148
analis (Waite) and P.compressa (White).
Family Kyphosidae - sea chubs and rudderfishes
This family contains about a dozen widespread species. They are thickly built, oval shaped fish which frequent coral reefs and rocky shores in most tropical and subtropical seas. In general, kyphosids are herbivorous, feeding on algae and other marine growth, although some species are planktivorous. The jaws possess incisor-like teeth at the front. These may be serrated, loosely attached and movable, or may be fixed. There are no molars. Other characteristics of this family are the complete, slightly arched lateral line and the single dorsal fin. Many of these fish will often follow ships, hence the common name !rudderfish1. Six species occur in New Zealand. Those found in the Reserve, parore, Girella tricuspidata, silver drummer, typhosus Sydney onus, sweep, Scorpis aequipinnis and blue maomao, S.violaceus, are common northern New Zealand species. The other two, the mado, Atypichthys striagatus, and the bluefish, Girella oyanea, are commonly found around the north-east offshore islands, but are rare on the coast. There is some argument surrounding the classification of the sweep, S.aequipinnis, and blue maomao, 5.violaceus. Many consider them to be different morphs of the same species. Others distinguish them as two different species. The two are similar in appearance and in meristic characteristics such as the numbers of fin rays and lateral line scales. Recently, Smith et al (1979) suggested that they should be treated as two separate species on the basis of electrophoretio analysis, body colour, head shape and the characteristic number of gill rakers. Further studies have indicated they have different life history features and hence will be discussed here as two separate species. 149
Family: Cheilodactylidae
Pernpheris adspersa - bigeye, bullseye
DESCRIPTION: Bigeyes are small reddish-brown coloured fish. A deep compressed body, short-based dorsal fin and a very large eye help to distinguish these from other fish, especially the slender roughy (Hoplostethus elongatus) which is similar in colour, habitat and mode of life. Juveniles are lighter in colour and not as deep bodied as adults, These fish grow to about 150mm long in coastal waters. Larger fish (up to 200mm long) can be found in the deeper waters of the offshore islands. Adult bigeyes are nocturnal. During the day they shelter in groups of 5-20 fish, under ledges, large boulders and in caves. They may return to the same shelter sites each day. Juveniles up to 40mm long are active during the day. They hover in small groups above rocks or kelp forest, never far from shelter.
DISTRIBUTION: General: P.adspersa is only found in New Zealand. It occurs from the Bay of Plenty northwards on rocky reefs, to depths of 70m. Local: Bigeyes are one of the most abundant planktivores in the Reserve. They are found in areas where there is suitable daytime shelter. Highest densities, of up to 3,200 fish per hectare, occur in the shallow broken rock habitat.
FEEDING: At night adults leave their shelters and disperse over the reef to feed about 4-5m off the bottom. They feed on the relatively large nocturnal plankters, taking mainly amphipods, mysid shrimps and polychaetes. Bigeyes feed by sight, picking individuals out of the water. The juveniles are too small to feed on the large organisms present at night and are restricted to day-time- feeding. They feed mainly on copepods.
LIFE HISTORY: Little is known of the age, growth and age and size at maturity for this species. Spawning has not been observed; however gonads are ripe between November and February. Newly settled juveniles, 10-15mm long, are first noticed around January and continue to settle from the plankton until April. 150
Pempheris adspersa
-I 32mrn to 200mm
New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve
f0*
3750-
1 3000-i 0)o ^ 2250- « a v». 1500-J .a J 750 J I fA // TF^EF ' SG 1 DR
Habitat type V.
Diet Life history patterns
Isopods 7% spawning Crab larvae 5 %
Ostracods 3°/0 juveniles 151
Family: Cheilodactylidae
Girella iricuspldata - parore, black bream
(tricuspidata = three pointed - refers to the teeth)
DESCRIPTION: Parore are fast-swimming fishes with broad, muscular tails and compressed-bodies. They are best identified by their silvery-grey bodies with 10-12 dark vertical bars. The mouth is small and each jaw contains small movable teeth with three points. These fish are usually found in loose aggregations of 10-12 fish which move around shallow water kelp beds. They are diurnal and shelter among the weed or in crevices at night. Their colouration changes to a dark olive green marked with large yellow splotches at night. Juveniles are similar in colour to the adults. They are usually found sheltering beneath the algal canopy or swimming close to an adult. Parore grow up to 600mm long. The average size is 300-350mm in length and 0.5-1.0kg in weight.
DISTRIBUTION: General: Parore occur in Australia and around the North . Island of New Zealand, where they are most abundant between North Cape and East Cape. It is a common species in inshore rocky reefs, weedbanks and mangrove swamps. The fish are not usually found in waters deeper than 10m, except around the offshore islands where the light penetration is high and they occur to depths of 20m. Local: In the Reserve parore are most abundant in the shallow broken rock habitats, where there is plenty of algal growth. The average density is 270 fish per hectare. They are also found in other habitats, but at relatively low densities - 8-28 fish per ha.
FEEDING: G.tricuspidata is herbivorous, taking a mixture of small, turfing red algae and large brown algae. The close-set, tricuspid teeth form a shearing edge which allows fish to bite off a section of plant with a sideways movement of the head. The most intensive feeding activity occurs at dawn and dusk.
LIFE HISTORY: No information is available on age and growth. Spawning has been observed in December and the juveniles settle from the plankton over summer. This indicates parore may be spring- summer spawners. 152
Girelia tricuspidata (D.xv.11-12; A.iii.11-12; VJ.5; P. 16; C.17; LI.48-50.)
k> 50mm to 600mm V
New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve
250 m vx m 200- o 0) x: 150- m •a 100-
E 50 z3 JZIZL E3 /71 SBAR 1 RF 1 TF 1 EF 1 SG ' r±rDR i
Habitat type
V
Diet Life history patterns
Brown algae spawning 47% juveniles
Red algae 53% 153
Family: Cheilodactylidae
Kyphosus sydneyanus - Silver drummer
(Kyphosus = humped)
DESCRIPTION: Silver drummer are similar to parore in form and habit. The body is oval shaped, but is not as strongly compressed as the parore. The head is short with a blunt snout' and a small mouth. There is a single row of fixed teeth in each jaw. Small scales cover the body, and also entirely cover the vertical fins and extend onto the paired fins. The dorsal fin is low and continuous and is able to be depressed into a groove of scales. The body is silvery with darker horizontal lines. Juvenile colouring is usually similar; however, some are olive green with horizontal lines of light brown spots. These assume adult colouration at about 350mm long. Adults can grow up to 600mm and weigh as much as 10kg. These fish usually occur in shallow waters. They are most active at dawn and dusk. During the day they are largely inactive and remain close to shelter, in groups of 3-5 fish. At night they rest in protective crevices.
DISTRIBUTION: General: K. sydneyanus occurs in Australia and New Zealand. It is found around the North Island of New Zealand to Cook Strait, but is most common from East Cape to North Cape. The fish prefer exposed, broken rock and algal covered areas and are usually found no deeper than 10m. Local: In the Reserve silver drummer are found in shallow, broken rock areas. They are present in relatively low numbers, densities having been estimated at about 20 fish per hectare.
