Once hatched, convict surgeon fish larvae (Acanthurus triostegus) spend about two months in the ocean before crossing the coral reef to recruit in the lagoon, usually selecting a specific reef habitat already inhabited by conspecifics. To form groups, juveniles must be able to recognise their conspecifics, even when some have a slightly different morphotype. Here, a virtual reality platform was used that collects juveniles’ behavioural reactions to fully immersive controlled visual stimuli. We tested which visual parameters influenced recognition when juveniles had to choose between two virtual shoals of adult convict surgeonfish presented on opposite sides of the aquarium, each with specifically manipulated colour patterns. The results showed that the shape of the adult fish was more important than the patterns and colours for the choice made by the juveniles. These results underline the importance of better understanding the mechanisms of visual recognition in coral reef fish.