Crocodile Fish
The Red Sea in Egypt is blessed with an array of fantastic marine life, and we are very lucky to have beautiful crocodile fish here in Hurghada. The crocodile fish found in the Red Sea is also known as the tentacled flathead. You will see why when you spot its broad, flattened head.
Crocodile fish can be found in the western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Looking for them can be extremely hard because they are so well camouflaged and blend into the seabed. They share the colours of the sand, with different shades helping them disappear into their surroundings. They are often seen lying on the bottom, waiting to ambush their next meal. You may occasionally see one swim away.
Crocodile fish are carnivorous and eat fish that they can fit into their mouths. They can open their mouths very wide, helping them capture their next meal. They often remain still when a diver approaches, which can make them rewarding to photograph or film. As with all marine life, please keep your distance and do not touch or disturb them.
They get their name from their appearance: eyes on top of the head and a long, broad mouth give them a crocodile-like look. They usually lie quietly on the seabed, and seeing one for the first time can be amazing.
Crocodile fish are fascinating to watch, and our new students who have just completed the PADI Open Water Course or the PADI Advanced Course often stare in amazement. We cannot guarantee a sighting when diving in Hurghada, but knowing the sites and where to look helps.
Crocodile fish can be found in shallow water and down to around 40 metres. They can grow to about a metre long, although many are smaller. We have lots of photographs from the Red Sea and have also been lucky enough to see them hunt. It is an amazing sight, and you really have to be in the right place at the right time.
If you would like the chance to see a crocodile fish in the wild, we suggest allowing several days of diving. We keep notes of the marine life we see and where we see it, helping us choose suitable sites. Every dive is different, and no number of diving days can guarantee a particular animal.
Book your diving in Hurghada with us for the chance to see these beautiful creatures and plenty of other marine life. If you are interested in further training, take a look at our current offers or ask us about combining courses.
You can also ask about combining PADI speciality courses to build the skills you enjoy most.
Why not explore our diving holiday packages, combining accommodation with diving in Hurghada? We can help you plan a full or partial package, with optional trips to Cairo, Luxor or Marsa Alam.