FEEDING: This species is an algal browser. The large brown Carpophyllum algae form the major component of the diet. The smaller, turf forming brown and red algae are also eaten. Silver drummer are powerful swimmers, their streamlined bodies well adapted for foraging in shallow, turbulent waters. They move over the reef using their close-set teeth to take small algal fragments.
LIFE HISTORY: Little information ia available on life history- features.. The timing of juvenile settlement, January to April, suggest silver drummer may spawn over late spring and summer. 154
Kyphosus sydneyanus (D.xi.12; A.iii.10; V.i.5; P.17; C.17; LI. 57 - 59.)
to 600 mm 50 mm V.
Distribution within the Reserve New Zealand distribution A
r 25 n
20' o fm 15 - m •a 10 - a> I 5 H SB0R ' RF ' TF ' EF ' SG 1 DR ' Habitat type
Diet Life history patterns 155
Family: Cheilodactylidae
Scorpis aequipinnis • SWQGp DESCRIPTION: Sweep are very similar to blue rnaomao in appearance, distribution, mode of life and feeding habits. They are bluish-grey, paling to light grey on the belly. Juveniles less than 100mm long are grey with orange spots on the sides of the body and dark edges to the dorsal and caudal fins. Although similar in the number of fin rays and lateral line scales, sweep can be distinguished from blue rnaomao by the relatively deeper body, longer head and a higher number of gill rakers on the first gill arch. Sweep possess 38-45 gill rakers compared with 31-36 for blue rnaomao. The average size of sweep in the Reserve is 150-200mm long. The maximum length recorded is 350mm. Large aggregations of similar sized individuals are found, in midwater. They often intermingle with groups of blue rnaomao.
DISTRIBUTION: General: Sweep are found in New Zealand waters as far south as Cook Strait. S.aequipinnis has also been reported from south-east Australia, but there is some doubt as to whether this is the same species that occurs in New Zealand. They are found over rocky reefs to depths of 40m. Local: This is one of the most abundant midwater fish in the Reserve. Sweep are most commonly found in turbulent waters close to shore, where densities can reach 1,240 fish per hectare. They are also found over the deeper reefs. Juveniles can be found close to rocky shelter on the shallow reefs.
FEEDING: Diet and feeding behaviour is almost identical to that of the blue rnaomao. Planktonic copepods are the major food source, with fish eggs, Oikopleura and drifting red algae being seasonally important.
LIFE HISTORY: Maximum age and the size and age at maturity are not known. Juveniles settle at about 10mm in length and grow rapidly to 150-200mm in their first year. The reproductive season is uncertain. Juveniles settle form their planktonic larval stage between July and October, which indicates these fish may be winter spawners. The eggs are smooth and spherical and measure 0.78-0»86mm in diameter. The yolk is non-segmented and golden tinted. 156
Scorois aequipinnis (D.x.28 -30; A.iii. 28- 30; P.17-18; V.i.5; L.I. 63-59.)
Distribution within the Reserve New Zealand distribution
Diet Life history patterns
Arrow worms 4% Crab larvae 3% Others 2% 157
Family: Cheilodactylidae
Scorpis vlolaceus - hluemaomao
DESCRIPTION: These oval-shaped/ laterally compressed fish are iridescent blue gradually fading to light blue on the belly. Juveniles up to 100mm long have a distinctive bright yellow belly and anal fin. The soft dorsal and anal fins are similar in shape and size and the caudal fin is forked. The maximum size attained by these fish is about 400mm in length and 3kg in weight. The average size is 250-300mm. Blue rnaomao are diurnal and are usually found in large midwater aggregations of similar sized individuals, sometimes intermingling with groups of S.aequipinnis. At night the juveniles shelter in rocky refuges whereas the larger fish swim slowly just above the bottom, in deep waters.
DISTRIBUTION: General: S.violaceus is known from New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and New South Wales. It occurs to depths of 40m on the rocky reefs of northern New Zealand as far south as Cook Strait. Local: Blue rnaomao are moderately common in the Reserve. Unlike many other planktivores these fish and the closely related sweep, are not restricted to areas where there is a strong current flow. The large fish are wide ranging and occur over the shallow reefs and sediment flat areas. Adult densities may reach to 800 fish per hectare. Juveniles are found in large groups in areas of shallow broken rock, rarely moving far from shelter.
FEEDING: Blue rnaomao feed in midwater, snapping at the individual planktonic organisms in the water column. Small fish feed almost exclusively on copepods. Larger fish also take mainly copepods ; however at certain times of the year Oikopleura, pelagic fish eggs and drifting detrital algae are taken in large quantities.
LIFE HISTORY: The life span of this fish is unknown. Newly settled juveniles about 10mm long, grow to 120-150mm by the end of their first year. Little is known of the reproductive behaviour. The fish may be late winter-spring spawners as the eggs are present in surface waters in spring and the juveniles settle between mid October and December. The eggs are 0.78-0.80mm in diameter and they have a smooth spherical yolk which contains one oil droplet, about 0.18mm wide. 158
Scorpis vioiaceus (D.x.27-30; A.iāê. 26- 28; P. 18 - 19; V.i.5; L.I.64 - 70.)
