245

Family: Tr ipt erygi idae

Helcogramma species A - chequered blenny

DESCRIPTION: This fish has a mottled greenish-grey and white chequer- board pattern which renders it almost invisible against the barnacle covered rocky faces on which it lives . The anterior dorsal fin is often marked with a blue or red dot. The males display brillant sexual ~ colouration while courting and spawning. The body becomes dark blue-black and the first dorsal fin and the upper portion of the pectoral fins are bright red. After spawning this colour rapidly fades until the males are only slightly darker than the females. Adult size ranges from 40-70mm in the Reserve. These are solitary fish with large overlapping home ranges. The males may defend small breeding territories during the breeding season.

DISTRIBUTION: General: The chequered blenny "is endemic to New Zealand. The full extent of its distribution is unknown, but it probably occurs throughout New Zealand. It is a predominantly intertidal species with a few individuals inhabiting shallow subtidal waters„ Local: This is one of the most common intertidal fish in the Reserve. It is most abundant in the middle and lower level tide- pools . FEEDING: Foraging occurs in the tidepools and in the swash zone when the tide is in. Principal food items are amphipods, isopods, polychaetes and small gastropods. Barnacle cirri and sandflies are also eaten.

LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: Individuals can live for up to 3 years in the Reserve. Newly settled fish 20-25mm long, have grown to reach 50-55mm by the end of their first year. They reach sexual maturity in that year at a size of 40-45mm. Reproduction: The breeding season extends from May to September. Spawning occurs in the swash zone from mid to high tide. The eggs are laid in empty barnacle shells or in deep cracks in the rock face and are exposed to the air at low tide. The male guards the nest during the time they are covered with water. Juveniles settle into the intertidal region between August and December. 246a

Hefcoqramma sp.A (D. iv. xvi -xvii. 12-13; A.is.22 -23; P.16-17; C-12-13.)

mate breeding colours

9mm to 70mm V j

Distribution'within the Reserve New Zealand distribution r

hmm

+M»CO common in the intertidal o m £ ® a

oQ E 3 z

SBR 1 RF ' TF 1 £F 1 SG 1 DR 1

Habitat type

Vs.

Diet Life history patterns Polychaetes Barnacle cirri 6 °/o Bivalves 5% Crabs 5% spawning

Sandflies 5% juveniles 247

Family: Tr ipt erygi idae

Helcogramma species B - tiger blenny

DESCRIPTION: This tiny, brightly coloured blenny grows only to 30-40mm in length. Body shape is similar to the other tripterygiids, but the head is relatively short and lunt and the pectoral fins are comparatively large. The head, back and sides of the body are red with several irregular orange bars, each of which is edged with lime green. The underside is white. The dorsal fins are red and the first usually has a bright green spot on the lower posterior portion. The other fins are striped yellow and black. During the breeding season, male colouration is similar, but the colours are intensified. The belly becomes bright yellow and there are distinct black markings around the chin and throat. These fish are usually found resting on the sides of large boulders. They are excellently camouflaged against a background of reds, greens and yellows formed by the encrusting invertebrate growth and the turfing red, green and brown algae.

DISTRIBUTION: General: Like the other tripterygiids, this species is probably endemic to New Zealand. Its New Zealand distribution is uncertain although it may occur around the entire country. These fish occur on shallow rocky reefs to depths of 4-5m. Local: In the Reserve, tiger blennies have only been observed on the sides of large encrusted boulders in the shallow broken rock habitats, where densities reach about 100 fish per hectare.

FEEDING: Small mobile crustacea are picked from among the encrusting plant and animal growth covering the rock surface.

LIFE HISTORY: Little is known about this species; however they are probably short lived and grow rapidly to maturity. The extent of the breeding season is uncertain, but spawning has been observed between June and August. The eggs are laid on a rock surface amongst small red algal plants. Males have been observed guarding the nests. 248

Heicograrnma sp. 8 (D. iv. xiv-xvi. 9-11; A. 20-22; P. 15 -17; C.12-13.) ____ ^ —

7mm to 40mm

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve

"N

125-i

® «5 100 H om 75- 0 m a 50- a> ja S 3 25- Z

SBR 1 RF 1 TF 1 EF 1 SG 1 DR 1

Habitat type -js^

Diet Life history patterns 249

Family: Tr ipt erygi idae

GSllobtennluS tripennis - spectacled blenny, stout blenny

DESCRIPTION: This Gilloblennius species is identified most easily by the dark rings around the eyes and the black band running between the eyes. Body colouration varies from a uniform reddish-brown to an irregularly barred slate grey» The fins are usually striped red and blue. Breeding males are black with white ventral fins and a bluish- white fringe to the anal fin. In the Reserve the average size of these fish is 45-55mm; however, lengths of up to 80mm have been recorded. The maximum size for this species is 200mm. Spectacled blennies are secretive fish, usually found sheltering under small rocks or in crevices. They are home ranging and mature 2

males defend small territories of about 0.5m , from neighbouring males.

