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Nature Field Guide

Marine Reef

Explore wildlife, plants and trees. Learn what to look for and where to find them.

All Nature

50 profiles

Nature Field Guide

Alexander’s Spiny Brittle Star

Spanish name
Ofiura espinosa de Alexander
Scientific name
Ophiocomella alexandri
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico and Tati discover that a brittle star’s scientific name can change as scientists learn more about its relatives.

Identification

Key Features of the Alexander’s Spiny Brittle Star

  • A clearly defined central disc

  • Long flexible arms

  • Check both current and older scientific names when reading a reference

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Arbacia Sea Urchin

Spanish name
Erizo Arbacia
Scientific name
Arbacia stellata
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Urchins Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico sees a spiny shape. Tati asks how many different kinds of urchin might share a coast.

Identification

Key Features of the Arbacia Sea Urchin

  • A rounded body covered with spines

  • Observe the proportions of the body and spines

  • Use a species reference to compare similar urchins

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Banded Serpent Brittle Star

Spanish name
Ofiura de brazos anillados
Scientific name
Ophionereis annulata
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Patterns help Tati remember a discovery. Pico sketches the bands he can see along a slender arm.

Identification

Key Features of the Banded Serpent Brittle Star

  • A small central disc

  • Long flexible arms

  • Darker bands along the arms

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Barberfish

Spanish name
Mariposa barbero
Scientific name
Johnrandallia nigrirostris
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “It looks like a little yellow disc.”

Tati: “The black markings and the small pointed mouth give us more clues.”

Identification

Key Features of the Barberfish

  • A flattened, oval, disc-like body.

  • A yellow body and fins with contrasting dark head markings.

  • A small mouth at the end of a short pointed snout.

Habitat & range

Reef-associated settings in the eastern Pacific, with documented occurrence at Isla del Coco.

Conservation & care

Follow park rules and qualified guides. Do not feed, touch, chase or collect marine wildlife. Maintain distance and avoid contact with reef habitat.

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Nature Field Guide

Bigeye Trevally

Spanish name
Jurel ojón
Scientific name
Caranx sexfasciatus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Its eye looks extra big!”

Tati: “Check the small dark gill-cover spot too.”

Identification

Key Features of the Bigeye Trevally

  • Large dark eye

  • Small dark upper gill-cover spot

  • Forked tail

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Black Spiny Brittle Star

Spanish name
Ofiura negra espinosa
Scientific name
Ophiocoma aethiops
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef · Rocky Shore

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

A thin arm at the edge of a shelter can be an entire discovery. Pico waits quietly; Tati draws only what is visible.

Identification

Key Features of the Black Spiny Brittle Star

  • A central disc distinct from the arms

  • Long slender arms with visible spines

  • Only part of the animal may be visible naturally

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Blue Sea Star

Spanish name
Estrella azul
Scientific name
Phataria unifascialis
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

An ocean star can turn a quiet look underwater into a new question. What details would help you recognize it again?

Identification

Key Features of the Blue Sea Star

  • A central body with spreading arms

  • Record the visible color and pattern

  • Confirm the species using several features together

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Bluebarred Parrotfish

Spanish name
Loro de bandas azules
Scientific name
Scarus ghobban
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Why is it called a parrotfish?”

Tati: “Its teeth join into plates that look like a beak.”

Identification

Key Features of the Bluebarred Parrotfish

  • Parrot-like dental beak

  • Blue bars in initial phase

  • Large visible scales

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Bluefin Trevally

Spanish name
Jurel aleta azul
Scientific name
Caranx melampygus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Those blue fins really stand out!”

Tati: “The tiny blue-black spots are another clue in adults.”

Identification

Key Features of the Bluefin Trevally

  • Electric blue fins

  • Blue-black body spots in adults

  • Deeply forked tail

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Blunthead Triggerfish

Spanish name
Chancho fisgón
Scientific name
Pseudobalistes naufragium
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Can you see the little white gill opening?”

Tati: “Yes. That and its blunt head are useful clues.”

Identification

Key Features of the Blunthead Triggerfish

  • Thick gray body

  • Pale white gill slit

  • Faint bars and blunt head

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Keep clear of tail-base structures and strong jaws. Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Bradley’s Sea Star

Spanish name
Estrella de mar de Bradley
Scientific name
Mithrodia bradleyi
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

A sea star can look still while its place in the reef is full of life. Pico wants to sketch its outline; Tati wants to compare its arms.

