Introduction 

Trinidad and Tobago is a nation in the southern Caribbean Sea, lying northeast of the South American country of Venezuela and south of Grenada in the Lesser Antilles. Over 340 species of reef fishes have been identified during REEF Fish Surveys in Trinidad and Tobago..

25 most common species in Trinidad and Tobago

The following ranking is based on the results of  618 REEF Fish Surveys covering a bottom time of 710 hours and 16 minutes. (REEF Gopgraphic Zone Report, May 30, 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.

Bicolor damselfish—the most frequently observed reef fish in Trinidad and Tobago. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

Brown Chromis—the fish with the highest mean abundance in Trinidad and Tobago. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

References and Further Reading

• Reef Environmental Education Foundation
• Geographic Zone Report- 06-01-2009
• REEF Fish Gallery
• Humann, P. and N. Deloach (Editor), 1994. Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas. New World Publications, Inc. Jacksonville, FL. ISBN: 1878348078