Distribution within the Reserve New Zealand distribution
500-
« fe 400- 0 ® 300- Q a - 200- 1 1 1 i 1 SBR1 RF TF EF SG DR Habitat type V Diet Life history patterns 159 Family Pentacerotidae - hoarfishes The majority of fish in this family are found in deep cool waters off South Australia and South Africa. They are also known from Japan, Hawaii, New Guinea and New Zealand. These fish have deep bodies which are triangular or quadrangular is. shape, and are strongly laterally compressed. Their chief characteristics are a long snout, a single dorsal fin which usually has the soft-rayed portion greatly elevated, long and pointed pectoral fins, three spines at the front of the anal fin and an arched lateral line. Small, rough scales cover the body and cheeks. The operculum is covered with rough, exposed bony plates and the preoperculum is serrated. Some species have small barbels on the chin. Five species have been recorded in New Zealand. The giant boarfish, Pari-stioptevus labiosus, and the longfinned boarfish, Zanclistius elevatusf have been found in the Reserve. The other three species are relatively rare. These are Nelson1s boarfish, Gviffinetta nelsonensi, the yellow boarfish, Penetacevos gaponicus, and the southern boarfish, P.richardsoni. Family Pornacentridae - damseifishes The pomacentrids comprise a very large family of small, agile and often brightly coloured fishes. They are distinguished from most other fish by possessing only a single set of nostrils. Other characteristics are a deep, compressed body, a small mouth and a forked tail. The lateral line terminates at the rear end of the dorsal fin. There are usually two anal fin spines. Few species grow larger than 300mm long. The majority of species occur in shallow tropical and subtropical seas, with only a few found in temperate regions. The pomacentrids exhibit a wide variety of social organisations and breeding habits-. In some species the individuals aggregate in large midwater groups. Others are solitary sedentary fish and may be home ranging or territorial. Many species are territorial only during the breeding season and form midwater groups for the remainder of the. year. Breeding habits range form midwater pair spawning to laying eggs in a demersal nest, which is guarded by one or both of the parents. Elaborate courtship displays are usually associated with spawning. 160 Most of these fish are herbivores or plankton feeders. The four species found in New Zealand are restricted to the north- eastern coastline and offshore islands. Two species, the two-spot demoiselle, Chromis digitus, and the black angelfish, Parma alboscapularis, are fairly common, whereas the other two, the one-spot demoiselle, Chromis hypsilepis, and the relatively recently discovered and undescribed species, Pomacentrus sp., are rarely seen. The three genera represented here can be distinguished on the basis of teeth structure and the presence of spines on the opercular bones. Pomacentrus - the teeth are compressed and the operculum is serrated. Parma - there is a single series of compressed teeth in each jaw. The operculum is not spined. Chromis - there are no compressed teeth. 161 Family: Cheilodactylidae Paris!lopterus fablosus - giant boarfish (labiosus - refers to the lips) DESCRIPTION: The body of this species is laterally compressed and covered with small, rough scales. The snout is long and slender, with a small, terminal mouth. There are bands of fine teeth in both jaws. Giant boarfish are coloured dark reddish-brown on the back and pale to light brown on the belly. There are irregular dark markings on the side of the body. Males and females differ in appearance. The male has longer fin rays in the dorsal fin and has a different shaped body and head. The female has a relatively elongated body, a more pronounced snout and the caudal fin is concave, not square-cut or slightly rounded as in the male. The largest specimen on record weighed 6.4kg and measured 610mm. The average size of this fish is 200-300mm in length. DISTRIBUTION: General: This species occurs off the coast of South Australia and north-east New Zealand. They have been reported from several limited localities in New Zealand, including Mayor Island, the Mercury Islands, the Poor Knights Islands and Goat Island Bay, in waters 20-180m deep. Local: P.labiosus has occasionally been sighted in the Reserve in the deeper waters off the seaward reefs of Goat Island. FEEDING: Giant boarfish usually eat small animals found among the encrusting invertebrate growth. Holothuroids, crabs and amphipods form the major portion of the diet. The long slender snout is ideally suited to this feeding habit. LIFE HISTORY: No information is available on the age, growth or breeding habits of this species. 162 Paristioptems labiosus (D.vii.17 .ii. 9 • I; Ui.s; p,17; C.17.) 55mm to 610 mm V. Distribution within the Reserve New Zealand distribution r hm,m 10 occasional sightings on o m the deep reefs o a m JQ E 3 z SBR 1 RF 1 TF * EF * SG 1 DR Habitat type Diet Life history patterns PoSychaetes 8 % Bivalves 8% 163 Family: Cheilodactylidae Zanclistius elevatus - longfinned boarfish {elevatus - refers to the high dorsal fin) DESCRIPTION: Compared to the giant boarfish, P. labiosus, this species has a deeper and shorter body. The longfinned boarfish is easily identified by its long, scthye-like dorsal fin, the longest rays extending backwards. Male and female fish are similar in colour and body form. The body is silvery with three indistinct, oblique grey bands. There is a large, irregular black spot on the dorsal fin and the membrane of the ventral fins is also black. Individuals grow to reach a maximum length of 300mm. The average size is 200-250mm long. DISTRIBUTION: General: ZBelevatus is found in south-east Australian waters and around the coast of the North Island of New Zealand. They usually occur at depths of 20m or more, in small groups of 2-8 fish, but larger groups of up to 20 fish have been reported. Local: A few sightings of longfinned boarfish have been reported on the deep reefs, at depths of 18-20m, off the north-west tip of Goat Island. FEEDING: These fish use their long snouts and fine teeth to pick small animals out of the encrusting invertebrate growth. The diet consists mainly of small crustacea such as crabs and amphipods. LIFE HISTORY: No information is available on the life history features of this fish. 164 Zancilstius elevatus (D.vL25- 28; A.iii.12-15; V.s.5; P. 14 -16 ; C-17.) New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r hmm ® a few sightings on the o m deep reefs m a m n E z3 SBR 1 RF 1 TF 1 EF 1 SG fl DR * Habitat type J Diet Life history patterns 165 Family: Cheilodactylidae Parma alboscapularis - black angeifish (Parma = a shield alboscapularis = white-shouldered) DESCRIPTION: This is a relatively large, deep-bodied pomacentrid. The adults are a uniform black. Males display a white patch behind the eye, during aggressive encounters and sexual displays. Juveniles are similar in shape, but are coloured bright yellow and marked with bright blue dots and lines. There is a large black spot fringed with a bright blue ring, on the posterior part of the dorsal fin. As they grow the body colour changes to yellow-green and adult colouration is finally assumed when the. fish are about 150mm long. Black angeifish can grow to 260mm in length and 2.6kg in weight. The average length and weight are 200-230mm and 0.7kg. These fish are active during the day, but rarely move far from rocky shelters. At night they are found hovering in deep holes and crevices. Individuals are solitary and adults defend territories which are usually centred around a refuge rock ledge or crevice. DISTRIBUTION: General: This is a north-eastern New Zealand species which is most abundant around * the offshore islands. Black angeifish occur in shallow waters, to depths of 10m, over rocky bottoms where there is plenty of algal growth. Local: Only a few fish have been recorded in the Reserve. FEEDING: P.alboscapularis is herbivorous, grazing on the small, turf forming red algae and the soft green algae. LIFE HISTORY: There is no information available on age and growth. The spawning season extends from November to March. At the approach of the breeding season there is a marked increase in aggressive activity between males. This reaches a peak during the breeding season. Courtship and spawning behaviour are similar to the two-spot demoiselle. The female lays her eggs on a bare rock surface within the male1s territory. The nests are about 300mm in diameter and are usually found on a steeply sloping boulder side. Several females may contribute to each nest. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. Incubation time is about 10 days. 166 Parma alboscapularis New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve m m a few fish recorded in o m areas of shallow broken rock m a m n E 3 •Z SBR 4 RF 4 TF 1 EF § SG ^ DR Habitat type V Diet Life history patterns 167 Family: Cheilodactylidae Chromis hypsllepis - single-spot demoiselle DESCRIPTION : This species is similar to the two-spot demoiselle, Chromis dispilus, in size and shape. It is coloured greenish blue on the dorsal surface which gradually changes to pale blue or yellow on the belly* There is only one white spot on either side of the caudal peduncle. DISTRIBUTION: General: The single-spot demoiselle has been recorded from New South Wales, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island and New Zealand. Its New Zealand distribution is similar to that of C.dispulis. It occurs on the east coast and offshore islands from the Bay of Plenty northwards. This species is one of the most common pomacentrids off the coast of New South Wales, where it is known as the brown puller and forms large midwater aggregations. However, it is rare in New Zealand and usually swims as a stanger amongst groups of two-spot demoiselles. Local: This fish is rare in the Reserve. Occasional sightings have been made off the north-western tip of Goat Island. FEEDING: The diet and feeding habits of this fish are almost identical to the two-spot demoiselle. The major portion of their diet consists of planktonic copepods. LIFE HISTORY: No information is available on the age and growth of this species» Like the two-spot demoiselle C.hypsilepis lays its eggs in a demersal nest. Little is known of their courtship and spawning behaviour or of egg and larval development. 168 Chromis hypsilepls New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r 5 I 4) vm. 4 o m JZ 3- m a 2- 03 E 1 _ SBR ' RF ' TF ' EF ' SG 1 DR Habitat type V. Diet Life history patterns 169 Family: Cheilodactylidae Chrornls dispilus - two-spot demoiselle DESCRIPTION: This small compact fish is easily distinguished by its dark blue-grey body and the two conspicuous white spots on either side of the caudal peduncle» During the breeding season male colouration intensifies to become dark blue to violet with the inner edges of the caudal fin white. Juveniles are usually similar in colour to the adults ; however, some are coloured a khaki green. The average size for these fish is 150-200mm in length. The maximum length recorded is around 220mm. Demoiselles are diurnally active fish and are usually found in large midwater groups. At night they shelter in protective crevices. The male demoiselles are territorial during the breeding season. DISTRIBUTION: General: C.dispilus is endemic to New Zealand. It occurs on the north-eastern coast from the Bay of Plenty northwards. Large midwater aggregations are commonly seen around the rocky outcrops, where the current is strong enough to supply an adequate and continuous supply of food. On the coast they are found in groups of 10-30 fish, down to depths of about 20m. Around the offshore islands they form much larger groups of up to 2,000 fish and they occur to depths of 30m. Juveniles usually form small groups of 1-5 fish and remain close to the shelter of rocky crevices. When they have grown to 90-100mm long they begin to form feeding aggregations in the water coloumn. At about 150mm in length they begin to intermingle with adult groups. Local: Groups of 10-50 fish are found around the exposed reefs on the northern and western sides of Goat Island. Densities may reach 440 fish per hectare in some areas of shallow broken rock. These local distribution patterns appear to be related to the distribution and abundance of the small planktonic organisms on which the adult demoiselles feed. FEEDING: Loose aggregations of demoiselles move about in one area and peck at individual organisms in the water. Although feeding appears to be indiscriminant a few prey items predominate in the diet. The larvaeean Oikopleura, copepods and fish eggs are the most common items consumed. However, the diet differs with size and season. Copepods are taken in much 170 Chromss dispilus 25mm to 220mm V. New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve 500n m hmm 400 IZ ^m»o Diet Life history patterns 171 This page has intentionally been left blank 173 Family • Chironemidae - keipfishes The few species comprising this group are found in Australasian seas, mainly in temperate regions. They are characterised by a single dorsal fin with 15 spines and pectoral fins which have the 6-7 lower rays simple in form. Villiform teeth are present in both jaws, but there are no teeth on the palatine bones. „ Only one species occurs in New Zealand, the hiwihiwi, Chironemus marrnovatus. Family Aplodactylidae - marbiefishes Memebers of this small family of weed dwelling fishes have been recorded from South Australia, New Zealand and Chile. Two species occur in New Zealand. The more common marblefish, Aplodactylus meandratus, is found in the Reserve. Another species, A.etheridgii, was first discovered in Northland waters in the early 1970s. It differs in appearance from the former species by having a pronounced notch on the head, red edgings on the gill covers and a linear pattern of white dots on the back. Although it is not found in the Reserve, this species is quite common around the Bay of Plenty and the Poor Knights Islands. Family Cheilodactylidae - sea carps The cheilodactylids are a group of moderate sized, temperate fishes inhabiting the rocky reefs around Australia and New Zealand. They are typified by their well developed pectoral fins and their thick, fleshy lips. The body profile is elevated in front of the first dorsal fin. The tail is forked and, in some species, the pectoral fins have extended lower rays which are used as feelers. Typical colouration is a pale body with dark, oblique or transverse bands. All species are carnivorous. The species recorded in New Zealand are, the red moki, Cheilodaotylus speotabilis} porae, C.douglasi} tarakihi, C.maoropterus; painted moki, C. ephippium-, red morwong, C. fuscus, and the magpie perch, Goniistius bizonorius* The first three species are common inhabitants along the north-east coast of New Zealand, the remainder are only rarely observed. Several of these species are of considerable commercial importance to New Zealand fishermen, notably the tarakihi, C.macvoptevus. 174 Family Latrldae - trumpeters This family of southern fishes is characterised by an elongate body, small pectoral fins and a V-shaped tail. The lower rays of the pectoral fins are undivided and never elongated. The soft dorsal and anal fins are much the same length. These fish are typically coloured green or blue. Trumpeters are wider ranging than the cheilodactylids and are better adapted to an open water mode of life. All species are carnivorous and have well developed teeth. The New Zealand species tend to have a southerly distribution and only the blue moki, Latridopsis ciZiaris, is found in the Reserve. Other New Zealand latrids are the bastard trumpeter, L.fosteri (Castlenau); L.aerosa; the Tasmanian trumpeter, Latris tineata (Bloch & Schneider) and the telescope fish, Mendosoma Zineatvm Guichenot. Suborder Mugiloidei Fish belonging to this suborder typically possess two well separated dorsal fins. The pelvic fins are situated on the abdomen and are composed of one spiny and five soft rays. This suborder contains only one family. Family HHugilldae - mullets Mullets are small to moderate sized fishes, living in coastal and freshwaters of most temperate and tropical regions. They are blunt- nosed, small-mouthed schooling fishes with the unusual habit of leaping out of the water as they race along in their schools. Typical colouration is silvery-grey. The body is oblong, laterally compressed and covered with large, cycloid scales. There is no lateral line? however, furrows in the middle of each scale can often form lateral streaks. The head is usually convex and scaled above and on the sides. The eyes may or may not have an adipose eyelid. The first dorsal fin always consists of four spines. The caudal fin is forked. Mullets are valued food fishes in many countries, but are not heavily exploited in New Zealand. Two species commonly occur in New Zealand, the common mullet, Mugit cephalus, which is usually found in sheltered bays and harbours, and the yellow eyed mullet, Aldriohetta forsteri, which occurs in the Reserve. 