Aruba’s vibrant waters are home to hundreds of species of fish, offering incredible opportunities for marine life enthusiasts. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, the waters of Aruba provide stunning encounters with tropical fish and spectacular reef creatures. Here’s a guide to help you learn about the fish you may meet and where to find them.
Name That Fish…
It’s always fun to know what you’ve encountered below the waves! Some fish are easy to identify, like the hogfish with its pig-like snout or the needlefish with its long, silver body. There’s also the trunkfish, with its square-shaped body, and the queen angelfish, which has a crown-like mark on its head. The parrotfish, famous for its bird-like beak, is one of the most popular fish you’ll spot here.
A Fascinating Fish Fact…
Did you know that parrotfish are not just beautiful to look at but also incredible reef cleaners? And, much of Aruba’s white sand beaches are actually parrotfish poop! These fish have specialized teeth that grind hard coral into fine particles, which eventually become sand. One parrotfish can produce up to 1,000 lbs. of sand per year.
Where to Find Our Underwater Treasures…
Aruba’s marine life thrives in locations with structures, such as reefs, wrecks, and mangrove forests. While sandy bottoms don’t host much marine life, the rocky and reef-filled areas do! The S.S. Antilla shipwreck is a well-known site, ideal for both divers and snorkelers. Other popular spots include Boca Catalina and Malmok, both easily accessible from land. The tiny cove of Tres Trapi is famous for its abundance of starfish, while Arashi Beach offers another great reef for snorkeling.
For an exciting underwater adventure, Mangel Halto is perfect for fish spotting and has a small sunken wreck accessible to snorkelers. Baby Beach near San Nicolas is a family-friendly spot with calm waters and frequent sea turtle sightings.
The Lamentable Plight of the Lionfish
Aruba’s waters are also home to the invasive lionfish, a species that threatens the reefs. With 18 toxic stingers, it’s best to keep your distance. However, local projects, including the “Eat ‘em to beat ‘em” initiative, encourage people to eat lionfish as part of a reef preservation effort. The meat is tasty and white, and it can often be found on local restaurant menus. You can also find beautiful jewelry made from lionfish skin, with proceeds going toward reef care.
Catch Me If You Can!
For sport fishing enthusiasts, Aruba’s waters just off the coast offer some of the best big-game fishing opportunities. From Albacore Tuna to Blue Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and even Great Barracuda, Aruba’s waters are teeming with fish. Many experienced outfits offer full and half-day excursions on well-equipped boats. Some even offer to cook your catch for dinner that evening!
Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, diving, or sport fishing, Aruba’s vibrant marine life offers an unforgettable underwater adventure.
