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Sea - Saltwater

Fish of the Sea of Cortez

The Gulf of California - Jacques Cousteaus "aquarium of the world" - 900+ fish species between Baja California and the Mexican mainland.

Continent: North America Area: 160,000 km² Max Depth: 3,000m Climate: Subtropical

📖 Overview

The Sea of Cortez was called "the aquarium of the world" by Jacques Cousteau. Its narrow, deep basin between Baja and mainland Mexico hosts 900+ fish species. Marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, whale shark, and manta ray all frequent its waters. The critically endangered vaquita porpoise - fewer than 10 individuals remaining - lives only here, in the far northern gulf.

🐟 Notable Species

Striped marlin, black marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, dorado, yellowtail, giant Humboldt squid, whale sharks, manta rays, vaquita porpoise (fewer than 10 remain).