175 Family: Cheilodactylidae Chironemus marmoratus - hiwihiwi, keipfish DESCRIPTION: Keipfish are easily identified by body shape and colouration . The body is small and triangular in cross section, with a flattened abdomen. The head is relatively large and pointed with a large mouth. Moderate sized scales cover the body but are absent from the cheeks„ The spiny and soft rayed portions of the single dorsal fin are divided by a deep notch. The pectoral fins are large and the lower rays are thickened and protruding to enable the fish to clasp the rock and brace itself against the heavy wave action experienced in the shallow waters it inhabits. These fish are mottled with olive green and yellowish brown and are densely covered with small yellow spots. Young fish tend to have a red- brown mottled appearance and are covered with small red spots. The maximum size recorded for this species is 500mm in length and 1.8kg in weight. The average size is 250-300mm long. Hiwihiwi are crepuscular, with most activity occurring at dawn and dusk. During the day they are usually found resting on the bottom, in caves or under rock ledges. They form groups of 4-8 fish of varying sizes. These groups are more or less stable and are home ranging. Juveniles are very secretive and are rarely seen. DISTRIBUTION: General: This species has been recorded around Australia, Lord Howe Island and New Zealand. It is found on both coasts of our North Island, increasing in abundance toward the north. Hiwihiwi are common inhabitants of shallow rocky reefs. They are rarely found deeper than 18m. Local: In the Reserve keipfish are most abundant in shallow broken rock and deep reef habitats. Densities are highest in the shallows in the summer and on the deep reefs in the winter, a pattern which suggests hiwihiwi may move from shallow to deep waters during the winter. These fish are also found in other rocky habitats at relatively low densities all year round, numbers ranging from 15-30 fish per ha. FEEDING: Keipfish feed on a wide range of animals, mainly limpets, crabs, chitons, gastropods and polychaetes. The prey is grasped in the mouth and pulled from the rock face or from small crevices, and swallowed whole. LIFE HISTORY: Little is known about age and growth. Gonads are ripe in May; however, neither spawning nor courtship activity has been observed. 176 Chironemus marmoratus (D.xiv.16; AJii.7; V.i.5; P.13; C.18.) New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve 3751 m <5 300- o 0) £ fa. 225- m a a 150 H m n I», £ r7—a r7i SBR RF TF 8 EF 1 SG 1 DR 1 Habitat type Diet Life history patterns Gastropods 10% Polychaetes 10% Amphipods 6% Hermit crabs 4-5% Echinoids 3% Others 1-5% 177 ' Family : Aplodactylidae Aplodactyios meandratys - rnarblefish, granite trout DESCRIPTION: These fish are cryptically coloured greenish-brown with white or yellow spots, giving the fish a marble, or granite-like appearance„ The body is robust, thickened at the shoulders and triangular in cross section. The head is small with a small, downturned mouth and chisel- shaped teeth. Moderate sized scales cover the body. Marblefish seen in the Reserve are about 250-400mm long and weigh 0.5-1.Okg. They can grow to a size of 750mm in length and 5.7kg in weight. These fish are home ranging, solitary individuals. They are usually seen during the day swimming among shallow water kelp beds or sheltering under boulders. DISTRIBUTION: General: A.meandratus occurs in New Zealand and the cool south-east Australian seas. In New Zealand waters greatest abundances are attained in the South Island, although a greater average size may be obtained in the North. These fish inhabit rocky reefs throughout New Zealand, to depths of 18m, especially where there is an abundance of algal food and cover. Local: Marblefish are not common in the Reserve. They are found at an average density of 30 fish per hectare, in areas of shallow broken rock. Some individuals have been sighted on the deep reefs. FEEDING: Although they are active throughout the day, these fish feed most actively at dawn and dusk. This species is a true grazer, feeding almost exclusively on small turfing algae, especially red algae. The fish feed resting on their abdomens, and using their thickened pectoral fins to push them along the substratum. Small fragments are chipped off with the small, chisel-shaped teeth. LIFE HISTORY: Nothing is known of the life history features of this fish. 178 Aplodactylus meandratos (D.xvii.21; A.iii.8; V.5; P.19.) 50 mm to 750mm V. New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r 50 H &mm CO 40 o m «C 30 H hm 0) •GL 20 H n E 3 10H 2 ezl SBR 1 RF ' TF 1 EF 8 SG 1 DR Habitat type Diet Life history patterns Brown algae 15% Green algae 5°/ 179 Family : Cheilodactylidae Cheilodactylos spectabllis - red moki DESCRIPTION: Red moki are moderately large reef fish which grow to a maximum of 600mm long and 4«5kg in weight. Average length is 350-450mm. These fish exhibit the typical cheilodactylid features of a deep, laterally compressed body, well developed pectoral fins and a small mouth with thick, fleshy lips. Large scales cover the body. Normal colouration is 8-10 vertical brick-red bars on the pale body. Sometimes during aggressive interactions, the fish change colour to a uniform bronze. Young fish less than 200mm long, are territorial with respect to other small red moki. They are only found in shallow waters, l-6m deep and tend to move to deeper waters. The larger fish are home ranging and gregarious. Groups of up to six fish are often found in large caverns when they are not foraging. These 'homes8 may be permanent. DISTRIBUTION: General: Red moki occur in New Zealand and cool Australian seas, inhabiting inshore rocky reefs, to depths of 20m. Around New Zealand they are most abundant north of East Cape, but extend south to Cook Strait. Local: In the Reserve these fish are most common where there is plenty of shelter, in the shallow broken rock, deep reef and Ecklonia forest habitats. They are also found in low numbers on the barren rock and turf covered flats. There is no difference in distribution with depth between the two sexes, as was previously thought. FEEDING: These fish feed during the day on a variety of small benthic animals, especially amphipods, polychaetes, ophiuroids and crabs. The food is obtained by removing the prey from the rocks, using the bony, plate-like and sucking mouth, or by munching through large quantities of coralline turf. LIFE HISTORY: Features of age and growth are poorly known. Red moki may live for up to 60 years. Newly settled fish, 30-40mm long, grow to lenghts of about 150mm by the end of their first year. Gonads are ripe between March and May, but spawning has never been observed. The pelagic eggs measure 0.88-0.95mm in diameter and have a sculptured chorion. The non-segmented yolk contains on oil droplet, 0.20-0.23mm in diameter. Juveniles begin to settle in September, into intertidal rock pools and shallow subtidal waters. Mew Zealand distributIon Distribution within the Reserve r 250- m m 200- ®o JC 150- g*. m a ® 100- S2 E 3 50- (71, m vl S8R 1 RF 1 TF rEF~l SG 1 DIRz Habitat type Diet Life history patterns Echinoids 9 % Chitons 5 % Others 3 % 181 Family: Cheilodactylidae Chellodactylus dougiasi - porae DESCRIPTION: Porae are easily recognised by their colour, shape and the elongated lower ray of the pectoral fin. Adults are uniformly coloured blue-grey. The juveniles are greenish-yellow with a dark central spot on either side of the