DISTRIBUTION:

General: This species is endemic to New Zealand and is found around the entire country, on rocky reefs down to depths of 100m. Local: G.tripennis occurs in all habitats in the Reserve. It is most abundant in areas of shallow broken rock where densities can reach about 2,000 fish per- hectare. FEEDING: These fish feed on a wide variety of small benthic animals. Amphipods and hermit crabs form the major part of the diet.

LIFE HISTORY: Spectacled blennies live for 2-3 years in the Reserve. Juveniles grow rapidly from a size of 15-20mm to reach maturity in their first year. Spawning occurs between June and November. The eggs are laid on the underside of small rocks within the male1s territory and are guarded by him until all the eggs have hatched. The transparent, spherical eggs are 1.12-1.20mm in diameter. Irregular patches of tendrils on the outer surface anchor the egg to the substratum and neighbouring eggs. The yolk is colourless, about 0.90mm in diameter, and contains 10-11 oil droplets and 3-4 pigment spheres. The newly hatched, larvae are about 5mm long. They still retain a very small yolk sac which is completely reabsorbed by the time they have reached 6mm long (see page 230) . Juvenile settlement occurs between September and December. 250a

Gilloblennius tripennss (D.iii. xiv. 15° 16; A.i.24; ¥.2; P. 16.)

male breeding colours

9mm to 200 mm

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve

2500-

52000J P7: 4M 0 m 1500H mlb. u. ioooH ® J3 1 500 J z a a ST7\ A rr-A A TF I /E F/ 1 SG1 DR

Habitat type 251

Family: Tr ipt erygi idae

Gillobleonlus decemdlgitafus - snake blenny, threepenny

DESCRIPTION: This species is distinguished from G.tripennis by its more elongate body, flatter and more pointed head and its fin ray counts„ The fish is mottled greenish-grey in appearance and has a series of yellow marks along the sides and back. The fins may be bluish-grey, reddish-orange or striped red and blue. The first dorsal fin usually has a bright blue central spot. Breeding males are dark purple to brown, with a bluish-white fringe to the anal fin. The average size of these fish in the Reserve is 60-90mm; however, in more southerly regions they can grow to lengths of 200mm. Snake biennies are secretive fish and spend most of their time sheltering under rocks and boulders and in crevices.

DISTRIBUTION: General: G*decemdigitatus is an endemic species and is found on rocky reefs around the entire New Zealand coast. Local: In the Reserve this fish is found in intertidal and shallow subtidal regions, wherever there is suitable shelter. They are rarely seen at depths greater than 2m. Densities in shallow broken rock habitats have been estimated at 100 fish per hectare.

FEEDING: The diet is similar to the other tripterygiids and consists mainly of small crustacea and gastropods. Short forays from shelter are made to look for food.

LIFE HISTORY: Nothing is known of the age, growth, age and size at maturity or the social organisation of this species. .• - • . Spawning occurs' between June and October. The eggs are laid on the undersides of flat stones below low tide level, in areas of dense algal growth. The eggs are colourless, spherical and measure 1.12-1.20mm in diameter. The yolk is 0.90mm wide and contains 10-11 oil globules with 3-4 associated pigment spheres. Newly hatched larvae still retain the yolk sac, but this is absorbed by the time the larvae are about 7mm long and about 5 days old (see page 230). 252 Gigfobiennius decerndlgitatus (D.iii. xix.15; A.i.27- 28; ¥.2; P.18-19.)

Diet Life history patterns 253

Family: Tr ipt erygi idae

Notoclinops segrnentafum - handed blenny

DESCRIPTION: This small brightly coloured fish is easily recognised by its red and white barred body and the bright blue ring around the eyes. The pectoral fins, snout and cheeks are tinged with orange. During the breeding season the anterior portion of the male1s body becomes bright orange and the posterior portion is jet black. The average size of this fish is 30-40mm, but the maximum length recorded in the Reserve:is 50mmo Individuals are home ranging and the males defend small territories 2 of 0.5-1.Om during the breeding season, from other small tripterygiids.

