The first fish field guide ever published dedicated to …tubbatahareefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Field...The first fish field guide ever published dedicated to the Tubbataha

The first fish field guide ever published dedicated to the Tubbataha Reefs

Compiled for the use of guests, visitors, and marine scientists

With over 200 pictures of different fish species

Documented >30% of the total resident population (633)

TUBBATAHAR E E F S

F I S HGUIDE

TUBBATAHAR E E F S

F I S HGUIDE

Acknowledgements

Author’s note

Foreword

Acanthuridae Aulostomidae

BalistidaeCaesionidaeCarangidae

ChaetodontidaeCirrhitidaeEphippidaeFistularidae

GobiidaeHaemulidae

Surgeonfishes, Unicornfishes (p. 1)

Trumpetfishes (p. 5)

Triggerfishes (p. 6)

Fusiliers (p. 8)

Jacks, Trevallies (p. 9)

Butterflyfishes (p. 10)

Hawkfishes (p. 14)

Batfishes (p. 15)

Cornetfishes (p. 16)

Gobies (p. 17)

Sweetlips (p. 18) HolocentridaeKyphosidae

LabridaeLethrinidaeLutjanidae

MullidaeMuraenidae

NemipteridaeOstraciidae

PinguipedidaePomacanthidae

Squirrelfishes (p. 19)

Sea chubs (p. 20)

Wrasses (p. 21)

Emperors (p. 26)

Snappers (p. 29)

Goatfishes (p. 32)

Moray eels (p. 33)

Whiptail breams (p. 34)

Boxfishes (p. 35)

Sand perches (p. 36)

Angelfishes (p. 37)

PomacentridaePriacanthidaePtereleotridae

ScaridaeScorpaenidae

SerranidaeSiganidae

SphyraenidaeSynodontidae

TetraodontidaeZanclidae

Damselfishes (p. 38)

Bigeyes (p. 44)

Dartfishes (p. 45)

Parrotfishes (p. 46)

Scorpionfishes, Firefishes (p. 49)

Groupers, Sea basses (p. 50)

Rabbitfishes (p. 54)

Barracudas (p. 55)

Lizardfishes (p. 56)

Pufferfishes (p. 57)

Moorish idol (p. 59)

Tubbataha Reefs Fish BookVolume 1

1

ACANTHURIDAEFAMILY

Class Subclass OrderSuborder

ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESACANTHUROIDEI

from Greek Akantha(thorn) + Oura (tail)

REMARKS- All species marine, circumtropical distribution, 82 species recorded under 6 genera - Small and terminal mouth, ctenoid scales, single row close-set teeth, many are brightly colored - Feed on benthic algae, zooplankton, and detritus. Pelagic spawners

JAPANESE SURGEONFISHAcanthurus japonicusMax. length:

LINED SURGEONFISHAcanthurus lineatusMax. length:

ELONGATE SURGEONFISHAcanthurus mataMax. length:

WHITECHEEK SURGEONFISHAcanthurus nigricansMax. length:

Surgeonfishes, Tangs, Unicornfishes

© Toppx2 © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013

© Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 © Art Faburada


2

BLACKSTREAK SURGEONFISHAcanthurus nigricaudusMax. length:

BROWN SURGEONFISHAcanthurus nigrofuscusMax. length:

ORANGESPOT SURGEONFISHAcanthurus olivaceusMax. length:

CHOCOLATE SURGEONFISHAcanthurus pyroferusMax. length:

STRIATED SURGEONFISHCtenochaetus striatusMax. length:

WHITEMARGIN UNICORNFISHNaso annulatusMax. length:

© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 48 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 50

© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 45 © Art Faburada

© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013

3

SPOTTED UNICORNFISHNaso brevirostrisMax. length:

SLEEK UNICORNFISHNaso hexacanthusMax. length:

ORANGESPINE UNICORNFISHNaso lituratusMax. length:

ONEKNIFE UNICORNFISHNaso thynnoidesMax. length:

BLUESPINE UNICORNFISHNaso unicornisMax. length:

BIGNOSE UNICORNFISHNaso vlamingiiMax. length:



© Segundo Conales Jr. 2013© Segundo Conales Jr. 2013

© Art Faburada © Art Faburada


4

TWOTONE TANGZebrasoma scopasMax. length:

SAILFIN TANGZebrasoma veliferMax. length:



