FISH SPECIES IN BELIZE
Belize is rich in marine and freshwater fish, thanks to its Caribbean coastline, mangroves, rivers, and the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest coral reef system in the world. The country supports artisanal fishing, recreational angling, and marine conservation.
1. Marine Fish (Saltwater)
These species are commonly found along the reef, coastline, atolls, and mangrove shallows.
Reef & Coastal Fish
| Fish Name | Notable Info |
|---|---|
| Snapper (Red, Mutton, Yellowtail) | Popular for eating and sportfishing |
| Grouper (Black, Nassau, Tiger) | Important for reef ecology and food |
| Barracuda | Fast, aggressive predator |
| Parrotfish | Bright reef fish, herbivorous, key to reef health |
| Grunt | Found in schools, reef-associated |
| Triggerfish | Colorful, reef dwelling |
| Squirrelfish | Nocturnal reef dwellers |
| Moray Eel | Hides in reef crevices |
Open Water & Game Fish
| Fish Name | Known For |
|---|---|
| Tarpon | Popular sportfish, strong jumper |
| Bonefish | Famous in fly-fishing (shallow flats) |
| Permit | Part of the “Grand Slam” in sportfishing |
| Jack Crevalle | Tough fighter, found near reefs |
| Mahi-Mahi (Dorado) | Found offshore, prized gamefish |
| Wahoo | Fast, sharp-toothed predator |
| Tuna (Blackfin, Yellowfin) | Seasonal offshore game species |
| Marlin & Sailfish | Deep-sea fishing targets |
2. Freshwater Fish
Freshwater fish are found in rivers, lagoons, and inland lakes such as New River, Macal River, and Sibun River.
| Species | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tilapia | Farmed and wild, popular for eating |
| Tuba (Bay Snook) | Native freshwater predator |
| Tarpon | Found in both salt and freshwater |
| Cichlids | Includes species like Mayan cichlid |
| Mullet | Migrates between salt and freshwater |
| Catfish | Common in deeper freshwater channels |
3. Other Marine Life
Though not fish, Belizean waters also host:
- Spiny Lobster (seasonal fishery)
- Queen Conch
- Crabs (including blue crab and mangrove crab)
- Octopus and squid (less commonly fished commercially)
4. Fishing in Belize
A. Commercial Fishing
- Focuses on lobster, conch, and finfish like snapper and grouper.
- Operated by fishing cooperatives and small-scale fishers.
- Regulated by the Fisheries Department.
B. Sport/Recreational Fishing
- Belize is world-famous for catch-and-release fly fishing.
- “Grand Slam” = Catching Tarpon, Permit, and Bonefish in one trip.
C. Fish Farming (Aquaculture)
- Tilapia and shrimp are commonly farmed.
- Coastal aquaculture operations are growing in importance.
5. Conservation & Protection
- Several species, like Nassau grouper, are seasonally protected.
- Marine reserves and no-take zones include:
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Glovers Reef Marine Reserve
- Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve
- Fishing is regulated by license, and some species have closed seasons (e.g., lobster June–Feb, conch July–Oct).
6. Top Fishing Locations
- Ambergris Caye
- Turneffe Atoll
- Placencia
- Hopkins
- Sarteneja
- Punta Gorda (Toledo District)
