Three Bonaire Fish

[Sirto]

Please help ID these three fish. All seen at 30 - 50 ft.

Number 1 is 6" I think it's a razor fish but which type.



Number 2 - About 3"

Number 3 - Also 3"

 

[DennisW]

The first one is a Rosie Razorfish. The second is a Tobaccofish. The third one is a Harlequin Bass.

 

[Pelagicsal]

I agree on first and third fish, but the middle one is a juvenile puddingwife.

 

[DennisW]

I think you are right. But mine was from memory, how about yours?

 

[Sirto]

I agree on first and third fish, but the middle one is a juvenile puddingwife.

The coloration of the second in the Reef ID book is different than my picture but I agree on your id as a juvenille puddingwife. I'm not so sure about the third fish as a Harlequin bass though that was my initial thought as well. In the book the front of the HB is much narrower than it's middle and the nose is pointed whereas that isn't true of the fish in my picture. Also, the HB belly usually has a yellow appearance.

 

[deborahdelamar]

The Harlequin doesn't always show yellow -- they become more colorful and marked as they age. This is a young one -- it doesn't have tail markings yet and the dark spot on the dorsal fin isn't fully formed.