Identification

Key Features of the Bradley’s Sea Star

  • Arms radiating from a central body

  • A textured upper surface

  • Compare the whole outline with a verified species photograph

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Bull Shark

Spanish name
Tiburón toro
Scientific name
Carcharhinus leucas
Marine Life · Sharks Beach · Estuary & Mangroves · Freshwater · Marine Reef · Ocean · Rivers & Streams

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “That shark looks strong and stocky!”

Tati: “It can move between salt water and fresh water.”

Identification

Key Features of the Bull Shark

  • A stocky gray body with a pale belly.

  • A short, broad rounded snout and small eyes.

  • A large triangular first dorsal fin.

Habitat & range

Tropical and subtropical coastal waters, estuaries and some freshwater systems.

Conservation & care

Observe marine wildlife without feeding, touching or chasing it. Keep litter and discarded fishing line out of waterways. Follow qualified guides and current local rules.

Threats & pressures

Capture in fisheries affects bull sharks. Coastal development and damage to estuarine nursery habitats can put young animals under additional pressure.

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Nature Field Guide

Bumphead Parrotfish

Spanish name
Loro jorobado
Scientific name
Scarus perrico
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Does every fish have that forehead bump?”

Tati: “The hump becomes clearer in large individuals of this species.”

Identification

Key Features of the Bumphead Parrotfish

  • Blue beak

  • Green body and darker fins

  • Forehead hump in large fish

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Chameleon Wrasse

Spanish name
Señorita camaleón
Scientific name
Halichoeres dispilus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “This wrasse has so many colors!”

Tati: “Start with the shoulder blotch, then check its other markings.”

Identification

Key Features of the Chameleon Wrasse

  • Slender wrasse body

  • Dark shoulder blotch

  • Blue markings in colorful adults

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Coral Hawkfish

Spanish name
Halcón de coral
Scientific name
Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “It looks like it is keeping watch!”

Tati: “Let’s find the blotches and tiny tufts on its dorsal spines.”

Identification

Key Features of the Coral Hawkfish

  • Red-brown blotches on pale body

  • Pointed snout

  • Tufts on dorsal spine tips

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Cortez Angelfish

Spanish name
Ángel de Cortés
Scientific name
Pomacanthus zonipectus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “The young angelfish looks completely different!”

Tati: “The tall body and small mouth are clues in both life stages.”

Identification

Key Features of the Cortez Angelfish

  • Tall flattened body

  • Yellow bands and tail in adults

  • Curved yellow and blue juvenile bars

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Cortez Rainbow Wrasse

Spanish name
Viejita arco iris
Scientific name
Thalassoma lucasanum
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “How can these two wrasses look so different?”

Tati: “Their colors can change with life phase. Let’s compare more than one picture.”

Identification

Key Features of the Cortez Rainbow Wrasse

  • Slender wrasse shape

  • Striped initial phase

  • Blue head and yellow shoulder bar in terminal phase

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Crown Sea Urchin

Spanish name
Erizo corona
Scientific name
Astropyga pulvinata
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Urchins Coastal Seafloor · Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

One spiny animal is interesting. A gathering of them raises even more questions. Pico and Tati watch without moving closer.

Identification

Key Features of the Crown Sea Urchin

  • Long slender spines

  • Small bright blue body spots may be visible

  • Observe without approaching the spines

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Diomedea Leaf Sea Slug

Spanish name
Babosa marina de hoja
Scientific name
Elysia diomedea
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Slugs Marine Reef · Rocky Shore

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico spots a leafy-looking shape. Tati asks how an animal can blend into the algae around it.

Identification

Key Features of the Diomedea Leaf Sea Slug

  • A small soft body with folded sides

  • Greenish coloring with contrasting lines

  • Tentacle-like rhinophores on the head

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Dusky Sea Cucumber

Spanish name
Pepino de mar
Scientific name
Holothuria fuscocinerea
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Cucumbers Coastal Seafloor · Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

It does not need a star-shaped outline to be related to sea stars. Pico and Tati meet a different kind of echinoderm.

