Guide to Orders and Families 81

lateral line scales above scales before dorsal fin outer margin smooth outer margin toothed (predorsal scales) lateral–line 114 scales

cycloid ctenoidِّ

scales circumpeduncular Schematic examples lateral line of typical scales scales below

Common scale counts

adipose fin finlets

soft rays (segmented, spinyunbranched) rays or spines usually branched) (unsegmented, always Example of a continuous Accessory dorsal and anal dorsal fin of a spiny–rayed fish fins: adipose fin and finlets

rounded truncate emarginate lunate

side front side front from the dorsal and pointed and separated forked pointed soft rays (branched, spines (solid) segments, 2 halves) anal fins

Construction Most common types of fin rays of caudal fins 82 Bony Fishes GUIDE TO ORDERS AND FAMILIES

Order ELOPIFORMES – Tarpons and allies

Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line present; 23–25 branchiostegal rays; upper jaw extending past eye; tip of snout not overhanging mouth; colour silvery. ELOPIDAE Page 121

very small scales Ladyfishes

To 90 cm. Coastal marine waters and estuaries; pelagic. A single species included in the Guide to Species.underside of head large mouth

gular plate

MEGALOPIDAE Page 121

last ray long Tarpons large scales

To 55 cm. Coastal marine waters and estuaries; pelagic. A single species included in the Guide to Species.underside of head

gular plate Order ALBULIFORMES – Bonefishes

Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line present; 6–16 branchiostegal rays; upper jaw not extending as far as front of eye; tip of snout overhanging mouth; colour silvery. ALBULIDAE Page 121

small scales last ray short Bonefishes

To 100 cm. Coastal marine waters; pelagic. A single species included in the Guide to Species.

mouth subterminal

Order ANGUILLIFORMES – Eels

Body very elongate; fin spines absent; usually scaleless. ANGUILLIDAE well developed dorsal–fin origin lips scales present set well back Freshwater eels

To 120 cm. MainlyAnguilla freshwater, bengalensis but enter labiata estuaries; (Peters, projecting lower jaw benthic. AnguillaOf interest bicolor to fisheries. bicolor Four species recorded pectoral fin inAnguilla Kenya marmoratawaters: Anguilla present mossambica1852); McClelland, 1844; Quoy & Gaimard, 1824; (Peters, 1852). Guide to Orders and Families

MORINGUIDAE 83

Spaghetti eels

To 50 cm. Marine; mostly inshore waters; benthic, projecting lower jaw Moringuaburrowing ferruginea by day, but pelagic at ;night. Moringua Of no javanicainterest to fisheries. ThreeMoringua species microchir recorded in Kenya waters: Bliss, 1883 feeble or absent (Kaup, 1856); Bleeker, 1853. pectoral fins dorsal and anal fins confined to tail CHLOPSIDAE

posterior nostril opening False morays downwards in lip

or absent small, round To about 50 cm. Marine; from shallow coastal waters pectoral fins present gill opening to depthsChlopsis of at least dentatus 300 m;(Seale, benthic. 1917) Of. no interest to fisheries. One species has been recorded in Kenya waters:

MURAENIDAE Page 122 front of eye posterior nostril in Morays

To 400 cm. Marine; mostly in shallow coastal waters small to depths of 165 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. gill opening Eighteen species have been recorded in Kenya waters, and are included in the Guide to Species. dorsal and anal fins restricted to posterior end of body in some species body compressed, SYNAPHOBRANCHIDAE oval in cross section

posteriorof eye nostril Cutthroat eels very close to front

To about 100 cm. Marine; from costal Synaphobranchus waters to depths kaupiiof 4000 Johnson, m; benthic. 1862. Of no interest to fisheries. One species is present in Kenya waters: gill opening ventrolateral

pectoral fins present OPHICHTHIDAE Page 127 or absent posteriorinside mouth nostril pectoral fin present Snake eels within upper lip or

To 100 cm. Marine and estuarine, one species entering freshwater; benthic. Of limited interest to fisheries. Six species have been recorded in Kenya waters, two of which are included in the Guide to Species.

or absent body rounded, circular caudal fin present in cross section 84 Bony Fishes

CONGRIDAE Page 127

lips well pectoral fins Conger eels developed present

To 80 cm. Marine, coral reefs, and mud banks; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Many species, of which two are included in the Guide to Species.

MURAENESOCIDAE Page 128

dorsal–fin origin over or Pike congers before pectoral–fin origin ------

To 250 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters and estuaries to a depth of 100 m; benthic. Of interest to large gill fisheries. Two species are included in the Guide to Species. pectoral fins openings present

large teeth in

midline vomer Order CLUPEIFORMES – Herrings and allies

Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line absent; a row of scutes along ventral profile (except Chirocentridae, some Clupeidae and some Engraulidae); colour silvery.CLUPEIDAE Page 129

Sardines – Sardinellas

To 25 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries and freshwater; mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Seventeen species are included in the Guide to Species. scutes present in most species Page 133 ENGRAULIDAE snout

Anchovies prominent

To 18 cm. Coastal marine waters, mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Nine species are included in the maxilla extending Guide to Species.

well behind eye scutes present in most species CHIROCENTRIDAE Page 135 canine teeth Wolf–herrings body compressed dorsal fin set far back

To 100 cm. Coastal marine waters, mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species are included in the Guide to Species. scutes absent Guide to Orders and Families

PRISTIGASTERIDAE Page 13685

Pristigasterids

To 20 cm. Coastal marine waters, mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. One species included in the Guide to Species. anterior long anal fin with pelvic fin at least 30 rays

Order GONORHYNCHIFORMES – Milkfish and allies

Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line present; 4 branchiostegal rays; mouth small, jaws toothless or teeth reduced; colour silvery. CHANIDAE Page 136

Milkfish scales small

To 180 cm. Marine and estuarine waters; pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. One species is included in the Guide to Species. mouth small

4 branchiostegal rays

Order SILURIFORMES – Catfishes

Barbels present around mouth; a strong spine usually present at front of dorsal and pectoral fins; an adipose fin often present; scales absent, but a bony head shield often present. ARIIDAE Page 136 shield Sea catfishes exposed bony head adipose fin

To 180 cm. Coastal marine and estuarine waters; also freshwaters; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Five species are included in the Guide to Species. usually three

pairs of barbels

PLOTOSIDAE Page 138

Eel catfishes continuous fin

To 40 cm. Marine, entering brackish and freshwaters; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species are included in the Guide to Species.

barbels four pairs of dendritic organ 86 Bony Fishes

Order OSMERIFORMES – Argentines and allies

A diverse assemblage of families characterized by the inclusion of the maxilla in the gape of mouth; fin spines absent; adipose fin often present. ARGENTINIDAE mouth small

Argentines adipose fin

To about 40 cm. Marine, from depths of 80 m to Argentina400 m; benthopelagic euchus Cohen, 1961. and pelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters:teeth absent in anal–fin origin upper jaw behind dorsal fin

BATHYLAGIDAE

Deepsea smelts adipose fin

To about 20 cm. Marine, from the surface down to below 200 m; epipelagic to bathypelagic.Dolicholagus Of no longirostrisinterest to fisheries. ProbablyMelanolagus two species bericoides occur in Kenya(Borodin, waters, 1929). even if never recorded: (Maul, 1948); behind dorsal rays anal–fin origin 17–25 anal–fin fin

ALEPOCEPHALIDAE head usually scaleless absent Slickheads dorsal fin adipose fin far back

To about 70 cm. Marine, usually at depths of below 1000 m. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but no official records. not behind anal–fin origin

dorsal fin

PLATYTROCTIDAE lateral line leading to a large sac containing a tube behind shoulder girdle just below Tube shoulders luminous fluid under skin

To about 20 cm. Marine, between depths of 200 m andrecords. 4000 m; meso– and bathypelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but no official

not behind anal–fin origin

dorsal fin Guide to Orders and Families 87

Order STOMIIFORMES – Hatchetfishes – Viperfishes and allies

Deepsea fishes, having light organs (photophores); chin barbels present in some; premaxilla and maxilla both with teeth, and included in gape of mouth; ventral adipose fin present in some. GONOSTOMATIDAE

Bristlemouths

To about 25 cm. Marine, mostly deeper waters at depths below 200 m; meso– and bathypelagic.Cyclothone Of no albainterest Brauer, to fisheries. 1906, CyclothonePerhaps several pallida species, Brauer, but 1902 only, branchiostegal rays Cyclothonethree species signata recorded Garman, in Kenya 1899. waters: 12–15

STERNOPTYCHIDAE

Marine hatchetfishes

To 20 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below Polyipnus300 m; meso– bruuni and Harold, bathypelagic. 1994, Polyipnus Of no interestmatsubarai to fisheries. ThreePolyipnus species meteori recorded Kotthaus, in Kenya 1967. waters: 6–10 branchiostegal rays light organs Schultz, 1961,

STOMIIDAE behind head dorsal fin shortly Barbeled dragonfishes

To about 40 cm. Marine, deep water, often migrating Chauliodontinae to near–surface at night. Of no interest to fisheries. large Several species recorded in Kenya waters. teeth fang like pelvic fin dorsal fin ends well in dorsal fin far front of anal fin back

Stomiinae Astronesthinae light organ barbel with Order ATELEOPODIFORMES – Jellynose fishes

Guentherus Caudal fin reduced, united with the long anal fin; pelvic fin of adults with single ray on throat (young specimens and have several rays, and the pelvics of the latter are behind the pectorals). ATELEOPODIDAE

short Jellynose fishes dorsal–fin base

To 180 cm. Marine, from depths of about 200Ateleopus m to . \\ natalensis660 m; benthopelagic. Regan, 1921. Of no interest to fisheries. One fused species occurs in the western Indian Ocean: mouth inferior anal and caudal fins y Fishes Page 139 Page Page 138 Page Bon scales scales body withbody except lateral line lateral except scales body without scalesbody body with body - withbody and allies and

head lizard–like far behind eye far standard length standard dorsal–fin origindorsal–fin behind middle of maxilla extending – Lizardfishes

teeth eye tubular eye needle like key–hole shaped key–hole eyes green, pupil green, eyes – Greeneyes

