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 Surgeonfishes, Unicornfishes (p. 1) Aulostomidae Trumpetfishes (p. 5) Balistidae Triggerfishes (p. 6) Caesionidae Fusiliers (p. 8) Carangidae Jacks, Trevallies (p. 9) Chaetodontidae Butterflyfishes (p. 10) Cirrhitidae Hawkfishes (p. 14) Ephippidae Batfishes (p. 15) Fistularidae Cornetfishes (p. 16) Gobiidae Gobies (p. 17) Sweetlips (p. 18) Haemulidae Holocentridae Squirrelfishes (p. 19) Kyphosidae Sea chubs (p. 20) Labridae Wrasses (p. 21) Lethrinidae Emperors (p. 26) Lutjanidae Snappers (p. 29) Mullidae Goatfishes (p. 32) Muraenidae Moray eels (p. 33) Nemipteridae Whiptail breams (p. 34) Ostraciidae Boxfishes (p. 35) Pinguipedidae Sand perches (p. 36) Pomacanthidae Angelfishes (p. 37) Pomacentridae Damselfishes (p. 38) Priacanthidae Bigeyes (p. 44) Ptereleotridae Dartfishes (p. 45) Scaridae Parrotfishes (p. 46) Scorpaenidae Scorpionfishes, Firefishes (p. 49) Serranidae Groupers, Sea basses (p. 50) Siganidae Rabbitfishes (p. 54) Sphyraenidae Barracudas (p. 55) Synodontidae Lizardfishes (p. 56) Tetraodontidae Pufferfishes (p. 57) Zanclidae Moorish idol (p. 59) FAMILY ACANTHURIDAE Surgeonfishes, Tangs, Unicornfishes
from Greek Akantha Class ACTINOPTERYGII (thorn) + Oura (tail) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder ACANTHUROIDEI 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
© Toppx2 © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 JAPANESE SURGEONFISH LINED SURGEONFISH Acanthurus japonicus Acanthurus lineatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 © Art Faburada ELONGATE SURGEONFISH WHITECHEEK SURGEONFISH Acanthurus mata Acanthurus nigricans Max. length: Max. length:
1 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 48 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 50 BLACKSTREAK SURGEONFISH BROWN SURGEONFISH Acanthurus nigricaudus Acanthurus nigrofuscus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 45 © Art Faburada ORANGESPOT SURGEONFISH CHOCOLATE SURGEONFISH Acanthurus olivaceus Acanthurus pyroferus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 STRIATED SURGEONFISH WHITEMARGIN UNICORNFISH Ctenochaetus striatus Naso annulatus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 2 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 SPOTTED UNICORNFISH SLEEK UNICORNFISH Naso brevirostris Naso hexacanthus Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 ORANGESPINE UNICORNFISH ONEKNIFE UNICORNFISH Naso lituratus Naso thynnoides Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada BLUESPINE UNICORNFISH BIGNOSE UNICORNFISH Naso unicornis Naso vlamingii Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 3 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 TWOTONE TANG SAILFIN TANG Zebrasoma scopas Zebrasoma velifer Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 4 Volume 1 FAMILY AULOSTOMIDAE Trumpetfishes
from Greek Aulos Class ACTINOPTERYGII (flute) + Stoma (mouth) Subclass Order SYNGNATHIFORMES Suborder 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
from Greek Balein Class ACTINOPTERYGII (to throw) Subclass once considered as “trash fish” Order TETRAODONTIFORMES Suborder 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 © Toppx2 ORANGE-LINED TRIGGERFISH CLOWN TRIGGERFISH Balistapus undulatus Balistoides conspicillum Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. 2013 TITAN TRIGGERFISH BLACK TRIGGERFISH Balistoides viridescens Melichthys niger Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 6 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) PINKTAIL TRIGGERFISH RED-TOOTHED TRIGGERFISH Melichthys vidua Odonus niger Max. length Max. length
© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) BOOMERANG TRIGGERFISH HALFMOON TRIGGERFISH Sufflamen bursa Sufflamen chrysopterum Max. length Max. length
© Art Faburada GILDED TRIGGERFISH Xanthichthys auromarginatus Max. length
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 7 Volume 1 FAMILY CAESIONIDAE Fusiliers
from Greek Caesius Class ACTINOPTERYGII (bluish-grey) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder PERCOIDEI 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 © Art Faburada BLUE AND GOLD FUSILIER DARK-BANDED FUSILIER Caesio caerulaurea Pterocaesio tile Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) BANANA FUSILIER Pterocaesio pisang Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 8 Volume 1 FAMILY CARANGIDAE CHAETODONTIDAE Jacks, Trevallies
