Download The first fish field guide ever published dedicated

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)
TUBBATAHA
REEFS
FISH
GUIDE
TUBBATAHA
REEFS
FISH
GUIDE
Acknowledgements
Author’s note
Foreword
Acanthuridae
Aulostomidae
Balistidae
Caesionidae
Carangidae
Chaetodontidae
Cirrhitidae
Ephippidae
Fistularidae
Gobiidae
Haemulidae
Pomacentridae
Priacanthidae
Ptereleotridae
Scaridae
Scorpaenidae
Serranidae
Siganidae
Sphyraenidae
Synodontidae
Tetraodontidae
Zanclidae
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)
Holocentridae
Kyphosidae
Labridae
Lethrinidae
Lutjanidae
Mullidae
Muraenidae
Nemipteridae
Ostraciidae
Pinguipedidae
Pomacanthidae
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)
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)
FAMILY
ACANTHURIDAE
Surgeonfishes, Tangs, Unicornfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder ACANTHUROIDEI
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Toppx2
JAPANESE SURGEONFISH
LINED SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus japonicus
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
ELONGATE SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus mata
Max. length:
1
2013
Acanthurus lineatus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
2013
WHITECHEEK SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus nigricans
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 48
BLACKSTREAK SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus nigricaudus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
© Reef Fish Identification:
BROWN SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus nigrofuscus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
Tropical Pacific. p. 45
ORANGESPOT SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus olivaceus
Max. length:
CHOCOLATE SURGEONFISH
Acanthurus pyroferus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
STRIATED SURGEONFISH
Ctenochaetus striatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
Tropical Pacific. p. 50
© Segundo Conales Jr.
WHITEMARGIN UNICORNFISH
Naso annulatus
Max. length:
2
2013
© Art Faburada
SPOTTED UNICORNFISH
© Segundo Conales Jr.
SLEEK UNICORNFISH
Naso brevirostris
Max. length:
Naso hexacanthus
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
2013
ORANGESPINE UNICORNFISH
Naso lituratus
Max. length:
Naso thynnoides
Max. length:
BLUESPINE UNICORNFISH
3
2013
ONEKNIFE UNICORNFISH
© Art Faburada
Naso unicornis
Max. length:
2013
© Art Faburada
BIGNOSE UNICORNFISH
Naso vlamingii
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
TWOTONE TANG
Zebrasoma scopas
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Segundo Conales Jr.
SAILFIN TANG
Zebrasoma velifer
Max. length:
4
2013
FAMILY
AULOSTOMIDAE
Trumpetfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
SYNGNATHIFORMES
Suborder
from Greek Aulos
(flute) + Stoma (mouth)
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
CHINESE TRUMPETFISH
Aulostomus chinensis
Max. length:
5
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
BALISTIDAE
Triggerfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
TETRAODONTIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
ORANGE-LINED TRIGGERFISH
Balistapus undulatus
Max. length:
© Toppx2
CLOWN TRIGGERFISH
Balistoides conspicillum
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
TITAN TRIGGERFISH
Balistoides viridescens
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Segundo Conales Jr.
BLACK TRIGGERFISH
Melichthys niger
Max. length:
6
2013
© Art Faburada
PINKTAIL TRIGGERFISH
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
RED-TOOTHED TRIGGERFISH
Melichthys vidua
Max. length
Odonus niger
Max. length
© Art Faburada
BOOMERANG TRIGGERFISH
Sufflamen bursa
Max. length
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
HALFMOON TRIGGERFISH
Sufflamen chrysopterum
Max. length
© Art Faburada
GILDED TRIGGERFISH
Xanthichthys auromarginatus
Max. length
7
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
CAESIONIDAE
Fusiliers
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder PERCOIDEI
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
© Art Faburada
BLUE AND GOLD FUSILIER
DARK-BANDED FUSILIER
Caesio caerulaurea
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Art Faburada
Pterocaesio tile
Max. length:
(2013)
BANANA FUSILIER
Pterocaesio pisang
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
8
FAMILY
CARANGIDAE
Jacks, Trevallies
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
from French Carangue
(name of a Caribbean
fish)
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
COACHWHIP TREVALLY
BLUEFIN TREVALLY
Caranx melampygus
Max. length:
9
(2013)
GIANT TREVALLY
Carangoides oblongus
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
Caranx ignobilis
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
BIGEYE TREVALLY
Caranx sexfasciatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
CHAETODONTIDAE
Butterflyfishes
Class
Subclass
Order
Suborder
ACTINOPTERYGII
NEOPTERYGII
PERCIFORMES
PERCOIDEI
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
PHILIPPINE BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon adiergastos
Max. length:
THREADFIN BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon auriga
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
© Segundo Conales Jr.