body. The dorsal fin is relatively even in profile. The body is covered with large scales. This fish is similar in appearance to tarakihi, but can be distinguished by the more prominent lips and the absence of a black shoulder band. The'average size is 300-400mm in length, although some can grow to reach 600mm in length and 5kg in weight. Porae are active during the day and usually occur as solitary individuals or in small groups of 3-4 fish. DISTRIBUTION: General: This species is similar in distribution to the red moki. It occurs in south-east Australian seas and in warm New Zealand waters, straggling south to Cook Strait over the summer. Porae live in a wide variety of habitats, to depths of 170m. The young are rarely seen in shallow coastal waters and probably live in deep water or open seas. Adults' usually inhabit coastal rocky reefs; however, large schools of 100 or more fish have been seen offshore, over sandy bottoms. Local: In the Reserve porae are found in all habitat types, but are most common over the deep reef and sponge garden habitats, reaching densities of 40-80 fish per hectare. FEEDING: This species is a roving carnivore, foraging widely over rocky bottom and sandy areas. They feed indiscriminantly on small, mobile animals. The fish feed with a grubbing action as the thick, fleshy lips are applied to the substratum, wrenching and sucking animals from the rocks. The elongated fin rays may be associated with this bottom grubbing mode and perhaps serve some sensory function as probes, or may aid in shifting sand. LIFE HISTORY: Aspects of age, growth and reproduction are largely unknown. Eggs are present in the plankton over the summer, hence the breeding season is thought to be similar to the red moki. Egg diameters range from ^ 0.93-1.03mm. The chorion is smooth and the yolk non-segmented with a single oil droplet, 0.20-0.23mm in diameter. 182 Cheilodactvlus dougfasi (D.xvii- xix. 26-30; A.iii. 16-17; V.i.5; P.8-9; C.16.) 50 mm to 600 mm V. New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve 100 n 80 i t: ®o 60 H m Q. 40 m n I 20 , T^T^T SG D'AR SBR RF TF EF Habitat type Diet Life history patterns Echinoids 10% Crabs 5% Gastropods 2-5% spawning Chitons 2-5% Bivalves 2% Fish 2 % Starfish 1% eggs 183 Family: Cheilodactylidae Cheilodactylus rnacropterus — tarakihi (macropterus = long finned) DESCRIPTION: This deep water schooling fish is similar to the porae (Cheilodactylus douglasi), but it can be distinguished by the dark band on the shoulder. Tarakihi also differ in fin ray counts and by having a shorter snout, thinner lips, smaller and more slender teeth and smaller scales. Like the porae, the tarakihi is oval-shaped and laterally compressed, and the large pectoral fins have the lower ray elongated. Body colouration is silvery with a blue-green to purple sheen on the dorsal surface. At night the adult colouring changes and 4-5 purple bands circle a pale body. The largest tarakihi recorded was 530mm long and weighed about 2c5kg. The average size of this fish is 300-400mm in length. DISTRIBUTION: General: C«macropterus has a broad distribution in southern temperate regions. It has been recorded from New Zealand and the Chatham Islands, southern Australia, the east coast of South America and the southern Indian Ocean. Tarakihi- are found all around New Zealand, but are most common around East Cape and down the east and west coasts of the South Island. They are usually found in waters 100-250m deep, over areas of soft mud. They may also occur over rocky reefs or gravel and sandy areas, sometimes in waters only 10m deep. There is a tendency for these fish to move to shallow waters (50-150m) during the winter. Tagging programmes have indicated that some fish move large distances up and down the coast, travelling up to 200 miles in 10 months, whereas others appear to be resident in an area and move on a relatively limited scale. Local; Tarakihi are not common in coastal areas such as the Reserve. They have occasionally been sighted over the deep reefs around Goat Island, where densities have been estimated at about 2»5 fish per ha. FEEDING; These fish feed mainly by swallowing large amounts of sediment containing animals such as brittle stars, holothurians, crabs and polychaetes. There are also some reports or midwater plankton feeding. 184 ' Cheilodactylus macropterus (D.xviii. 28; A.iii.15; V.L55 P.15; C.15; L.I. 59) Diet Life history patterns 185a LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: Initial growth is. rapid, the fish taking four years to reach an average of 250mm in length. A decrease in growth rate is seen after about 6 years when the fish have matured. Most fish are sexually mature when they are 4-5 years old and between 240 and 340mm long. Males tend to mature at a smaller size (280-300mm) and younger age (4 years) than the females which mature at 310-340mm long when they are 5 years old. The maximum age recorded for a tarakihi is 28 years. Reproduction: Spawning occurs 1 en masse1. Tarakihi aggregate into large groups and all the fish release their gametes simultaneously. Eggs have only been found on the west coast of the South Island around Fiordland, between Bank1s Peninsula and Cook Strait and around East Cape, suggesting that these fish have restricted breeding grounds. Tarakihi are summer-autumn breeders; however the timing of spawning varies with location. In northern waters spawning occurs between March and June, reaching a peak over late April and May. The fish spawn earlier, between November and February, in more southerly regions. The commencement of spawning has been associated with a decline in water temperatures from 17-16°C. Tarakihi are thought to spawn only at night, in waters about 50m deep. Eggs and development: The eggs are spherical, transparent and possess a homogenous yolk, a single oil droplet and a narrow pre-vitelline space. They are typically 0.90-1.00mm in diameter with the oil droplet averaging 0.22mm in diameter. Larvae hatch from the eggs about 50-80 hours after fertilisation. Recent work suggests that the larvae remain in the plankton for 9-12 months befors settling. The structural changes marking the transistion from larvae to juvenile occur when the fish are 68-90mm long. This page has intentionally been left blank 187 Family:Tr ipt erygi ida e Latrldopsis Clliarls - blue moki, moki DESCRIPTION: The colour, elongate body, long dorsal and anal fins, small mouth and thick lips aid in identifying this species. Adult colouration is a deep blue, paling slightly on the belly. The juveniles are similar in shape but are coloured dark green on the back and have a pale ventral surface.. The single dorsal fin is deeply notched and the posterior soft- rayed portion is approximate1y the same length as the anal fin. The caudal fin is V-shaped. Small scales cover the body and cheeks. Blue moki are relatively large reef fish and^can grow up to 900mm long and weigh up to 10kg. Average size would range between 400mm amd 600mm in length and 2.5kg and 3.5kg in weight. DISTRIBUTION: General: This species is found in New Zealand and the cool seas of south-east Australia. It is New Zealand1s most common latrid fish. Blue moki occur throughout New Zealand, but reach peak abundances in southern waters. Numbers begin to taper off around the Bay of Plenty, and north of this area small blue moki are extremely rare. Only large individuals inhabit these warmer waters. They are usually seen swimming over sandy floored canyons, at depths below 30m. Where they are numerous, adults form groups of 4-5 fish and are most commonly found over sandy areas near rocky reefs, in water 10-100mm deep. Juveniles form groups of similar sized individuals in shallow waters. They tend to move to deeper waters as they grow. Local: Large blue moki are1 occasionally seen in the Reserve, either over the rocky reef or adjacent sandy areas, 10-22m deep. These fish range in length from 550mm to 800mm. FEEDING: Blue moki feed on small benthic animals. They grub gently for their food among the sand and gravel. Amphipods, crabs and chitons form the major portion of the diet. An appreciable amount of sand and small stones are also swallowed. LIFE HISTORY: Little is known of the age, growth or reproductive patterns of the blue moki. Spawning has been reported to occur between September and December. 