Meet the site
Fish Market is one of several southern Ribbon Reef moorings listed on Mike Ball Dive Expeditions' Cod Hole–Ribbon Reefs itinerary map, alongside Andy's Postcard, Clam Beds, Steve's Bommie, Flare Point, Blue Lagoon and Circle of Life. Mike Ball has explored the Ribbon Reefs for more than 30 years, and its map is the most complete public list of moorings in the area, but not every mooring has a published description, and Fish Market is one of those without one.
The name implies a site where fish gather in numbers, perhaps a bommie or reef corner where schools of fusiliers, snapper, trevally and surgeonfish congregate, or a cleaning station. On the southern Ribbons, comparable sites such as Steve's Bommie and Temple of Doom are known for dense schools of big-eye trevally, snapper, goatfish, fusiliers and barracuda around coral pinnacles, and for reef sharks patrolling at the edges. Those comparisons are indicative only and should not be taken as a description of this site.
General conditions match the rest of the Ribbons: visibility commonly 15–30 m, water of 23–29°C depending on season, and mostly gentle currents on the lagoon side. In June and July dwarf minke whales frequent Ribbon Reef No. 3, close to the southern moorings.
Divers should treat this as an occasional alternative mooring. If it appears on the day's plan, ask the cruise director for the route, depth and what to look for. The record should be updated when a site description becomes available, and divers who log it are encouraged to share depth and species notes.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Fish Market is recorded as Reef in Ribbon Reefs & Lizard Island. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Fish Market suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Fish Market through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Expected southern Ribbon Reef fauna: fusiliers, snapper, trevally, surgeonfish, barracuda, reef sharks, turtles, anemonefish
Location
A named Mike Ball mooring on the southern Ribbon Reefs, shown on its itinerary map with Steve's Bommie, Flare Point and Blue Lagoon; exact position not published.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
mikeball.comRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.