpg, ''
Echinothrix diadema The diadema urchin or blue-black urchin (''Echinothrix diadema'') is a species of tropical sea urchin, member of the Diadematidae family. Description and characteristics ''Echinothrix diadema'' is a long spined urchin. With its spines, the ...
'' Image:Echinometra mathaei Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Echinometra mathaei ''Echinometra mathaei'', the burrowing urchin, is a species of sea urchin in the family Echinometridae. It occurs in shallow waters in the Indo-Pacific region. The type locality is Mauritius. Description ''Echinometra mathaei'' grows to a ...
'' Image:Echinostrephus molaris.JPG, ''
Echinostrephus molaris ''Echinostrephus molaris'' is a species of echinoderms belonging to the family Echinometridae The Echinometridae are a family of sea urchins in the class Echinoidea. Characteristics All Echinometridae have imperforate tubercles and compoun ...
'' Image:Heterocentrotus mamillatus Maldives.JPG, ''
Heterocentrotus mamillatus ''Heterocentrotus mamillatus'', commonly known as the slate pencil urchin, red slate pencil urchin, or red pencil urchin, is a species of tropical sea urchin from the Indo-Pacific region. Description This species is a large sea urchin, wi ...
'' Image:Phyllacanthus imperialis Maldives.JPG, ''
Phyllacanthus imperialis ''Phyllacanthus imperialis'', also known as the Sputnik urchin, imperial lance urchin, imperial sea urchin, imperial urchin, pencil sea urchin, lance urchin, knobby sputnik sea urchin, mine urchin, and land mine sea urchin, is a species of sea u ...
'' Image:Metalia sternalis.JPG, ''
Metalia sternalis ''Metalia'' is a genus of echinoderms belonging to the family Brissidae. The genus has almost cosmopolitan distribution. Species: *''Metalia agariciformis'' *''Metalia angustus'' *''Metalia cartagensis'' *''Metalia dicrana'' *''Metalia dub ...
'' (stranded test) Image:Oursins Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Fibularia'' sp. Image:Clypeaster humilis.JPG, A "sand dollar" (''
Clypeaster humilis ''Clypeaster humilis'' is a species of sea urchin in the Family Clypeasteridae. This species was first scientifically described in 1778 by the German biologist Nathanael Gottfried Leske. It occurs in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Descriptio ...
'')


Sea cucumber Sea cucumbers are echinoderms from the class Holothuroidea (). They are marine animals with a leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single, branched gonad. Sea cucumbers are found on the sea floor worldwide. The number of holothuria ...
s

Image:Actinopyga caerulea.JPG, '' Actinopyga caerulea'' Image:Actinopyga lecanora.JPG, '' Actinopyga lecanora'' Image:Actinopyga miliaris.JPG, '' Actinopyga cf. miliaris'' Image:Holothuria Maldives.JPG, ''
Holothuria atra ''Holothuria atra'', commonly known as the black sea cucumber or lollyfish, is a species of marine invertebrate in the family Holothuriidae. It was placed in the subgenus ''Halodeima'' by Pearson in 1914, making its full scientific name ''Holothu ...
'' Image:Holothuria edulis Maldives.JPG, ''
Holothuria edulis ''Holothuria edulis'', commonly known as the edible sea cucumber or the pink and black sea cucumber, is a species of echinoderm in the family Holothuriidae. It was placed in the subgenus ''Halodeima'' by Pearson in 1914, making its full scientifi ...
'' Image:Holothuria fuscopunctata Maldives.jpg, ''
Holothuria fuscopunctata ''Holothuria fuscopunctata'', the elephant trunkfish, is a species of sea cucumber in the family Holothuriidae native to shallow water in the tropical Indo-Pacific. It is placed in the subgenus ''Microthele'', making its full name ''Holothuria ( ...
'' Image:Pearsonothuria graeffei Voavah.JPG, ''
Pearsonothuria graeffei ''Pearsonothuria'' is a genus of sea cucumbers in the family Holothuriidae. ''Pearsonothuria graeffei'' is the only species in the genus. Graeffe's sea cucumber is found in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean and the type locality is Viti Island, Fi ...
'' Image:Stichopus chloronotus Maldives.JPG, ''
Stichopus chloronotus ''Stichopus chloronotus'' is a species of sea cucumber. Common names include the greenfish sea cucumber, the spiky sea cucumber and the black knobby sea cucumber. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region. It has a wide range and is abundant and t ...
'' Image:Stichopus herrmanni Maldives.JPG, ''
Stichopus herrmanni ''Stichopus herrmanni'', or Herrmann's sea cucumber, is a species of holothuroidean echinoderm in the family Stichopodidae. It is found in the tropical, western Indo-Pacific Ocean, at depths down to . This and several other species are known as c ...
'' Image:Holothurie Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Stichopus cf. horrens'' Image:Thelenota anax Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Thelenota anax ''Thelenota anax'' is a species of sea cucumber mostly found in the tropical, South Pacific Ocean. It is also commonly known as the amber fish. Some other names for ''T. anax'' are black teatfish, blackfish, brownfish, chief sea cucumber, curryfi ...
'' Image:Holothurian Landaagiraavaru.JPG, An unidentified stichopodidae Image:Synaptula cf lamperti Maldives.JPG, ''
Synaptula lamperti ''Synaptula lamperti'' is a species of sea cucumber in the family Synaptidae in the phylum Echinodermata, found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. The echinoderms are marine invertebrates and include the sea urchins, starfish and sea cucu ...
'' Image:Synaptula sp. Baa atoll (Maldives).jpg, ''
Synaptula ''Synaptula'' is a genus of sea cucumbers, in the family Synaptidae. This genus contains many species, most of them whitish, often associated with sponges. However, they are extremely difficult to identify from sight, and many tropical Indo-Pac ...
sp.'' Image:Synaptid sea cucumber Maldives.JPG, An unidentified
synaptidae Synaptidae is a family of sea cucumbers that have no tube feet, tentacle ampullae, retractor muscles, respiratory trees, or cuvierian tubules. They also lack radial canals of the water-vascular system, with only the circumoral ring present. S ...


Mollusc Mollusca is the second-largest phylum of invertebrate animals after the Arthropoda, the members of which are known as molluscs or mollusks (). Around 85,000  extant species of molluscs are recognized. The number of fossil species is esti ...
s


Gastropod The gastropods (), commonly known as snails and slugs, belong to a large taxonomic class of invertebrates within the phylum Mollusca called Gastropoda (). This class comprises snails and slugs from saltwater, from freshwater, and from land. T ...
s (sea snails)


Order

Neogastropoda Neogastropoda is an order of sea snails, both freshwater and marine gastropod molluscs. Description The available fossil record of Neogastropoda is relatively complete, and supports a widely accepted evolutionary scenario of an Early Creta ...