Order AULOPIFORMES Order

EVERMANNELLIDAE PARALEPIDIDAE SCOPELARCHIDAE SYNODONTIDAE CHLOROPHTHALMIDAE Premaxilla forming the gape of the mouth (maxilla excluded); upper jaw not protrusible; adipose fin present; caudal present; fin adipose protrusible; not jaw upper excluded); (maxilla mouth the of gape the forming Premaxilla fin forked. Sabertooth fishes Sabertooth near–surface to migrating often 12 cm. Marine, To at night; mesopelagic. Of no Perhaps interest four species occur to in Kenya waters but fisheries. no official records. Barracudinas To 13 cm. Marine, deep water, often migrating near–surface to at night. Of no waters. in Kenya species recorded Several interest to fisheries. Pearleyes To 13 cm. Marine, below 2300 from m; mostly the below 300 surface bathypelagic. m; meso– to Of and depths no interest waters. in Kenya species recorded to fisheries. Several Lizardfishes 50 cm. To Marine, from shallow waters to depths of species Eight fisheries. to interest Of benthic. m, 200 Species. included in the Guide to Greeneyes from 17 depths cm. of To Deep 150 water, m to 379 potential of and abundance great in Often benthic. m; interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya Species. in the Guide to and included waters 88 Guide to Orders and Families 89

Order MYCTOPHIFORMES – Lanternfishes and allies

Fin spines absent; adipose fin present; light organs (photophores) sometimes present; deep sea fishes. NEOSCOPELIDAE

Blackchins

To about 30 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below 500Neoscopelus m; pelagic macrolepidotus or benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya on body waters: Johnson, 1863. photophores only MYCTOPHIDAE

Lanternfishes

To 30 cm. From the surface (at night) to depths below 2000 m; mesopelagic to bathypelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Several species occur in Kenya head and body waters. photophores on Order LAMPRIFORMES – Opahs and allies

LAMPRIDAEA diverse group of often strange looking fishes. No true spines in fins; pelvic fins under bases of pectorals.

colour red with Opahs white spots

To 180 cm. Marine,Lampris well offshore; guttatus epipelagic.(Brünnich, Of1788). little interest to fisheries, but flesh excellent. One species in the Indian Ocean:

pectoral–fin base REGALECIDAE horizontal

Oarfishes To at least 700 cm. Marine, from the surface to a

Regalecus glesne depth of 1000 m; epi– to mesopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Possibly one species: Ascanius, 1772. elongate ray mouth vertical pelvic fin a single Order POLYMIXIIFORMES – Beardfishes

POLYMIXIIDAE

Beardfishes 4–6 spines

To about 35 cm. Marine, from depthsPolymixia of about berndti 100 m to 650 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya waters: Gilbert, 1905. barbels one pair of 3–4 spines 90 Bony Fishes

Order GADIFORMES – Cods – Hakes

No sharp spines in fins (except in dorsal fin of some pelvic fins widely macrourids); pelvic fins below or anterior to pectoral separated fins and widely separated from each other, usually underside of head entire, but reduced to filaments in some species; barbels often present on chin. BREGMACEROTIDAE 1st single ray dorsal fin with a Codlets To 10 cm, but usually smaller. Marine, from the surface

torecord depths only of 2000 for Bregmaceros m; pelagic. Of mcclellandi no interest to fisheries. Perhaps1840. three species occur in Kenya waters. Official Thompson, pelvic fin MACROURIDAE Page 141

Grenadiers some spine in tapering tail

To 52 cm. Marine, from depths between 200 m and 1000 m; benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Numerous species in the Indian Ocean. Four species absent recorded in Kenya waters, three of which are included caudal fin in the Guide to Species. MORIDAE

Morid cods

To about 25 cm. Marine, in deeper waters; benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Numerous species in the Indian Ocean. Three species recorded in Kenya waters caudal fin always separated from dorsal and anal fin Order OPHIDIIFORMES – Cusk eels – Brotulas

and close together No sharp spines in fins; pelvic fins absent in some pelvic fins filamentous species; when present these fins are placed anterior when present to pectoral fins, sometimes far forward on underside underside of head of head; they are always close together and filamentous, each with not more than 2 rays; caudal fin separate or joined to dorsal and anal fins; snout without barbels. OPHIDIIDAE Page 142 dorsal–fin rays usually equal or Cusk eels longer than opposing anal–fin rays spine on opercle

To 50 cm. Marine, at depths of 650 m; benthic.Neobythites Of no kenyaensisinterest to fisheries. Perhaps severalBrotula species multibarbata occur in Kenya waters. Official records only for Nielsen, 1995 and Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, the latter included in pelvic–fin rays anus behind tip of the Guide to Species. filamentous pectoral fin Guide to Orders and Families 91

CARAPIDAE

Pearlfishes

To about 20 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters; benthic. Living as commensals in holothurians, absent molluscs and ascidians, which they enter tail first. pelvic fins anus far forward, usually Of no interest to fisheries. Numerous species in beneath pectorals the Indian Ocean. Three species recorded in Kenya waters.

Order BATRACHOIDIFORMES – Toadfishes 1st

Head large and depressed, body compressed; two dorsal fins, the with 2 or 3 spines; pelvic fins under throat; gill openings restricted to sides of head; one to several lateral lines on body. BATRACHOIDIDAE 1st

dorsal fin with Toadfishes 2–3 spines

To about 20 cm. Coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Five species occur in the Indian Ocean. No information for Kenya waters.

lateral lines

gill opening small

Order LOPHIIFORMES – Anglerfishes and allies 1st

Body globulose or depressed; spine of dorsal fin modified to form a ‘fishing pole’; gill openings small and circular, usually located below or behind pectoral fins. LOPHIIDAE lure Page 142 body depressed Goosefishes

To 45 cm. Marine, mainly deep water, at depths between 50 m and 500 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species occur in Kenya waters, and are included in the Guide to Species. gill opening small barbels and flaps often present lure ANTENNARIDAE

Frogfishes

To 25 cm. Marine, coastal and surface waters to a depth of 100 m; mostly benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Several species occur in Kenya waters.

elongate gill opening small pectoral–fin lobe 92 Bony Fishes

CHAUNACIDAE lure body globulose

Sea tods

To about 45 cm. Marine, offshore waters in depths Chaunaxbetween 300penicillatus m and 1000 m; benthic. Of noChaunax interest pictusto fisheries. Two species occur in Kenya waters: McCulloch, 1915 and gill opening small Lowe, 1846. OGCOCEPHALIDAE lure very short hidden below the body depressed Batfishes pointed snout

To 20 cm. Marine, coastal and deep waters to at least 2000 m; benthic. Of no interestMalthopsis to fisheries. lutea Several 1891.species occur in the Indian Ocean. Only one species recorded in Kenya waters: Alcock, gill openings small HIMANTOLOPHIDAE body globulose

Footballfishes lure To about 60 cm. Marine, from near the surface bony scales skin with large

to depths below 500 m, pelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species occur in the Indian Ocean. No records in Kenya waters.

Order GOBIESOCIFORMES – Clingfishes

Pectoral fins joined to form an adhesive disc on ventral surface of body at juncture of head and body; a single dorsal finGOBIESOCIDAE without spines. no spines on dorsal fin Clingfishes

To 15 cm, but most species less than 8 cm. Marine, entering also estuaries and freshwater; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters. pectoral fins join to form a sucking disc Order ATHERINIFORMES – Silversides and allies 1st

Small fishes; 2 well separated dorsal fins, the spiny, but often inconspicuous; a silvery stripe on sides. ATHERINIDAE Page 143 2–4 spines silvery band Silversides

To 15 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries, coastal lagoons; pelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species occur in Kenya waters, and are included in the Guide to Species. body without keel ventrally Guide to Orders and Families

NOTOCHEIRIDAE 93

Surf sardines 3–6 spines silvery band

To about 9 cm.Iso Marine,natalensis coastal Regan, surf 1919. waters. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in the western Indian Ocean:

body compressed, forming a sharp keel ventrally

Order BELONIFORMES – Flyingfishes and allies

Either snout beak–like with upper or lower jaws greatly prolonged, or with enlarged, wing–like pectoral, and sometimes also pelvic fins; lateral line near ventral profile of body; a single dorsal fin consisting of soft rays; pelvic fins abdominal. BELONIDAE Page 144

Needlefishes

To about 150 cm. Marine, coastal and offshore waters, some entering estuaries and even freshwater; generally pelagic, swimming near the surface. Of elongate tooth– interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya lateral line near waters, 1 in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. studded jaws ventral profile of body

HEMIRAMPHIDAE Page 146

Halfbeaks

To 44 cm. Marine, coastal and offshore waters, some entering estuaries and even freshwater; generally pelagic,in neighboring swimming countries, near all the included surface. in Of the interest Guide to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 inlower Oxyporhamphus jaw greatly prolonged, except Species.

EXOCOETIDAE Page 147

Flyingfishes

To 30 cm. Marine, pelagic in surface waters; capable of jumping out of the water and gliding for long distances. Of little interest to fisheries. Twelve species lateral line near occur in Kenya waters, all included in the Guide to enlarged Species. pectoral fins ventral profile of body 94 Bony Fishes

Order BERYCIFORMES – Squirrelfishes and allies

Head with spines and crests well developed; fin spines well developed; scales heavy and strongly ctenoid (rough). TRACHICHTHYIDAE 3–8 wide–spaced, and crests strong spines Slimeheads mucous cavities

To about 60 cm. Marine, from depths of about 100 m to 1000 m, rarely below 600 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Probably several species.

scutes 2–3 spines opercular ventral keel of spine

ANOMALOPIDAE

Lanterneye fishes

To 30 cm. Marine, from shallow waters at night to depths below 100 m; benthic.Photoblepharon Of no interest steinitzi to fisheries. One species in western Indian Ocean, never recorded in Kenya waters: Abe & Haneda, 1973. prominent light organ below eye

DIRETMIDAE no lateral line

Spinyfins

To 15 cm. Marine,Diretmus from depths argenteus of 500 Johnson, m to 1864.700 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya waters: body strongly

no spines in dorsal compressed and anal fins

BERYCIDAE Page 151

Alfonsinos eye large 4–7 spines

To 70 cm. Marine, from depths of 200 m to 600 m; bathypelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species occur in the western Indian Ocean, one of which has been recorded in Kenya waters and is included in the Guide to Species.

7–11 rays 1 spine and 4 spines Guide to Orders and Families

HOLOCENTRIDAE Page 15195

Squirrelfishes – Soldierfishes spiny portion of dorsal fin much longer than soft portion To 45 cm. Marine, from shallow coastal waters to eye large depths below 200 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Eleven species have been recorded in Kenya waters, six species in neighboring countries, all of which are included in the Guide to Species.