EASTERN TRIANGULAR BUTTERFLYFISH
BLUELASHED BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon baronessa
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
(2013)
Chaetodon bennetti
Max. length:
10
© Segundo Conales Jr.
SADDLE BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon kleinii
Max. length:
ORNATE BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon melannotus
Max. length:
SPOT-NAPE BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon oxycephalus
Max. length:
11
© Toppx2
(2013)
BLACKBACK BUTTERFLYFISH
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
SUNBURST BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon ephippium
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
Chaetodon ornatissimus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
SPOTBAND BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon punctatofasciatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
LATTICED BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon trifascialis
Max. length:
(2013)
MELON BUTTERFLYFISH
VAGABOND BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon vagabundus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
PACIFIC DOUBLE-SADDLE BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon trifasciatus
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
CHEVRON BUTTERFLYFISH
Chaetodon rafflesi
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
Chaetodon ulietensis
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
LONGNOSE BUTTERFLY FISH
Forcipiger flavissimus
Max. length:
12
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Toppx2
(2013)
LONGNOSE BUTTERFLYFISH
Forcipiger longirostris
Max. length:
PENNANT CORALFISH
Heniochus acuminatus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
HORNED BANNERFISH
Heniochus varius
Max. length:
13
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
CIRRHITIDAE
Hawkfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
DWARF HAWKFISH
© Art Faburada
ARC-EYE HAWKFISH
Cirrhitichthys falco
Max. length:
Paracirrhites arcatus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
BLACKSIDE HAWKFISH
Paracirrhites forsteri
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
14
FAMILY
EPHIPPIDAE
Batfishes, Spadefishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
DUSKY BATFISH
Platax pinnatus
Max. length:
15
© Art Faburada
LONGFIN BATFISH
Platax teira
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
FISTULARIIDAE
Cornetfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
SYNGNATHIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Toppx2
BLUESPOTTED CORNETFISH
Fistularia commersonii
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
16
FAMILY
GOBIIDAE
Gobies
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder GOBIOIDEI
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
BLUEBAND GOBY
Valenciennea strigata
Max. length:
17
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
HAEMULIDAE
Grunts, Sweetlips
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
HARLEQUIN SWEETLIPS
Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
© Art Faburada
YELLOWBANDED SWEETLIPS
Plectorhinchus lineatus
Max. length:
Tropical Pacific. p. 171
RIBBONED SWEETLIPS
Plectorhinchus polytaenia
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
18
FAMILY
HOLOCENTRIDAE
Squirrelfishes, Soldierfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
BERYCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
SCARLET SOLDIERFISH
SAMMARA SQUIRRELFISH
Neoniphon sammara
Max. length:
19
(2013)
LATTICE SOLDIERFISH
Myripristis pralinia
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
Myripristis violacea
Max. length:
(2013)
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
SABRE SQUIRRELFISH
Sargocentron spiniferum
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
KYPHOSIDAE
Sea chubs
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
from Greek Kyphos
(hump)
REMARKS
- All species marine, along Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific regions, 52 species from 14 genera
- Omnivores, pelagic spawners
© Art Faburada
BRASSY CHUB
Kyphosus vaigiensis
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
20
FAMILY
LABRIDAE
Wrasses
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder LABROIDEI
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Art Faburada
BLUESPOTTED WRASSE
AXILSPOT HOGFISH (JUV)
Anampses caeruleopunctatus
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
DIANA’S HOGFISH
Bodianus diana
Max. length:
21
(2013)
Bodianus axillaris
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
REDBREASTED WRASSE
Cheilinus fasciatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
TRIPLETAIL WRASSE
© Segundo Conales Jr.