DISTRIBUTION:

General: N. segmentation is endemic to New Zealand, occurring on rocky reefs around the entire coast. It is restricted to the subtidal region and is found in waters l-20m deep. Local: These fish are found in most habitat types. Greatest densities, about 3,000 fish per hectare, occur in the shallow broken rock and deep reef areas. The banded blenny is usually found on vertical or steeply sloping cliff faces, boulder sides and overhangs where there is plenty of encrusting growth and crevices for food, shelter and nest sites. FEEDING: Small crustacea such as amphipods and copepods form the major part of the diet of this species. The fish feed in a similar manner to F.Vavium, picking animals out from the encrusting animal and plant growth.

LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: The life span of the banded blenny is about 2 years. Newly settled juveniles about 15mm long, grow rapidly to mature during their first year and are 30-35mm long on entering their second year. Reproduction: Spawning occurs from August to November. The eggs are laid in small crevices on the rock surface, often amongst the algal and hydroid growth. The breeding system appears to be similar to F.Vavium. The male courts passing females. The females lay their eggs in the males territory then leaves him to guard the nest until all the eggs have hatched. Juveniles settle from the plankton between late September and January. 254a

Motoclinops segrnentatym (D.iv. xvi •xvii.12'13» A.i.23-24; ¥.2; P. 12; C.12.)

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve

3750n

£ 3000-1 o p? m * 2250- 0 m 1500^ m n J 750 H v,

f71 0 SBaR 1 RF 1 TF 1 EF 1 SG 1 DR

Habitat type

Diet Life history patterns

Barnacle larvae 5°/o

Poiychaetes 5°/o spawning Ostracods 3% Gastropods 2% Sponges 1°/o juveniles 255

Family: Tr ipt erygi idae

Notoclinus cornpressus - red topnot

DESCRIPTION: Several features identify this species. The body is

laterally compressed and the head is blunt with large mouth and lips 0 The fish is entirely covered with uniformly large thin cycloid scales„ There are three dorsal fins. The first is descendant and consists of four, permanently erect spines. The second in also composed of spines and is never longer than the third soft-rayed fin» The red topnot is a weed dwelling fish coloured reddish-brown and often marked with darker brown oblique bars and blotches along the body. There are also brightly pigmented patches in the membrane of "the dorsal and anal fins. These fish are solitary and secretive, and are rarely seen in the field. In the Reserve they average 50-60mm in length but can grow up to 70mm long. The largest individual recorded for this species was 95mm.

DISTRIBUTION: General: N. cornpressus is an endemic species and is found throughout New Zealand. It is most abundant in northern waters. Local: In the Reserve these fish inhabit large brown algae of the genus Carpophyllum, in low level intertidal pools and shallow subtidal waters down to depths of about 5m. In the shallow broken rock habitat they occur at densities of about 24 fish in every 100 Carpophyllum plants.

FEEDING: These fish 'walk' through the weed, using their ventral and pectoral fins, while searching for food. Any animal of suitable size is taken. Amphipods, isopods and copepods predominate in the diet.

LIFE HISTORY: There is little information available on the age and growth of this species, and little is known of its reproductive habits. Gonads are ripe between August and December. The fish are thought to lay their eggs in nests constructed by intertwining algal branches. The larvae are known to be planktonic, at least for a short time. 256

Notoclinus compressus (D.iv. x-xl 10-115 A.i.18-20; V.2; P. 10-11; C.9; L.3.17-18.)

9mm to 95mm

New Zealand distribut ion Distribution within the Reserve r

mbm ® intertidal and shallow o ® «C subtida I weed - dwel ler mhm a hmm n •E z

SBR 8 RF 1 TF 1 EF 4 SG 1 DR

Habitat type

Diet Life history patterns This page has intentionally been left blank 258a

Family Clinidae - weedfishes

This is a large family of small, elongate fishes. They differ from the Blenniidae principally by the possession of scales, which cover the entire body. They are one of the relatively few families of bony fishes which bear their young alive instead of laying eggs. The family Clinidae is strongly represented in the cooler waters of the southern hemisphere, especially around South Africa and Australia. The clinids found in New Zealand are all weed.dwelling species. They are secretive, cryptically coloured fish which browse small copepods, amphipods and isopods off the algae. The teeth in the jaws are conical and there are no branched rays in the pectoral fins. Two weedfishes are commonly found in New Zealand, the crested weedfish, Cristioeps auranticus, and the long-nosed weedfish, Ericentrus ruber. 259 Family: - Clinidae

Ericentms ruber - long - nosed weed fish

DESCRIPTION: This small weed dwelling fish is easily distinguished by its small head, long pointed snout and its single long dorsal fin. Although there is a distinct break between the 4th and 5th dorsal fin spines all the fins are connected by a membrane, at least on their basal half• The whole fin is composed of spines, except for the one soft ray at the tail end. The pectoral fins are small, the tip of the longest ray not reaching back to the first anal spine. The eyes are large with a two-branched tentacle above each. The body is covered with small scales, but the head is scaleless. The lateral line commences above the pectoral fin, then drops rapidly and passes to the base of the caudal fin along the midline of the body. The anterior third of the lateral line is distinct, while the remaining portion is indicated only by a broken line. Body colouration is uniform gold to reddish-brown with a few dark spots scattered along the back, sides and fins. These fish are usually 50-60mm long and reach about 80mm in length in the Res erve <> Max imum size recorded for the species is~ 95miru E.ruber is a solitary and secretive fish, and is rarely seen in the field.