Identification

Key Features of the Dusky Sea Cucumber

  • An elongated body resting on the seabed

  • No radiating arms like a sea star

  • Photograph the animal in place for expert comparison

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Freckled Porcupinefish

Spanish name
Pez erizo
Scientific name
Diodon holocanthus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Are those little spines?”

Tati: “Yes. We can study them in a photograph without disturbing the fish.”

Identification

Key Features of the Freckled Porcupinefish

  • Long movable body spines

  • Dark blotches and eye band

  • Pale unspotted fins

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Never touch, collect, eat or deliberately inflate puffers or porcupinefish. Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Giant Damselfish

Spanish name
Damisela gigante
Scientific name
Microspathodon dorsalis
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “This damselfish looks almost black!”

Tati: “Adults and young can look different. Let’s compare their fin edges.”

Identification

Key Features of the Giant Damselfish

  • Deep dark blue-gray body

  • Narrow pale fin edges

  • No pronounced forehead hump

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Golden Trevally

Spanish name
Jurel dorado
Scientific name
Gnathanodon speciosus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Coastal Seafloor · Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “This little jack looks golden!”

Tati: “Older fish look more silver. The yellow fins are a useful clue.”

Identification

Key Features of the Golden Trevally

  • Thick fleshy lips

  • Yellow fins

  • Dark bars strongest in young fish

Habitat & range

Pacific coastal waters over sandy and other soft bottoms near reef areas.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Graybar Grunt

Spanish name
Roncador almejero
Scientific name
Haemulon sexfasciatum
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Are those bars or stripes?”

Tati: “The adult has broad bars. Young fish can show lengthwise stripes.”

Identification

Key Features of the Graybar Grunt

  • About five or six broad bars

  • Silver-white body

  • Forked tail and low mouth

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Green Sea Turtle

Spanish name
Tortuga verde / Tortuga negra
Scientific name
Chelonia mydas
Marine Life · Reptiles Beach · Marine Reef · Ocean

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”

Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”

Identification

Key Features of the Green Sea Turtle

  • Smooth oval carapace

  • Rounded rather than sharply hooked head

  • Four pairs of lateral shell scutes

Habitat & range

Pacific and Caribbean coastal waters; Tortuguero and Cahuita are documented Caribbean examples.

Conservation & care

Never touch, chase, ride or feed a sea turtle. Keep clear of nesting females, eggs and hatchlings. Follow local beach rules and authorized guides; avoid lights and flash photography during nesting observations. Leave shells and wildlife products out of your purchases.

Threats & pressures

Protect nesting beaches and marine habitats. Reduce plastic waste, avoid disturbing wildlife and do not buy turtle products.

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Nature Field Guide

Guineafowl Puffer

Spanish name
Tamboril negro
Scientific name
Arothron meleagris
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Is the yellow puffer a different kind?”

Tati: “This species has different color forms. Shape matters too.”

Identification

Key Features of the Guineafowl Puffer

  • Blunt head and heavy body

  • White dots on the dark form

  • Rounded tail and small rear fins

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Never touch, collect, eat or deliberately inflate puffers or porcupinefish. Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Hawksbill Sea Turtle

Spanish name
Tortuga carey
Scientific name
Eretmochelys imbricata
Marine Life · Reptiles Beach · Marine Reef · Ocean

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”

Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”

Identification

Key Features of the Hawksbill Sea Turtle

  • Narrow hooked beak

  • Overlapping patterned shell scutes

  • Often a serrated rear shell edge

Habitat & range

Pacific and Caribbean coastal waters and reefs; documented sites include Cahuita and Tortuguero.

Conservation & care

Never touch, chase, ride or feed a sea turtle. Keep clear of nesting females, eggs and hatchlings. Follow local beach rules and authorized guides; avoid lights and flash photography during nesting observations. Leave shells and wildlife products out of your purchases.

Threats & pressures

Protect nesting beaches and marine habitats. Reduce plastic waste, avoid disturbing wildlife and do not buy turtle products.

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Nature Field Guide

King Angelfish

Spanish name
Ángel real / Ángel bandera
Scientific name
Holacanthus passer
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “That fish has a bright stripe!”

Tati: “Let’s compare the adult pattern with a young fish before deciding what we see.”

Identification

Key Features of the King Angelfish

  • A deep, flattened body and small mouth.

  • Adults have a narrow white bar against a dark blue-gray body.