7 soft preopercle with or rays without a strong spine 4 spines

Order ZEIFORMES – Dories and allies

Body usually compressed and deep; jaws greatly distensible; prominent spines in anterior part of dorsal fin. PARAZENIDAE Page 157

Parazens highly premaxillaries body compressed protrusible To 30 cm. Marine, outer continental slope, from depths of 150 m to 730 m. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in neighboring countries and included in the Guide to Species.

fused behind soft two lateral lines

dorsal fin ZEIDAE Page 157

Dories

body compressed To 70 cm. Marine, outer continental slope, from depths of 90 m to 300 m. Of little interest to fisheries, but flesh excellent. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.

body ridges or plates scutes along fin bases midventral 96 Bony Fishes

Order GASTEROSTEIFORMES – Seamoths and Sticklebacks

Reduced number of branchiostegal rays (1–5); small mouth, often tubular; body covered with armor of dermal plates in most members. PEGASIDAE pectoral fins large and horizontal Seamoths

To about 16 cm. Marine, coastalEurypegasus waters; draconis benthic. Of(Linnaeus, no interest 1766). to fisheries. One species recorded in neighboring countries:

caudal peduncle mouth beneath quadrangular long rostrum

Order SYGNATHIFORMES – Pipefishes and allies

Body elongate, snout tube–like, mouth small; scales sometimes modified to form series of body plates. AULOSTOMIDAE 8–12 isolated Page 157

dorsal fin spines Trumpetfishes

To about 75 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in barbel rounded Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. caudal fin

FISTULARIIDAE Page 158

Cornetfishes – Flutemouths

To about 200 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters. caudal fin with a Of little interest to fisheries, but flesh excellent. Two long filament species recorded in Kenya waters both included in the Guide to Species.

CENTRISCIDAE 1st

Snipefishes and Shrimpfishes dorsal–fin spine

To about 20 cm.Aeoliscus Costal punctulatus marine waters to depths of Aeoliscus80 m. Of no strigatus interest (Günther, to fisheries. 1861). Two species occur in Kenya waters: (Bianconi, 1854); body extremely 2nd dorsal and anal

compressed fins, ventral Guide to Orders and Families 97

SOLENOSTOMIDAE

Ghost pipefishes

SolenostomusTo about 15 cm. cyanopterus Marine, coastal waters. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Bleeker, 1854.

pelvic fin large

SYNGNATHIDAE

Pipefishes and Seahorses

To about 30 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 90 m, littoral pools, lagoons, estuaries, and freshwater; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries, body encased in some species of interest of aquarium trade. Many species recorded in Kenya waters. bony rings numerous joined

Syngnathus sp. Hippocampus sp.

Order SCORPAENIFORMES – Scorpionfishes and allies

Cheeks with a bony strut (posterior extension of suborbital bone to preopercle), usually well developed spines on head and prominent spines in dorsal fin; pectoral fins usually rounded, sometimes greatly enlarged; membranes between lower rays often incised; caudal fin rarely forked.usually single SCORPAENIDAE Page 158

dorsal fin Scorpionfishes – Rockfishes – Velvetfishes

To 40 cm. Marine, from the coastline to depths of 400 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Nineteen species occur in Kenya waters, eleven of which are included in the Guide to Species. Scorpaeninae strong pungent single dorsal spines laterally fin body oval, compressed

Caracanthinae

pelvic fins inconspicuous 98 Bony Fishes

APISTIDAE Page 162

Wasp scorpionfishes

To about 20 cm. Marine. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.

SYNANCEIIDAE Page 162

Venom glands present near Stonefish base of hypodermic–like dorsal–fin spines

To about 40 cm. Marine, coastal waters. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya .s.0111116 waters and included in the Guide to Species.

rays no free pectoral

DACTYLOPTERIDAE Page 163

2 free dorsal–fin Flying gurnards spines 2 dorsal fins

To 40 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.

extremely pectorallarge fin

2 dorsal TRIGLIDAE Page 163

fins Gurnards

To about 16 cm. Marine coastal and deeper waters; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species occur in Kenya waters, three of which are included in the Guide to Species.

3 lower rays of pectoral fin, free

PLATYCEPHALIDAE 1st Page 164

dorsal–fin 2 dorsal fins Spiny flatheads spine short To 100 cm. Marine, on sand and mud bottoms head depressed (1' 1, pp II g

- downin neighboring to a depth countries, of about all70 includedm. Of little in interestthe Guide to fisheries. Five species recorded in Kenya waters, one

to Species. bony ridges spines and Guide to Orders and Families 99

Order PERCIFORMES: PERCOIDEI – Perch–like fishes

Shape extremely variable; either two dorsal fins, or one dorsal fin with anterior elements being sharp spines; pelvic fins usually with one spine and five soft rays, placed well forward on ventral surface of body; maxillary bone not included in gape of mouth, but dorsal to the tooth–bearing premaxilla. AMBASSIDAE body often single dorsal fin deeply notched Asiatic glassfishes semitransparent 1 spine

To about 15 cm. Shallow coastal waters and Ambassisestuaries, gymnocephalus entering freshwater. Of no interestAmbassis to natalensisfisheries. Three species occur in KenyaAmbassis waters: productus Guichenot, 1866.(Lacepède, 1802); Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908; double edge

ACROPOMATIDAE 3 spines Page 166

2 dorsal fins Lanternbellies

To 30 cm. Marine, from depths of 100 m to 600 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species occur in Kenya waters and are included in the Guide to Species. 2–3 flat opercular spines DINOPERCIDAE 9–11 spines Cavebasses

To 65 cm. Marine, on rocky reefs Dinopercato depths beyondpetersi 50 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. A single species occurs in Kenya waters: (Day, 1875). opercle ends in 2 points

SERRANIDAE 3 spines Page 167

Groupers – Seabasses – Rockcods – Hinds – Combers – Coral trouts – Lyretails – Soapfishes 2–3 flat spines

To 250 cm. Marine, from the coastline to depths beyond 380 m; also estuarine; mostly benthic; a large and diverse family. Of major interest to fisheries. Fifty–five species occur in Kenya waters, 47 of which are included in the Guide to Species. PSEUDOCHROMIDAE lateral line in two 1–3 spines parts Dottybacks

To about 10 cm, but most species less than 5 cm. Shallow coastal waters, especially coral reefs to depths of about 100 m; benthic. Of interest to the aquarium trade. Ten species have been recorded in Kenya waters. 100 Bony Fishes

PLESIOPIDAE lateral line in two 11–26 spines Roundheads parts

To about 25 cm. Marine coastal waters and estuaries. PlesiopsOf no interest coeruleolineatus to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but only one species recorded in Kenya waters: st Rüppell, 1835. 1 spine and 4 soft rays, 1 ray thickened and bifurcate

3 spines

OPISTOGNATHIDAE 10–12 lateral line

Jawfishes spines incomplete

To about 35 cm, but most species smaller than 11 cm. Marine, in shallow waters to depths of 200 m; benthic on sandy bottoms. OfOpistognathus no interest to margaretae fisheries. Ten species occur in the western Indian Ocean; one recorded in Kenya waters: maxilla prolonged Smith–Vaniz, 1983. in some species 2–3 spines

TERAPONTIDAE Page 180 11–14 spines Grunters mouth small

To about 30 cm. Marine, coastal waters and estuaries. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 2 opercular spines

3 spines KUHLIIDAE Page 181

10 spines Aholeholes

To 40 cm. Marine coastal waters, estuaries, and entering freshwater. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 2 opercular spines

3 spines PRIACANTHIDAE eyes large Page 182 10 spines Bigeyes

To 50 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of aboutin neighboring 200 m; benthic.countries. Of little interest to fisheries. One species has been recorded in Kenya waters; five membrane

and body between pelvic fin

3 spines Guide to Orders and Families 101

APOGONIDAE eyes large 2 dorsal fins 6–8 spines Cardinalfishes 1 spine

To about 20 cm, but most species less than 12 cm. Shallow coastal waters, and some in brackish and freshwater; benthic and benthopelagic at night. Of interest to the aquarium trade. Several species have been recorded in Kenya waters. SILLAGINIDAE 2 spines Page 184 1 slender often 1 opercular 10–13 spines 2 dorsal fins Smelt–whitings spine ///// A/411111 spine

To 35 cm. Marine coastal waters and estuaries. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in ,1011111111''. Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.mouth small

2 weak spines MALACANTHIDAE Page 185 1 opercular 1–10 spines Tilefishes spine

To 45 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, one of which included in the Guide to Species. lips fleshy 1–2 spines LACTARIIDAE Page 185 2 dorsal fins

False trevallies 7–8 spines 1 spine

To 40 cm. Marine coastal waters. Of little interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya neighboring countries and is included in the Guide to Species. teeth canine–like

3 spines st POMATOMIDAE 1 Page 185 dorsal fin short and low with 7–8 spines Bluefishes

To 130 cm. Marine, brackish; pelagic–oceanic; oceanodromous. Of major interest to fisheries. One species circumglobal and included in the Guide to Species. teeth prominent RACHYCENTRIDAE Page 186

6–9 separate spines 1–3 spines Cobias

To 200 cm. Marine, pelagic in coastal waters, occasionally in estuaries. Of interest to fisheries. One species present in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 2–3 spines 102 Bony Fishes

ECHENEIDAE Page 186

Remoras – Sharksuckers 410 sucking disc

To about 90 cm. Marine, pelagic; attach to larger marine animals such as sharks, turtles, and marine mammals. Of no interest to fisheries. Eight species worldwide, one of which recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. CARANGIDAE Page 186 short and embedded 4–8 spines, very scutes often Jacks – Trevallies – Scads – Queen–fishes – in some species Runners – Pompanos present

To about 165 cm. Marine, from coastal waters to

a depth of 200 m; a few species entering brackish st waters; coastal pelagic or oceanic pelagic; a large Decapterus sp. detached (embedded in large finlets present in and diverse family. Of major interest to fisheries. usually 3carangids) spines, the 1 two some species Forty–five species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.

Alectis sp. Seriola sp.

<<«<<<(<

Caranx sp.

Scomberoides sp. Trachinotus sp.

