References and links

The coral reefs in Maldives are home to more than 1,500 different fish species. Some of them are easy to identify. Others change color with sex and age. Finally, some of the can even change color at will.

There are several good books that can help you identify the fish. A problem for the writer/editor is to choose the correct name of the fish, because they may have different name at different geographical locations. The books will therefore include the scientific names of the species as a reference. In most cases does it work well, but even scientists may disagree about the names, and new knowledge may place a fish specie in a new family group.

This website is not a scientific reference. It shows the fish, and I have added some stories to some of them. First did I use Dr. Charles Anderson’s book “Reef Fish of the Maldives” as reference. It was first published in 2005 and contains pictures of nearly 500 fish species. With help of this book have I been able to identify almost every fish I captured with my camera. The book is available in several languages in many souvenir shops.

From late 2014 have I used Rudie Kuiter’s book “Fishes of the Maldives Indian Ocean. Now with sharks and rays by Tim Godfrey”. The book describes more than 730 fish species. In the foreword does the publisher explain that changes have been made to the scientific names to 80 fish species. This shows how challenging it is to define the family of the species. A consequence is that I had to rename many of the fishes on this website.
Manta Trust was formed in 2011 to co-ordinate global research and conservation efforts for these amazing animals, their close relatives and their habitat. As charismatic megafauna manta rays act as flagship species, helping to promote and engage the general public in the wider message of marine ecosystem conservation. A UK Registered Charity, the Trust brings together a number of projects from around the globe, both new and long-standing, including the Republic of Maldives, Sri Lanka, Mexico and Indonesia.
The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a research-based conservation charity dedicated to studying the whale shark and fostering community-focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives and the greater Indian Ocean. 

What initially began as a scientific expedition in 2006, the MWSRP has grown to become the only long-term organisation dedicated to study the iconic, yet vulnerable whale shark species in the Maldives.
Sarah was tired with the mundane life she was living in England. She is now an aspiring ex-pat of the world. She lived and lived and worked in Maldives. Her blog documents her experiences with local culture and how she learned to dive in Maldives, as well as travel tips for those who would like to visit Maldives at budget price.