DISTRIBUTION: General: This species occurs in New Zealand, throughout the North and South Islands, and in the Chatham Islands. They are only found among the frond of the brown algae belonging to the genera, Carpophyllum and Cystophora, in intertidal and shallow subtidal regions. Local: This species^is not common in the Reserve. In shallow broken rock habitats it occurs at densities of about 8 fish in every 100 Carpophyllum plants.

FEEDING: The long-nosed weedfish feed exclusively on small crustacea living in the seaweed they inhabit. Amphipods and copepods are the major food items- taken.

LIFE HISTORY: No information is available on the age, growth or reproductive habits of this species. 260

Ericentrus ruber (D. iv, xxxv-xxxvii,1; A. ii.24 - 25; P. 12; C.11-12; L.1.16-19.)

8mrn to 95mm

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r \

hm.m **m intertidal and shallow o m subtidal weed - dweller m Ql JDi® E z3

SBR 8 RF ' TF 8 EF 1 SG ' DR '

Habitat type

V. J

Diet Life history patterns 261

Family: - Clinidae

Cristiceps ay rant lacy s - crested weedfish

{Criticeps = crested head aurantimcus = gilded)

DESCRIPTION: The crested weedfish has a long slender body and two dorsal fins. The first fin is short-based and tall and is situated between the eye and gill cover. The second dorsal fin is long and uniform in height. The anal fin is also long. These fish possess a small mouth with fleshy lips and have extremely reduced scales deeply imbedded into the skin. They are coloured gold or reddish-brown, often with darker patches on the head and sides. The membrane of the dorsal and anal fins are also irregularly marked with dark pigment patches. This colouring, together with the long wavy dorsal and anal fins provide excellent camouflage for this fish in its algal habitat. Crested weedfish are small solitary fish which grow to a size of about 60mm in length in the Reserve; however, they have been recorded as long as 230mm. They are rarely observed in the field as they spend most of their time sheltering in algal plants. They may occasionally be observed resting on the rocky substratum.

DISTRIBUTION: General: C. aurantiacus has been reported from New Zealand, Lord Howe Island and southern Australia. In New Zealand it is confined to the north eastern coast, from Hawkes Bay northward. They live in coarse brown algae at and below low tide mark. Occasionally specimens have been found as deep as 90m. Local: The crested weedfish is most abundant in the Reserve in the deeper water Ecklonia forests (12-16m). It is also encountered in the shallow, more exposed areas.

FEEDING: The diet is similar to other small weed dwelling fish, consisting mainly of small crustacea and gastropods found on the kelp. Like N.compressus, these fish 1 crawl1 over the kelp surface in search of food.

LIFE HISTORY: Nothing is known of the life history features of this fish.

N.B. page numbers 262-269 omitted These pages have been intentionally left blank 270a

Cristiceps aurantiacus (D.iii. xxvi - xxviii. 6- 7; A.ii.22- 24; ¥.3; P. 10; C.19.)

9mm to 230mm

Mew Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r

m CO weed - dweller o m «c %m m a m n E z3

SBR 1 RF ' TF - EF 1 SG 1 DR 1

Habitat type

Diet Life history patterns

weed-dwelling crustacea and gastropods 271a

Suborder Scombroid©!

This division includes such fishes as the mackerel, tuna, swordfish., sailfish and spearfish. Most of the best known game fish are scombroids„ The majority of species are large, fas t-swimming surface predators. They are especially abundant in temperate and tropical oceanic waters with a few occurring in coastal regions. The .characteristic features of this group are the slightly compressed, streamlined body with two well separated dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is spinous. Series of isolated finlets run from the bases of the second dorsal and anal fins to the tail. The caudal peduncle is slender and armed with lateral keels. The teeth are small and sharply pointed. Two families are represented in the Reserve.