CORYPHAENIDAE Page 201

Dolphinfishes bony crest in males no spines in dorsal and anal fins To 200 cm. Marine, oceanic pelagic, but sometimes close to the coast. Of major interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. Guide to Orders and Families

MENIDAE Page 202103

Moonfishes

To 24 cm. Marine, coastal waters, entering estuaries. Of no interest to fisheries. A single species recorded in Kenya waters. no spines in dorsal and anal fins

sharp edge adults elongate pelvic–fin rays in LEIOGNATHIDAE Page 202 nucal crest

Ponyfishes – Slipmouths – Tooth–ponies scaleless 8–9 spines top of head To 21 cm. Marine, coastal waters, to a depth of 25 m and estuaries; schooling; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Seven species recorded in Kenya waters, two in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. mouth protrusible

3 spines BRAMIDAE single Page 205

Pomfrets dorsal fin

To about 60 cm. Marine, epipelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, one of which included in the Guide to Species. mouth large, as long as dorsal– anal–fin base about oblique fin base LUTJANIDAE Page 206

eye and mouth 9–12 spines Snappers no scales between To 120 cm. Mostly marine, from the coastline to a

depth of 360 m; some species enters estuaries and even rivers; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Twenty– six species recorded in Kenya waters and included in Lutjanus sp. the Guide to Species. usually serrate preopercle 3 spines

Etelis sp. Paracaesio sp. 104 Bony Fishes

CAESIONIDAE Page 213 10–15 spines Fusiliers

To about 40 cm. Marine, coastal waters, associated with reefs, to a depth of about 60 m; pelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Twelve species have teeth small, roof been recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring mouth small, countries, all included in the Guide to Species. of mouth with or dorsal and anal fins without teeth 3 spines evenly sloping protrusible

1–2 finger–like postmaxillary LOBOTIDAEprocesses present long rounded Page 217 lobes 11–13 Tripletails spines

To 100 cm. Marine, oceanic–pelagic, drifting near the surface. Of no interest to fisheries. A single species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. serrate

3 spines

GERREIDAE large scales 9–10 Page 217 scaly Silverbiddies – Mojarras top of head spines

To 35 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 60 m; also estuaries, coastal lagoons and freshwater; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species.mouth

protrusible 3 spines

HAEMULIDAE usually serrate Page 218 scalesmouth present preopercle Grunts – Sweetlips – Rubberlips between eye and 9–15 spines To 90 cm. Mostly marine, from the coastline to

a depth of about 200 m, and in brackish waters; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Twenty–two species recorded in Kenya waters, 20 of which have been included in the Guide to Species. teeth conical, Pomadasys sp. roof of mouth toothless enlarged chin 3 spines

pores usually present Plectorhinchus sp. Guide to Orders and Families

SPARIDAE Page 225105 no scales 10–13 spines Porgies – Seabreams – Pinfishes 9–17 rays and mouth between eye

To 90 cm. Marine, coastal waters, to a depth of about 150 m; occasionally entering estuaries; benthic. Of major interest to fisheries. Fourteen species have been recorded in Kenya waters, 10 of which have been included in the Guide to Species.

, .:::, scaled cheek margin teeth canine–like, conical preoperclesmooth or incisor–like,mouth toothless molars , ..._ 7–15 rays often present, roof of 3 spines

LETHRINIDAE no scales Page 228

and mouth 10 spines 9 rays Emperors – Scavengers between eye

To 100 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 185 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Sixteen species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. outer teeth canine–like or conical, molars often present, inner teeth villiform, roof of mouth toothless Lethrinus sp. margin 8 rays preoperclesmooth in cheekLethrinus and 3 spines preopercle scaled

Gnathodentex sp.

10 rays

Gymnocranius sp.

Monotaxis sp. 9 rays

NEMIPTERIDAE large scales Page 233 9 rays scaly 10 spines top of head Threadfin breams – Monocle breams – Dwarf - monocle breams

To 30 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 400 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Nine species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide 7 rays to Species. teeth conical, enlarged Nemipterus sp. 3 spines caninestoothless present in some species, roof of mouth suborbital spine Scolopsis sp. present in some species 106 Bony Fishes

SCIAENIDAE Page 236

Croakers – Drums – Meagres – Weakfishes single dorsal fin 6–13 spines deeply notched To 80 cm. Marine, from coastal waters to a depth of opercular 1 spine about 100 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Five spines lateral line to tip species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the of caudal fin Guide to Species.

Johnius sp.

barbels present in 1–2 spines some species

Otolithes sp.

POLYNEMIDAE

8 spines Threadfins 1 spine

To 45 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries and coastal lagoons; fresh river mouths; benthic. Of little mouth interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya inferior waters.

3 spines lower pectoral–fin rays filamentous MULLIDAE Page 238

7–8 spines 2 dorsal fins Goatfishes – Red mullets

1 spine To 50 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; occasionally in estuaries; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Seventeen species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species.

1 pair of barbels 1 spine at tip of chin PEMPHERIDAE single, short dorsal 4–7 spines of body Sweepers eye large fin before middle

To about 17 cm. Coastal marine waters. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species in Kenya waters.

body laterally

compressed

3 spines Guide to Orders and Families 107

KYPHOSIDAE Page 243

Seachubs – Rudderfishes – Stonebreams

11 spines To 75 cm. Marine reef areas; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species.

incisor–like individual tooth upper jaw viewed hockey–stick shaped teeth lateral view from below 3 spines

DREPANEIDAE Page 244 13–14 spines Sicklefishes body laterally

To 40 cm. Marine, mud banks, to a depth of 40 m; compressed benthic. Of interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species.

mouth

protractile

long pectoral fin

3 spines MONODACTYLIDAE Page 245

Moonies body laterally 5–8 short spines To 25 cm. Marine, coastal waters, estuaries and compressed entering freshwater. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species.

pelvicsome fins adults absent or vestigial in 3 spines 108 Bony Fishes

CHAETODONTIDAE body laterally 6–16 spines Butterflyfishes eye band usually compressed

To about 20 cm. Marine, usually in shallow waters present but occasionally to a depth of about 100 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; some species of interest of the aquarium trade. Several species recorded in Kenya waters.

mouth small,

protrusible

POMACANTHIDAE Page 245 3–5 spines

Angelfishes 8–15 spines body laterally

To 50 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth compressed of about 70 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; someneighboring species countries, of interest all included of the aquarium in the Guide trade. to Six species recorded in Kenya waters, one in

Species.

preopercular spine

3 spines rd and 4th PENTACEROTIDAE enlarged Page 248 3 spines Armorheads

To 35 cm. Marine, on the continental shelf and slope at depths of about 400 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in neighboring countries, and is included in the Guide to Species.

bones of head

mostly exposed OPLEGNATHIDAE scales small Knifejaws

To 30 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to depths of 150 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species occur in the western Indian Ocean. teeth fused into

cutting plates serrate preopercle Guide to Orders and Families 109

CIRRHITIDAE cirri Page 248

10 spines Hawkfishes – Curleyfins

To 30 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to depths of 120 m; benthic. Smaller species of some interest to the aquarium trade. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species occur in Kenya waters and are included in the Guide to Species.

3 spines lateral line CEPOLIDAE high on body 3 spines caudal fin Bandfishes pointed

To about 52 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to Owstonia sp. Owstoniaa depth of weberi about (Gilchrist, 475 m; benthic. 1922). Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: 1 spine Order PERCIFORMES: MUGILOIDEI – Mullets

Body elongate; head flattened; mouth small; pectoral fins high on body; 2 dorsal fins; sides silvery; no lateral line. MUGILIDAE Page 249

eyelid 4 spines Mullets often an adipose 1 spine

To 90 cm. Coastal marine, estuaries and freshwater, at shallow depths (less than 20 m); mostly benthic in food habits, but usually swim near the surface. Of interest to fisheries. Nine species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. no lateral line 3 spines

Order PERCIFORMES: LABROIDEI – Wrasses and allies

Well developed teeth, coalesced into plates in the Scaridae; scales usually large and cycloid (smooth); body compressed; usually colourful species. 10–14 POMACENTRIDAE

spines Damselfishes a single nostril

To about 25 cm, but most species smaller than 5 cm. Coastal marine waters and estuaries; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries, some species of interest of the aquarium trade. Several species recorded in Kenya waters.

2 spines 110 Bony Fishes

LABRIDAE Page 252 lips usually 8–21 spines jaw teeth prominent Wrasses – Hogfishes – Coris – Tuskfishes separated

To about 200 cm, but most species smaller than 25 cm. Coastal marine waters to a depth of about 160 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. A large and diverse mouth group; 58 species have been included in the Guide to Cheilio sp. Species. protrusible usually 3 spines

Cheilinus sp. Coris sp.

Epibulus sp. Xyrichtys sp.

Nis :4"1117,0" ((<<

Gomphosus sp. Halichoeres sp.

SCARIDAE Page 268

large scales Parrotfishes 9 flexible spines

To 120 cm. Marine, in shallow waters rarely below 60 m; benthic. Of major interest to fisheries; 21 species have been included in the Guide to Species.

mouth not - cr, teeth teeth not fused fused protrusible Calotomus sp. 3 spines Guide to Orders and Families 111

Order PERCIFORMES: TRACHINOIDEI – Weeverfishes and allies

A diverse assemblage of families difficult to characterize as a group. CHAMPSODONTIDAE lateral line system

Crocodile toothfishes To about 20 cm. Marine, from surface at night to

Champsodona depth of 500 capensis m, mesopelagic. Regan, 1908. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: preopercular spine pelvic fins larger than pectoral fins AMMODYTIDAE no spines Sand lances

To about 30 cm. Marine, from coastline to a depth Ammodytoidesof about 50 m; xanthops benthic or pelagic. Of no interest. to fisheries, used as bait. Possibly one species: Randall & Heemstra, 2008 absent lower jaw pelvic fins projecting URANOSCOPIDAE strong, often of head venomous spines Stargazers eyes on top

To about 60 cm. Marine and estuarine; benthic to a depth of 500 m, mesopelagic. Of no interest to mouth large, fisheries. Several species occur in Kenya waters. vertical

anterior ray in some TRICHONOTIDAE males elongate distinguishable Sanddivers rays and spines not

To about 18 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. No species recorded in Kenya waters. preopercular spine pelvic fins larger PERCOPHIDAE than pectoral fins

Duckbills 6 spines

To about 25 cm. Marine, from Pteropsaron depths of aboutnatalensis 250 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Possibly one species in Kenya waters: tentacle at rear (Nelson, 1982).

end of upper jaw no spines y Fishes Page 276 Page Page 275 Page Bon no scales 4 spines 1 spine and st 411111111111111111111111111111w spiny and allies nd

spines 2 OA 2 spines – Dragonets 3 dorsal fins, 1

4–5 spines 4 – Blennies

fringed flap spine to a pore to spine preopercular preopercular gill opening restricted gill opening restricted mouth protractile of head to sides or continuousto eyes on top eyes across underside of head underside across gill opening either restricted restricted either opening gill BLENNIOIDEI : PERCIFORMES: CALLIONYMOIDEI PERCIFORMES: Enneapterygius elegans Order Order Order PERCIFORMES Order (Weber, Enneapterygius fasciatus (Weber, A sharp preopercular spine; a small gill opening on upper part of head; size usually less than 25 cm. of head; size usually spine; a small gill opening on upper part A sharp preopercular