188a Latridopsis ciiiaris r 60mm to 900mm v j New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve m%m (0 rare «M om JEL m a a> E z SBR 1 RF 4 TF 1 EF 1 SG 1 DR 1 Habitat type Diet Life history patterns Chitons 8% Detritus 7% Sea urchins 6% Polychaetes 5% Isopods 3% Gastropods 2°/o Bivalves 1% 189 Family:Tr ipt erygi ida e Aldrichetta fosteri - yellow-eyed mullet DESCRIPTION: Yellow-eyed mullet are long and slender fish. The body is rounded but becomes compressed toward the tail. The head is long and taperedo The mouth is large, with bands of minute teeth on the jaws, the roof of the mouth and the tongue. The caudal fin is strongly developed and is deeply forked. These mullet grow to 500mm in length, but 200-300mm would be the average size. These schooling fish are a dark greenish-blue on the back and silvery white on the belly. The eye is bright yellow and the tips of the caudal fin is dark. They are very similar in appearance to the grey mullet, Mugil cephalus, but can be distinguished by the long, pointed snout, the colour of the eye and the absence of a fleshy surround to the eye. DISTRIBUTION: General: A. fosteri is found in eastern and western Australia and throughout New Zealand. It is common in shallow coastal waters, particularly in bays, harbours and estuaries„ Juveniles are found in river mouthsc Local: These fish are occasionally seen over sandy beaches in the shallow waters- of the Reserve. FEEDING: Yellow-eyed mullet eat mainly algae, detritus and planktonic crustacea. Little else is known of their feeding habits. LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: These fish may live for up to 7 years. Females tend to grow faster and live longer than males. They mature at 170-175mm in length and the males at 145-150mm in length, at 2-4 years of age. Reproduction: Mass spawning occurs off sandy beaches between August and December. The females return to harbour areas immediately after spawning to feed. The males tend to remain on the spawning grounds for a longer period of time before resuming active feeding. This behaviour probably accounts for the differences in male and female growth rates. A female can produce up to 680,000 eggs in one breeding season, each egg measuring about 0.5mm. The eggs are pelagic and found only in coastal waters. Newly settled juveniles, 15-30mm long, appear to make their way into the harbours and river mouths from the open sea, between December and March. 190a Aidrichetta forsteri (D.iv.8-10; A.iii.12-13; V.i.5; P.i.14; L.I.60- 67.) -i 30mm to 500mm New Zealand distribution Distribution within the Reserve r r m*. im,m m midwater schools o m occasionally sighted m •a m XI E z3 SBR 1 RF 8 TF 1 EF ' SG 1 DR A Habitat type Diet Life history patterns spawning eggs Algae, detritus and planktonic crustacea juveniles 191a Suborder Labroldei The labroids are widely distributed throughout temperate and tropical seas, with the number of species and genera particularly abundant over coral reefs. The fish belonging to this division are characterised by the possession of only gills and by the fusion of the lower pharyngeal bones which form a broad, triangular plate on the floor of the gullet. These fish are oblong, sometimes elongate, and compressed in form. This suborder consists of three families. Only the Labridae (wrasses) and Odacidae (butterfish) are represented in New Zealand. The remaining family, Scaridae (parrotfishes), is restricted to tropical and subtropical regions. The labrids are distinguished from the other two groups by their separate, rodent-like front teeth. The odacids and scarids have the teeth in the jaws fused to form a parrot-like beak. Many species in this group are protogynous hermaphrodites, i.e. individuals change sex during their life from female to male. Family Labridae - wrasses This is a large family of marine fishes. The majority of the 500 or so species which comprise the family are tropical, but there are also representatives in subtropical and temperate regions. Wrasses are essentially shallow water reef fish. Most are of moderate to large size and are brightly coloured. They are easily identified by their body shape and prominent front teeth. Several features are common to all labrids. They all have terminal mouths with thick, fleshy lips and a single dorsal fin which is distinctly divided into spiny and soft rayed portions. The anal fin is the same size and shape as the hind portion of the dorsal fin. Typically, the pectoral and caudal fins are rounded. All species have the same basic fin formula: D.ix.ll; A.iii.10; V.i.5. The body is covered with large cycloid scales. Wrasses exhibit a style of swimming termed 1labriform locomotion1. They move slowly by flapping their pectoral fins. The body musculature and tail fin are used only for short bursts of speed when the fish is alarmed. Most species are carnivorous. The sharp, incisor-like front teeth are used for detaching marine animals from the substratum. The pharyngeal 192a plate also bears teeth and is particularly well suited for crushing shells. Some labrids act as 1 cleaners1, feeding on the fungi and animal parasites which infest the skin and gills of other fishes. The crimson cleanerfish, Suezichthys sp., is a notable example among the New Zealand wrasses. The juveniles of some other species may also act as cleaners, e.g. paketi, 1 Pseudolabrus celidotusr and Sandager s wrasse, Coris sandageri. Reproduction in this family is generally by midwater pair spawning. However, some labrids are known to construct nests from seaweed and debris for their eggs and young. Elaborate courtship behaviour is usually associated with spawning in this group. Labrids are diurnally active. At night they shelter in crevices or lie half buried in sand or wrapped in seaweed. Social organisation ranges from the solitary, territorial species to "those in which, the male defends a harem of females. The females of many species form loose groups. Seven of the fourteen New Zealand labrids occur in the Reserve. Most of the other species are restricted to the warmer waters of the offshore islands of north-eastern New Zealand, such as the Poor Knights and the Moko Hinaus. These are, the crimson cleanerfish, Suezichthys sp.; the combfish, Coris picta-, the foxfish, Lepidaplois sp. ; the rainbowfish, Ealichores sp. ; the yellow wrasse, Ancanpses elegans, and the blueheaded wrasse, Thalassoma sp. One other species, the girdled wrasse, Pseudolabrus ductus, is only found in South Island waters. All the labrids in the. Reserve are polymorphic, each exhibiting at least two different colour phases which often, but not always, correspond to the sexual type of the individual. Hence the initial colour phase usually indicates the fish is a female. The larger fish in the final, or terminal colour phase are males. Characteristically these males are outnumbered by females in the labrid populations. The New Zealand labrids are often given the common name 'parrotfish1 which is not strictly correct. This name belongs to members of the tropical family, the Scaridae. 