HUMPHEAD WRASSE (JUV)
Cheilinus trilobatus
Max. length:
Cheilinus undulatus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
CIGAR WRASSE
© Art Faburada
ORANGE-DOTTED TUSKFISH
Cheilio inermis
Max. length:
Choerodon anchorago
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
AFRICAN CORIS
Coris gaimard
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
© Art Faburada
DAPPLE CORIS
Coris variegata
Max. length:
22
© Art Faburada
BIRD WRASSE
© Art Faburada
CANARY WRASSE
Gomphosus varius
Max. length:
Halichoeres chrysus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
© Art Faburada
CHECKERBOARD WRASSE
Halichoeres hortulanus
Max. length:
PINSTRIPED WRASSE
Halichoeres melanurus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
ZIGZAG WRASSE
Halichoeres scapularis
Max. length:
23
© Art Faburada
BARRED THICKLIP
Hemigymnus fasciatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
BLACKEYE THICKLIP
© Art Faburada
BLUESTREAK CLEANER WRASSE
Hemigymnus melapterus
Max. length:
Labroides dimidiatus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
BICOLOR CLEANER WRASSE
Labroides bicolor
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
ROCKMOVER WRASSE
Novaculichthys taeniorus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
CHEEKLINED WRASSE
Oxycheilinus digramma
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
RED SHOULDER WRASSE
Stethojulis bandanensis
Max. length:
24
© Segundo Conales Jr.
BLUNTHEADED WRASSE
JANSEN’S WRASSE
Thalassoma jansenii
Max. length:
25
(2013)
SIXBAR WRASSE
Thalassoma amblycephalum
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
Thalassoma hardwicke
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
MOON WRASSE
Thalassoma lunare
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
LETHRINIDAE
Emperors
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
STRIPED LARGE-EYE BREAM
Gnathodentex aureolineatus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
ORANGE-SPOTTED EMPEROR
Lethrinus erythracanthus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
© Reef Fish Identification:
THUMBPRINT EMPEROR
Lethrinus harak
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
Tropical Pacific. p. 119
PINK EAR EMPEROR
Lethrinus lentjan
Max. length:
26
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 119
SMALLTOOTH EMPEROR
Lethrinus microdon
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 118
SPANGLED EMPEROR
Lethrinus nebulosus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
27
Tropical Pacific. p. 120
TRUMPET EMPEROR
Lethrinus miniatus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 121
ORNATE EMPEROR
Lethrinus ornatus
Max. length:
Tropical Pacific. p. 120
BLACK BLOTCH EMPEROR
Lethrinus semicinctus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 121
SLENDER EMPEROR
Lethrinus variegatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
© Segundo Conales Jr.
YELLOWLIP EMPEROR
Lethrinus xanthochilus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
HUMPNOSE BIG-EYE BREAM
Monotaxis grandoculis
Max. length:
28
FAMILY
LUTJANIDAE
Snappers
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
SMALL TOOTHED JOBFISH
CHECKERED SNAPPER
Lutjanus decussatus
Max. length:
29
(2013)
TWO-SPOT RED SNAPPER
Aphareus furca
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
Lutjanus bohar
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
DORY SNAPPER
Lutjanus fulviflamma
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Reef Fish Identification:
BLACKTAIL SNAPPER
Lutjanus fulvus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 105
BIGEYE SNAPPER
HUMPBACK RED SNAPPER
Lutjanus gibbus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 105
Lutjanus monostigma
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
Tropical Pacific. p. 104
FIVE-LINED SNAPPER
Lutjanus quinquelineatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
ONE-SPOT SNAPPER
Lutjanus lutjanus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
Tropical Pacific. p. 106
RUSSELL’S SNAPPER
Lutjanus russellii
Max. length:
30
© Segundo Conales Jr.
