Critter ID assistance!

[NoXiDe]

I discovered this in the Bahamas and for several months I've been pondering about what I saw. It's the neatest thing ever, it's the white and black critter... I thought it was a eel of some kind.

View My Video or Video - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting (make sure you full screen)

 

[knotical]

juvenile Spotted Drum, Equetus punctatus

 

[NoXiDe]

Question for you, how did you know? I only have roughly 10 dives on my belt. I discovered it at 80 ft if not 65ft, can't quite remember what my watch stated but it was the most amazing thing ever seeing that critter. Also, you stated Juvenile? Is there a mature version of these?


Is this really the mature (adult) version? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChmmurhLNLM

I'm so shocked if it is because of the body structure when it's a juvenile. I looked at another juvenile which was more formed and wow, how old do you think that one was? A week old?

 

[redacted]

Question for you, how did you know?

By the Trumpetfish and Guitarfish just outside of the view.

 

[knotical]

It’s one of our favorite fish to watch. The video in your second post does show an adult. I’m guessing the one in your video was actually fairly well along, simply because I’ve seen them quite a bit smaller and more slender.

The often-mentioned Reef Fish Identification Florida Caribbean Bahamas by Humann and DeLoach might well be a good addition to your library.
The transformations some fish udergo is simply mind-boggling. You will likely have many more pleasant surprises as you continue observing marine critters.

 

[parzdiver]

The more you dive, the more quickly and easily you will be able to identify fish. There are certain fish, like the Spotted Drum, that are fairly common and unique and once you know the fish, you know it.