5

CHINESE TRUMPETFISHAulostomus chinensisMax. length:

AULOSTOMIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII SYNGNATHIFORMES

from Greek Aulos(flute) + Stoma (mouth)

Trumpetfishes

REMARKS- All species marine, found in tropical atlantic and indo-pacific regions, 3 species recorded under 6 genera - Compressed and elongated scaly body, fleshy barbels at the tip of lower jaw, rounded caudal fin - Ambush predator, feeds on small fishes and crustaceans. Spawners

© Art Faburada

6

BALISTIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII TETRAODONTIFORMES

from Greek Balein(to throw)once considered as “trash fish”

REMARKS- All species marine, found in Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions, 42 species recorded under 12 genera - Odd-shaped compressed body, swim with their 2nd dorsal (adipose) and anal fins - Most species are carnivorous, some feed on algae. Lay demersal eggs, aggresive guarders

ORANGE-LINED TRIGGERFISHBalistapus undulatusMax. length:

CLOWN TRIGGERFISHBalistoides conspicillumMax. length:

TITAN TRIGGERFISHBalistoides viridescensMax. length:

BLACK TRIGGERFISHMelichthys nigerMax. length:

Triggerfishes


© Art Faburada © Toppx2


7

PINKTAIL TRIGGERFISHMelichthys viduaMax. length

RED-TOOTHED TRIGGERFISHOdonus nigerMax. length

BOOMERANG TRIGGERFISHSufflamen bursaMax. length

HALFMOON TRIGGERFISHSufflamen chrysopterumMax. length

GILDED TRIGGERFISHXanthichthys auromarginatusMax. length


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)


8

CAESIONIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESPERCOIDEI

from Greek Caesius(bluish-grey)

REMARKS- All species marine, thrive in Indo-west Pacific, 23 species recorded under 4 genera - Elongate and fusiform body, small mouth, deeply-forked caudal fin - Active swimmers, feed on zooplankton. Spawners, nonguarders

BLUE AND GOLD FUSILIERCaesio caerulaureaMax. length:

DARK-BANDED FUSILIERPterocaesio tileMax. length:

BANANA FUSILIERPterocaesio pisangMax. length:

Fusiliers





9

CARANGIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMES

from French Carangue(name of a Caribbeanfish)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine. rare in brackish environment, Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, 148 species under 30 genera - Shape varies from very deep to fusiform, spiny scutes along lateral line, widely-forked caudal fin - Fast swimmers, feed on small fishes and invertebrates. Spawners, nonguarders

COACHWHIP TREVALLYCarangoides oblongusMax. length:

GIANT TREVALLYCaranx ignobilisMax. length:

BLUEFIN TREVALLYCaranx melampygusMax. length:

BIGEYE TREVALLYCaranx sexfasciatusMax. length:

Jacks, TrevalliesCHAETODONTIDAE




© Art Faburada

10

CHAETODONTIDAE FAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII NEOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESPERCOIDEI

from Greek Chaite(hair) + Odontos (teeth)

REMARKS- Marine-brackish, found in tropical Atlantic and Indo-west Pacific, 129 species recorded under 12 genera - Highly compressed body, mouth protrusible with small brushlike teeth, most have “eyespot” - Diet includes coelenterate polyps, inverts, fish eggs, filamentous algae, others planktivore. Spawners

PHILIPPINE BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon adiergastosMax. length:

THREADFIN BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon aurigaMax. length:

EASTERN TRIANGULAR BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon baronessaMax. length:

BLUELASHED BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon bennettiMax. length:

Butterflyfishes


© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)

© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)© Art Faburada

11

SADDLE BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon ephippiumMax. length:

SUNBURST BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon kleiniiMax. length:

BLACKBACK BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon melannotusMax. length:

ORNATE BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon ornatissimusMax. length:

SPOT-NAPE BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon oxycephalusMax. length:

SPOTBAND BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon punctatofasciatusMax. length:


© Art Faburada


© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Toppx2




12

LATTICED BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon rafflesiMax. length:

CHEVRON BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon trifascialisMax. length:

MELON BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon trifasciatusMax. length:

PACIFIC DOUBLE-SADDLE BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon ulietensisMax. length:

VAGABOND BUTTERFLYFISHChaetodon vagabundusMax. length:

LONGNOSE BUTTERFLY FISHForcipiger flavissimusMax. length:

© Art Faburada





© Art Faburada

13

LONGNOSE BUTTERFLYFISHForcipiger longirostrisMax. length:

PENNANT CORALFISHHeniochus acuminatusMax. length:

HORNED BANNERFISHHeniochus variusMax. length:

CIRRHITIDAE


© Art Faburada

© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Toppx2

14

CIRRHITIDAE FAMILY



from Latin Cirrus(curl, fringe)

REMARKS- All species marine, found in Eastern and Western Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, 33 species from 12 genera - Usually small and colorful. Protogynous hermaphrodites - Feed on small crustaceans and fishes. Pelagic spawners, nonguarders

DWARF HAWKFISHCirrhitichthys falcoMax. length:

ARC-EYE HAWKFISHParacirrhites arcatusMax. length:

BLACKSIDE HAWKFISHParacirrhites forsteriMax. length:

Hawkfishes


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


15

EPHIPPIDAE FAMILY



from Latin Ephippium(horse saddle)

REMARKS- Rarely found in estuaries, present in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific regions, 15 species under 8 genera - Compressed body, small mouth, wing-like dorsal and anal fins - Omnivorous species. Spawners

DUSKY BATFISHPlatax pinnatusMax. length:

LONGFIN BATFISHPlatax teiraMax. length:

Batfishes, SpadefishesFISTULARIIDAE


16

FISTULARIIDAE FAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII SYNGNATHIFORMES

from Latin Fistula(pipeline)

REMARKS- Marine, along tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific regions, 4 species under sole genera - Slightly depressed and extremely elongate body, tubular snout w/o barbels, body tapering at caudal end - Feed on crustaceans and small fishes. Spawners, nonguarders

BLUESPOTTED CORNETFISHFistularia commersoniiMax. length:

Cornetfishes


© Toppx2


17

GOBIIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESGOBIOIDEI

from Greek Gobius(goby)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, some species are catadromous, tropical and subtropical, 1677 species under 250 genera - Ironically the largest family in terms of number with the smallest members (size), most are below 10 cm - Diet varies, some are cryptic carnivores, some are planktivores, some eat ectotermic organisms from other fishes. Nest spawners, guarders

BLUEBAND GOBYValenciennea strigataMax. length:

Gobies


18

HAEMULIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Haimaleos(bloody)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, some brackish, rarely freshwater, Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, 136 species under 19 genera - Thick lips, continuous dorsal fin, enlarged chin pores - Nocturnal and feed on benthic invertebrates. Pelagic spawners, nonguarders

HARLEQUIN SWEETLIPSPlectorhinchus chaetodonoidesMax. length:

YELLOWBANDED SWEETLIPSPlectorhinchus lineatusMax. length:

RIBBONED SWEETLIPSPlectorhinchus polytaeniaMax. length:

Grunts, Sweetlips


© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 171



19

HOLOCENTRIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII BERYCIFORMES

from Greek Holos(whole) + Kentron (sharp point)

REMARKS- All species marine, found in Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific regions, 83 species under 8 genera - Large eyes, edged operculum, forked caudal fin, usually reddish - Most are nocturnal, feed on zooplankton, benthic inverts, and small fishes. Spawners, nonguarders

SCARLET SOLDIERFISHMyripristis praliniaMax. length:

LATTICE SOLDIERFISHMyripristis violaceaMax. length:

SAMMARA SQUIRRELFISHNeoniphon sammaraMax. length:

SABRE SQUIRRELFISHSargocentron spiniferumMax. length:

Squirrelfishes, Soldierfishes




20

KYPHOSIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Kyphos (hump)

REMARKS- All species marine, along Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific regions, 52 species from 14 genera - Omnivores, pelagic spawners

BRASSY CHUBKyphosus vaigiensisMax. length:

Sea chubs


© Art Faburada


21

LABRIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESLABROIDEI

from Greek Labrum(lip)

REMARKS- All species marine, found in waters of Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, with 520 species under 70 genera - Shape, size, and color are very diverse (change color and sex with growth) - Planktivores, some are carnivores, some are symbiotic (cleaner wrasse). Pelagic spawners

BLUESPOTTED WRASSEAnampses caeruleopunctatusMax. length:

AXILSPOT HOGFISH (JUV)Bodianus axillarisMax. length:

DIANA’S HOGFISHBodianus dianaMax. length:

REDBREASTED WRASSECheilinus fasciatusMax. length:

Wrasses

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada




22

TRIPLETAIL WRASSECheilinus trilobatusMax. length:

HUMPHEAD WRASSE (JUV)Cheilinus undulatusMax. length:

CIGAR WRASSECheilio inermisMax. length:

ORANGE-DOTTED TUSKFISHChoerodon anchoragoMax. length:

AFRICAN CORISCoris gaimardMax. length:

DAPPLE CORISCoris variegataMax. length:

© Art Faburada


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)

23

BIRD WRASSEGomphosus variusMax. length:

CANARY WRASSEHalichoeres chrysusMax. length:

CHECKERBOARD WRASSEHalichoeres hortulanusMax. length:

PINSTRIPED WRASSEHalichoeres melanurusMax. length:

ZIGZAG WRASSEHalichoeres scapularisMax. length:

BARRED THICKLIPHemigymnus fasciatusMax. length:


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


24

BLACKEYE THICKLIPHemigymnus melapterusMax. length:

BLUESTREAK CLEANER WRASSELabroides dimidiatusMax. length:

BICOLOR CLEANER WRASSELabroides bicolorMax. length:

ROCKMOVER WRASSENovaculichthys taeniorusMax. length:

CHEEKLINED WRASSEOxycheilinus digrammaMax. length:

RED SHOULDER WRASSEStethojulis bandanensisMax. length:

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

25

BLUNTHEADED WRASSEThalassoma amblycephalumMax. length:

SIXBAR WRASSEThalassoma hardwickeMax. length:

JANSEN’S WRASSEThalassoma jansenii Max. length:

MOON WRASSEThalassoma lunare Max. length:



© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada

26

LETHRINIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Lethrinia(a fish pertaining to genus Pagellus)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, some in estuaries, tropical Indo-Pacific (except L. atlanticus), 38 species from 5 genera - Carnivorous bottom feeders - Pelagic spawners, some demonstrate protogynous hermaphroditism, nonguarders

STRIPED LARGE-EYE BREAMGnathodentex aureolineatusMax. length:

ORANGE-SPOTTED EMPERORLethrinus erythracanthusMax. length:

THUMBPRINT EMPERORLethrinus harak Max. length:

PINK EAR EMPERORLethrinus lentjanMax. length:

Emperors


© Art Faburada



27

SMALLTOOTH EMPERORLethrinus microdon Max. length:

TRUMPET EMPERORLethrinus miniatusMax. length:

SPANGLED EMPERORLethrinus nebulosus Max. length:

ORNATE EMPERORLethrinus ornatus Max. length:

BLACK BLOTCH EMPERORLethrinus semicinctusMax. length:

SLENDER EMPERORLethrinus variegatusMax. length:









28

YELLOWLIP EMPERORLethrinus xanthochilusMax. length:

HUMPNOSE BIG-EYE BREAMMonotaxis grandoculis Max. length:

© Art Faburada



29

LUTJANIDAEFAMILY



from Malay ikan lutjan(a name of a fish)

REMARKS - Chiefly marine, some enter freshwater for feeding, 110 species under 17 genera - Moderate to large terminal mouth, jaws bearing canine teeth - Feed on crustaceans and fishes, some are planktivores. Spawners, nonguarders

SMALL TOOTHED JOBFISHAphareus furca Max. length:

TWO-SPOT RED SNAPPERLutjanus boharMax. length:

CHECKERED SNAPPERLutjanus decussatusMax. length:

DORY SNAPPERLutjanus fulviflammaMax. length:

Snappers

© Art Faburada





30

BLACKTAIL SNAPPERLutjanus fulvusMax. length:

HUMPBACK RED SNAPPERLutjanus gibbusMax. length:

BIGEYE SNAPPERLutjanus lutjanusMax. length:

ONE-SPOT SNAPPERLutjanus monostigma Max. length:

FIVE-LINED SNAPPERLutjanus quinquelineatus Max. length:

RUSSELL’S SNAPPERLutjanus russellii Max. length:

© Art Faburada

© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 106



31

MIDNIGHT SNAPPERMacolor macularis Max. length:

BLACK AND WHITE SNAPPERMacolor nigerMax. length:



32

MULLIDAEFAMILY



from Latin Mullus(soft)

DASH-AND-DOT GOATFISHParupeneus barberinus Max. length:

GOLD-SADDLE GOATFISHParupeneus cyclostomusMax. length:

MANYBAR GOATFISHParupeneus multifasciatusMax. length:

Goatfishes


REMARKS- Chiefly marine, rarely brackish, Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, 83 species from 6 genera - Elongated body, forked caudal fin, with two barbels used as chemosensors - Feed on invertebrates and small fishes. Pelagic spawners, nonguarders





33

MURAENIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII ELOPOMORPHA ANGUILLIFORMES

from Latin Muraena(moray eel)

GIANT MORAYGymnothorax javanicusMax. length:

Moray eels

REMARKS- Marine, brackish, and freshwater, found in tropical and temperate seas, 201 species from 16 genera - Snake-like body, large mouth with numerous teeth (often fangs), scaleless, no pelvic and pectoral fins - Nocturnal, hiding at day, feed on crustaceans, cephalopods, and fishes. Spawners, nonguarders


34

NEMIPTERIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Nemas(thread) + Pteron(fin)

REMARKS- All species marine, Indo-west Pacific, 67 species recorded under 5 genera - Carnivorous, feed on cephalopodds, crustaceans, and polychaetes - Spawners, nonguarders. Scolopsis exhibit protogynous hermaphroditism

TWO-LINED MONOCLE BREAMScolopsis bilineataMax. length:

PEARLY MONOCLE BREAMScolopsis margaritifera Max. length:

THREE-LINED MONOCLE BREAMScolopsis trilineataMax. length:

Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


35

OSTRACIIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII TETRAODONTIFORMES

from Greek Ostrakon(shell)

REMARKS- All species marine, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific regions, 25 species under 8 genera - Bony carapace enclosing body, dorsal fins not spinous, some secrete ostracitoxin - Feed on sessile invertebrates and algae. Highly territorial, spawners, nonguarders

YELLOW BOXFISHOstracion cubicusMax. length:

Boxfishes

© Art Faburada

36

PINGUIPEDIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESTRACHINOIDEI

from Latin Pinguis(fat) + Greek Pous(foot)

REMARKS- Live in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments, present in Atlantic side of S. America and Africa - Also in the Indo-Pacific, 83 species under 7 genera. Carnivorous, feed on small fishes and invertebrates - Pelagic spawners, nonguarders, territorial and haremic

BLACK DOTTED SANDPERCHParapercis millepunctataMax. length:

CYLINDRICAL SANDPERCHParapercis cylindrica Max. length:

Sandperches




37

POMACANTHIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII NEOPTERYGII PERCIFORMES

from Greek Poma(cover) + Akantha (thorn)

REMARKS- All species marine, found in tropical Atlantic, Indian, and Western Pacific, with 88 species from 8 genera - Compressed body, rounded to lunate caudal fin, striking coloration - Feed on filamentous algae, sponges, sessile invert

BICOLOR ANGELFISHCentropyge bicolorMax. length:

PEARLSCALE ANGELFISHCentropyge vrolikii Max. length:

EMPEROR ANGELFISHPomacanthus imperatorMax. length:

REGAL ANGELFISHPygoplites diacanthus Max. length:

Angelfishes



38

POMACENTRIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Poma(cover) + Kentron (sting)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, rare in estuaries, all tropical seas, mainly Indo-Pacific, 387 species under 29 genera - Compressed, deep body, small mouth, interrupted lateral line, color varies with locality on same species - 35 cm max. length. Omnivores, planktivores. Egg layers, guarders

INDO-PACIFIC SERGEANTAbudefduf vaigiensisMax. length:

GOLDEN DAMSELFISHAmblyglyphidodon aureusMax. length:

STAGHORN DAMSELFISHAmblyglyphidodon curacao Max. length:

YELLOWBELLY DAMSELFISHAmblyglyphidodon leucogaster Max. length:

Damselfishes


© Art Faburada


© Art Faburada

39

YELLOWTAIL CLOWNFISHAmphiprion clarkii Max. length:

TOMATO CLOWNFISHAmphiprion frenatusMax. length:

CLOWN ANEMONEFISHAmphiprion ocellaris Max. length:

PINK ANEMONEFISHAmphiprion perideraionMax. length:

BICOLOR CHROMISChromis margaritiferMax. length:

BLACK-BAR CHROMISChromis retrofasciata Max. length:




© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


40

TERNATE CHROMISChromis ternatensis Max. length:

BLUE GREEN DAMSELFISHChromis viridisMax. length:

WEBER’S CHROMISChromis weberiMax. length:

YELLOW-AXIL CHROMISChromis xanthochira Max. length:

PALETAIL CHROMISChromis xanthuraMax. length:

ROLLAND’S DEMOISELLEChrysiptera rollandiMax. length:




41

TALBOT’S DEMOISELLEChrysiptera talboti © Art Faburada.