Image:Cypraea tigris Maldives.JPG, ''
Cypraea tigris ''Cypraea tigris'', commonly known as the tiger cowrie, is a species of cowry, a large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries. Taxonomy The tiger cowry was one of the many species originally described b ...
'' Image:Erosaria erosa Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Erosaria erosa'' Image:Cypraea caurica Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Erronea caurica ''Erronea caurica'', common name the thick-edged cowry, is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries. Subspecies The following subspecies are recognized : * ''Erronea caurica algida'' ...
'' Image:Lyncina lynx Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Lyncina lynx'' Image:Mauritia histrio.JPG, ''
Mauritia histrio ''Mauritia histrio'', common name the harlequin cowry or the stage cowry, is a species of sea snail, a cowry, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family (biology), family Cypraeidae, the cowries. Description These quite common large shell reach on ...
'' Image:Monetaria caputserpentis Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Monetaria caputserpentis ''Monetaria caputserpentis'', common name the serpent's-head cowry or snakehead cowry, is a species of cowry, a sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Cypraeidae, the cowries. Distribution This species occurs in the Red Sea, In ...
'' stranded on the beach. Image:Monetaria moneta.JPG, '' Monetaria moneta'' Image:Porcelaines Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Naria helvola'' sp. Image:Strombidae Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Gibberulus gibberulus ''Gibberulus gibberulus'', common name the humpbacked conch, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs. There are two subspecies : * ''Gibberulus gibberulus albus'' ( Mörch, 1850) * ''G ...
albus'' Image:Harpago arthritica 1.jpg, ''
Lambis chiragra ''Harpago chiragra'', common name the Chiragra spider conch, is a species of very large sea snail, a marine (ocean), marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs.Bouchet, P. (2011). Harpago chiragra (Linnaeus, 1758). Acces ...
arthritica'' Image:Lambis truncata Thiladhoo.JPG, ''
Lambis truncata ''Lambis truncata'', common name the giant spider conch, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs. Subspecies Subspecies of ''Lambis truncata'' include: * ''Lambis truncata truncata' ...
'' Image:Lentigo lentiginosus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Lentigo lentiginosus ''Lentigo lentiginosus'', common name the silver conch, is a species of medium-sized sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Strombidae, the true conchs. Shell description The maximum shell length of this species is 100 mm, but ...
'' Image:Conchsnail Landaagiraavaru.JPG, A conch of the family Strombidae Image:Mollusque no identifié 3 Landaagiraavaru.JPG, An unidentified conch (maybe ''
Canarium ''Canarium'' is a genus of about 100 species of tropical and subtropical trees, in the family Burseraceae. They grow naturally across tropical Africa, south and southeast Asia, Indochina, Malesia, Australia and western Pacific Islands; inclu ...
'' sp.) Image:Mammilla sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Mammilla'' sp. Image:Bursa bubo and sea stars.JPG, ''
Tutufa bubo ''Tutufa (Tutufa) bubo'', common name the "giant frog snail" or "giant frog shell", is a species of extremely large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Bursidae The Bursidae, common name "frog snails" or "frog shells", are ...
'' eating a '' Linckia multifora''. Image:Cypraecassis rufa Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Cypraecassis rufa ''Cypraecassis rufa'' is a species of large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Cassidae. It is commonly known as the bullmouth shell or red helmet shell, and also as the cameo shell. Distribution This species is found of ...
'' Image:Malea pomum Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Malea pomum'' Image:Distorsio anus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Distorsio anus'' Image:Cymatium aquatile Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Monoplex aquatilis'' Image:Dendropoma maxima Maldives.JPG, '' Ceraesignum maximum'' Image:Thylacodes grandis.JPG, ''
Thylacodes grandis ''Thylacodes grandis'' is a species of gastropods belonging to the family Vermetidae. The species is found in Malesia Malesia is a biogeographical region straddling the Equator and the boundaries of the Indomalayan and Australasian realm ...
''


Other

Caenogastropoda Caenogastropoda is a taxonomic clade, a large diverse group which are mostly sea snails and other marine gastropod mollusks, but also includes some freshwater snails and some land snails. The clade is the most diverse and ecologically successfu ...