BLENNIIDAE TRIPTERYGIIDAE CALLIONYMIDAE PINGUIPEDIDAE Dorsal fin long; pelvic fins reduced, with 1 hidden spine and 2 to 4 soft rays, located ahead of pectoral fins; tentacles fins; pectoral of ahead located rays, soft 4 to 2 and spine hidden 1 with reduced, fins pelvic long; fin Dorsal see). difficult to often on head; 2 anal–fin spines (one of them present often Blennies To about 20 cm. Marine, in coastal at waters, depths less usually than 20 m; also estuaries and coastal lagoons; benthic. Of no interest species to fisheries; of some interest to the waters. in Kenya species recorded aquarium trade. Several (Peters, (Peters, 1876); 1982. 1909); Helcogramma fuscopinna Holleman, Triplefins To about 6 cm. Marine, in benthic. shallow Of coastal no waters; interest to fisheries. occur Several species in the western Indian recorded Ocean; in three Kenya species waters: Dragonets To about 25 cm. Marine, mainly from coastal reefs; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; some species of species recorded the Two to aquarium trade. interest in Kenya waters, one of which included in the Guide Species. to Grubfishes To about 30 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. One species Kenya waters, one recorded species in in neighboring countries, Species. in the Guide to both included 112 Guide to Orders and Families

Order PERCIFORMES: GOBIOIDEI – Gobies and allies 113

Usually small fishes with pelvic fins either very close together or united into a single cup–like structure. ELEOTRIDAE

Sleepers

To about 30 cm. Adults generally in freshwater, but entering brackish and coastalButis butis marine (Hamilton, waters; 6 branchiostegal benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species rays or united Eleotris fusca Ophiocara pelvic fins separated recordedporocephala in Kenya waters: 1822); (Forster, 1801); GOBIIDAE (Valenciennes, 1837).

Gobies

Gobius sp. To about 30 cm, but most species below 10 rays united cm. Marine and brackish waters and some in 5 branchiostegal pelvic fins freshwaters; usually in shallow waters, but a few species to a depth of below 150 m; benthic. The largest family of fishes. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species recorded in Kenya waters.

Periophthalmus sp.

MICRODESMIDAE 2 dorsal fins or dorsal Wormfishes – Dartfishes fin continuous

To 28 cm. Marine,Ptereleotris in shallow evides coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: (Jordan & Hubbs, rays 1925). 5 branchiostegal pelvic fins separated Order PERCIFORMES: ACANTHUROIDEI – Surgeonfishes and allies

Small scales; some species have strong, moveable, forward–projecting spine(s) mid–laterally on caudal peduncle. EPHIPPIDAE Page 276 5–9 spines Spadefishes – Batfishes

profile convex To 75 cm. Marine, shallow waters on mud banks; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species body laterally recorded in Kenya waters. compressed

Tripterodon sp.

Platax sp. 3 spines 114 Bony Fishes

SCATOPHAGIDAE Page 277

10 spines single dorsal fin Scats deeply notched

1 spine To about 30 cm. Marine and estuarine. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, and included in the Guide to Species.

body laterally

compressed

SIGANIDAE 4 spines Page 278

Rabbitfishes

To 45 cm. Marine, coastal waters around reefs. Of major interest to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.

each pelvic fin with 3 soft rays between an inner and an outer spine ZANCLIDAE

spine Moorish idol

To about 20 cm.Zanclus Marine, cornutus coral reefs waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: (Linnaeus, 1758).

ACANTHURIDAE Page 280

4–9 spines Surgeonfishes – Tangs – Unicornfishes

To about 70 cm. Marine, in shallow waters associated with reefs, usually at a depth of less than 50 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Twenty–one species recorded in Kenya waters, four in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species.

spines of bony plate 2–3 spines Guide to Orders and Families

115 Order PERCIFORMES: SPHYRAENOIDEI – Barracudas

Body elongate, generally silvery on sides; head and snout both very long; teeth strong; two dorsal fins.

SPHYRAENIDAE large mouth Page 288

teeth Barracudas with sharp 5 spines 1 spine

To 180 cm. Marine, from coastal waters to a depth ofin neighboring about 100 countries, m; pelagic all neritic.included Of in the interest Guide to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, one

Species. lower jaw 2 spines projecting Order PERCIFORMES: SCOMBROIDEI – Tunas and allies Fin

lets usually present at posterior ends of dorsal and anal fins; 1 to 3 keels on either side of caudal peduncle (except in most species of Gempylidae). GEMPYLIDAE strong teeth 2 nostrils Page 291 2 separated often fang–like dorsal fins Snake mackerels – Barracoutas – Escolars – Oilfishes To about 200 cm. Marine, from the surface (at

Gempylus sp. night)in neighboring to depths countries, below 600 all includedm; pelagic. in the Of Guideinterest to 2 spines to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 lower jaw projecting Species.

./11.5.111, Rexea sp.

Lepidocybium sp.

Neoepinnula sp.

TRICHIURIDAE Page 293

Cutlassfishes – Hairtailfishes – Frostfishes – Scabbardfishes single continuous dorsal fin or 1 nostril separated by shallow notch To 120 cm. Marine, from the surface (mainly at night) teeth fang–like

to depths below 1000 m; benthic and pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters. or absent caudal fin small 116 Bony Fishes

SCOMBRIDAE Page 293

Albacores – Bonitos – Kawakawas – Mackerels – Seerfishes – Tunas – Wahoos 3 keels 11 ; , 1 1 \ _ To 250 cm. Marine, from surface waters to depths Acanthocybium sp. belowneighboring 200 m; countries, pelagic. Ofall major included interest in the to fisheries.Guide to Twelve species recorded in Kenya waters, two in

Species.

Scomberomorus sp.

scaly corselet

Auxis sp. Thunnus sp.

Order PERCIFORMES: XIPHIOIDEI – Billfishes

Characterized by the prolongation of the upper jaw, much beyond the lower jaw into a long rostrum which is flat and swordlikeXIPHIIDAE (swordfish) or rounded and spearlike (sailfishes, spearfishes and marlins). Page 298

section Swordfishes bill flat in cross 1 keel

To 445 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below 800 m; pelagic. Of major interest to fisheries. A single species worldwide, included in the Guide to Species. absent pelvic fins

ISTIOPHORIDAE Page 298 bill round in cross section Marlins – Sailfishes – Spearfishes 2 keels

To 460 cm. Marine, pelagic oceanic, usually above the thermocline. Of major interest to fisheries. Five species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Istiophorus Guide to Species. elongate pelvic fins bill round in bill round in cross section cross section

Makaira Tetrapturus Guide to Orders and Families 117

Order PERCIFORMES: STROMATEOIDEI – Harvestfishes and allies

Shape variable; snout blunt and thick; toothed saccular outgrowths (pharyngeal sacs) present in the gullet immediately behind the last gill arch; teeth small, approximately uniserial. CENTROLOPHIDAE single dorsal fin two flat spines Ruffs

To 20 cm. Marine, between depths of 250 m and 300 m; mesopelagic to demersal. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters.

NOMEIDAE Page 300

Man–of–war fishes 2 dorsal fins

To 18 cm. Marine, deeper waters of the continental slope;in neighboring epi– and countries, mesopelagic. both included Of little in interest the Guide to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, one

to Species. pectoral fin long and wing–like ARIOMMATIDAE Page 300

2 dorsal fins Ariommas – Driftfishes

low fleshy keels To 250 cm. Marine, continental waters, to a depth of 300 m. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, and included in the Guide to Species. mouth small

Order PERCIFORMES: CAPROIDEI – Boarfishes

CAPROIDAE Page 301 7–9 Boarfishes spines

sagittal To 22 cm. Marine, from depths of 65 m to 600 m. crest Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters.

small mouth

body laterally

compressed 2–3 spines 118 Bony Fishes

Order PLEURONECTIFORMES – Flatfishes

Flattened body shape; eyes present on one side of body only. Page 301 PSETTODIDAE eyes on left or right dorsal–fin origin posterior side of body to position of eye Spiny turbot

To 60 cm. Marine, coastal waters to depths of 100 m. Of interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species.

eyes on left side Page 301 PARALICHTHYIDAE of body

Short pelvic flounders

- -- To about 35 cm. Marine, coastal waters to depths of 200 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, and included in the Guide to Species. margin of nearly symmetrical pelvic–fin bases preopercle free

BOTHIDAE eyes on left side Page 302 of body

Lefteye flounders

To about 40 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 600 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Eight species recorded in Kenya waters, six of which margin of are included in the Guide to Species. on eyed side pelvic–finlonger base preopercle free

PLEURONECTIDAE eyes on right side of body

Righteye flounders

To 17 cm. Marine, continental waters, to a depth of 300 m. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters. margin of lateralsides ofline body well developed on both preopercle free Page 304 SAMARIDAE in front of eyes lateralrudimentary line well dorsal–fin origin Crested flounders developed or

------To 22 cm. Marine, primarily in deep waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters; one in neighboring countries.

symmetrical pelvic fins Guide to Orders and Families 119

SOLEIDAE eyes on right side Page 304 of body Soles

To 32 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters; some speciesneighboring in estuaries; countries, benthic. all included Of interest in the to fisheries.Guide to Two species recorded in Kenya waters, one in sometimes pectoralabsent fins Species. margin no free preopercular

CYNOGLOSSIDAE Page 305 eyes on left side of body Tonguesoles

To 46 cm. Marine, from shallow coastal waters to ------depths of about 200 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, five of which are included in the Guide to Species.

absent margin pectoral fins no free preopercular

Order TETRAODONTIFORMES – Pufferfishes and allies

Pelvic fins absent or strongly reduced; a small mouth with strong teeth, frequently coalesced into a biting plate; a small gill opening; skin thick or rough, sometimes with prickles, spines or scaly plates. TRIACANTHODIDAE 6 spines (posterior spines sometimes not visible) Spikefishes

To 25 cm. Marine, between depthsBathyphylax of 30 mbombifrons and 300 m; benthic. OfMacrorhamphosodes no interest to fisheries. uradoi Two(Kamohara, species recorded in Kenya waters: Myers, 1934; 1933). rounded caudal fin

BALISTIDAE Page 307 3 visible spines Triggerfishes and Durgons

To about 70 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; mostly benthic, a few benthopelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Fourteen species recorded in Kenya waters; three in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. skin thick, with conspicuous plate–like scales 120 Bony Fishes

2nd MONACANTHIDAE minute Page 312 spine 1st Filefishes – Leatherjackets To 100 cm, but most smaller than 10 cm. Marine, spine prominent

from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Seven species recordedcountries. in Kenya waters, four of which included minute scales in the Guide of Species; four species in neighboring skin rough, with