  • A yellow tail; juveniles have a different barred pattern.

Habitat & range

Reef-associated eastern Pacific marine habitats. Costa Rican records used here include Isla del Coco, the Salinas/Santa Elena area of Guanacaste, and Isla del Caño in the South Pacific. These are documented examples, not a complete range map.

Conservation & care

Follow park rules and qualified guides. Do not feed, touch, chase or collect marine wildlife. Maintain distance and avoid contact with reef habitat.

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Nature Field Guide

Leopard Roundray

Spanish name
Raya redonda leopardo
Scientific name
Urobatis pardalis
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Rays Coastal Seafloor · Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

A quiet shape on the seabed might be easy to miss. Pico and Tati give rays space and let a marine guide help them observe.

Identification

Key Features of the Leopard Roundray

  • A rounded disc

  • Small dark spots and short wavy markings on a pale brown upper surface

  • A relatively short tail with a rounded fin

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Observe rays without approaching, touching, feeding, cornering or following them. Stay with a qualified local guide and follow their instructions about entering and moving in the water.

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Nature Field Guide

Mexican Hogfish

Spanish name
Vieja mexicana
Scientific name
Bodianus diplotaenia
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Its tail looks dipped in yellow!”

Tati: “The stripes and sturdy body help us recognize this color phase.”

Identification

Key Features of the Mexican Hogfish

  • Robust wrasse body

  • Two dark stripes in initial phase

  • Yellow tail in initial phase

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Mexican Long-spined Sea Urchin

Spanish name
Erizo de espinas largas
Scientific name
Diadema mexicanum
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Urchins Marine Reef · Rocky Shore

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Long spines make a striking silhouette. Pico draws the shape from a distance while Tati notices the shelter around it.

Identification

Key Features of the Mexican Long-spined Sea Urchin

  • Long thin spines extending beyond the body

  • A shelter or opening among rocks may be nearby

  • A silhouette is a clue, not a complete species identification

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Orangeside Triggerfish

Spanish name
Chancho de costado naranja
Scientific name
Sufflamen verres
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Its lower side is orange!”

Tati: “The yellow mark below the mouth helps us compare triggerfish.”

Identification

Key Features of the Orangeside Triggerfish

  • Brown back and orange lower side

  • Yellow diagonal lower-head mark

  • Deep triggerfish body

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Keep clear of tail-base structures and strong jaws. Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

View full profile →

Nature Field Guide

Pacific Chocolate Chip Sea Star

Spanish name
Estrella chocolate del Pacífico
Scientific name
Nidorellia armata
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Those bumps might remind Pico of chocolate chips, but this star is a living animal. Tati’s rule is simple: look closely and leave it in the water.

Identification

Key Features of the Pacific Chocolate Chip Sea Star

  • A broad star-shaped outline

  • Conspicuous raised knobs on the upper surface

  • Check Nidorellia armata rather than relying on the common name alone

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Pacific Cubera Snapper

Spanish name
Pargo dientón
Scientific name
Lutjanus novemfasciatus
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “That snapper has such a strong head!”

Tati: “Let’s compare the body bars and tail with other snappers.”

Identification

Key Features of the Pacific Cubera Snapper

  • Large head and mouth

  • Olive or copper body

  • Dusky bars that may fade

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Pacific Flower Sea Urchin

Spanish name
Erizo de flor del Pacífico
Scientific name
Toxopneustes roseus
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Urchins Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

A name can sound delicate even when an animal needs plenty of space. Pico and Tati admire this urchin without touching it.

Identification

Key Features of the Pacific Flower Sea Urchin

  • A rounded urchin body

  • Flower-like surface structures may be visible in a verified photograph

  • Observe the complete animal without contact

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Pacific Graysby

Spanish name
Cabrilla panameña
Scientific name
Cephalopholis panamensis
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “I spotted a dark patch beside its eye!”

Tati: “Now let’s check the narrow bars and rounded tail.”

Identification

Key Features of the Pacific Graysby

  • Narrow dark vertical bars

  • Dark patch behind the eye

  • Rounded tail

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Pacific Spiny Oyster

Spanish name
Ostión vaca
Scientific name
Spondylus limbatus
Clams & Oysters · Seashells Marine Reef · Rocky Shore

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Ribs, spines and an irregular outline help this shell stand out.

