Ibiza is not only a paradise for those who want to enjoy relaxing on the beach. It is also a paradise for divers, as the island has spectacular sea beds full of fish of different species.
A recommendation from Blue Ocean is to rent a boat in Ibiza, get away from the clutter of the beach and take the diving equipment to dive into the sea. However, it is preferable that you have some experience, as some marine species are aggressive.
By 2019, 38 rare fish species have been recorded in the Balearic Islands. In Ibiza, 8% of the total was discovered and 17% was identified in Formentera, and at the end of this article we'll tell you more about the news!
But first we go with some of the most common fish in Ibiza:
Most common fish species in Ibiza
Oblada
It is one of the species of fish that you can see most often in the waters of Ibiza and Formentera. The Oblada melanura (its scientific name) is a surface fish, that is to say, we can find it at shallow depths, as it does not usually dive more than 20 metres.
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It is probably one of the easiest fish to find and catch. They are oval in shape (hence their name), silver in colour and usually swim in groups of different sizes. They can measure up to 35 centimetres, but the average is about 20 centimetres per specimen.
Salpa
It usually moves in large groups or banks. The Sarpa Salpa or simply Salpa is a very important species in the marine ecosystem of Ibiza and Formentera, as adult specimens feed on invasive algae, helping to protect the prized posidonia oceanica.
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It is very easy to find banks of salpas "paciendo" in rocky beds or on extensions of posidonia. To recognize them is not complicated, because their golden stripes are very showy and characteristic. Its gastronomic interest is minimal and, in fact, by feeding on a toxic algae (caulerpa taxifolia), its ingestion can even produce hallucinations.
Sargo
Sargos are the most common blue fish species on Ibiza and Formentera. This espárido species is hermaphrodite, they can weigh up to 4 kilos and measure up to 45 centimetres.
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We can find them in large banks during their youth, although the adult specimens are rather solitary. It is highly valued among amateur and semi-professional fishermen for its great nutritional contribution, containing large amounts of Omega3 fatty acid.
Grouper
Grouper, also known as cherna, is one of the most appreciated fish by chefs on Ibiza. It has become a delicacy of the local gastronomy and is the protagonist of many typical dishes such as the "bullit de peix". Its appearance, with the lower jaw larger than the upper jaw, is imposing:
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They have a very robust body and do not usually travel very far. It is common to see them in rocky areas, where they feed using their suction force and strong jaws. You can find specimens of more than a meter and a half and weighing up to 40 kilos.
Rotja
Along with the grouper, the rotja is another of the most common and appreciated fish species on Ibiza. It is also used to make the famous "bullit de peix" and its meat is very tasty. They hunt at night and use camouflage to avoid detection.
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In Ibiza and Formentera we know it as rotja, but in other places in Spain it has very different names: scorpena, rascacio, rascasote, cabracho, tiñosu, ...
In addition to these species of fish in Ibiza, which are the most easily found practicing diving, in Blue Ocean we also want to show you other more curious or striking ...
Curious species of fish in Ibiza
Seahorses
It is known by that name because its face is similar to that of the horse. It is also the only fish that has its head at right angles to the rest of its body. It also has a different way of swimming than other species, as they adopt an upright position and are propelled with the dorsal fin.
They are able to change colour to be confused with the environment, especially with algae. It is a very important camouflage strategy for their survival, as they move very slowly and thus can mislead predators
Source: Photo Pin. License: Creative Commons.
Swordfish
It has an elongated sword-shaped beak that makes it known as the "gladiator". He uses it to attack his prey and to defend himself against the largest fish.
They are aggressive animals that feed on other species such as squid, crustaceans, mackerel, herring or hake. He uses his beak to stun the prey and then impale it. During the day they tend to climb close to the surface, while at night they stay in the deepest.
Source: Photo Pin. License: Creative Commons.
Moray eel
Its body is in the shape of a snake, with brightly coloured skin and it can measure up to 150 cm. They are aggressive and, although their bite is not poisonous, you have to be very careful because it is very painful. They live in the cracks of the rocks, where they hide while waiting for some prey.
Source: Photo Pin. License: Creative Commons.
Barracuda
It is a species with a silver-coloured body that can measure up to two metres. The adults live in the deepest areas. It is a very ferocious animal that tears its prey with its enormous jaw of two rows of sharp teeth. They are very skilful in hunting because they are very fast and tend to attack in herds, forming small banks.
Source: Photo Pin. Licese: Creative Commons.
They feed on other species such as mackerel, horse mackerel, sardines or bogas.
Moonfish
Also known as "Mola Mola", the moonfish is another fish species in Ibiza that stands out for its peculiarity. Its name comes from the flat, rounded shape that emulates the shape of our planet's satellite.
It belongs to the Tetraodontiformes family (which includes pufferfish, hedgehog fish or tijas) and feeds mainly on jellyfish and various types of gelatinous zooplankton.
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They can be observed on the surface, as they tend to rise to warm up to the rays of the sun. Interestingly, in English this species of fish in Ibiza is known as "sunfish" for this very reason.
Swallowfish or "snorer"
This extravagant fish species is often seen on the sandy bottom, especially at night in the summer months. In other places it is known as demon fish or devil fish, probably due to the fact that it spreads its transparent (and beautiful) "wings" when it is restless:
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Local fishermen, who do not catch this species because of its low gastronomic value (it is usually returned to the sea), call it a "snorer" because of the sound it emits with the thorns in its head.
The swallow fish or "snorer" is also very interesting because, apart from the fact that it seems to fly when it unfolds its fins, if we find it at the bottom of the sea we will have the sensation that it walks on the sand.
More rare species of fish in Ibiza
According to the Rare Fish Data Register (DAPERA), during the last four years 38 species of rare fish have been recorded throughout the Balearic archipelago.
About 25% of them were discovered in the Pitiusas Islands (Ibiza and Formentera), so the attraction for diving or snorkeling is even greater.
To learn more about these discoveries, you can visit the official website of the Balearic Government by clicking on this link.