OSTRACIIDAE

Boxfishes – Cowfishes

To 50 cm. Marine, from the coast to a depth of about 100 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries, but of interest of the aquarium trade. Five species recorded in Kenya waters. rigid shell with scale plates TETRAODONTIDAE 2 tooth plates in Puffers each jaw

To about 100 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries, brackish lagoons, and occasionally freshwater; from the coastline to a depth of about 180 m; benthic. Poisonous and not eaten. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. no typical scales, but inflatable belly often spiny prickles

DIODONTIDAE Page 315 head and body large spines on ka -4-ig-,, Porcupinefishes \--,P-0'- ---='-----_.2-_.------,_-_-,-- --,- -,------_-:_----- __,..- _ -,------=---L-----_ ---==,_--_ - To 60 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth ofthree about in neighboring 100 m; mostly countries, benthic. all Of included no interest in the to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters,

Guide to Species. a single tooth plate in each jaw inflatable belly MOLIDAE Page 317

Molas – Ocean sunfishes – Headfishes

To 300 cm or more. Marine, from the surface to a depth of about 360 m; pelagic oceanic. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species worldwide.

caudal fin remarkably truncate, rudder–like, without visible rays 121 Guide to Species ELOPIDAE Elopidae - Megalopidae - Albulidae - –

Elops machnata Ladyfishes Tenpounders FAO names: Tenpounder (En) Local name(s): (Forsskål, 1775) (M), (K). Mouth large, upper jaw Habitat: N: Ipawa; S: Makamekuzia reaching well beyond eye andKopani estuaries. Fisheries: Pelagic Trolling in coastal lines, waters Gillnets, entering Handlines, lagoons

Distinctive Characters: Bottom trawls. Teeth on jaws villiform; no spines in fins; single dorsal fin with 20–27 rays, its origin a little behind mid–point of body; anal of head fin short, with 14–17 rays, its origin well behind Gular plate underside Colour:dorsal–fin base; pelvic fin little, in front of dorsal– fin origin. Size: Back blue–grey, sides silvery with a yellow tinge; fins faint yellow. To 100 cm, common 50 cm MEGALOPIDAE

Megalops cyprinoides (Broussonet, 1782) (Plate I, 1) FAO names: Tarpons (Fr) Indo–Pacific tarpon (En) Local name(s): (M), (K). Tarpon Indo–Pacifique Habitat: N: Ipawa; S: Makamekuzia Last dorsal–fin ray Kopaniand estuaries. filamentous Fisheries: Pelagic Trolling in coastal lines, waters Seines, entering Gillnets,lagoons

Distinctive Characters: Handlines, Bottom trawls. Lower jaw projecting; fins lacking spines; dorsal–fin origin at about midpoint of body; anal–fin origin a little behind end of Colour:dorsal–fin base; 26–27 branchiostegal rays; large of head scales, 30–40 on lateral line. Gular plate underside Back blue–green, flanks silvery. Size:

To 100 cm, common 30 cm ALBULIDAE

FAO names: Albula vulpes Bonefishes Banane de mer (Fr) Bonefish (En) Local name(s): (Linnaeus, 1758) (M), mume (K). Dorsal fin with Habitat: N: Nyimbwi; S: Nyimbi Mkizi 15–19 soft rays muddy bottoms. Fisheries: Inshore, shallow waters on sandy and Distinctive Characters: Gillnets, Hooks and Line, Cast nets. Upper jaw short, 3.05– 3.25 in head length; lower jaw angular, with a pointed symphysis; a single long scale on each side Colour:of membrane between each ray of dorsal and anal fins; 63–69 scales in lateral line. Size: Sides bright silvery; back blue–green to olive; belly pale whitish. To 104 cm, common 35 cm 122 Bony Fishes - Muraenidae MURAENIDAE Morays

Echidna nebulosa FAO names: Snowflake moray(En) Local name(s): (Ahl, 1789) (K). Dorsal fin originating over gill openings Habitat: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Fisheries:Mkunga samaki Distinctive Shallow Characters: reef areas from 2 m to 48 m. Lines, Traps, Gillnets, Seines. Pectoral and pelvic fins absent; teeth conical and granular in 2 rows on jaws, but all teeth more conical in young; no obviouslateral hole lateral or slit. line, reduced to two pores above Colour:and before gill opening which is a difficult mid

Variable, but typically yellowish with 2 or 3 longitudinal series of darker, star–shaped Pavement–like blotches along the body, each with a yellow centre; molars on vomer thestarry spots blotches. variably combined to form vertical Size: bands; smaller spots and mottling between the To 100 cm, common 50 cm Echidna polyzona FAO names: Barred moray (En) Local name(s): (Richardson, 1845) (K). Habitat: N: Mkunga wimbi; S: Mkunga wimbiand coral (M), heads. Mkunga nyono Fisheries: Benthic in shallow waters among rocks Distinctive Characters: Lines, Traps, Gillnets, Seines. No canines; 5 irregular rows of conical teeth at front of upper jaw; lower jaw with 2–4 rows of teeth, anterior ones conical, Colour:posterior molariform; all teeth much smaller than vomerine teeth. Body with 25–30 contrasting dark and paledistinct bars, near conspicuous end of tail. in young, becoming mottled Pavement–like dark and indistinct with age, remaining most molars on vomer Size: To 70 cm

Gymnomuraena zebra FAO names: Zebra moray (En) Local name(s): (Shaw, 1797) (K). Habitat: N: Mkunga ndovu; S: Mkunga ndovu (M), Mkunga nyoka Fisheries: Benthic in shallow creeks from 10 m to Distinctive50 m. Characters: Lines, Traps, Gillnets, Seines. Anus well behind midpoint of body; pectoral and pelvic fins absent; no obvious lateral line, reduced to 2 pores above Colour:and before gill opening; teeth molariform in 2–3 rows on jaws, 5–6 on palate. Body velvety, blackish–brown, with 25 (young individuals) to 100 (adults) narrow white to yellowish bars. Pavement–like molars on vomer Size:

To 150 cm, common 50 cm GuideGymnothorax to Species favagineus FAO names: LacedMuraenidae moray - 123 (En) Local name(s): Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Habitat: N: Mkunga chui; S: Mkunga chui (M/K). Fisheries: Benthic in shallow waters on coral and Distinctiverocky reefs fromCharacters: 5 m to 40 m. Hooks and Line, Spears, Traps. Dorsal–fin origin on head; Colour:front of jaws usually with 4 large canines on each side, the more posterior much smaller. Basically white with black blotches and interspaces forming a honeycomb pattern; some individuals have a near black overall appearance; blotches variable between individuals and size, often in relation to habitat: those in clear coral reefs usually have proportionally less black than those found in turbid waters. Intermaxillary Size:

teeth in 1 row To 300 cm Gymnothorax flavimarginatus (Plate I, 2) FAO names: Yellow–edged moray (En) Local name(s): (Rüppell, 1830) Habitat: Fisheries: N: Mkungu; S: Mkunga (M/K). Distinctive Coral Characters: and rock reefs, from 3 m to 150 m. Hooks and Line, Spears, Traps. One row of 1–3 canines at the front center of upper jaw; sides of top jaw Colour:with 2 rows of teeth, the outer one larger at front of upper jaw. Reddish eyes; body yellowish, densely mottled with dark brown; front of head purplish– grey; posterior margins of fins yellow–green.

Gill opening in a black blotch Size:

To at least 125 cm Gymnothorax griseus FAO names: Geometric moray (En) Local name(s): (Lacepède, 1803) Habitat: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Fisheries: Benthic in shallow waters, on coral and Distinctiverocky reefs. Maximum Characters: depth Teeth 40 m.on roof of mouth Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Colour: sharp, fang–like in 2 rows. Body whitish, densely mottled with light brown spots; black pores on head forming lines.

Size:

To 65 cm 124 Bony Fishes

Gymnothorax- Muraenidae javanicus (Plate I, 3) FAO names: Giant moray (En) Local name(s): (Bleeker, 1859)

Habitat: N: Mkunga chui–mweupe; S: Fisheries:Mkunga chui–mweupe (M/K). Distinctive Coral Characters: and rocky reefsTeeth from uniserial, 10 m to 18–1950 m. Hooks and Line, Spears, Traps. Gill opening in a onshort each and side bifurcated of jaws; anteriorly. premaxillary with 2 inner black blotch Colour:median fang–like teeth; vomerine band of teeth

Juveniles are tan with numerous large black spots; adults have black specks that grade Size: into leopard-like spots behind the head and a black area surrounding the gill opening. To 300 cm Gymnothorax meleagris FAO names:

Local name(s): (Shaw, 1795) Turkey moray (En) Habitat: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Fisheries: Benthic, on coral reefs and rocks. DistinctiveMaximum depth Characters: 36 m. Gillnets, Traps, Spears Usually two rows of teeth, Colour:the ones on vomer sharp, fang–like, in one row; gill opening black. Inside of mouth and Body orangish brown with small round yellow spots, less than eye diameter in size. Size: To 120 cm, common 80 cm tip of tail white

Gymnothorax monochrous FAO names: Drab moray (En) Local name(s): (Bleeker, 1856)

Habitat: N: Mukunga nyoka–maji; Fisheries:S: Mkunga maji (M/K). Distinctive Benthic, Characters: in shallow coastal reefs. Gillnets, Traps, Spears. A single series of conical teeth in upper jaw and 2–3 fangs on each side; ateeth row uniserial. of 3 larger canines on intermaxillary; Colour:mandibles with a single series of teeth; vomerine Size: To 80 cm Body uniformly light brown, without darkerGymnothorax markings. nudivomer (Günther, 1867) * FAO names: Yellowmouth moray (En) Local name(s):

Habitat: Coastal areas N: Mkunga from 4 nitakate;m to 270 m. S: Mkunga Fisheries:(M/K). Distinctive Characters: Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Lines. One row of compressed Distinct yellow and triangular teeth; no canines; no teeth on vomer spots on tail Colour:in adults; one possible front middle tooth in upper jaw. Body dark yellow–brown; numerous spots smaller than pupil, that become small and numerous anteriorly, but large and widely spaced Size: To 180 cm posteriorly; inside of mouth yellow. GuideGymnothorax to Species pictus FAO names: Muraenidae - 125 Peppered moray (En) Local name(s): (Ahl, 1789) Habitat: and corals. N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Fisheries: Benthic, in shallow coastal waters on rock Distinctive Characters: Teeth on roof of mouth Gillnets, Traps, Spears.

Colour:sharp, fang–like in 2 rows; no obvious lateral line, reduced to two pores above and before gill opening. Adults greyish or whitish, with irregular Size: To 140 cm dark spots; juveniles yellow with dark blotches.