Image:Conus arenatus x3 Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Conus arenatus ''Conus arenatus'', common name the sand-dusted cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family (biology), family Conidae, the Conus, cone snails and their allies. These snails are predatory and venomous. They are capa ...
'' Image:Conus aulicus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Conus aulicus ''Conus aulicus'', common name the princely cone, is a species of a predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails, cone shells or cones.Bouchet, P. (2015). Conus aulicus Linnaeus, 1758. In: MolluscaBase ...
'' Image:Conus Maldives.JPG, ''
Conus ''Conus'' is a genus of predatory sea snails, or cone snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S. (2015). Conus Linnaeus, 1758. In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at ...
'' sp. (maybe '' Conus bandanus'') Image:Conus ebraeus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Conus ebraeus ''Conus ebraeus'', common name the black-and-white cone or Hebrew cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family (biology), family Conidae, the Conus, cone snails and their allies. Description The height of the shell ...
'' Image:Conus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Conus eburneus'' Image:Conus lithoglyphus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Conus litoglyphus'' Image:Conus lividus Landaagiraavaru 3.JPG, '' Conus lividus'' Image:Conus magnificus.JPG, '' Conus magnificus'' Image:Conus miles Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Conus miles ''Conus miles'', common name the soldier cone, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Conidae, the cone snails and their allies. Like all species within the genus ''Conus'', these snails are predatory and venomo ...
'' Image:Conus sp. Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
conus ''Conus'' is a genus of predatory sea snails, or cone snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S. (2015). Conus Linnaeus, 1758. In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at ...
'' sp. Image:Conus lividus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Conus ''Conus'' is a genus of predatory sea snails, or cone snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S. (2015). Conus Linnaeus, 1758. In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at ...
'' sp. (maybe '' conus vexillum'') Image:Conus cf. violaceus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Conus ''Conus'' is a genus of predatory sea snails, or cone snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Conidae.Bouchet, P.; Gofas, S. (2015). Conus Linnaeus, 1758. In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at ...
'' sp. (maybe '' Conus violaceus'') Image:Chicoreus sp Milhadhoo.JPG, ''
Chicoreus palmarosae ''Chicoreus palmarosae'' (rose-branch murex) is a species of predatory sea snail, a marine (ocean), marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails. Description The size of an adult shell varies between 65 mm and 130&nbs ...
'' Image:Chicoreus microphyllus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Chicoreus ''Chicoreus'' is a genus of medium- to large-sized predatory sea snails. These are carnivorous marine gastropod molluscs in the family Muricidae, the murexes or rock snails.Bouchet, P.; Houart, R. (2010). Chicoreus Montfort, 1810. In: Bouche ...
'' sp. Image:Coralliophila neritoidea Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Coralliophila neritoidea'' Image:Drupa sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Drupa ricinus ''Drupa (Drupa) ricinus'', common name : prickly spotted drupe, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Muricidae, the murex snails or rock snails. Subspecies * ''Drupa (Drupa) ricinus lischkei'' (Hidalgo, 1904) ...
'' Image:Gastéropode non identifié Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Vasum ceramicum ''Vasum ceramicum'', common name ceramic vase or heavy whelk, is a species of medium to large sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turbinellidae. MolluscaBase eds. (2023). MolluscaBase. Vasum ceramicum (Linnaeus, 1758). Accessed t ...
'' Image:Gastropod unidentified Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Vasum ''Vasum'', common name the vase snails or vase shells, is a genus of mostly rather large predatory sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks within the family Turbinellidae.Bouchet, P. (2011). Vasum Röding, 1798. Accessed through: World Register of ...
'' sp. Image:Muricidae Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Pollia fumosa ''Pollia fumosa'', common name : the smoky goblet, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Pisaniidae. Description The shell size varies between 20 mm and 40 mm Distribution This species is distributed i ...
'' Image:Pleuroploca filamentosa Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Filifusus filamentosus'' Image:130915 Yda & Elise Interns-106.JPG, ''
Oxymeris maculata ''Oxymeris maculata'', common name the marlinspike auger, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Terebridae, the auger snails. Distribution This species occurs in the Red Sea and in the Indian Ocean off Aldabra ...
'' Image:Terebra sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Terebra'' sp. Image:130915 Yda & Elise Interns-092.JPG, ''
Mitra mitra ''Mitra mitra'', common name the episcopal miter, is a species of large predatory sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Mitridae, the miters.Rosenberg, G. (2010). ''Mitra (Mitra) mitra'' (Linnaeus, 1758). Accessed through: World Reg ...
'' Image:Coriocella hibyae Landaa.JPG, ''
Coriocella hibyae ''Coriocella hibyae'', common name the Hiby's coriocella or the velvet snail, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Velutinidae. Description Although it has a shell, the shell is hidden within folds of the mantle, ...
'' (endemic) Image:Tectus sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Tectus ''Tectus'' is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Tegulidae. Description The shell has a pyramidal shape. Its base is flat, without false-umbilicus. The rhomboidal aperture is very oblique, angular, and wider than ...
'' sp. Image:Tectus sp 2 Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Tectus ''Tectus'' is a genus of sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Tegulidae. Description The shell has a pyramidal shape. Its base is flat, without false-umbilicus. The rhomboidal aperture is very oblique, angular, and wider than ...
'' sp. Image:Trochus maculatus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Trochus maculatus ''Trochus maculatus'', common name the maculated top shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Trochidae, the top snails. Description The size of the shell varies between 25 mm and 65 mm. This is an e ...
'' Image:Trochus radiatus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Trochus radiatus ''Trochus radiatus'', common name the radiate top shell, is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Trochidae, the top snails. Description The thick, rather solid, trochoidal shell has a moderately elevated spire and ...
'' Image:Turbo argyrostomus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Turbo argyrostomus ''Turbo argyrostomus'', common name the silver-mouthed turban, is a species of sea snail, marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turbinidae. Subspecies Two subspecies have been recognized : * ''Turbo argyrostomus argyrostomus'' Linnaeus, 1758 ( ...
'' Image:Turbo petholatus Voavah.JPG, ''
Turbo petholatus ''Turbo petholatus'' (common name: tapestry turban) is a species of sea snail, marine gastropod mollusk in the family Turbinidae. Description The length of the shell varies between 30 mm and 100 mm. The imperforate shell is solid, p ...
'' Image:Architectonicidae Landaagiraavaru.JPG, An unidentified species of the family Architectonicidae (maybe ''
Psilaxis radiatus ''Psilaxis radiatus'' is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Architectonicidae, which are known as the staircase shells or sundials.MolluscaBase (2018)''Psilaxis radiatus'' (Röding, 1798).Accessed through: World Reg ...
'' sp.). Image:Gastéropode non identifié Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, An unidentified species of the family Cerithiidae (maybe '' Cerithium'' sp.).


Opisthobranchia Opisthobranchs () is now an informal name for a large and diverse group of specialized complex gastropods which used to be united in the subclass Opisthobranchia. That taxon is no longer considered to represent a monophyletic grouping. Euopisth ...
(sea slugs)

*
Sea hares The clade Anaspidea, commonly known as sea hares (''Aplysia'' species and related genera), are medium-sized to very large opisthobranch gastropod molluscs with a soft internal shell made of protein. These are marine gastropod molluscs in the s ...
(
Anaspidea The clade Anaspidea, commonly known as sea hares (''Aplysia'' species and related genera), are medium-sized to very large opisthobranch gastropod molluscs with a soft internal shell made of protein. These are marine gastropod molluscs i ...
, family
Aplysiidae Aplysiidae is the only family in the superfamily Aplysioidea, within the clade Anaspidea. These animals are commonly called sea hares because, unlike most sea slugs, they are often quite large, and when they are underwater, their rounded body sh ...
) * Nudibranchs Image:Goniobranchus gleniei Maldives.JPG, ''
Goniobranchus gleniei ''Goniobranchus gleniei'' is a species of colourful sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Chromodorididae."Bouchet, P. (2012)''Goniobranchus gleniei''.Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2012-05- ...
'' Image:Goniobranchus tritos.JPG, ''
Goniobranchus tritos ''Goniobranchus tritos'' is a species of colourful sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine (ocean), marine gastropod mollusk in the family Chromodorididae.MolluscaBase (2018)''Goniobranchus tritos'' (Yonow, 1994).Accessed on 2019-01-07. Distribu ...
'' Image:Dendrodoris nigra Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Dendrodoris nigra ''Dendrodoris nigra'' is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, shell-less marine gastropod mollusks in the family Dendrodorididae Dendrodorididae is a taxonomic family of sea slugs, dorid nudibranchs, marine gastropod molluscs in the ...
'' Image:Phyllidia varicosa Maldives.JPG, ''
Phyllidia varicosa ''Phyllidia varicosa'' is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusc in the family Phyllidiidae.Bouchet, P. (2015)''Phyllidia varicosa'' Lamarck, 1801.In: MolluscaBase (2015). Accessed through: World Regis ...
'' Image:Phyllidiella rosans Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, '' Phyllidiella rosans'' Image:Tambja cf affinis Maldives.jpg, ''
Tambja affinis ''Tambja affinis'' is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Polyceridae.MolluscaBase (2018)''Tambja affinis'' (Eliot, 1904).Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 2018-08-20. Distribut ...
'' Image:Tambja morosa Maldives.JPG, ''
Tambja morosa ''Tambja morosa'', also known as ''Tambja kushimotoensis'' or gloomy nudibranch,Hoover, John P.,"Hawai'i's Sea Creatures". Mutual Publishing, 1998, p. 176. is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a shell-less marine gastropod mollusk in ...
''
* Other
Opisthobranchia Opisthobranchs () is now an informal name for a large and diverse group of specialized complex gastropods which used to be united in the subclass Opisthobranchia. That taxon is no longer considered to represent a monophyletic grouping. Euopisth ...