Family Scotnbridae - mackerels and tuna

This family consists of small to moderate sized schooling fishes which are widely distributed in most warm seas of the world. They are powerful and swift swimmers, living at or near the surface of the sea. They are characterised by their spindle-shaped bodies and a tail fin which is divided into two distinct lobe's. The body is either naked or covered with minute, closely adherent, smooth scales. These scales are thicker in the shoulder region in some species, thus forming a corslet. ^ The head is sharply pointed and the mouth is large. There are 5-7 dorsal finlets and an equal number of ventral finlets. The lateral line may be simple or branched. Tunas are the largest members of this family, reaching lengths of 3.6m and weighing up to 700kg. They are unique among fishes in that they are warm blooded, their body temperatures being several degrees higher than the surrounding water temperature. The tuna exhibit several adaptations for fast swimming. They have streamlined bodies. The spinous dorsal fin, the pectoral fin and ventral fins fit snugly into grooves or depressions in the body, offering only a minimum of resistance to the water. The soft dorsal and anal fins together with the finlets, act as stabalizers. The power for locomotion is provided by the tail and body musculature. These muscles receive a larger blcod supply than normal for fish, hence the . • reddish colouration of the flesh. Tuna are able to reach speeds of 50kph. 272a

The smaller, similarly adapted mackerel are also capable of these speeds. Scombrids are valued food fishes and form a major part of the fish catch for many nations. Annual catches around New Zealand, by both New Zealand and foreign fishing vessels, are relatively modest reaching about 25,OOOt. In 1974 the total catch of sixty nations was estimated at 1.8 million tonnes. Species recorded in New Zealand waters are, the skipjack tuna, Katsuwonus pelamii; albacore, Thunnus alalungay southern bluefin tuna, T.maccoyi; yellowf in tuna, T. albacccres} bigeye tuna, T. obesus; frigate tuna, Auxis thazccrd; Australian bonito, Sarda australis; slender tuna, Allothunnus fallai; butterfly tuna, Gastevochisma melampus and the blue mackerel, Soombev austvalasicus.

Family Gernpylldae - snake mackerels

Snake mackerel are deep water, mackerel-like fishes. They are predatory and have a large mouth with strong sharp teeth. The body is elongate and laterally compressed. Like the scombrids there is a series of finlets behind both the dorsal and anal fins. The lateral line may be single or double. They usually have only one dorsal fin, with the long spiny portion being followed by a short soft-rayed portion. The scales are small or absent altogether and there is no lateral keel. Two species occur in New Zealand waters, the barracouta or snoek, Thrysites atun, and the gemfish, Rexea solandri (Cuvier & Valenciennes). The two are easily distinguished as the gemfish has a double lateral line whereas the snoek possesses only a single lateral line. 273

Family: Scombridae

Scomber australaslcus - mackerel, blue mackerel

DESCRIPTION: Mackerel can be distinguished from other fishes by their body shape and colouration, the widely separated dorsal fins and the row of finlets along the caudal peduncle behind the dorsal and anal fins. The body is rounded with a pointed head and tapered tail forming a streamlined spindle. The dorsal surface is blue-green with a pattern of dark, oblique, lines. The sides and belly are silvery white with a row of dark spots along the sides and below the lateral line. Small scales cover the entire body. The anal fin spine is independent of the soft-rayed portion. The average size of these fish is 300- 400mm in length, although they can grow to lengths of 600mm. Mackerel are typically strong active swimmers which live near the surface in large schools.

DISTRIBUTION: General: These fish are widely distributed in the Pacific o o Ocean between 45 S and 45 N. They often frequent New Zealand coastal waters north of Bank1s Peninsula. During the winter they are largely absent from the southern parts of their New Zealand range. They are especially abundant throughout the year in areas south-east of North Cape, off Gisborne, in the South Taranaki Bight and in Tasman Bay. Local: Schools of blue mackerel generally occur well offshore, but individuals have occasionally been reported in the surface waters of the Reserve.

FEEDING: Small pelagic fish predominate in the diet but squid are also eaten.

LIFE HISTORY: The life span of these fish is about 15 years. Very little is known of their growth, age and size of maturity or reproductive behaviour. Blue mackerel breed over the summer months. Eggs and larvae are found in the plankton of northern waters. The eggs are smooth and spherical. They range in diameter between 1.14mm and 1.24mm. The yolk is non- segmented and contains a single oil droplet measuring 0.30-0.33mm in diameter. 274

Scomber austraiasicus (D.x-xii. i.Tf, 5~6; A.i.12. 5-6 ; LI.160.)

I I . 40mm to 600mm V.

