Top 10 Coolest Fish You’ll See While Diving Koh Tao
Because underwater friends are the best kind of friends
Diving around Koh Tao isn’t just about learning new skills, soaking up that tropical sunshine, or escaping the real world for a bit (although… yeah, it's great for all of that too). What really makes it magical? The wild, weird, and wonderful marine life swimming right alongside you.
Here are 10 of the coolest fish you’re likely to meet underwater while diving with us at Scubadoo Koh Tao. From funky colors to sassy moves, these underwater creatures are the stars of the show.
1. 🦈 Blacktip Reef Shark
Cool level: James Bond of the reef
These sleek sharks look intimidating but are actually super chill. You might spot them cruising calmly in the shallow waters of Shark Bay or Ao Leuk. Harmless and shy, they’re proof that not all sharks want to eat you (Hollywood, calm down).
2. 🐡 Titan Triggerfish
Cool level: The misunderstood bodyguard
Big, bold, and not afraid to defend their turf during nesting season. But outside of that? They're just busy munching on coral. Respect their space and enjoy the show—they’re truly impressive fish with attitude.
3. 🐟 Batfish (aka Platax)
Cool level: Elegant weirdos
With their flat, disc-like bodies and slow, graceful swimming style, batfish look like they should be floating through space instead of the ocean. They often hang out near Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock
4. 🐠 Parrotfish
Cool level: Party fish with a DIY home project
With vibrant, rainbow-colored scales, parrotfish look like they swam straight out of a paint explosion. Bonus fact : they poop sand! Yup, they crunch coral and excrete it, helping to build those lovely white beaches you love.
5. 🐙 Blue-Spotted Ribbontail Ray
Cool level: Glow-in-the-dark pancake
These guys are so chill they often don’t even move when you pass by. But their electric-blue spots and fluttering tails make them totally mesmerizing to watch on sandy patches or under coral shelves.
6. 🐠 Clownfish (Yes, Nemo!)
Cool level: Small but mighty
You’ll spot these guys protecting their anemone homes with big attitude. Cute, curious, and colorful, they’re always a favorite with beginner divers and underwater photographers alike.
7. 🐠 Longfin Bannerfish
Cool level: The reef’s fashionistas
These striking black-and-white fish with yellow highlights look like they belong on a runway. They often cruise in pairs or small groups, making them the most stylish squad on the reef.
8. 🐠 Harlequin Sweetlips
Cool level: Baby disco dancer, adult badass
The juveniles wriggle and dance like they’re stuck in a funky music video, while the adults grow into huge, spotted legends. Seeing one on a dive is always a treat.
9. 🐡 Porcupine Pufferfish
Cool level: Derpy-faced balloon animal
Big eyes, pouty lips, and a curious personality—you’ll fall in love instantly. Just don’t scare them into puffing up. They're cute enough already.
10. 🐟 Giant Groupers
Cool level: The bouncers of the reef
Massive, moody, and usually lurking near wrecks or pinnacles. They look like underwater tanks and can grow bigger than your dive buddy. Always an impressive sight.
🐬 Honorable Mention: Whale Sharks (If You’re Lucky!)
They’re not fish (they’re sharks), but when they do show up at Chumphon Pinnacle or Southwest, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Slow, graceful, and completely harmless—diving with one is pure magic.
Whale shark floating around near Koh Nangyuan
Ready to Meet These Underwater Celebrities?
Join us for a fun, laid-back dive at Scubadoo Koh Tao, and we’ll help you find as many of these stars as possible. Whether you're taking your Open Water course, going fun diving, or working your way up to Divemaster, you’ll be surrounded by marine life from day one.
🌊 Book your next dive with us today!
💬 Got questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +66 0966940171
📍scubadookohtao.com
