Bermuda Chub in Cozumel
Bermuda Chub (Kyphosus sectatrix) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.
A plain silver oval that most divers swim past without logging. Chubs travel in loose groups in mid-water and are among the few Caribbean reef fish that eat mainly algae.
Quick ID
| Scientific name | Kyphosus sectatrix |
|---|---|
| Group | Predators & Big Fish |
| Typical size | Up to 76 cm, usually 30–45 cm |
| Depth range | 2–30 m |
| When to see it | Year-round |
| Active | Day |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
How To Identify It
Uniform silver-grey with a small mouth, a blunt head and faint bronze stripes along the body. The shape is a rounded oval — deeper-bodied than a jack, blunter than a snapper.
Where You Will See It In Cozumel
Mid-water over the shelf reefs and along the drop-offs, often near the surface. They also gather around boats and moorings.
Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.
Behaviour
Grazes algae from hard surfaces, supplemented with small invertebrates and plankton. Groups drift along the reef rather than holding station.
Chubs are inquisitive and will approach a diver, which makes them one of the easier large fish to photograph — and one of the reasons they are often mistaken for something rarer.
Commonly Confused With
- Yellow jack — More streamlined, forked tail, yellow tinge, and moves faster.
- Grey snapper — Pointed snout and visible canines; the chub's mouth is small and blunt.
- Permit or palometa — Much deeper-bodied with elongated fins.
Diving Etiquette And Safety
Keep fins off the reef and hands to yourself. Nothing here needs to be touched, moved or provoked to be seen well.
Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip
Photo courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission.
Bermuda Chub Photos