from French Carangue Class ACTINOPTERYGII (name of a Caribbean Subclass fish) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) COACHWHIP TREVALLY GIANT TREVALLY Carangoides oblongus Caranx ignobilis Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada BLUEFIN TREVALLY BIGEYE TREVALLY Caranx melampygus Caranx sexfasciatus Max. length: Max. length:
9 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 FAMILY CHAETODONTIDAE Butterflyfishes
from Greek Chaite Class ACTINOPTERYGII (hair) + Odontos (teeth) Subclass NEOPTERYGII Order PERCIFORMES Suborder PERCOIDEI 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. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) PHILIPPINE BUTTERFLYFISH THREADFIN BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon adiergastos Chaetodon auriga Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) EASTERN TRIANGULAR BUTTERFLYFISH BLUELASHED BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon baronessa Chaetodon bennetti Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 10 Volume 1 © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) SADDLE BUTTERFLYFISH SUNBURST BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon ephippium Chaetodon kleinii Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Toppx2 BLACKBACK BUTTERFLYFISH ORNATE BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon melannotus Chaetodon ornatissimus Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada SPOT-NAPE BUTTERFLYFISH SPOTBAND BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon oxycephalus Chaetodon punctatofasciatus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 11 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) LATTICED BUTTERFLYFISH CHEVRON BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon rafflesi Chaetodon trifascialis Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) MELON BUTTERFLYFISH PACIFIC DOUBLE-SADDLE BUTTERFLYFISH Chaetodon trifasciatus Chaetodon ulietensis Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada VAGABOND BUTTERFLYFISH LONGNOSE BUTTERFLY FISH Chaetodon vagabundus Forcipiger flavissimus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 12 Volume 1 CIRRHITIDAE
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Toppx2 LONGNOSE BUTTERFLYFISH PENNANT CORALFISH Forcipiger longirostris Heniochus acuminatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada HORNED BANNERFISH Heniochus varius Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 13 Volume 1 FAMILY CIRRHITIDAE Hawkfishes
from Latin Cirrus Class ACTINOPTERYGII (curl, fringe) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 © Art Faburada DWARF HAWKFISH ARC-EYE HAWKFISH Cirrhitichthys falco Paracirrhites arcatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada BLACKSIDE HAWKFISH Paracirrhites forsteri Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 14 Volume 1 FAMILY EPHIPPIDAE FISTULARIIDAE Batfishes, Spadefishes
from Latin Ephippium Class ACTINOPTERYGII (horse saddle) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 © Art Faburada DUSKY BATFISH LONGFIN BATFISH Platax pinnatus Platax teira Max. length: Max. length:
15 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 FAMILY FISTULARIIDAE Cornetfishes
from Latin Fistula Class ACTINOPTERYGII (pipeline) Subclass Order SYNGNATHIFORMES Suborder 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 16 Volume 1 FAMILY GOBIIDAE Gobies
from Greek Gobius Class ACTINOPTERYGII (goby) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder GOBIOIDEI 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
from Greek Haimaleos Class ACTINOPTERYGII (bloody) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 © Art Faburada HARLEQUIN SWEETLIPS YELLOWBANDED SWEETLIPS Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides Plectorhinchus lineatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 171 RIBBONED SWEETLIPS Plectorhinchus polytaenia Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 18 Volume 1 FAMILY HOLOCENTRIDAE Squirrelfishes, Soldierfishes
from Greek Holos Class ACTINOPTERYGII (whole) + Kentron Subclass (sharp point) Order BERYCIFORMES Suborder 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. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) SCARLET SOLDIERFISH LATTICE SOLDIERFISH Myripristis pralinia Myripristis violacea Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) SAMMARA SQUIRRELFISH SABRE SQUIRRELFISH Neoniphon sammara Sargocentron spiniferum Max. length: Max. length:
19 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 FAMILY KYPHOSIDAE Sea chubs
from Greek Kyphos Class ACTINOPTERYGII (hump) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 20 Volume 1 FAMILY LABRIDAE Wrasses
from Greek Labrum Class ACTINOPTERYGII (lip) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder LABROIDEI 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
© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) BLUESPOTTED WRASSE AXILSPOT HOGFISH (JUV) Anampses caeruleopunctatus Bodianus axillaris Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada DIANA’S HOGFISH REDBREASTED WRASSE Bodianus diana Cheilinus fasciatus Max. length: Max. length:
21 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) TRIPLETAIL WRASSE HUMPHEAD WRASSE (JUV) Cheilinus trilobatus Cheilinus undulatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada CIGAR WRASSE ORANGE-DOTTED TUSKFISH Cheilio inermis Choerodon anchorago Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada AFRICAN CORIS DAPPLE CORIS Coris gaimard Coris variegata Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 22 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Art Faburada BIRD WRASSE CANARY WRASSE Gomphosus varius Halichoeres chrysus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada CHECKERBOARD WRASSE PINSTRIPED WRASSE Halichoeres hortulanus Halichoeres melanurus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada ZIGZAG WRASSE BARRED THICKLIP Halichoeres scapularis Hemigymnus fasciatus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 23 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Art Faburada BLACKEYE THICKLIP BLUESTREAK CLEANER WRASSE Hemigymnus melapterus Labroides dimidiatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada BICOLOR CLEANER WRASSE ROCKMOVER WRASSE Labroides bicolor Novaculichthys taeniorus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada CHEEKLINED WRASSE RED SHOULDER WRASSE Oxycheilinus digramma Stethojulis bandanensis Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 24 Volume 1 © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) BLUNTHEADED WRASSE SIXBAR WRASSE Thalassoma amblycephalum Thalassoma hardwicke Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada JANSEN’S WRASSE MOON WRASSE Thalassoma jansenii Thalassoma lunare Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 25 Volume 1 FAMILY LETHRINIDAE Emperors
from Greek Lethrinia Class ACTINOPTERYGII (a fish pertaining to Subclass genus Pagellus) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 © Art Faburada STRIPED LARGE-EYE BREAM ORANGE-SPOTTED EMPEROR Gnathodentex aureolineatus Lethrinus erythracanthus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 119
THUMBPRINT EMPEROR PINK EAR EMPEROR Lethrinus harak Lethrinus lentjan Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 26 Volume 1 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 119 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 120
SMALLTOOTH EMPEROR TRUMPET EMPEROR Lethrinus microdon Lethrinus miniatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 118 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 121
SPANGLED EMPEROR ORNATE EMPEROR Lethrinus nebulosus Lethrinus ornatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 120 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 121
BLACK BLOTCH EMPEROR SLENDER EMPEROR Lethrinus semicinctus Lethrinus variegatus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 27 Volume 1 © Art Faburada
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) YELLOWLIP EMPEROR HUMPNOSE BIG-EYE BREAM Lethrinus xanthochilus Monotaxis grandoculis Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 28 Volume 1 FAMILY LUTJANIDAE Snappers
from Malay ikan lutjan Class ACTINOPTERYGII (a name of a fish) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) SMALL TOOTHED JOBFISH TWO-SPOT RED SNAPPER Aphareus furca Lutjanus bohar Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada CHECKERED SNAPPER DORY SNAPPER Lutjanus decussatus Lutjanus fulviflamma Max. length: Max. length:
29 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 106 © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) BLACKTAIL SNAPPER HUMPBACK RED SNAPPER Lutjanus fulvus Lutjanus gibbus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 105 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 105 BIGEYE SNAPPER ONE-SPOT SNAPPER Lutjanus lutjanus Lutjanus monostigma Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 104 © Art Faburada FIVE-LINED SNAPPER RUSSELL’S SNAPPER Lutjanus quinquelineatus Lutjanus russellii Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 30 Volume 1 © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada MIDNIGHT SNAPPER BLACK AND WHITE SNAPPER Macolor macularis Macolor niger Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 31 Volume 1 FAMILY MULLIDAE Goatfishes
from Latin Mullus Class ACTINOPTERYGII (soft) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) DASH-AND-DOT GOATFISH GOLD-SADDLE GOATFISH Parupeneus barberinus Parupeneus cyclostomus Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) MANYBAR GOATFISH Parupeneus multifasciatus Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 32 Volume 1 FAMILY MURAENIDAE Moray eels
from Latin Muraena Class ACTINOPTERYGII (moray eel) Subclass ELOPOMORPHA Order ANGUILLIFORMES Suborder 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
from Greek Nemas Class ACTINOPTERYGII (thread) + Pteron Subclass (fin) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 © Art Faburada TWO-LINED MONOCLE BREAM PEARLY MONOCLE BREAM Scolopsis bilineata Scolopsis margaritifera Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada THREE-LINED MONOCLE BREAM Scolopsis trilineata Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 34 Volume 1 FAMILY OSTRACIIDAE Boxfishes
from Greek Ostrakon Class ACTINOPTERYGII (shell) Subclass Order TETRAODONTIFORMES Suborder 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
from Latin Pinguis Class ACTINOPTERYGII (fat) + Greek Pous Subclass (foot) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder TRACHINOIDEI 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 © Art Faburada BLACK DOTTED SANDPERCH CYLINDRICAL SANDPERCH Parapercis millepunctata Parapercis cylindrica Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 36 Volume 1 FAMILY POMACANTHIDAE Angelfishes
from Greek Poma Class ACTINOPTERYGII (cover) + Akantha Subclass NEOPTERYGII (thorn) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 Centropyge vrolikii Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada EMPEROR ANGELFISH REGAL ANGELFISH Pomacanthus imperator Pygoplites diacanthus Max. length: Max. length:
37 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 FAMILY POMACENTRIDAE Damselfishes
from Greek Poma Class ACTINOPTERYGII (cover) + Kentron Subclass (sting) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder LABROIDEI 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 © Art Faburada INDO-PACIFIC SERGEANT GOLDEN DAMSELFISH Abudefduf vaigiensis Amblyglyphidodon aureus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada STAGHORN DAMSELFISH YELLOWBELLY DAMSELFISH Amblyglyphidodon curacao Amblyglyphidodon leucogaster Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 38 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Art Faburada YELLOWTAIL CLOWNFISH TOMATO CLOWNFISH Amphiprion clarkii Amphiprion frenatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada CLOWN ANEMONEFISH PINK ANEMONEFISH Amphiprion ocellaris Amphiprion perideraion Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada BICOLOR CHROMIS BLACK-BAR CHROMIS Chromis margaritifer Chromis retrofasciata Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 39 Volume 1 © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) TERNATE CHROMIS BLUE GREEN DAMSELFISH Chromis ternatensis Chromis viridis Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada WEBER’S CHROMIS YELLOW-AXIL CHROMIS Chromis weberi Chromis xanthochira Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada PALETAIL CHROMIS ROLLAND’S DEMOISELLE Chromis xanthura Chrysiptera rollandi Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 40 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Art Faburada TALBOT’S DEMOISELLE WHITETAIL DASCYLLUS Chrysiptera talboti Dascyllus aruanus © Art Faburada. © Art Faburada.
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada RETICULATE DASCYLLUS THREESPOT DASCYLLUS Dascyllus reticulatus Dascyllus trimaculatus © Art Faburada. © Art Faburada.
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada BLACKBAR DEVIL WHITESPOTTED DEVIL Plectroglyphidodon dickii Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada.