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r

m %mm surface schools, o a> rare m a m n E 3

SBR 8 RF 9 TF 1 EF 1 SG * DR 1

Habitat type'

Diet Life history patterns 275 Family: Gempylidae

Thrysites atun - snoek, harracouta

DESCRIPTION: The snoek is slender in form with a pointed head and large mouth, which is armed with strong sharp teeth. The spiny and soft-rayed portions of the single dorsal fin are separated by a distinct notch. Finlets are present on the caudal peduncle behind the dorsal and anal fins. This species closely resembles the true barracuda (family Sphyraenidae) in appearance and behaviour, and probably occupies a similar ecological position in temperate waters. Snoek are dark blue on the dorsal surface and silvery on the sides and belly. The dosal fin is edged with black. The maximum size reached is 1.8m; however, the average length is 600-900mm. Specimens 1-1.35m have been recorded in the Reserve. These fish occur at all depths, at the surface, in midwater and near the bottom. They are usually seen in groups of 2-4 fish, either swimming rapidly or drifting motionlessly in the water.

DISTRIBUTION: General: Toatun is found in temperate waters of the southern hemisphere around the coasts of New Zealand, South Australia, South Africa and South America. They are common in New Zealand waters to depths of 100-200m. Local: These are wide ranging fish and will occasionally visit inshore rocky reefs such as the Reserve.

FEEDING: Snoek usually forage in midwater taking small pelagic fishes, squid and pelagic crustacea. The occasional presence of some bottom dwelling fish, crustacea and polychaetes suggests there is some bottom feeding.

LIFE HISTORY: Age growth and reproductive habits of this fish are largely unknown. Pelagic eggs are present in central and southern New Zealand waters from spring to autumn, suggesting spawning may take place over the winter and spring. The eggs which measure 0,91-1 et)6mm, have a smooth chorion and a non-segmented yolk. There is only one oil droplet which measures 0.23-0.27mm in diameter. 276

Thyrsites atun (D. xx.i.11,7; A.L10,7; V.i.5; P.14; C.17.)

Distribution within the Reserve s-i

midwater and surface

swimming,

occasional • visitors

SBR 8 RF 1 TF 1 EF 1 SG 1 DR 1

Habitat type J

Diet Life history patterns 277a

ORDER TETRADONT1FORMES

This is a highly advanced order of specialised fishes. They are characterised by an incomplete skeleton with few vertebrae, a reduction of the opercular bones, a small gill opening, a small mouth and rudimentary or obsolete ventral fins. They are usually solitary sluggish fish of tropical waters that rely, for protection, on spines, bony armour or being distasteful or poisonous. Two suborders and six families comprise this order.

Suborder BaSistoidei

These fish have deep laterally compressed bodies, with two dorsal fins» The first dorsal fin consists of 1-6 spines. The ventral fins are lacking or reduced to one spine. Scales when present, are rough and often coalesced to form hard plates. The Balistoidei are predominantly tropical and subtropical fishes. They are divided into three families on the basis of differences in the structure of the spinous dorsal fin. Members of the family Balistidae (triggerfish) have three spines in the first dorsal fin. The first of these spines can be locked in an upright position. The Monacanthidae (filefish and leatherjackets) differ by possessing only one dorsal spine, which can can be locked in an erect position by a second rudimentary spine„ The boxfish, family Ostraciidae, do not possess an erectile spine. Only the family Monacanthidae is represented in New Zealand.

Family SVfonacanthldae - leather jackets and filefishes Tne 50 or so species in this family occur in tropical and temperate seas, mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. The fish are small to moderate in size, sluggish and usually herbivorous. Typically the body is diamond- shaped , the mouth small and terminal, and the teeth separate and implanted in sockets in the jaws. The 'scales have become modified to form bony pinnules and have coalesced to give the skin the feel of coarse sandpaper. The surface of the fish is free of mucous. There are no ventral fins, no spines in the anal fin and the pectoral fins are small. Some species have poisonous flesh. Monacanthids are poor swimmers. They exhibit a typical style of 278a

swimming - 'balistiform locomotion1. The fish can move slowly forwards or backwards by undulating the soft dorsal and anal fins.

Suborder Tetradontoidel

All f-ish in this group have their teeth formed into a solid beak. The body is short and oblong. They lack pelvic fins, fin spines and scales. The naked or may be covered with spines, bristles or small plates. All species except the sunfish, are capable of inflating their bodies when alarmed and thus causing their spines to stand erect. These fish are found in all warm seas. They are poor swimmers and generally drift with the currents. Their poisonous flesh, powers of inflation and body armour render them immune from attack. Three families comprise this group, the pufferfish, Tetradontidae; porcupine fish, Diodontidae and the sunfish, Mo1idae. Species belonging to the latter two families are found in the Reserve.