Gymnothorax rueppellii (McClelland, 1844) FAO names: Banded moray (En) Local name(s): Top of head Habitat: yellow 40 m. N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Fisheries: Benthic in shallow coastal reefs down to Distinctive Characters: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Teeth anteriorly in jaws in one row, with long canines alternating to 2–3 small teeth;slender median canines. row of 3 canines at front of upper Colour:jaw considerably long; side of upper jaw with 1–3

Body light greyish–brown with 15–20 Size: To 80 cm darker bars; dark spot at corner of mouth. Gymnothorax undulatus FAO names: Undulated moray (En) Local name(s): (Lacepède, 1803)

Habitat: N: Mkunga chui; S: Mkunga chui Fisheries:(M/K). Distinctive Corals Characters: reefs and rocks Long down canine to 110 m.teeth Gillnets, Traps, Spears.

anteriorly in jaws, some alternating with very Colour:small teeth, the longest in 1 row of 3 teeth at front of upper jaw. Body yellow or orange, with irregular red–brown blotches in rows separated by pale yellowish ground colour; top of head may be greenish–yellow. Size:

To 150 cm Pseudechidna brummeri * FAO names: White ribbon eel

Local name(s): (Bleeker, 1858) (En) Habitat: Fisheries: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Distinctive Benthic, Characters: in shallow coastal waters. Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Body ribbon–like, Colour:extremely slender, its depth 3 times in head length; fins wide. Body pale dirty white, with hyaline fins. Size:

To 103 cm 126 Bony Fishes

Scuticaria- Muraenidae tigrina (Lesson, 1828) FAO names: Tiger reef–eel (En) Local name(s): Habitat: Fisheries: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Distinctive Reefs Characters: in shallow waters. Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Hooks and Line. Dorsal and anal fins barely visible reduced to rudiments on tip of tail; Colour:teeth conical, sharp, in 2 rows along jaws; 1 row of 4–5 teeth on roof of mouth. Yellowish to russet brown, with yellow– edged black spots and jaw speckled with black. Size: To 105 cm Strophidon sathete (Hamilton, 1822) FAO names: Slender giant moray (En) Local name(s): Habitat: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Fisheries: Benthic, in shallow coastal waters, muddy Distinctiveareas, estuaries Characters: and river mouths. Traps, Hooks and Line. Dorsal fin originating on head before gill opening; scales absent; two rows ofmedially compressed on intermaxilla. canines at sides of upper jaw and Colour:front of lower jaw; four longest depressible canines

Body brownish–grey above, lighter below.Mouth large, extending Size: To 400 cm, common 70 cm

to well beyond eye Uropterygius concolor FAO names: Unicolor snake moray (En) Local name(s): Rüppell, 1838 Habitat: Fisheries: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Distinctive Reefs Characters: and shallow waters. Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Hooks and Line. Inner row of teeth on the Colour:lower jaw extending only about 2/3 of the way back along the outer row; vomerine teeth present. Drab brown in colour; tip of tail yellow. Size: Dorsal and anal fins reduced to rudiments on tip of the tail To 50 cm Uropterygius marmoratus FAO names: Marbled reef–eel (En) Local name(s): (Lacepède, 1803) Habitat: Fisheries: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Distinctive Occurs Characters: on reefs in shallow waters. the marginal Traps, series Spears, of numerous Gillnets, Hooks small andclose Line. set Teeth in jaws in 3 rows,

teeth, the two inner series with fewer, longer and depressible teeth; the maxillary encloses Colour:numerous longer and depressible teeth; vomerine teeth long, biserial anteriorly, uniserial posteriorly. Body yellowish or brownish, lighter below and finely or coarsely marbled with darker brown Dorsal and anal fins reduced to Size: To 62 cm spots. rudiments on tip of the tail 127

Guide to Species OPHICHTHIDAE Ophichthidae - Congridae - – Worm eels

* Lamnostoma orientalis (McClelland,Snake 1844) eels FAO names: –eel (Fr) Oriental worm (En) Local name(s): Serpenton oriental Habitat: Benthic in estuaries and inshore areas No pectoral fins; gill N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). opening a ventral slit Fisheries: usedwith turbidas fresh waters. bait. Distinctive Caught Characters: mainly with nets and by hand;

Dorsal–fin origin just Colour:behind gill opening; both dorsal and anal fins poorly developed. Head indented behind eyes Tip of tail finless Dark grey to blue–black above to below lateral line, lighter below; a series of prominent light spots on head and along lateral line; pores lighter than surrounding skin. Size:

To 36 cm Pisodonophis boro (Hamilton, 1822) FAO names: (Fr) Rice–paddy eel (En) Local name(s): Habitat: Serpenton des rizières N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Fisheries: Lagoons and estuaries, enters freshwater bait.and paddy fields. Distinctive Caught Characters: incidentally Teeth in on bag roof nets; of usedmouth as

granular to molariform; tip of tail finless; eye Colour:relatively small; dorsal fin originating behind pectoral fins. Pectoral fins present Uniformly brownish–olive above, lighter Size: To 100 cm below; dorsal fin with a narrow black edge. CONGRIDAE Conger eels

Conger cinereus FAO names: Longfin African conger (En) Local name(s): Rüppell, 1830 (M), (K). N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga Habitat: Dorsal fin originating over Mkunga samaki Flanges on lips well Fisheries: developed middle of pectoral fin Distinctive Benthic Characters: on reefs and active at night. Bottom trawls, Hooks and Line. th Teeth on outer row longer, close–set and compressed to form a cutting Colour:edge; 6 infraorbital pore located close and slightly above posterior angle of jaw. Grey to brown with a broad black margin on median fins; a black spot on pectoral fins (absent on juveniles) and a black bar under the eye; in life with dark crossbars.

Size:

To 130 cm, common 50 cm 128 Bony Fishes

Uroconger- Congridae -lepturus Muraenesocidae FAO names: Slender conger (En) Local name(s): (Richardson, 1845) (K). Dorsal fin originating over Habitat: Offshore on N: soft Mkunga; sand–mud S: Mkungabottoms. (M), base of pectoral fin Fisheries:Mkunga samaki Distinctive Characters: teeth multiserial, Fine meshed forming shrimp a band, trawls. but no cutting Poorly developed lips;

edge;delicate. vomerine teeth in a single row extending Colour:far back on roof of mouth; pectoral fins small and Thin and delicate tail Light greyish–brown, darker on opercle, the lower surface of head and trunk white; lateral– with pointed tip line pores white; posterior part of dorsal and anal Size: fins black. To 52 cm, common 30 cm MURAENESOCIDAE

Muraenesox bagio (Hamilton, 1822) Pike congers FAO names: Morénésoce commun (Fr) Common pike conger (En) Local name(s): (K). Habitat: N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Mkunga samaki Fisheries: Benthic on soft bottoms in deeper waters nets.down to 100 m. Distinctive Longlines, Characters: Bottom trawls, Driftnets, Bag

Body robust and eel- shaped; snout long; eye diameter 3 times in snout length; posterior nostrils only slightly nearer to eye thanof anus. to anterior nostrils; teeth on vomer triangular, Colour:blade–like; 33 to 39 lateral–line pores before level times in head length Interorbital width about 10.7 Light greyish–brown with olive–bronze above, lighter below; dorsal and anal fins with Size: narrow black edges. To 200 cm, common 150 cm Muraenesox cinereus FAO names: Murénésoce–dague (Fr) Local name(s): (Forsskål, 1775) Daggertooth pike conger (En) (K). Habitat: Benthic, N:on Mkunga;soft bottoms, S: Mkungain estuaries, (M), Dorsal fin originating Mkunga samaki over gill openings Fisheries: nets.lagoons and shallow coastal inlets down to 100 m. Distinctive Longlines, Characters: Bottom trawls, Driftnets, Bag

Teeth in upper and lower jaws in three series; principal teeth in lower jaw triangular; large median vomerine teeth triangular Colour:in lateral view; 40–47 lateral–line pores before level of anus. edges. Light to dark greyish–brown above, lighter times in head length below; dorsal and anal fins with narrow black Interorbital width about 8

Size:

To 80 cm, common 50 cm 129 Guide to Species CLUPEIDAE Clupeidae - Herrings – Shads – – Sardines – Sardinellas

Amblygaster leiogaster (Valenciennes, Gizzard1847) shads FAO names: Smoothbelly sardinella (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge striae 7–14 fronto–parietal Sardinelle daniva Habitat: N: / ; S: Simu koko Single median row of Fisheries:(M/K). predorsal scales Distinctive Pelagic Characters: coastal schooling species. Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Belly rounded with weak scutes; dorsal–fin origin at midpoint of body;st arch. 8 Colour:pelvic fin rays; anal–fin origin well behind dorsal– fin base; 31–33 gill rakers on lower limb of 1 extended. Back blue–green; flanks silvery without spots; dorsal fin black or dusky when fully Size: To 23 cm, common 18 cm Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1792) FAO names: Sardinelle tachetée (Fr) striae Spotted sardinella (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge 7–14 fronto–parietal Habitat: N: / ; S: Simu koko Single median row of predorsal scales Fisheries:(M/K). Distinctive Pelagic Characters: coastal schooling species. Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Belly rounded,st arch. with weak Colour:scutes; anal–fin origin well behind dorsal–fin base; 33 to 43 gill rakers on lower limb of 1 Back blue–green, flanks silvery with a series of 10 to 12 golden–green spots. Size: To 27 cm, common 20 cm

Dussumieria acuta Valenciennes, 1847 FAO names: Sardine arc–en–ciel (Fr) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge Rainbow sardine (En) Hind portion of N: / ; S: Simu koko scales with fine Habitat: horizontal striae Fisheries:(M/K). Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in inshore waters. Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Belly rounded, without scutes; dorsal–fin1 originst arch. behind mid–point of body; pelvicColour: fins below dorsal–fin base; 19–26 gill rakers on lower limb of Size: Back iridescent blue with a shiny golden– brass line below; flanks silvery; caudal fin with a To 20 cm, common 15 cm darkDussumieria hind margin. elopsoides FAO names: Sardine arc–en–ciel gracile (Fr) Local name(s): Simu KerengeBleeker, 1849 Slender rainbow sardine (En)

Habitat: N: / ; S: Simu koko Fisheries:(M/K). Seines, Gillnets. Distinctive A Pelagic Characters: inshore species.