Cephalopod A cephalopod is any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda (Greek plural , ; "head-feet") such as a squid, octopus, cuttlefish, or nautilus. These exclusively marine animals are characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head ...
s

Image:Octopus cyanea Maldives.JPG, An octopus (''
Octopus cyanea ''Octopus cyanea'', also known as the big blue octopus or day octopus, is an octopus in the family Octopodidae. It occurs in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, from Hawaii to the eastern coast of Africa.Norman, M.D. 2000. ''Cephalopods: A World ...
'') Image:Sepia latimanus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, A cuttlefish (''
Sepia latimanus ''Sepia latimanus'', also known as the broadclub cuttlefish, is widely distributed from the Andaman Sea, east to Fiji, and south to northern Australia. It is the most common cuttlefish species on coral reefs, living at a depth of up to 30&nbs ...
'') Image:Sepioteuthis lessoniana Voavah.JPG, A reef squid (''
Sepioteuthis lessoniana ''Sepioteuthis lessoniana'', commonly known as the bigfin reef squid, glitter squid or oval squid, is a species of loliginid squid. It is one of the three currently recognized species belonging to the genus ''Sepioteuthis''. Studies in 1993, ...
'') Image:Spirula spirula Landaagiraavaru.jpg, Empty shell of '' Spirula spirula''


Bivalve Bivalvia (), in previous centuries referred to as the Lamellibranchiata and Pelecypoda, is a class of marine and freshwater molluscs that have laterally compressed bodies enclosed by a shell consisting of two hinged parts. As a group, bival ...
s (clams, oysters, cockles, mussels…)

Image:Hyotissa hyotis Maldives.JPG, '' Hyotissa hyotis'' Image:Tridacna maxima Thiladhoo.JPG, A giant clam ''
Tridacna maxima The maxima clam (''Tridacna maxima''), also known as the small giant clam, is a species of bivalve mollusc found throughout the Indo-Pacific region.MolluscaBase eds. (2022). MolluscaBase. Tridacna maxima (Röding, 1798). Accessed through: Worl ...
'' Image:Tridacna maxima Voavah.JPG, A giant clam '' Tridacna gigas'' Image:Tridacna squamosa Maldives.JPG, An organ clam ''
Tridacna squamosa ''Tridacna squamosa'', known commonly as the fluted giant clam and scaly clam, is a species of bivalve in the family Cardiidae. MolluscaBase eds. (2022). MolluscaBase. Tridacna squamosa Lamarck, 1819. Accessed through: World Register of Marine S ...
'' Image:Diving Maldives, 2009 Tridacna.jpg, A giant clam ('' Tridacna'' sp.) Image:Pteria penguin Maldives.JPG, ''
Pteria penguin ''Pteria penguin'', commonly known as the penguin's wing oyster, is a species of marine bivalve mollusk in the family Pteriidae, the pearl oysters. It is native to the western and central Indo-Pacific region and is used for the production of cultu ...
'' Image:Unidentified Pectinidae Maldives.JPG, '' Gloripallium pallium'' Image:Spondylus varius Maldives.JPG, '' Spondylus varius'' Image:Bivalve non identifié Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Spondylus ''Spondylus'' is a genus of bivalve molluscs, the only genus in the family (biology), family Spondylidae.MolluscaBase (2019). MolluscaBase. Spondylus Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies ...
'' sp. Image:Bivalve non identifié Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, ''
Spondylus ''Spondylus'' is a genus of bivalve molluscs, the only genus in the family (biology), family Spondylidae.MolluscaBase (2019). MolluscaBase. Spondylus Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies ...
'' sp. Image:Chamidae or Spondylidae.JPG, ''
Spondylus ''Spondylus'' is a genus of bivalve molluscs, the only genus in the family (biology), family Spondylidae.MolluscaBase (2019). MolluscaBase. Spondylus Linnaeus, 1758. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at: http://www.marinespecies ...
'' sp. Image:Spondylus sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Pinna'' sp. Image:Bivalve recouvert d'éponge.JPG, Unidentified bivalve, covered with a sponge Image:Pedum spondyloideum Maldives.JPG, '' Pedum spondyloideum'' Image:Huîtres Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Unidentified oysters Image:Bivalve non identifié Landaagiraavaru 4.JPG, Unidentified bivalve Image:Bivalve non identifié Landaagiraavaru 3.JPG, Unidentified bivalve


Crustaceans


Crab Crabs are decapod crustaceans of the infraorder Brachyura, which typically have a very short projecting "tail" (abdomen) ( el, βραχύς , translit=brachys = short, / = tail), usually hidden entirely under the thorax. They live in all the ...
s

Image:Trapezia Maldives.JPG, '' Trapezia bidentata'' Image:Trapezia cymodoce Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Trapezia cymodoce'' Image:Trapezia rufopunctata Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, ''
Trapezia rufopunctata ''Trapezia rufopunctata'' is a species of guard crabs in the family Trapeziidae. Description ''Trapezia rufopunctata'', also known as the commensal crab, can reach the size of about 5 cm in width. They are considered true crabs, with 4 walking l ...
'' Image:Crab ID Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Percnon guinotae ''Percnon'' is a genus of crabs. It is "doubtfully placed" in the family Plagusiidae, and it has also been included in the family Grapsidae. Species Seven species are recognised: *'' Percnon abbreviatum'' (Dana, 1851) *'' Percnon affine'' ( Mil ...
'' Image:Ocypode pallidula Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Ocypode pallidula The pallid ghost crab, ''Ocypode pallidula'', is a small ghost crab that digs burrows in beaches of the Indo-Pacific region. Its carapace A carapace is a Dorsum (biology), dorsal (upper) section of the exoskeleton or shell in a number of an ...
'' Image:Grapsus albolineatus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Grapsus albolineatus ''Grapsus albolineatus'' is a species of decapod crustacean in the family Grapsidae, native to the Indo-Pacific. Description Its carapace, or upper shell, is flat, circular, and rough with arched lateral margins, and may be up to 37 m ...
'' Image:Lissocarcinus orbicularis LandaaGiraavaru.JPG, ''
Lissocarcinus orbicularis ''Lissocarcinus orbicularis'', common names sea cucumber crab, red-spotted white crab, and harlequin crab is a species of crab in the family Portunidae. This species gains one of its names from its close-knit relationship with holothuroids, the ...
'' Image:Etisus splendidus Maldives.JPG, '' Etisus splendidus'' Image:Pseudoliomera speciosa Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Pseudoliomera speciosa'' Image:Cymo quadrilobatus Landaagiraavaru.jpg, ''
Cymo quadrilobatus Cymo may refer to: * ''Cymo'' (crab), a genus of crabs * Moosonee Airport, Ontario, Canada * Cymo, one of the Nereids * Cymo Island, Western Australia Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state of Australia occupying the western ...
'' Image:Majoidea (pe Cyclocoeloma tuberculata) Landaagiraavaru.JPG, A spider crab of the family
Majoidea The Majoidea are a Superfamily (taxonomy), superfamily of crabs which includes the various spider crabs. Taxonomy In "''A classification of living and fossil genera of decapod crustaceans''" De Grave and colleagues divided Majoidea into six fa ...
(maybe ''
Cyclocoeloma tuberculata ''Cyclocoeloma'' is a genus of crabs in the family Majidae, containing the single species ''Cyclocoeloma tuberculata''. Description ''Cyclocoeloma tuberculata'' is a small size spider crab, its carapace reach an average length of 45mm from th ...
'') Image:Un crabe araignée majoïde (peut-être Naxioides taurus).JPG, A spider crab of the family
Majoidea The Majoidea are a Superfamily (taxonomy), superfamily of crabs which includes the various spider crabs. Taxonomy In "''A classification of living and fossil genera of decapod crustaceans''" De Grave and colleagues divided Majoidea into six fa ...
(maybe '' Naxioides taurus'') Image:Neopetrolisthes maculatus Maldives.jpg, ''
Neopetrolisthes maculatus ''Neopetrolisthes maculatus'' is a species of porcelain crab Porcelain crabs are decapod crustaceans in the widespread family Porcellanidae, which superficially resemble true crabs. They have flattened bodies as an adaptation for living in ...
''


