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Tropical ocean-exposed sandy beaches have an essential ecological function for marine fish species, which use these turbulent areas as nurseries. These habitats are characterized as homogeneous environments, but previous studies report the influence of drifting algae in providing physical structure, which increases habitat complexity and heterogeneity. This additional habitat complexity is expected to have a crucial impact on fish assemblages. Here, we analyzed the influences of wave exposure and drifting algae volume on abundance and functional diversity on two beach types: wave-dominated and tide-modified. Beach seine samplings were carried out in the rainy and dry seasons to collect the fish at each beach. Four volume categories of drifting algae were selected: bare sand, low, mid and high. A total of 97 fish species were captured. The community attributes of fishes (abundance, richness and biomass), as well as algal volume, were higher in tide-modified beaches. For abundance, three distinct patterns emerged: 1) there was a trend of decreasing herrings and anchovies compared to other species, from the bare to high-volume drifting algae in tide-modified beaches, with the opposite trend for the wave-dominated beaches; 2) L. breviceps , M. littoralis , S. naso , S. rastrifer and S. stellifer increased in abundance from the bare to high drifting algae in wave-dominated beaches; 3) P. virginicus was abundant in both beach types. These trends were accompanied by functional diversity, principally by responses in the two types of traits: diet and habitat use. The differences in habitat characteristics (wave exposure and drifting algae) among beaches affected the composition and functional diversity and consequently supported distinct fish assemblages. The presence of drifting algae in this habitat favors the attractiveness for fishes, such as larvae and juveniles, and seems to drive habitat use by tropical fishes. • The community attributes of fishes, as well as algal volume, were higher in tide-modified beaches. • There was a trend of decreasing herrings and anchovies compared to other species, from the bare to high-volume drifting algae in tide-modified beaches. • The increase in functional diversity was principally by responses in the two types of traits: diet and habitat use. • The presence of drifting algae in this habitat favors the attractiveness for fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]