The Bahamas is home to a rich and diverse array of sea animals, thanks to its location in the Atlantic Ocean and its vibrant coral reef and mangrove ecosystems. Here’s an overview of the main types of sea animals you can find in Bahamian waters:
Fish Species
- Nassau Grouper (endangered)
- Snapper (yellowtail, mutton)
- Parrotfish
- Barracuda
- Lionfish (invasive species)
- Blue Marlin (national fish of The Bahamas)
- Tuna (yellowfin, blackfin)
Sharks
- Caribbean Reef Shark
- Tiger Shark
- Great Hammerhead Shark
- Nurse Shark
- Lemon Shark
- Note: The Bahamas is a shark sanctuary, protecting all shark species from commercial fishing.
Marine Mammals
- Bottlenose Dolphins
- Atlantic Spotted Dolphins
- Humpback Whales
- Sperm Whales
- Pilot Whales
- Seasonal migrations of whales occur, especially between December and April.
Sea Turtles
- Green Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Turtle
- Loggerhead Turtle
- Leatherback Turtle (rare)
- All are protected species under Bahamian law.
Crustaceans and Shellfish
- Spiny Lobster (locally known as “crawfish”)
- Queen Conch (important for local cuisine)
- Blue Crabs
- Stone Crabs
Other Invertebrates
- Sea Stars
- Sea Urchins
- Jellyfish (including moon jellies and the occasional box jelly)
- Octopus and Squid
Coral and Reef Species
- Brain Coral, Elkhorn Coral, and Staghorn Coral
- Reef-dwelling fish like clownfish, damselfish, and butterflyfish
These animals are mostly found in habitats such as:
- Coral reefs (third-largest barrier reef in the world)
- Seagrass beds
- Mangroves
- Deep ocean trenches like the Tongue of the Ocean