Hermit crabs

Image:Hermit crab maldives.JPG, ''
Aniculus ursus ''Aniculus'' is a genus of aquatic hermit crab of the family Calcinidae. The following species are currently accepted within ''Aniculus:'' * ''Aniculus aniculus'' (J. C. Fabricius, 1787) * ''Aniculus elegans'' Stimpson, 1858 * ''Aniculus er ...
'' Image:Dardanus lagopodes Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Dardanus lagopodes ''Dardanus lagopodes'', known commonly as the hairy red hermit crab, is a species of marine decapod crustacean in the family Diogenidae. ''Dardanus lagopodes'' is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific region, includi ...
'' Image:Dardanus megistos Maldives.JPG, ''
Dardanus megistos ''Dardanus megistos'', the white-spotted hermit crab or spotted hermit crab, is a species of hermit crab belonging to the family Diogenidae. Etymology The genus name '' Dardanus'' refers to the son of Zeus and Electra in Greek mythology, while ...
'' Image:Coenobita rugosus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Coenobita rugosus ''Coenobita rugosus'' is a species of land hermit crab native to Indonesia, Australia and the east African coast to the south west Pacific. ''C. rugosus'' has four walking legs, a small pincer, a large pincer, and antennae. When threatened ' ...
''


Lobster Lobsters are a family (biology), family (Nephropidae, Synonym (taxonomy), synonym Homaridae) of marine crustaceans. They have long bodies with muscular tails and live in crevices or burrows on the sea floor. Three of their five pairs of legs ...
s and associates

Image:Panulirus femoristriga Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Panulirus femoristriga ''Panulirus femoristriga'' is a species of spiny lobster (family Palinuridae). It occurs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. IUCN categorizes the species globally as of "least concern". No subspecies In biological classification, subspecies ...
'' Image:Diving Maldives, 2009 - Lobsters.jpg, '' Panulirus versicolor'' Image:Parribacus antarcticus Maldives.JPG, ''
Parribacus antarcticus ''Parribacus antarcticus'' is a species of slipper lobster. Its common names include "sculptured mitten lobster" and "sculptured slipper lobster" in English, and ' and ' in Hawaiian. Description ''Parribacus antarcticus'' can reach a length of ...
''


Shrimp Shrimp are crustaceans (a form of shellfish) with elongated bodies and a primarily swimming mode of locomotion – most commonly Caridea and Dendrobranchiata of the decapod order, although some crustaceans outside of this order are refer ...
s

Image:Cinetorhynchus reticulatus Maldives.JPG, ''
Cinetorhynchus reticulatus ''Cinetorhynchus reticulatus'' is a species of shrimp belonging to the family Rhynchocinetidae, known by the common name green-eye dancing shrimp or reticulated hinge-beak shrimp. Distribution ''Cinetorhynchus reticulatus'' is widespread through ...
'' Image:Stenopus hispidus Maldives 2.JPG, '' Stenopus hispidus'' Image:Alpheus lottini Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Alpheus lottini Alpheos or Alpheus may refer to: * Alpheus (mythology), a river god in Greek mythology * Alpheus, West Virginia, a community in the US * Alfeios River, the Greek river which the mythological god refers to * Alphaeus, a father of two of the Twelve A ...
'' Image:Saron sp..JPG, '' Saron inermis'' Image:Periclimenes soror Maldives.JPG, A ''
Periclimenes soror ''Zenopontonia soror'', the starfish shrimp or seastar shrimp, is a species of shrimp in the family Palaemonidae. It is found in shallow water in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. It lives in association with a starfish, often changing its colou ...
'' on a ''
Culcita schmideliana ''Culcita schmideliana'', commonly known as the spiny cushion star, is a species of pin-cushion star. It has a variety of base colors and often patches of a different color. It is pentagonal in shape and lives in the tropical Indo-Pacific. This ...
'' Image:Harpiliopsis beaupresi Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Harpiliopsis beaupresi'' Image:Thor amboinensis Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Thor amboinensis ''Thor amboinensis'', commonly known as the squat shrimp or sexy shrimp, is a species of shrimp found across the Indo-West Pacific and in parts of the Atlantic Ocean. It lives symbiotically on corals, sea anemones and other marine invertebrates ...
'' Image:Transparent shrimp Maldives.JPG, '' Cuapetes'' sp. Image:Alpheidae Peut-être Synalpheus tumidomanus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, A shrimp of the family Alpheidae (maybe '' Synalpheus tumidomanus'') Image:Crevette non identifiée Landaagiraavaru 2.JPG, An unidentified shrimp Image:Crevette non identifiée Landaagiraavaru 3.JPG, An unidentified shrimp Image:Krill Maldives.JPG, Krill washed ashore on a beach.


Other types of crustaceans

Image:Emerita sp. Landaagiraavaru.JPG, A mole crab ('' Hippa granulatus'', Hippoidea group) Image:Lepas sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Goose barnacles (''
Lepas ''Lepas'' is a genus of goose barnacles in the family Lepadidae. Species Species in the genus include: * '' Lepas anatifera'' Linnaeus, 1758 * ''Lepas anserifera'' Linnaeus, 1767 * '' Lepas australis'' Darwin, 1851 * ''Lepas hilli ''Lepas'' ...
'' sp., Cirripedia group)


Marine worms


polychaete worms Polychaeta () is a paraphyletic class of generally marine annelid worms, commonly called bristle worms or polychaetes (). Each body segment has a pair of fleshy protrusions called parapodia that bear many bristles, called chaetae, which are m ...

Image:Spirobranchus giganteus Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Christmas tree worms ('' Spirobranchus giganteus'') in a '' Porites''. Image:Sabellastarte Maldives 2.jpg, ''
Sabellastarte ''Sabellastarte'' is a genus of marine polychaete worms in the Family (biology), family Sabellidae. Species The following species are classified in this genus: *''Sabellastarte assimilis'' (McIntosh, 1885) *''Sabellastarte fallax'' (Quatrefages ...
'' sp. Image:Lanice sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Lanice'' sp. Image:Polychètes sur T. anax.JPG, Two worms of the Polynoidae family, on a sea cucumber.


