Introduction 

Cuba is an island nation in the northern Carribean Sea consisting of the island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Over 282 species of reef fishes have been identified during REEF Fish Surveys in Cuba.

25 most common species in Cuba

The following ranking is based on the results of 587 REEF Fish Surveys covering a bottom time of 518 hours and 11 minutes. (REEF Grographic Zone Report, May 28, 2009).  The species are ranked by the percentage of surveys in which a species was observed.  Abundance of fishes in REEF Fish Surveys are estimated using the following categories: 1- single =1 individual, 2-few = 2- 10 individuals, 3-many = 11-100 individuals, and 4-abundant > 100 individuals.  The mean numeric abundance (ranging from 1 - 4) was calculated for each species..  The mean abundance category is determined as follows: mean abundance category 0 - 1.49 = single, 1.50 - 1.99 = single-few, 2.0 - 2.49 = few, 2.5 - 2.99 = few-many, 3.0 - 3.49 = many, 3.5 -3.99 = many-abundant, and 4.0 = abundant.

Bluehead- the most frequently observed reef fish in Cuba. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

Brown chromis- the reef fish with the highest mean adundance in Cuba. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

References and Further Reading

• Reef Environmental Education Foundation 
• Geographic Zone Report- 05-28-2001
• REEF Fish Gallery
• Humann, P. and N. Deloach (Editor), 1994. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348078