a french angelfish bit my finger while I was snorkeling, then followed me around and tried to do it again....does this happen often or was he a rogue fish?

Was it at Wayaka 2 in Washington Park?
I had the same experience there.
They were with 2 of them. On came nibbling at my little finger.

When I talked to the Ranger about it, he told me that he sometimes feeds the fish some pieces of white bread.
Since he's colored and I'm white, perhaps the Angel thought that my white little finger was a piece of bread :-)

At the same wayaka site, you might encounter some huge supermale parrotfishes.

Wayaka 2

it was at donkey beach. I'm new to snorkeling, not the best swimmer, a little freaked out at first, and was surprised when a very white man was suddenly next to me in the water, tapped me on the arm, pointed at a fish and made a snapping sort of motion with his fingers. I had NO idea what he was trying to tell me. Then the fish chomped on my finger!

I can imagine that when you are new to snorkeling you got a bit scared.
Did you eventually enjoy snorkeling and enjoyed your holliday. Or is this just not your cup of tea.

On the positive side: be happy you were kissed by an angel.

It seems that French Angel fish are very curious and will get close to you. I had a French Angel in my face, about 2 inches from my mask, while diving in Mexico.

I think yours was just looking for a handout. He was just looking for finger food.

The damsel fish will let you know when you are getting too close to their "turf", too! They are being protective and territorial but I think the Angelfish only had one thing in mind....free chow! It most likely did think you were going to offer it some food of some sort as they are not know to be aggressive at all. Carole

Glad to know it wasn't a personal vendetta from the french, the angels or the fish.

I loved snorkeling! Every bit of it. I couldn't leave the water once I got in. I hung over the same spots forever, letting the waves sway me and a school of fish together. Followed a flounder for a long way, watching it change color. Felt like a piece of a mobile when surrounded loosely by hundreds of little fish.
Saw thousands of fish and critters and thrilled seeing every little thing. And, now that I'm home, occasionally feel like I'm still floating but can't imagine that I was really there. Can't wait to do it again.

Carole, I was attacked by a 2 and half inch bi-color damsel. If damsel fish grew to 2 to three feet in size none of us would go in the ocean. They can be very nasty critters when defending their turf.

Where were the Marine Park Police during these assaults? Yes, John those Damsels in particular can sure be aggressive.
Mickey

Steve....I do the same thing. I think it is the most relaxing thing in the world....I don't get out of the water, either. I could live like that....maybe someday! Carole

Hi BT'ers. I have been lurking in your forum for at least 4 years and decided it was time to stop being so shy so here I'am. While diving at Salt Pier I was hovering just off the bottom at the north end and a french angel past me by and headed for my bubbles just about two feet above my head. I swear it stayed there for ten minutes. It appeared to be eating small bubbles. Why it thought they were food is kind of odd unless someone had been feeding it. I hope not. What a great time for viewing such a beautiful fish.

Welcome, Bob/Robert! That must have been fun to watch....hopefully it didn't get any "indigestion" from the bubbles! LOL. A Kodak Moment, to say the least. Welcome aboard...don't be shy...jump right on in here and join the fun with the rest of us.

I see you are a Left Coaster....you must truly love Bonaire to travel that distance. It is a very special place to be...that is certain. Ayo. Carole

In the Maldives they have a fish more aggressive than a damsel fish - The Titan Triggerfish which can be up to 27 inches long and gives a nasty bite. There are also Surgeon fish that eat your bubbles.

This is the Titan

Carole thank you very much for the welcome aboard. Yes I'am a left coasty and left handed so I guess I'm really messed up! My wife Pat and I live north of Seattle about 35 miles. And yes it is a grueling trip but well worth it. Bob would be just fine. Bob

Bob, it must be lovely where you are. We have a friend who lives in Seattle, itself, and we fell in love with that City when we visited him. It reminded me of a combination of San Francisco and San Diego....just my view of Seattle.

I would love to go north of there and see some pristine land.

You definitely earned your trip to Bonaire! I do hope you will return someday, again. Carole

WE ARE LEAVING FOR BONAIRE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 4 DAYS.

WHAT FIRST AID SHOULD WE BRING WITH US? I GET INFECTED VERY EASILY.

EDNA

WE ARE LEAVING FOR BONAIRE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 4 DAYS.
1- WHAT KIND OF FIRST AID SHOULD WE BRING WITH US?
2- DO YOU NEED A WET SUIT, GLOVES AND HOOD?
3- WHAT DO YOU WEAR WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE WATER.

APPRECIATE ANY TIPS YOU CAN GIVE US,

EDNA AND JOHN HERRMANN

WE ARE LEAVING FOR BONAIRE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 4 DAYS.
1- WHAT KIND OF FIRST AID SHOULD WE BRING WITH US?
Any analgesics or decongestants you get OTC at home you should pack, you may not be able to get the ones you prefer in Bonaire.
2- DO YOU NEED A WET SUIT, GLOVES AND HOOD?
Do you get cold? Are you divers or snorkelers? A little help here Edna.
3- WHAT DO YOU WEAR WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE WATER.

Very little. Long pants for evening dining to repel bugs.

APPRECIATE ANY TIPS YOU CAN GIVE US,

Typing in all caps is the internet equivalant of yelling. Please don't yell.

EDNA AND JOHN HERRMANN

You can check the watertemp here:

http://www.bonairewebcams.com/TheWorks.php

You don't NEED a wetsuit. I dive in the Caribbean since 1978 and always dove in a T-shirt.
I prefer the "freedom" of a T-shirt. I'm in the water all the time and never get cold.
If you get a little shivery, 5 minutes in the sun will warm you.

However, plenty of people prefer a wetsuit.
So it all depends on how fast you get cold.

When I'm out of the water I wear shorts and a t-shirt.
When I go to a restaurant I wear a shirt.
Depending on the restaurant I wear a short or long pants.

Thank you guys for your quick responses.
We are snorkelers.

If we gather useful new information , we will post it.
Great to have all your experience at my finger tips.

Edna and John

More important than WET SUIT, GLOVES AND HOOD
are BOOTIES.

We dont have many sandy beaches in Bonaire.
Most of the time its coral rubble.
Entering and leaving the water is not difficult but much more comfortable if you wear booties to protect your feet.