193 Family:. Labridae Pseudolabrus celldotus - paketi, spotty (celidotus = black eared) DISTRIBUTION: This small reef fish exhibits two distinct colour phases. The initial phase (IP) is characterised by a large, central black spot and four transverse brownish bars on either side of the body. The basic body colour ranges from greyish-white through to greenish-yellow, depending on the surroundings. The ventral fins are bright yellow. Individuals change colour between 170mm and 230mm in length. In the terminal phase (TP), the black spot and transverse markings disappear and the characteristic markings become a series of black dots, high on the dorsal surface, with two transverse bars below and several bright blue lines around the eyes and on the gill plates. TP individuals can grow up to 270mm long and weigh about 0.3kg. Colour change can take up to two months. During this transition individuals possess both sets of markings. * IP fish are home ranging and tend to be gregarious when small. As they grow their range of movements increases, but they tend to forage in a solitary fashion, as do the adults. At moderate densities such as that found .in the Reserve, TP fish are territorial, excluding all other TP paketi from their territories. The average territory size is about 2 400m 0 Where densities are high no territorial behaviour is observed. DISTRIBUTION: General: P.celidotus is found in south-east Australia and is also widely distributed around New Zealand, from North Cape to Stewart Island. Paketi occur over shallow rocky reefs to depths of about 20m. Highest densities are found in the more sheltered areas. Local: Spotties are the most abundant labrid and one of the most common reef fish in the Reserve. They are found in all habitat types, especially in areas of shallow broken rock where densities reach 560 fish per hectare. The Ecklonia forest, deep reef and rock flat habitats also support relatively high numbers, densities ranging from 160 to 240 fish per ha. Paketi are less common on the sponge garden and turf flat areas. Small juveniles are usually found in shallow waters, sheltering among the fronds of large brown algae. As they grow the fish become less dependent on shelter, and with a change in diet they gradually move out into the more open broken rock and. rock flat areas. 194a Pseudolabrus ceiidotus (D.ix.11; A.iii.10; V.i.5; P12, C.16; L.I.27.) Initial phase to 230mm 195a FEEDING: Spotties exhibit a shift in feeding preference with size. Small juveniles forage in the kelp, eating amphipods and other small crustacea. At lengths of 100-140mm they begin to spend more time foraging over open, rocky bottoms. This trend increases until all feeding occurs in the open. A wide range of invertebrates are taken, but there is a marked preference for small subtidal mussels. Crabs, hermit crabs, gastropods and limpets are also eaten, but in relatively small quantities. LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: In the Reserve paketi can live for up to 7 years. Initial growth is rapid, the fish maturing in their first year at a size of 110-120mm long. One year old fish are 120-130mm long. Reproduction: The majority of these fish mature as females and spend about two years breeding as females, i.e. producing eggs. Between 170 and 230mm in length they then change sex to become males. Colour change from IP to TP colouration usually, but not always, accompanies sex change. A small proportion of the population (7-10%) changes sex before reaching maturity, and therefore only breed as males. These small males initially retain the IP colouration and change colour later, at about 150mm in length. Sex change usually occurs outside the breeding season. Pair spawning occurs in midwater from July to November. Both males and females spawn several times in one breeding season, with several different mates. The breeding success of a TP male, i.e. the number of times he breeds in one season, appears to be related to the quality of the territory he holds rather than to some aspect of the male himself. IP males do not hold territories. They reproduce by a strategy known as 'streakingr, where the small IP male joins a spawning pair and releases his gametes into the water at the same time. Paketi eggs are pelagic and are common in surface waters during the spring. They are spherical and have a smooth chorion and a non-segmented yolk which contains a single oil droplet 0.15mm in diameter. The egg diameters range between 0.73 and 0.80mm. Juveniles settle from the plankton into the brown algae between December and February, at a size of 15-20mm long. They tend to be more abundant in shallow water kelp stands (0-6m) than in the deep water kelp forests (14-20m). 196a Diet Life history patterns Amphipods 6% spawning Gastropods 4 °/o Limpets 1 % eggs juveniles 197 Family:Tr ipt erygi ida e Pseudolabrus fucicola - banded wrasse, chinaman (fucicola = living in seaweed) DESCRIPTION: The banded wrasse is usually distinguised by its body shape, prominent teeth and banded colour pattern. Colouration varies considerably, often making it difficult to distinguish between the initial (IP) and terminal (TP) colour phases. IP fish are usually brown to olive green with a series of yellow wedges along the back and belly. These wedges appear as series of bright yellow dots on the small juveniles. TP colouring is a dark purple with light yellow bands around the body and also extending onto the dorsal and anal fins„ These larger, older fish have a deeper body and blunter head. The maximum size for this species is 500mm in length. In the Reserve IP fish average 150-200mm in length whereas the TP individuals are 250r300mm long. Small IP banded wrasse are home ranging and gregarious. TP fish and large IP individuals (>250mm long) occupy large home ranges between 300-600m2 in size. DISTRIBUTION: General: P.fucicola occurs in south-east Australia, New Zealand and the Chatham Islands. It is found on exposed rocky reefs along our coasts, to depths of 16m. As with paketi, the juveniles are found in shallow water close to kelp cover, gradually moving into more open areas as they grow. Local: Along the moderately exposed coastline of the Reserve, banded wrasse are most common in the shallow broken rock habitat, where densities reach 76 fish per hectare. They also occur in the Ecklonia forest, deep reef and rock flat habitats, but only at low densities of 4-14 fish per ha. FEEDING: Small juveniles up to 100mm long, feed mainly on amphipods and other small crustacea found in the kelp. The diet quickly diverges as they begin to forage among the algal holdfasts and encrusting growth on rock surfaces. Small, hard-shelled animals such as crabs, hermit crabs and gastropods, are most commonly taken. Large fish up to 230mm long are able to remove and eat limpets and chitons from off the rocks. At this 198a Pseudolabrus fucicola (D.ix.11; A.iii.10; V.i.5; P.13; C.16; L.I.26.) 199a stage the fish feed mostly on exposed rock flat areas. LIFE HISTORY: Age and growth: Banded wrasse are relatively slow growing fisho In the Reserve they live for up to 15 years and reach a maximum size of 340mm long, weighing about 1kg. Newly settled juveniles 30-40mm long grow to reach 120mm by the end of their first year. Maturity is reached in their second year, when the fish are about 180mm long. Reproduction: The pattern of sex change in this species differs from that in paketi. Only some individuals mature and breed for a few years as females then change sex to become males. A large proportion of the population changes sex before reaching maturity and therefore never breed as females. These small males retain the intial phase colouration for a while before changing colour. 40% of the IP population in the Reserve is made up of these males. On the other hand some females never change sex, therefore there may be some very large IP individuals present* These are often described as 1 super females1. Colour change may or may not accompany sex change. This appears to depend on the size of the fish and the breeding opportunities available for the male. Most colour change occurs when the fish are around 250mm long, but over a broad size range of 180-300mm in length. The breeding season extends from July until November. During this time the fish abandon their normal home ranges. Several TP males will set 2 up a group of small territories, each about 20-60m in size. These are normally set up around a group of small boulders. IP fish also tend to congregate around these areas. Males court and pair spawn with several different females during the breeding season. IP males breed by stealing fertilisations in the same manner as the paketi IP males. However, in banded wrasse the TP males also appear to exhibit interference spawning behaviour * Eggs and development: The eggs are pelagic and spherical, with a diameter of 0.78-0.88mm. They are present in the plankton over the spring. The chorion is smooth and the non-segmented yolk contains one oil droplet, 0.175mm in diameter. Juveniles usually settle into shallow water kelp beds. Some recruitment does occur in deeper waters. Juveniles are very secretive and are first observed in the Reserve in January. Recruitment in the Reserve is extremely irregular in --time and space. 200 Diet ' Life history patterns