WHITETAIL DASCYLLUSDascyllus aruanus © Art Faburada.

RETICULATE DASCYLLUSDascyllus reticulatus © Art Faburada.

THREESPOT DASCYLLUSDascyllus trimaculatus © Art Faburada.

BLACKBAR DEVILPlectroglyphidodon dickii© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)

WHITESPOTTED DEVILPlectroglyphidodon lacrymatus© Art Faburada.



© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada


42

ALEXANDER’S DAMSELPomacentrus alexanderaeMax. length:

AMBON DAMSELPomacentrus amboinensis Max. length:

CHARCOAL DAMSELPomacentrus brachialisMax. length:

NEON DAMSELFISHPomacentrus coelestis Max. length:

LEMON DAMSEL Pomacentrus moluccensis Max. length:

PHILIPPINE DAMSELPomacentrus philippinusMax. length:


© Art Faburada


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

43

BLACKSPOT DAMSELPomacentrus stigmaMax. length:

OCELLATE DAMSELFISHPomacentrus vaiuli Max. length:


© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)© Art Faburada

44

PRIACANTHIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Prion(saw) + Akantha (thorn)

MOONTAIL BULLSEYEPriacanthus hamrur Max. length:

Bigeyes


REMARKS- All species marine, tropical and subtropical regions of Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific, 19 species, 4 genera - Very big eyes with reflective layer, oblique and big mouth, roughly scaled, usually bright red - Nocturnal carnivores. Egg layers, nonguarders



45

PTERELEOTRIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Pteron(wing) + Eleotris (name of a Nile fish)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, rarely freshwater, tropical and subtropical regions of Atlantic and Indo-Pacific - Small, elongate body with dart-like fins - Planktivores. Egg layers, guarders

BLACKFIN DARTFISHPtereleotris evides Max. length:

Dartfishes

© Art Faburada

46

SCARIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Skairo(to jump)

GREEN HUMPHEAD PARROTFISHBolbometopon muricatumMax. length:

BICOLOUR PARROTFISHCetoscarus bicolor Max. length:

BOWER’S PARROTFISHChlorurus bowersiMax. length:

DAISY PARROTFISHChlorurus sordidus Max. length:

Parrotfishes


REMARKS- All species marine, circumtropical distribution, 100 species under 10 genera - Fused jaw, parrot-like mouth and teeth, continuous dorsal fin, brightly colored at their terminal phase - Grazers of algae and corals which turns into sand, herbivorous. Pelagic spawners, nonguarders

© Art Faburada


47

PACIFIC LONGNOSE PARROTFISHHipposcarus longiceps Max. length:

MARBLED PARROTFISHLeptoscarus vaigiensis Max. length:

YELLOWBARRED PARROTFISHScarus dimidiatusMax. length:

FESTIVE PARROTFISHScarus festivus Max. length:

BRIDLED PARROTFISHScarus frenatus Max. length:

BLUE-BARRED PARROTFISHScarus ghobban Max. length:


© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada





48

DUSKY PARROTFISHScarus niger Max. length:

DARK CAPPED PARROTFISHScarus oviceps Max. length:

SINGAPORE PARROTFISHScarus prasiognathos Max. length:

COMMON PARROTFISHScarus psittacus Max. length:

© Art Faburada





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SCORPAENIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII SCORPAENIFORMES

from Latin Scorpaena(a kind of fish)

BROADBARRED FIREFISHPterois antennataMax. length:

Scorpionfishes, Firefishes

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, rarely freshwater, all tropical and temperate regions, 215 species under 26 genera - Compressed body, spines and ridges on head, venomous dorsal, anal, and pelvic spines - Feed on crustaceans and fishes. Egg layers

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SERRANIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII PERCIFORMESPERCOIDEI

from Latin Serranus(saw, fish saw)

REMARKS- Marine (chiefly), brackish, and freshwater, tropical and temperate regions, 535 species under 75 genera - Appearance very diverse, varies with growth. Feed on fish eggs, crustaceans, and zooplankton - Spawners, nonguarders, protogynous hermaphrodites