Identification

Key Features of the Pacific Spiny Oyster

  • Irregular rounded shell with strong radial ribs.

  • Spines may be short, worn or missing.

  • Compare the hinge, inner margin and attachment area in reference photographs.

Habitat & range

Shallow marine hard substrates, especially rocks.

Conservation & care

Observe and photograph shells where they are. Leave living animals, occupied shells and empty shells in place. Do not pry animals from rocks, dig in mangroves or put fingers into shell openings. Explore with an adult or guide, follow site rules and stay clear of surf and slippery rocks.

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Nature Field Guide

Pacific White Sea Urchin

Spanish name
Erizo blanco del Pacífico
Scientific name
Tripneustes depressus
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Urchins Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico notices a rounded shape on the seabed. Tati wants to compare its small details with other urchins.

Identification

Key Features of the Pacific White Sea Urchin

  • A rounded body

  • Relatively short spines

  • Confirm the species with a correctly labeled reference image

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Panamanian Pearl Oyster

Spanish name
Concha perla
Scientific name
Pinctada mazatlanica
Clams & Oysters · Seashells Marine Reef · Rocky Shore

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

A pearl oyster is a two-part shell animal from Pacific coastal waters.

Identification

Key Features of the Panamanian Pearl Oyster

  • Two hinged valves in a living animal.

  • Compare the hinge and outline with a pearl-oyster reference.

  • An empty valve may show a pearly interior; do not open a live oyster.

Habitat & range

Shallow coastal waters, including rocky marine habitat.

Conservation & care

Observe and photograph shells where they are. Leave living animals, occupied shells and empty shells in place. Do not pry animals from rocks, dig in mangroves or put fingers into shell openings. Explore with an adult or guide, follow site rules and stay clear of surf and slippery rocks.

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Nature Field Guide

Panamic Fanged Blenny

Spanish name
Blenio de colmillos
Scientific name
Ophioblennius steindachneri
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “This fish has a long, low body!”

Tati: “Its blunt head and tiny head appendages give us more clues.”

Identification

Key Features of the Panamic Fanged Blenny

  • Long dark body

  • Short blunt head

  • Small fleshy head appendages

Habitat & range

Shallow Pacific rocky reefs with surge; observe from a safe guided route.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Panamic Sergeant Major

Spanish name
Sargento mayor
Scientific name
Abudefduf troschelii
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “That fish is wearing stripes!”

Tati: “Those are vertical bars. Let’s count them and check its yellow back.”

Identification

Key Features of the Panamic Sergeant Major

  • Five vertical black bars

  • Yellow upper back

  • Deep silver body and forked tail

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Pencil Sea Urchin

Spanish name
Erizo lapicero
Scientific name
Eucidaris thouarsii
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Urchins Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Why do some spines look more like pencils than needles? Pico and Tati compare photographs before trying to name an urchin.

Identification

Key Features of the Pencil Sea Urchin

  • Thick pencil-like primary spines

  • A compact body among the spines

  • Compare with Eucidaris thouarsii, not an unlabeled aquarium photograph

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Pyramid Sea Star

Spanish name
Estrella pirámide
Scientific name
Pharia pyramidata
Coastal Life · Marine Life · Sea Stars & Brittle Stars Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

How would you draw a star that belongs to the ocean? Pico starts with the outline. Tati adds the small details she notices.

Identification

Key Features of the Pyramid Sea Star

  • A star-shaped body

  • Arms extending from the center

  • Surface details best recorded with a close photograph taken without disturbance

Habitat & range

Suitable underwater coastal habitat. Use a permitted guided snorkeling or viewing activity appropriate to your family; do not enter the sea just to find this animal.

Conservation & care

Watch without touching, lifting, feeding or collecting. Keep fingers and equipment away from spines and other surface structures. Leave the animal submerged and its habitat undisturbed.

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Nature Field Guide

Razor Surgeonfish

Spanish name
Navajón barbero
Scientific name
Prionurus laticlavius
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “A yellow tail behind a gray body!”

Tati: “Look at the shape too. We keep our hands away from the tail base.”