MIDNIGHT SNAPPER
Macolor macularis
Max. length:
31
© Art Faburada
(2013)
BLACK AND WHITE SNAPPER
Macolor niger
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
MULLIDAE
Goatfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
from Latin Mullus
(soft)
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
DASH-AND-DOT GOATFISH
(2013)
GOLD-SADDLE GOATFISH
Parupeneus barberinus
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
Parupeneus cyclostomus
Max. length:
(2013)
MANYBAR GOATFISH
Parupeneus multifasciatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
32
FAMILY
MURAENIDAE
Moray eels
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass ELOPOMORPHA
Order
ANGUILLIFORMES
Suborder
from Latin Muraena
(moray eel)
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
GIANT MORAY
Gymnothorax javanicus
Max. length:
33
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
NEMIPTERIDAE
Threadfin breams, Whiptail breams
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
TWO-LINED MONOCLE BREAM
Scolopsis bilineata
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
PEARLY MONOCLE BREAM
Scolopsis margaritifera
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
THREE-LINED MONOCLE BREAM
Scolopsis trilineata
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
34
FAMILY
OSTRACIIDAE
Boxfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
TETRAODONTIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
YELLOW BOXFISH
Ostracion cubicus
Max. length:
35
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
PINGUIPEDIDAE
Sandperches
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder TRACHINOIDEI
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
© Art Faburada
BLACK DOTTED SANDPERCH
Parapercis millepunctata
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
CYLINDRICAL SANDPERCH
Parapercis cylindrica
Max. length:
36
FAMILY
POMACANTHIDAE
Angelfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass NEOPTERYGII
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
BICOLOR ANGELFISH
PEARLSCALE ANGELFISH
Centropyge bicolor
Max. length:
Centropyge vrolikii
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
EMPEROR ANGELFISH
Pomacanthus imperator
Max. length:
37
© Art Faburada
REGAL ANGELFISH
Pygoplites diacanthus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
POMACENTRIDAE
Damselfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder LABROIDEI
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
© Art Faburada
INDO-PACIFIC SERGEANT
Abudefduf vaigiensis
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
STAGHORN DAMSELFISH
Amblyglyphidodon curacao
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
GOLDEN DAMSELFISH
Amblyglyphidodon aureus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
YELLOWBELLY DAMSELFISH
Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster
Max. length:
38
© Art Faburada
© Art Faburada
YELLOWTAIL CLOWNFISH
TOMATO CLOWNFISH
Amphiprion clarkii
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
Amphiprion frenatus
Max. length:
CLOWN ANEMONEFISH
PINK ANEMONEFISH
Amphiprion ocellaris
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
BICOLOR CHROMIS
Chromis margaritifer
Max. length:
39
© Art Faburada
(2013)
Amphiprion perideraion
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
BLACK-BAR CHROMIS
Chromis retrofasciata
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
TERNATE CHROMIS
BLUE GREEN DAMSELFISH
Chromis ternatensis
Max. length:
Chromis viridis
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Art Faburada
(2013)
WEBER’S CHROMIS
YELLOW-AXIL CHROMIS
Chromis weberi
Max. length:
Chromis xanthochira
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
PALETAIL CHROMIS
Chromis xanthura
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
© Art Faburada
ROLLAND’S DEMOISELLE
Chrysiptera rollandi
Max. length:
40
© Art Faburada
TALBOT’S DEMOISELLE
© Art Faburada
WHITETAIL DASCYLLUS
Chrysiptera talboti
© Art Faburada.
Dascyllus aruanus
© Art Faburada.
© Art Faburada
© Art Faburada
RETICULATE DASCYLLUS
THREESPOT DASCYLLUS
Dascyllus reticulatus
© Art Faburada.
Dascyllus trimaculatus
© Art Faburada.
© Segundo Conales Jr.
BLACKBAR DEVIL
Plectroglyphidodon dickii
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)
41
© Art Faburada
(2013)
WHITESPOTTED DEVIL
Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus
© Art Faburada.
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
ALEXANDER’S DAMSEL
© Art Faburada
AMBON DAMSEL
Pomacentrus alexanderae
Max. length:
Pomacentrus amboinensis
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
CHARCOAL DAMSEL
NEON DAMSELFISH
Pomacentrus brachialis
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
LEMON DAMSEL
Pomacentrus moluccensis
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
Pomacentrus coelestis
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
(2013)
PHILIPPINE DAMSEL
Pomacentrus philippinus
Max. length:
42
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Art Faburada
BLACKSPOT DAMSEL
Pomacentrus stigma
Max. length:
43
(2013)
OCELLATE DAMSELFISH
Pomacentrus vaiuli
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
PRIACANTHIDAE
Bigeyes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
from Greek Prion
(saw) + Akantha
(thorn)
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
MOONTAIL BULLSEYE
Priacanthus hamrur
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
44
FAMILY
PTERELEOTRIDAE
Dartfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
BLACKFIN DARTFISH
Ptereleotris evides
Max. length:
45
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
SCARIDAE
Parrotfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder LABROIDEI
from Greek Skairo
(to jump)
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
GREEN HUMPHEAD PARROTFISH
Bolbometopon muricatum
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
(2013)
BICOLOUR PARROTFISH
Cetoscarus bicolor
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
BOWER’S PARROTFISH
Chlorurus bowersi
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
DAISY PARROTFISH
Chlorurus sordidus
Max. length:
46
© Art Faburada
© Reef Fish Identification:
PACIFIC LONGNOSE PARROTFISH
Hipposcarus longiceps
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
YELLOWBARRED PARROTFISH
Scarus dimidiatus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
47
MARBLED PARROTFISH
Leptoscarus vaigiensis
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 187
FESTIVE PARROTFISH
Scarus festivus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
Tropical Pacific. p. 187
BRIDLED PARROTFISH
Scarus frenatus
Max. length:
Tropical Pacific. p. 178
BLUE-BARRED PARROTFISH
Scarus ghobban
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
© Segundo Conales Jr.