REDMOUTH GROUPERAethaloperca rogaaMax. length:

PEACOCK HINDCephalopholis argus Max. length:

BLUESPOTTED HINDCephalopholis cyanostigma Max. length:

CORAL HINDCephalopholis miniataMax. length:

Groupers, Sea basses


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© Art Faburada

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SIXBLOTCH HINDCephalopholis sexmaculataMax. length:

BROWN-MARBLED GROUPEREpinephelus fuscoguttatus Max. length:

MALABAR GROUPEREpinephelus malabaricusMax. length:

ONE-BLOTCH GROUPEREpinephelus melanostigma Max. length:

WHITE-STREAKED GROUPEREpinephelus ongus Max. length:

GREASY GROUPEREpinephelus tauvina Max. length:


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© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada



PEACH FAIRY BASSLETPseudanthias disparMax. length:

RED-CHEEKED FAIRY BASSLETPseudanthias huchtiiMax. length:


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SQUARETAIL CORALGROUPERPlectropomus areolatusMax. length:

BLACKSADDLED CORALGROUPERPlectropomus laevisMax. length:

LEOPARD CORALGROUPER Plectropomus leopardus Max. length:

HIGHFIN CORALGROUPERPlectropomus oligacanthus Max. length:

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© Art Faburada

© Art Faburada© Art Faburada



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YELLOWSTRIPED FAIRY BASSLETPseudanthias tukaMax. length:


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Tubbataha Reefs Fish BookVolume 1 54

SIGANIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII NEOPTERYGII PERCIFORMES

from Latin Siganus(rabbit fish)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, some are brackish, Eastern Mediterranean and throughout Indo-Pacific - Only 1 genera with 28 species. Poisonous spines - Diurnal herbivores (sea grass and algae). Pelagic spawners, nonguarders

STREAMLINED SPINEFOOTSiganus argenteusMax. length:

MASKED SPINEFOOTSiganus puellusMax. length:

GOLDSPOTTED SPINEFOOTSiganus punctatus Max. length:

FOXFACESiganus vulpinus Max. length:

Rabbitfishes

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© Art Faburada




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SPHYRAENIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Sphyraina(a pike/spear-like fish)

REMARKS- All species marine, Atlantic, Indian, Pacific tropical and subtropical regions, 27 species under lone genera - Long, elongate body, large mouth, lower jaw protruding upward, well-developed lateral line - Dorsal fins far apart. Voracious predator of other fish, with reported human attacks. Pelagic spawners

GREAT BARRACUDASphyraena barracuda Max. length:

Barracudas

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SYNODONTIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII AULOPIFORMES

from Greek Syn(all together, united) +Odous (teeth)

REMARKS- Rare on estuaries, chiefly marine, along Atlantic and Indo-Pacific, 70 recorded species under 3 genera - Small, cylindrical body, spineless fins, large mouth full of sharp teeth - Voracious predator of smaller fishes. Egg layers, nonguarders

GRACILE LIZARDFISHSaurida gracilis Max. length:

Lizardfishes


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TETRAODONTIDAEFAMILY


ACTINOPTERYGII NEOPTERYGII TETRAODONTIFORMES

from Greek Tetra(four) + Odous (teeth)

REMARKS- Chiefly marine, also in brackish and freshwater environments, tropical and subtropical regions - 190 species under 26 genera. Inflates body with water if stressed, viscera with tetraodotoxin - Feed on algae and small invertebrates. Egg layers, guarders

BLACKSPOTTED PUFFERArothron nigropunctatusMax. length:

SPOTTED SHARPNOSECanthigaster solandriMax. length:

VALENTIN’S SHARPNOSE PUFFERCanthigaster valentini Max. length:

Pufferfishes

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© Art Faburada


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ZANCLIDAEFAMILY



from Greek Zagkios(oblique)

REMARKS- Marine, Indo-Pacific. Sole representative of family Zanclidae - Strongly compressed and discoid body, tubular snout, numerous bristle-like teeth, whip-like dorsal spine - Feed on sponges and benthic invertebrates. Pelagic spawners, nonguarders

MOORISH IDOLZanclus cornutusMax. length:

Moorish idol


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Documents

The first fish field guide ever published dedicated to …tubbatahareefs.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Field...The first fish field guide ever published dedicated to the Tubbataha