Identification

Key Features of the Razor Surgeonfish

  • Gray oval body

  • Bright yellow tail

  • Bony structures at tail base

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Keep clear of tail-base structures and strong jaws. Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Spotted Rose Snapper

Spanish name
Pargo de la mancha
Scientific name
Lutjanus guttatus
Marine Life Coastal Seafloor · Marine Reef · Ocean

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Meet the fish Yeyo shares with Pico and Tati. Spotted rose snapper lives in the eastern Pacific, including Costa Rica’s coastal waters. Look for a silvery-pink body, fine slanting golden-brown stripes and a dark blotch below the dorsal fin.

This fish eats crustaceans and small fish. Researchers in Costa Rica’s Gulf of Nicoya have studied its diet and its role in local fishing. It connects an underwater food web with the meals coastal families prepare and share.

In our story, Yeyo names his catch before lunch. Tati notices the spot, and Pico learns that there is more to discover about a fish than how delicious it smells.

Identification

Key Features of the Spotted Rose Snapper

  • A moderately deep, oval body with a silvery-pink sheen.

  • Fine oblique golden-brown stripes along the sides.

  • A prominent dark blotch high on the side beneath the dorsal fin; the mark can change in intensity.

  • A continuous dorsal fin and a nearly straight or slightly indented tail.

Habitat & range

Pacific coastal waters, including sandy bays and reef-associated habitats. Young fish often use shallow sandy bays.

Conservation & care

Keep fishing line and plastic out of the sea. Observe fish without feeding or chasing them. If your family fishes, follow current local rules and learn from a responsible local fisher.

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Nature Field Guide

Spotted Sharpnose Puffer

Spanish name
Tamboril bonito
Scientific name
Canthigaster punctatissima
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “That puffer has a tiny pointed nose!”

Tati: “Let’s compare its pale dots and snout with other puffers.”

Identification

Key Features of the Spotted Sharpnose Puffer

  • Pointed snout

  • Dense pale blue-white dots

  • Small fins near the rear

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Never touch, collect, eat or deliberately inflate puffers or porcupinefish. Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

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Nature Field Guide

Starry Grouper

Spanish name
Cabrilla pinta
Scientific name
Epinephelus labriformis
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “It looks covered in stars!”

Tati: “The white patches and dark tail-base saddle help identify it.”

Identification

Key Features of the Starry Grouper

  • Olive body with white marks

  • Black saddle on upper tail base

  • Rounded tail and broad mouth

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

View full profile →

Nature Field Guide

Threebanded Butterflyfish

Spanish name
Mariposa de tres bandas
Scientific name
Chaetodon humeralis
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “It looks as thin as a leaf!”

Tati: “Its flattened body and three dark bands give us clues.”

Identification

Key Features of the Threebanded Butterflyfish

  • Flattened oval body

  • Three dark body and head bands

  • Small pointed mouth

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

View full profile →

Nature Field Guide

Whitetip Reef Shark

Spanish name
Tiburón punta blanca de arrecife
Scientific name
Triaenodon obesus
Marine Life · Sharks Marine Reef · Ocean

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “Its fins have little white tips!”

Tati: “We need to compare its whole shape, because other sharks can have white markings too.”

Identification

Key Features of the Whitetip Reef Shark

  • White tips on the first dorsal fin and upper tail fin.

  • A slender gray-brown body.

  • May rest on the bottom in reef shelter.

Habitat & range

Reefs and sheltered bottom habitats. The Isla del Coco connection is supported by park and research records.

Conservation & care

Follow park rules and qualified guides. Do not feed, touch, chase or collect marine wildlife. Maintain distance and avoid contact with reef habitat.

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Nature Field Guide

Yellow Snapper

Spanish name
Pargo amarillo
Scientific name
Lutjanus argentiventris
Marine Fish · Marine Life Marine Reef

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico: “This snapper looks red and yellow!”

Tati: “Look below its eye for another small color clue.”

Identification

Key Features of the Yellow Snapper

  • Red front and yellow rear

  • Blue mark below the eye

  • Strong snapper body

Habitat & range

Pacific rocky reefs and nearby coastal marine habitats. Check the linked species reference for its wider range.

Conservation & care

Observe with a qualified guide. Do not feed, chase or handle fish. Keep fins off the reef and take all litter home.

Threats & pressures

Habitat damage and degraded water quality are pressures to prevent in coastal fish habitats. This profile does not quantify a local decline.

View full profile →

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