Platyhelminthes (flat worms)

Image:Platyhelminthes Maldives.JPG, ''
Pseudobiceros bedfordi ''Pseudobiceros bedfordi'' (common names Persian carpet flatworm and Bedford's flatworm) is a species of flatworm in the family Pseudocerotidae. This species has two penises, which it uses to engage in penis fencing, attempting to inject sperm i ...
'' Image:Pseudoceros sp. 32.JPG, ''
Pseudoceros ''Pseudoceros'' is a genus of the flatworms Platyhelminthes. Description Easily recognized features within the genus include a ruffled pharynx, branched intestines, and tentacles on the leading edge.  The tentacles may act as chemoreceptors ...
sp. 32''According to ''Marine Flatworms APP''. Image:Pseudobiceros sp. Maldives.JPG, '' Pseudobiceros'' sp. Image:Pseudoceros susanae Dive Baa Atoll - Dhigu Thila-022.JPG, ''
Pseudoceros susanae ''Pseudoceros susanae'' is a marine flatworm species that belongs to the Pseudocerotidae family. Description ''Pseudoceros susanae'' can reach a length of 35–55 mm. It has an enlarged oval shape. The upper surface of the body is orange- ...
'' Image:Thysanozoon nigropapillosum Maldives.JPG, ''
Thysanozoon nigropapillosum ''Thysanozoon nigropapillosum'' is a species of polyclad, polyclad flatworms belonging to the family Pseudocerotidae. Some common names include gold-speckled flatworm, marine flatworm, yellow papillae flatworm, yellow-spotted flatworm, and yello ...
''


Other types of worms

Image:Echiurien Thiladhoo.JPG, An echiuran worm ('' Achaetobonellia maculata'').