Family Diodontidae - porcupinefish

This family differs from the Tetradontidae by the beak being divided so that the fish are two-toothed as the name implies, rather than four- toothed. There are 15 species most of which occur in warm shallow waters, although some are found in the cooler temperate or deep waters. % The body is square in outline and covered with long spines. The fish can inflate their bodies to a round ball by taking in large quantities of water. Porcupinefish recorded in New Zealand are Allomycterus whitteyi and Diodon hystrix Linne. Only the former has been found in the Reserve.

Family IVIolidae - sunf ish

Sunfish are peculiar oceanic fishes occurring in all seas. The body is laterally compressed and truncate. The caudal fin exists as a narrow band with no caudal peduncle. Pectoral fins are absent. Both the dorsal and anal fins are tall and short-based. The skin is naked and leathery. These large harmless fish are usually seen drifting in surface waters. The family consists of three species, the ocean sunfish, Mold mota; sharp-tailed sunfish, M. lanceolata and the slender sunfish, Ranzania laevis. Only the ocean sunfish has been recorded in the Reserve. 279

Family: Monacanthidae

Parika scaber - leatherjacket

DESCRIPTION: Leatherjackets are easily recognised by their diamond-shaped bodies, serrated dorsal spine and the pointed snout with its small mouth. Individuals are usually mottled with dark and light grey. The caudal fin of the female is grey whereas that of the male is dull yellow with a black vertical stripe near the end of the fin. During the breeding season territorial males usually become a uniform dark grey with their colouration darkening, almost to black, toward the head and the edges of the body. Small juveniles which shelter among kelp fronds are cryptically coloured golden brown. Leatherj ackets can grow to reach 400mm in length and about 0.5kg in weight. However, the fish in the Reserve only reach 260-290mm in length. These fish are active during the day and are home ranging. Juveniles and adults often form loose foraging groups. However, many fish are solitary, the males defending well defined territories from neighbouring males. These males often form pairs with a female who is confined to the male * s territory during the spawning season. A male's territory ranges in 2 size between 100 and 200m . The schooling fish tend to move over much 2 wider areas of about 800m „ During aggressive encounters leatherj ackets rapidly raise and lower their dorsal spine and wave the tail fin fin up and down. These displays are most frequent and intense between territorial males at the onset of the breeding season. A similar display is used by males when courting females.

DISTRIBUTION: General: P.scaber is found in New Zealand and cool south-east Australian seas. It is a common inhabitant of rocky reefs throughout New Zealand and can be found down to depths of 30m. Local: In the Reserve leather j ackets are most abundant over the deep reefs where they reach densities of 800 fish per hectare. They are also found in other subtidal habitats at densities ranging from 20 to 120 fish per ha. These local distribution patterns appear to be primarily due to patterns of juvenile recruitment.

FEEDING: Small juveniles 15-20mm long shelter in the kelp fronds and their diet consists mainly of amphipods. As the fish grow and become less dependent on shelter they begin feeding off the rocky substratum. The 280a

Parika scaber <0.33-36; A.31- 36; P.12; C.12.)

30mm to 400 mm

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r 1000 m £ 800 o 0 ^ 600 ® i a w© 400

1 200H z 17: IZL 1771 , I7"71 r A SBR 1 RF TF 1 EF * SG DR

Habitat type v. J

Diet Life history patterns

Sea urchin 9%

Polyzoans 7% spawning

Hydroids 3% Barnacle.2 /o eggs Others 1%

juveniles 281a

proportion of bottom dwelling animals in the diet gradually increases. Fish greater than 100mm long usually feed on open rock faces. At this stage they eat a wide variety of encrusting organisms including sponges, ascidians and polyzoans. The small beak-like teeth, which are produced at the front to form sharp blades, are ideally suited to the leatherjacket1s foraging habit of nibbling at encrusting animals. The fish typically feed with their bodies at right angles to the substratum.

LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: Fish tagging programmes have shown that leatherjackets in the Reserve can live for 7 years or more. Juveniles settle at 5-15mm in length and grow rapidly to reach about 140mm in length by the end of their first year. The maximum length of 260-290mm at about two years of age, after which there is no measurable growth. In different localities individuals can grow to reach a greater maximum size; however the growth pattern is similar. That is the fish grow quickly to maximum' size then show no further increase in length. Reproduction: Individuals reach sexual maturity in their second year when they are 190-220mm long. Their gonads are ripe between August and November. Although intense courtship activity has been observed over this time, spawning has never been witnessed, despite many hours of observations. Leatherjacket eggs are pelagic and are common in the plankton over the summer. The eggs are spherical measuring 0.65-0.73mm in diameter. They have a smooth chorion and a non-segmented yolk which contains a single oil droplet, about 0.15mm wide. Juveniles settle from the plankton into the large brown algae between late December and February. Most of the settlement occurs into deep water stands of Ecklonia radiata-, however low numbers are also observed in shallow water. 282a