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 41 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Art Faburada ALEXANDER’S DAMSEL AMBON DAMSEL Pomacentrus alexanderae Pomacentrus amboinensis Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada CHARCOAL DAMSEL NEON DAMSELFISH Pomacentrus brachialis Pomacentrus coelestis Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Art Faburada LEMON DAMSEL PHILIPPINE DAMSEL Pomacentrus moluccensis Pomacentrus philippinus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 42 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) BLACKSPOT DAMSEL OCELLATE DAMSELFISH Pomacentrus stigma Pomacentrus vaiuli Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 43 Volume 1 FAMILY PRIACANTHIDAE Bigeyes
from Greek Prion Class ACTINOPTERYGII (saw) + Akantha Subclass (thorn) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 44 Volume 1 FAMILY PTERELEOTRIDAE Dartfishes
from Greek Pteron Class ACTINOPTERYGII (wing) + Eleotris Subclass (name of a Nile fish) Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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
from Greek Skairo Class ACTINOPTERYGII (to jump) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder LABROIDEI 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. (2013) © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) GREEN HUMPHEAD PARROTFISH BICOLOUR PARROTFISH Bolbometopon muricatum Cetoscarus bicolor Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada BOWER’S PARROTFISH DAISY PARROTFISH Chlorurus bowersi Chlorurus sordidus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 46 Volume 1 © Art Faburada
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 178 PACIFIC LONGNOSE PARROTFISH MARBLED PARROTFISH Hipposcarus longiceps Leptoscarus vaigiensis Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 187 © Art Faburada YELLOWBARRED PARROTFISH FESTIVE PARROTFISH Scarus dimidiatus Scarus festivus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 187 © Art Faburada BRIDLED PARROTFISH BLUE-BARRED PARROTFISH Scarus frenatus Scarus ghobban Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 47 Volume 1 © Art Faburada
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) DUSKY PARROTFISH DARK CAPPED PARROTFISH Scarus niger Scarus oviceps Max. length: Max. length:
© Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 183
SINGAPORE PARROTFISH COMMON PARROTFISH Scarus prasiognathos Scarus psittacus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 48 Volume 1 FAMILY SCORPAENIDAE Scorpionfishes, Firefishes
from Latin Scorpaena Class ACTINOPTERYGII (a kind of fish) Subclass Order SCORPAENIFORMES Suborder 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
from Latin Serranus Class ACTINOPTERYGII (saw, fish saw) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder PERCOIDEI 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 Cephalopholis argus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada BLUESPOTTED HIND CORAL HIND Cephalopholis cyanostigma Cephalopholis miniata Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 50 Volume 1 © Art Faburada
© Art Faburada SIXBLOTCH HIND BROWN-MARBLED GROUPER Cephalopholis sexmaculata Epinephelus fuscoguttatus Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 162 © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 160
MALABAR GROUPER ONE-BLOTCH GROUPER Epinephelus malabaricus Epinephelus melanostigma Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 159
WHITE-STREAKED GROUPER GREASY GROUPER Epinephelus ongus Epinephelus tauvina Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 51 Volume 1 © Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013)
SQUARETAIL CORALGROUPER BLACKSADDLED CORALGROUPER Plectropomus areolatus Plectropomus laevis Max. length: Max. length:
© Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific. p. 164 © Art Faburada
LEOPARD CORALGROUPER HIGHFIN CORALGROUPER Plectropomus leopardus Plectropomus oligacanthus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Art Faburada PEACH FAIRY BASSLET RED-CHEEKED FAIRY BASSLET Pseudanthias dispar Pseudanthias huchtii Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 52 Volume 1 © Art Faburada YELLOWSTRIPED FAIRY BASSLET Pseudanthias tuka Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 53 Volume 1 FAMILY SIGANIDAE Rabbitfishes
from Latin Siganus Class ACTINOPTERYGII (rabbit fish) Subclass NEOPTERYGII Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 MASKED SPINEFOOT Siganus argenteus Siganus puellus Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada © Segundo Conales Jr. (2013) GOLDSPOTTED SPINEFOOT FOXFACE Siganus punctatus Siganus vulpinus Max. length: Max. length:
Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book 54 Volume 1 FAMILY SPHYRAENIDAE Barracudas
from Greek Sphyraina Class ACTINOPTERYGII (a pike/spear-like fish) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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
from Greek Syn Class ACTINOPTERYGII (all together, united) + Subclass Odous (teeth) Order AULOPIFORMES Suborder 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 56 Volume 1 FAMILY TETRAODONTIDAE Pufferfishes
from Greek Tetra Class ACTINOPTERYGII (four) + Odous (teeth) Subclass NEOPTERYGII Order TETRAODONTIFORMES Suborder 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. (2013) © Art Faburada BLACKSPOTTED PUFFER SPOTTED SHARPNOSE Arothron nigropunctatus Canthigaster solandri Max. length: Max. length:
© Art Faburada VALENTIN’S SHARPNOSE PUFFER Canthigaster valentini Max. length:
57 Tubbataha Reefs Fish Book Volume 1 FAMILY ZANCLIDAE Moorish idol
from Greek Zagkios Class ACTINOPTERYGII (oblique) Subclass Order PERCIFORMES Suborder 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 58 Volume 1