Cnidarians


Corals

Image:Acropora austera Maldives 2.jpg, ''
Acropora austera ''Acropora austera'' is a species of ''Acropora ''Acropora'' is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria. Some of its species are known as table coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. Over 149 species are described. ''Ac ...
'' Image:GOPR6969 A. clathrata.JPG, '' Acropora clathrata'' Image:Diving Maldives, 2009 - Corals.jpg, ''
Acropora cytherea ''Acropora cytherea'' is a stony coral which forms horizontal table like structures. It occurs in the Indo-Pacific Ocean in areas with little wave action, favouring back reef environments from depth. Description ''Acropora cytherea'' is a colo ...
'' Image:Acropora digitifera Maldives 2.jpg, '' Acropora digitifera'' Image:Acropora echinata Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora echinata'' Image:Acropora gemmifera Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora gemmifera'' Image:Acropora globiceps Maldives.jpg, ''
Acropora globiceps ''Acropora globiceps'' is a species of acroporid coral found in the oceanic central and western Pacific Ocean and central Indo-Pacific. It can also be found in the Great Barrier Reef, the Philippines, the Andaman Islands, Polynesia, Micronesia a ...
'' Image:Acropora hemprichii Macro 2 Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora hemprichii'' Image:Acropora humilis Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora humilis'' Image:Acropora hyacinthus Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora hyacinthus'' Image:Acropora latistella Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora latistella'' Image:Acropora listeri Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora listeri'' Image:Acropora loripes Macro Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora loripes'' Image:Acropora lutkeni Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora lutkeni'' Image:Acropora millepora Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora millepora'' Image:Acropora monticulosa Maldives.JPG, ''
Acropora monticulosa ''Acropora monticulosa'' is a species of acroporid coral found in the southwest and northern Indian Ocean, the central Indo-Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, Japan, the East China Sea and the oceanic west Pacific Ocean. It is also found in the ...
'' Image:Acropora muricata Maldives.jpg, ''
Acropora muricata ''Acropora muricata'', commonly called staghorn coral, is a species of acroporid coral found in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf, Australia, central Indo-Pacific, Japan, Southeast Asia, the East China Sea and the oceanic ...
'' Image:Acropora nasuta Maldives 3.JPG, '' Acropora nasuta'' Image:Acropora palifera Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora palifera'' Image:Acropora polystoma Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora polystoma'' Image:Acropora retusa Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora retusa'' Image:Acropora robusta medium Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora robusta'' Image:Acropora rosaria Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora rosaria'' Image:Acropora sarmentosa.JPG, '' Acropora sarmentosa'' Image:Acropora secale Maldives 2.JPG, '' Acropora secale'' Image:Acropora selaga Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora selaga'' Image:Acropora squarrosa Maldives.JPG, '' Acropora squarrosa'' Image:Acropora tenuis Maldives.jpg, '' Acropora tenuis'' Image:Acropora valencianesi.JPG, '' Acropora valencianesi'' Image:Acropora vermiculata.JPG, ''
Acropora vermiculata ''Acropora'' is a genus of small polyp stony coral in the phylum Cnidaria. Some of its species are known as table coral, elkhorn coral, and staghorn coral. Over 149 species are described. ''Acropora'' species are some of the major reef coral ...
'' Image:Acropora verwei.JPG, '' Acropora verwei'' Image:Pachyseris sp. Maldives.JPG, '' Pachyseris'' sp. Image:Turbinaria mesenterina Maldives.JPG, ''
Turbinaria mesenterina ''Turbinaria mesenterina'', commonly known as disc coral, is a species of colonial stony coral in the family Dendrophylliidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific region. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation ...
'' Image:Turbinaria Huludhoo.JPG, '' Turbinaria'' Image:Diploastrea heliopora Voavah.jpg, ''
Diploastrea heliopora ''Diploastrea heliopora'', commonly known as diploastrea brain coral or honeycomb coral among other vernacular names, is a species of hard coral in the family Diploastreidae. It is the only extant species in its genus. This species can form mass ...
'' Image:Faviidae sp Maldives.JPG, '' Dipsastraea pallida'' Image:Echinopora horrida.JPG, '' Echinopora horrida'' Image:Favites halicora Maldives.JPG, ''
Favites halicora ''Favites halicora'' is a species of coral belonging to the family Merulinidae. The species was first described in 1834 by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg (19 April 1795 – 27 June 1876) was a German naturalist, z ...
'' Image:Coral Faviidae Landaagiraavaru.JPG, An unidentified coral, probably of the family Faviidae Image:Platygira sinensis Maldives.JPG, Brain coral (''
Platygyra sinensis ''Platygyra'' is a genus of stony corals in the family Merulinidae. Species The following species are currently recognized: *'' Platygyra acuta'' Veron, 2002 *''Platygyra carnosus'' Veron, 2002 *'' Platygyra contorta'' Veron, 1990 *''Platygyr ...
'') Image:Pocillopora damicornis Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Pocillopora damicornis ''Pocillopora damicornis'', commonly known as the cauliflower coral or lace coral, is a species of stony coral in the family Pocilloporidae. It is native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Description ''P. damic ...
'' Image:Pocillopora elegans.jpg, '' Pocillopora elegans'' Image:Pocillopora Maldives.JPG, '' Pocillopora verrucosa'' Image:Goniopora Maldives.JPG, '' Goniopora'' sp. Image:Porites lobata Maldives.JPG, ''
Porites lobata ''Porites lobata'', known by the common name lobe coral, is a species of stony coral in the family Poritidae. It is found growing on coral reefs in tropical parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Description ''Porites lobata'' is a hermatypic ...
'' Image:Plesiastrea versipora Maldives.jpg, '' Plesiastrea versipora'' Image:Fungia fungites Maldives.JPG, Mushroom coral ''
Fungia fungites ''Fungia'' is a genus of corals in the family Fungiidae. It is monotypic with the single species ''Fungia fungites'', which is found growing on reefs in the Indo-Pacific. Taxonomy Until 2015, the genus ''Fungia'' had more than 30 species, but ba ...
'' Image:Corail non identifié Maldives.JPG, An unidentified coral Image:Physogyra lichtensteini Maldives.JPG, ''
Physogyra lichtensteini ''Physogyra'' is a genus of cnidarians Cnidaria () is a phylum under kingdom Animalia containing over 11,000 species of aquatic animals found both in freshwater and marine environments, predominantly the latter. Their distinguishing feature ...
'' Image:Plerogyra sinuosa Milhadhoo.JPG, ''
Plerogyra sinuosa ''Plerogyra sinuosa'' is a jelly-like species of the phylum Cnidaria. It is commonly called "bubble coral" due to its bubbly appearance. The "bubbles" are grape-sized which increase their surface area according to the amount of light available: th ...
'' Image:Heliopora coerulea Maldives.jpg, Blue coral ''
Heliopora coerulea Blue coral (''Heliopora coerulea'') is a species of colonial coral. It is the only octocoral known to produce a massive skeleton. This skeleton is formed of aragonite, similar to that of scleractinia. Individual polyps live in tubes within the sk ...
'' Image:Annella mollis Maldives.JPG, ''
Annella mollis ''Annella mollis (Subergorgia mollis)'' is a species of soft corals belonging to the family Subergorgiidae. They live in areas in the Indo-West Pacific, around 12 to 18 meters deep, in lower reef slopes, on rocks and sand substrates. Reference ...
'' Image:Astrogorgia sp. Maldives.JPG, ''
Astrogorgia ''Astrogorgia'' is a genus of corals belonging to the family Plexauridae Plexauridae is a family of marine colonial octocorals in the phylum Cnidaria. Members of this family are found in shallow tropical and subtropical seas. Many species conta ...
'' Image:Melithaea variabilis.JPG, ''
Melithaea variabilis ''Melithaea'' is a genus of octocorals in the family Melithaeidae. Members of the genus are commonly known as fan corals and are found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. The type species is ''Melithaea ochracea''.Melithaea ''Melithaea'' is a genus of octocorals in the family Melithaeidae. Members of the genus are commonly known as fan corals and are found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region. The type species is ''Melithaea ochracea''.Siphonogorgia ''Siphonogorgia'' is a genus of soft corals in the family Nidaliidae. Like other members of this family, these corals do not contain symbiotic zooxanthellae.
'' sp. Image:Siphonogorgia sp Maldives.JPG, ''
Siphonogorgia ''Siphonogorgia'' is a genus of soft corals in the family Nidaliidae. Like other members of this family, these corals do not contain symbiotic zooxanthellae.
'' sp. Image:Dendronephthya Maldives.JPG, ''
Dendronephthya ''Dendronephthya'' is a genus of soft corals in the family Nephtheidae. There are over 250 described species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversi ...
'' sp. Image:Dendronephthya sp Milhadhoo.JPG, ''
Dendronephthya ''Dendronephthya'' is a genus of soft corals in the family Nephtheidae. There are over 250 described species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversi ...
'' sp. Image:Scleronephthya sp Milhadhoo.JPG, ''
Scleronephthya ''Scleronephthya'' is a genus of corals belonging to the family Nephtheidae Nephtheidae is a family of soft corals in the phylum Cnidaria. Members of this family are known as carnation corals, tree corals or colt soft corals. They are very att ...
'' sp. Image:Cladopsammia gracilis Maldives.JPG, '' Cladopsammia gracilis'' Image:Tubastrea faulkneri Maldives.JPG, ''
Tubastraea faulkneri ''Tubastraea faulkneri'', common name Orange sun coral, is a species of large-polyp stony corals belonging to the family Dendrophylliidae. Other common names of this coral are Orange Cup Coral, Sun Coral, Orange Polyp Coral, Rose Sun Coral, Golde ...
'' Image:Tubastrea micrantha Hulhudhoo.JPG, '' Tubastraea micrantha'' Image:Euphyllia glabrescens Hulhudhoo.JPG, ''
Euphyllia glabrescens ''Euphyllia glabrescens'' is a species of large-polyped stony coral belonging to the family Caryophylliidae. Its common name is the torch coral due to its long sweeper tentacles tipped with potent cnidocytes. It is a commonly kept species in the ...
'' Image:Cirrhipathes Maldives.JPG, Black coral ''
Cirrhipathes ''Cirrhipathes'' is a genus of black coral from the family Antipathidae. Coral species in this genus are commonly known as whip or wire corals because they often exhibit a twisted or coiled morphology. In addition to their colorful appearance, wi ...
'' sp. Image:Lobophyllia sp Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Lobophyllia ''Lobophyllia'', commonly called lobed brain coral or lobo coral, is a genus of large polyp stony corals. Members of this genus are sometimes found in reef aquarium A reef aquarium or reef tank is a marine aquarium that prominently display ...
'' sp. Image:Lobophyton sp. Landaagiraavaru.JPG, '' Lobophytum'' sp. Image:Lobophytum Maldives.JPG, '' Lobophytum'' sp. Image:Lobophytum sp. Maldives.JPG, '' Lobophytum'' sp. Image:Maldives soft coral.jpg, Soft coral '' Sarcophyton'' sp. Image:Alcyoniidae Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Unidentified soft coral (''
Alcyoniidae Alcyoniidae is a family of leathery or soft corals in the phylum Cnidaria.Leathery cor ...
'') Image:Pennatule Maldives.JPG, A sea pen (
pennatulid Sea pens are colonial marine cnidarians belonging to the order Pennatulacea. There are 14 families within the order; 35 extant genera, and it is estimated that of 450 described species, around 200 are valid. Sea pens have a cosmo ...
)