Typical feeding posture of the leatherjacket.

if 283

Family: Diodontidae

Aliorrsycterus whitleyi - porcupinefish

DESCRIPTION: Porcupine fish are squarish in outline and are covered with long sharp spines. The dorsal fin is surrounded by spines, one at the front and a pair on each side. Both dorsal and anal fins are short-based and each is composed of 16 soft rays. The fish are grey and marked on the sides with darker blotches. The maximum size recorded for this species is 350mm in length and 10kg in weight, when deflated. These fish are able to inflate their bodies when threatened, by swallowing water. When the body is inflated the spines protrude in all directions, consequently the fish is rarely attacked. It takes a little over a minute for the fish to inflate its body and longer to deflate. Normally, porcupine fish are solitary animals, but small groups have been observed. __

DISTRIBUTION: General: A.whitleyi is found in New Zealand and south-east Australian waters. The fish occur in all parts of New Zealand but are most abundant in the north. They are usually found at moderate depths, less than 18m, near Ecklonia forests, rarely moving far from the rocky ledges and overhangs that are used for shelter. Local: These fish are not commonly found in the Reserve, although a few sightings have been recorded.

FEEDING: Food consists of gastropods, echinoids, crustacea and polychaete worms. The powerful jaws can crush these large hard-shelled invertebrates which most other fish can not eat. Little is known of their foraging habits.

LIFE HISTORY: No information is available on age and growth or the age and size at which these fish reach sexual maturity. The breeding season not accurately known, but the presence of eggs in the plankton during autumn suggests that spawning occurs over the summer. The eggs are large, ranging from 2.0 to 2.23mm in diameter. The yolk contains 20-35 small oil droplets. 284

Aflomycterus whitleyi (D.16,; A.16> P. 20; C.9.)

New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve

m &mm occasional sightings o d>

m a hm m jD E

FTTH SBR 1 RF ' TF 1 EF 1 SG 8 DR

Habitat type

Diet Life history patterns 285

Family: Molidae

Mola moSa - sun fish

(Mola = a millstone)

DESCRIPTION: The body of this fish is srongly compressed from side to side, and is almost rectangular in form. The snout is blunt and the mouth small, containing one beak-like tooth in each jaw. The small gill slit is situated immediately in front of the pectoral fin. Both dorsal and anal fins are narrowly based and tall. There is no caudal peduncle and the tail fin is present as a wavy frill on the posterior end of the body. Scales are absent and the skin is tough and leathery. The dorsal surface, fins and tail are grey with a greenish-brown tinge. The flanks and ventral surface are slightly lighter in colour. The largest sunfish on record was- caught in New Zealand and was 3m long and weighed about 3, 7&>kg. Sunfish are usually solitary, although they sometimes form groups of up to 15 fish. They are most frequently seen floating near the surface during the summer. These are often assumed to be old or dying fish as they usually occur at depths of 30-50m. However, it is possible that these surface fish are feeding oh the soft-bodied plankton such as salps and jellyfish, which are abundant in surface waters over the summer. Their method of propulsion is most unusual. The two long fins move in unison from side to side, describing a figure 8. It takes considerable time for the fish to build up speed. Sunfish suffer from heavy parasitic infestation, especially in the mouth and around the eyes and gill slits. This infestation may account for the tremendous leaps these fish sometimes make out of the water.

DISTRIBUTION: General: Mola mola occur in the tropical and temperate oceans of the world. In New Zealand they are most commonly sighted in Northland waters; however they are occasionally seen as far south as Otago in the summer. Local: These fish are only rare visitors to coastal areas such as the Reserve.

FEEDING: Sunfish feed on a large range of pelagic and benthic animals, including plankton, jellyfish, crustacea, echinoderms and fish. 286a Mola mola 287a

LIFE HISTORY: Little is known of the age, growth or breeding habits of this species. It has been estimated that female sunfish may produce as many as 3 million eggs in one year. Young sunfish are very like ordinary fish in appearance, with an elongate body and a caudal peduncle. Juveniles like this up to 450mm long, have been sighted around the Poor Knights Islands. At this stage the fish are protected with an armour of strong spines. Five of these spines grow into long horns; one from the middle of the back, the snout and the chest and one form each side of the body. As the fish develops these spines shorten, the body deepens and the lobes of the tail fin begin to fuse to the body of the fish. Gradually all the spines are discarded and the tail shrinks. By the time the tail is 12mm long the fish has assumed the basic adult form.