DUSKY PARROTFISH
DARK CAPPED PARROTFISH
Scarus niger
Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
SINGAPORE PARROTFISH
Scarus prasiognathos
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
Scarus oviceps
Max. length:
(2013)
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 183
COMMON PARROTFISH
Scarus psittacus
Max. length:
48
FAMILY
SCORPAENIDAE
Scorpionfishes, Firefishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
SCORPAENIFORMES
Suborder
from Latin Scorpaena
(a kind of fish)
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
© Art Faburada
BROADBARRED FIREFISH
Pterois antennata
Max. length:
49
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
SERRANIDAE
Groupers, Sea basses
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder PERCOIDEI
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
© Art Faburada
© Art Faburada
REDMOUTH GROUPER
PEACOCK HIND
Aethaloperca rogaa
Max. length:
Cephalopholis argus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
© Art Faburada
BLUESPOTTED HIND
Cephalopholis cyanostigma
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
CORAL HIND
Cephalopholis miniata
Max. length:
50
© Art Faburada
© Art Faburada
SIXBLOTCH HIND
BROWN-MARBLED GROUPER
Cephalopholis sexmaculata
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus
Max. length:
Tropical Pacific. p. 162
MALABAR GROUPER
Epinephelus melanostigma
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
WHITE-STREAKED GROUPER
51
Tropical Pacific. p. 160
ONE-BLOTCH GROUPER
Epinephelus malabaricus
Max. length:
Epinephelus ongus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
© Reef Fish Identification:
Tropical Pacific. p. 159
GREASY GROUPER
Epinephelus tauvina
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Art Faburada
SQUARETAIL CORALGROUPER
Plectropomus areolatus
Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification:
© Segundo Conales Jr.
BLACKSADDLED CORALGROUPER
Plectropomus laevis
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
Tropical Pacific. p. 164
LEOPARD CORALGROUPER
Plectropomus leopardus
Max. length:
HIGHFIN CORALGROUPER
Plectropomus oligacanthus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
PEACH FAIRY BASSLET
Pseudanthias dispar
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
(2013)
© Art Faburada
RED-CHEEKED FAIRY BASSLET
Pseudanthias huchtii
Max. length:
52
© Art Faburada
YELLOWSTRIPED FAIRY BASSLET
Pseudanthias tuka
Max. length:
53
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
SIGANIDAE
Rabbitfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass NEOPTERYGII
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
© Art Faburada
STREAMLINED SPINEFOOT
Siganus argenteus
Max. length:
MASKED SPINEFOOT
Siganus puellus
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
GOLDSPOTTED SPINEFOOT
Siganus punctatus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
© Segundo Conales Jr.
(2013)
FOXFACE
Siganus vulpinus
Max. length:
54
FAMILY
SPHYRAENIDAE
Barracudas
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
GREAT BARRACUDA
Sphyraena barracuda
Max. length:
55
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
SYNODONTIDAE
Lizardfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
AULOPIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
GRACILE LIZARDFISH
Saurida gracilis
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
56
FAMILY
TETRAODONTIDAE
Pufferfishes
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass NEOPTERYGII
Order
TETRAODONTIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Segundo Conales Jr.
© Art Faburada
(2013)
BLACKSPOTTED PUFFER
Arothron nigropunctatus
Max. length:
SPOTTED SHARPNOSE
Canthigaster solandri
Max. length:
© Art Faburada
VALENTIN’S SHARPNOSE PUFFER
Canthigaster valentini
Max. length:
57
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
FAMILY
ZANCLIDAE
Moorish idol
Class
ACTINOPTERYGII
Subclass
Order
PERCIFORMES
Suborder
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
© Art Faburada
MOORISH IDOL
Zanclus cornutus
Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book
Volume 1
58