Hydrozoans

Image:Netrostoma setouchianum.jpg, A jellyfish '' Cephea cephea'' Image:Thysanostoma loriferum Maldives.JPG, A jellyfish ''
Thysanostoma loriferum Thysanostomatidae is a family of true jellyfish from the Indo-Pacific. The first sighting of ''Thysanostoma loriferum'' in Hong Kong; extending its known range from the Philippines, the Malay Archipelago, and Hawaii; was from the Hong Kong Jelly ...
'' Image:Millepora platyphylla Maldives.jpg, Fire coral (''
Millepora platyphylla ''Millepora platyphylla'' is a species of fire coral, a type of hydrocoral, in the family Milleporidae. It is also known by the common names blade fire coral and plate fire coral. It forms a calcium carbonate skeleton and has toxic, defensive po ...
'') Image:Zygophylax sp. Maldives.JPG, A hydrozoan '' Zygophylax'' sp. Image:Plumularioidea Landaagiraavaru.JPG, Hydrozoan of the
Plumularioidea Plumularioidea is a superfamily of hydrozoans in the order Leptothecata. This superfamily unites about 45 genera in the following families: * Aglaopheniidae Marktanner-Turneretscher, 1890 * Halopterididae Millard, 1962 * Kirchenpaueriidae ...
group Image:Hydrarian Dive Baa Atoll - Dhigu Thila-009.JPG, Unidentified hydrozoan


Sea anemones

Image:Heteractis aurora Maldives.jpg, ''
Heteractis aurora ''Heteractis aurora'' is a species of sea anemone in the family Stichodactylidae. Taxonomy Common names for ''H. aurora'' include beaded sea anemone, aurora host anemone, sand anemone, carpet anemone, flat anemone, corn anemone, Ritteri anem ...
'' Image:Amphiprion nigripes.JPG, ''
Heteractis magnifica ''Heteractis magnifica'', also known by the common names magnificent sea anemone or Ritteri anemone, is a species of sea anemone belonging to the Stichodactylidae family native to the Indo-Pacific area. Description The magnificent sea anemone is ...
'' Image:Actinodendron arboreum Landaagiraavaru.JPG, ''
Actinodendron arboreum ''Actinodendron arboreum'', commonly known as tree anemone or hell's fire anemone, is a species of sea anemone in the family Actinodendronidae. It is native to the Indo-Pacific where it grows at depths of down to . Most sea anemone species are h ...
'' Image:Cryptodendrum adhaesivum Landaagiraavaru.jpg, '' Cryptodendrum adhaesivum'' Image:Boloceroides sp. Maldives.JPG, ''
Boloceroides ''Boloceroides'' is a genus of sea anemones in the family Boloceroididae. It is monotypic In biology, a monotypic taxon is a taxonomic group (taxon) that contains only one immediately subordinate taxon. A monotypic species is one that does no ...
'' sp.


Other hexacorallian corals

Image:Amplexidiscus fenestrafer Maldives.JPG, ''
Amplexidiscus fenestrafer ''Amplexidiscus fenestrafer'', also known as the elephant ear anemone, is a species of coral belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. The name "elephant ear anemone" is a misnomer because it is actually a species of coral. It is the only species in the ...
'' (
Corallimorph Corallimorpharia is an order of marine cnidarians closely related to stony or reef building corals (Scleractinia). They occur in both temperate and tropical climates, although they are mostly tropical. Temperate forms tend to be very robust, wit ...
) Image:Palythoa caesia Milhadhoo.jpg, ''
Palythoa caesia ''Palythoa'' is a genus of anthozoans in the order Zoantharia.Reimer, J. (2018). Palythoa Lamouroux, 1816. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species at http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=205785 on 2018-08-27 Descrip ...
'' (
zoanthid Zoanthids ( order Zoantharia also called Zoanthidea or Zoanthiniaria) are an order of cnidarians commonly found in coral reefs, the deep sea and many other marine environments around the world. These animals come in a variety of different coloniz ...
) Image:Zoanthus mantoni Voavah.JPG, ''
Zoanthus mantoni ''Zoanthus'' is a genus of anthozoans in the family Zoanthidae. It is the type genus for its family and order. Species The following species are recognized in the genus ''Zoanthus'':(2018). Zoanthus Lamarck, 1801. Accessed through: World Regis ...
'' (
zoanthid Zoanthids ( order Zoantharia also called Zoanthidea or Zoanthiniaria) are an order of cnidarians commonly found in coral reefs, the deep sea and many other marine environments around the world. These animals come in a variety of different coloniz ...
)


Sponges Sponges, the members of the phylum Porifera (; meaning 'pore bearer'), are a basal animal clade as a sister of the diploblasts. They are multicellular organisms that have bodies full of pores and channels allowing water to circulate through ...

Image:Dysidea granulosa Maldives.JPG, '' Dysidea granulosa'' Image:Haliclona nematifera Maldives.JPG, '' Haliclona nematifera'' Image:Leucetta chagosensis Voavah.JPG, '' Leucetta chagosensis'' Image:Unidentified maldivian sponge Madhirivaadhoo.JPG, '' Lamellodysidea herbacea'' ? Image:Monanchora ungiculata Maldives.JPG, ''
Monanchora unguiculata ''Monanchora'' is a genus of demosponges belonging to the family Crambeidae, Crambeida. The genus contains 18 species, which have been researched for their potential use in medicine. Description Morphology The species with in ''Monanchora'' ...
'' Image:Carteriospongia cf foliascens Maldives.JPG, ''
Carteriospongia ''Carteriospongia'' is a genus of sea sponges in the family Thorectidae. There is some debate around the taxonomy of the group, with a 2021 molecular and morphological assessment of the subfamily Phyllospongiinae suggesting that ''Carteriospong ...
cf. foliascens'' Image:Acarnus sp Maldives.JPG, ''
Acarnus ''Acarnus'' is a genus of sponges belonging to the family Acarnidae. The genus has almost cosmopolitan distribution (except Europe). Description Species are non-fistulose sponges with encrusting to massive growth forms. They have ectosomal tylo ...
'' sp. Image:Eponge indéterminée Maldives.JPG, Unidentified sponge Image:Eponge à identifier Landaa.JPG, Unidentified sponge Image:Aplidium Milhadhoo.jpg, Unidentified sponge Image:Eponge non identifiée Maldives.JPG, Unidentified sponge Image:Eponge Maldives.JPG, Unidentified sponge Image:Sponge Maavaru Thila, Baa Atoll. 20m.jpg, Unidentified sponge.


See also

* Coral reef * Maldives


References


Sources


Main scientific reference

*


Bibliography

* Jen Veron, ''Corals of the world'', Townsville, Australie, ed. Mary Stafford-Smith, 2000 (). * E. Lieske et R.F. Myers, ''Guide des poissons des récifs coralliens'', Lausanne, Delachaux et Niestlé, 1994, 400 p. (). * Rudie H. Kuiter, ''Photo guide to fishes of the Maldives'', Apollo Bay, Atoll, 1998, 257 p. (). * Neville Coleman, ''Marine life of the Maldives'', Apollo Bay, Atoll, 2004, 257 p. ().


Databases


FishBase

DORIS

Marine Species Identification Portal


Taxonomic databases and references


World Register of Marine Species

Catalog of Fishes

ITIS

Sea Life Base
{{Maldives topics Biota of the Maldives