Body slender; belly rounded without scutes; no1st arch. striae on posterior partColour: of scales; pelvic fins more advanced; 21 to 32 rays Size: gill rakers on lower limb of 13–17 branchiostegal Back blue, flanks silvery; all fins dark. To 23 cm, common 20 cm Bony Fishes

130Etrumeus- Clupeidae teres (DeKay, 1842) FAO names: Red–eye round herring Shadine ronde (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge

Habitat: N: / ; S: Simu uzio Fisheries:(M/K). Purse seines. Distinctive Pelagic Characters: inshore species.Body fairly elongate sub–

1st cylindrical in cross–section; gill rakers 30 to 35 on rays lowerColour: limb of arch; pelvic–fin origin below last 12–15 branchiostegal Belly rounded dorsal–fin ray; anal fin with 10–13 soft rays. Size: Back blue–green, flanks silvery. with no scutes To 33 cm Herklotsichthys punctatus FAO names: Hareng tacheté (Fr) Spotted herring (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge(Rüppell, 1837) striae normal round scales Habitat: N: / ; S: Simu uzio 3–8 fronto–parietal A median row of predorsal Fisheries:(M/K). Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters. of scutes. Seines, Bottom trawls, Cast nets. Colour: Belly with a distinct keel

Back blue–green with small scattered dark spots, flanks silvery; no dark blotch on dorsal fin. Size:

To 9.5 cm Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus FAO names: Hareng à bande bleue (Fr) Bluestripe herring (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge (Rüppell, 1837) striae Habitat: N: / ; S: Simu uzio 3–8 fronto–parietal Median row of predorsal Fisheries:(M/K). hidden wing–like scales Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters. of scutes. Seines, Cast nets, Shallow trawls. Colour: Belly with a distinct keel

midlateral Back band. blue–green; flanks silvery with 2 orange spots behind gill opening in life and a blue

Size:

To 9.5 cm Herklotsichthys spilurus FAO names: Reunion herring (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge(Guichenot, 1863) striae Habitat: 3–8 fronto–parietal Fisheries: N & S: / (M/K). Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters. Seines, Cast nets, Shallow trawls. Colour: Body moderately deep; belly sharp with a keel of scutes. Flame–silvery without dark spots on Remarks:flanks; a bright yellow or orangeH. quadrimaculatuspatch behind gill, opening; dark blotch on tip of dorsal fin. Overlaps range of which has elongate wing-like scales underneath Size: To 9 cm (SL) the normal paired pre-dorsal scales. GuideHilsa to Specieskelee FAO names: KeleeClupeidae shad - 131 (Fr) Local name(s):(Cuvier, 1829)Simu Kerenge (En) Habitat: Alose palli Fisheries: Seines, N & S:Gillnets, / Cast nets, (M/K). Bottom Pelagic in coastal waters, enters estuaries. Distinctive Characters: trawls. Belly with a distinct keel of scutes; top of head with numerous fronto– parietal striae; upper jaw with a distinct median Colour:notch; a series of small triangular scales above axil of pectoral fins; hind part of body scales perforated. Size: Back blue–green, flanks silvery with 4–10 dark spots. To 35 cm, common 16.5 cm Sardinella albella (Valenciennes, 1847) FAO names: White sardinella Sardinelle blanche (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge striae 7–14 fronto–parietal Habitat: N & S: / (M/K). Fisheries: y CrYI'Y r I (11 YrYylcrtyYY1,Yr 1,,j Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal Body waters. fusiform, moderately H " Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. 0'1 y,r

Colour:compressed, belly with a sharp keel of 30–32 Discontinuous scutes; predorsal scales paired and overlapping. striae Back blue/green, flanks silvery; a dark spot at dorsal–fin origin. Many perforations Scale Size: To 14 cm, common 10 cm

Sardinella gibbosa FAO names: Sardinelle dorée (Fr) Goldstripe sardinella (En) Local name(s): Simu(Bleeker,Kerenge 1849) striae Habitat: rs. 7–14 fronto–parietal rays Fisheries: N & S: / (M/K). 13–21 dorsal–fin Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal wate Body moderately Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. z.

Colour:compressed, belly with a sharp keel of 32–34 scutes; predorsal scales paired and overlapping. Discontinuous striae Back blue–green, flanks silvery; tip of dorsal fin and margin of caudal fin dusky, remainder of caudal faintly yellow, other fins clear; Many perforations a small black spot at dorsal–fin origin. Scale Size:

To 17 cm, common 15 cm Sardinella longiceps Valenciennes, 1847 FAO names: Indian oil sardine Sardinelle indienne (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge Habitat: rays striae N & S: / (M/K). 13–21 dorsal–fin Fisheries: Boat seines, Gillnets, Shore seines. 7–14 fronto–parietal Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters.

Belly rounded with a low keel of scutes; pelvic fin with 1 branched and Colour:8 unbranched rays; predorsal scales paired and overlapping. Remarks: Back blue–green, flanks silvery;Sardinella a black rays spot on hind edge of gill cover. 150–253 lower–gill rakers 12–23 anal–fin neglecta (at 8–15 cm SL) Often misidentified as Size: Wongratana, 1983. To 23 cm, common 20 cm Bony Fishes

132Sardinella- Clupeidae melanura FAO names: (Fr) Blacktip sardinella (En) Local name(s): Simu(Cuvier,Kerenge 1829) striae Sardinelle queue noire Habitat: 7–14 fronto–parietal rays Fisheries: N & S: / (M/K). 15–16 dorsal–fin 1,, Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters. r v Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. I ,`' I Belly with a sharp keel, 4 with 27–31 scutes; predorsal scales paired and s Colour:overlapping; no perforations on posterior part of scales; lower–limb gill rakers 38–74. Back blue–green, flanks silvery; tips of Maxilla nearly reaching a (usually 18) caudalSardinella fin black (character in the area. retained in preserved 18–19 anal–fin rays specimens) distinguish this species from all other vertical at front edge of the eye Size: species To 15 cm (SL), common 10 cm Sardinella neglecta FAO names: East African sardinella (En) Local name(s): SimuWongratana,Kerenge 1983 striae Habitat: 7–14 fronto–parietal N & S: / (M/K). Fisheries: Coastal pelagic, schooling in bays and )7 rYr , Distinctiveover shallow Characters:banks from 1 m to 60 m. 1,,HtY Seines, Cast nets, Bottom trawls. 7/1

Predorsal scales paired , Colour:and overlapping; 144–188 lower gill rakers (at 9–13 cm SL). Remarks: A faint golden spot behind gillSardinella opening, longicepsfollowed byValenciennes, a faint golden 1847. mid–lateral line. and 8 unbranched rays Size: Often misidentified as Pelvic fin with 1 branched To 13 cm Spratelloides delicatulus FAO names: Delicate round herring Hareng ronde (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge(Bennett, 1832) rays 11–13 dorsal–fin Habitat: Fisheries: Beach N seines, & S: Cast/ nets. (M/K). Pelagic in shallow waters. Distinctive Characters: 11)

No pre–pelvic or post– 71/ pelvic scutes, except for a W–shaped pelvic scute; Vertical striae across Colour:usually 7 branchiostegal rays below mouth; 26–32 scales continuous lower–limb gill rakers. (usually 10) 10–11 anal–fin rays No bright silver band along flanks; two prominent dark streaks on caudal–fin base. Size:

To 8.5 cm, common 6 cm Spratelloides gracilis FAO names: Hareng gracile (Fr) Silver–stripe round herring (En) Local name(s): Simu(TemminckKerenge & Schlegel, 1846) rays Habitat: 12–13 dorsal–fin Fisheries: Beach N seines, & S: Cast/ nets. (M/K). Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in shallow waters.

No pre–pelvic or post– pelvic scutes, except for a W–shaped pelvic scute; usually 7 branchiostegal rays below mouth; dorsal Vertical striae across scales discontinuous Colour:fin at about mid–point of body; anal fin very short and far behind dorsal–fin base. 11–14 anal–fin rays (usually 12–13) Back blue–green, flanks with a distinct silvery stripe. Size: To 10.5 cm GuideSpratellomorpha to Species bianalis (Bertin, 1940) FAO names: Clupeidae - Engraulidae - 133 Two–finned round herring (En) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge Habitat: N & S: / (M/K). Fisheries: Coastal pelagic in marine and brackish Distinctivewaters. Characters: Seines, Cast nets, Bottom trawls. Body a little compressed, belly rounded, without pre–pelvic scutes, but a Colour:pelvic present with slender vertical arms; snout Size: pointed, lower jaw projecting slightly. Last two anal rays separate No information. To 4.5 cm ENGRAULIDAE

* Encrasicholina devisi (Whitley, 1940) FAO names: AnchoviesDorsal and anal (Fr) st three Devis’ anchovy (En) Local name(s): Dangaa Dagaa (K). rays unbranched Habitat: fins with 1 Anchois devis Fisheries: N: / ; S: Mwatiko Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters down to 200 m. Seines, Stake traps. Maxilla tip pointed Colour:reaching into preopercle; anal–fin origin behind base of last dorsal–fin ray. Light transparent fleshy brown, with a pink tinge, and a broad silver stripe with a thin blue 3–6 small needle–like scutes between pectoral and pelvic– No post–pelvicSize: To scutes 8 cm, common 7 cm line above. fin bases (usually 5)

Encrasicholina heteroloba FAO names: (Fr) Shorthead anchovy (En) Local name(s): Dangaa Dagaa(Rüppell, 1837) (K). st Anchois douanier Habitat: Dorsalunbranched and anal fins / Fisheries: N: / ; S: Mwatiko with 1 two rays Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters. Seines, Stake traps. Maxilla tip pointed, Colour:reaching onto preopercle; anal–fin origin behind base of last dorsal–fin ray. Light transparent fleshy brown, with a silvery stripe down flanks. No post–pelvic scutes 4–6 small needle–like scutes Size: To 12 cm between pectoral and pelvic– fin bases (usually 5) Encrasicholina punctifer FAO names: (Fr) Buccaneer anchovy (En) Local name(s): Dangaa DagaaFowler, 1938 (K). st Anchois boucanier Habitat: Dorsalunbranched and anal fins Fisheries: N: / ; S: Mwatiko with 1 two rays Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal Maxilla waters. short and bluntly Seines, Stake traps.

rounded at the tip; dorsal fin with 12–15 rays; Colour:anal fin with 14–17 rays; anal–fin origin clearly posterior to rear base of dorsal fin. Light transparent fleshy brown, with a 3–6 small needle–like scutes silvery stripe down flanks. between pectoral and pelvic– No post–pelvic scutes fin bases (usually 4 or 5) Size: To 9 cm Bony Fishes

134Stolephorus- Engraulidae commersonnii FAO names: (Fr) Commerson’s anchovy (En) Local name(s): Dangaa DagaaLacepède, 1803 (K). Anchois bombra Habitat: Fisheries: Seines. N: / ;S: Mwatiko Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters.Maxilla long reaching

Colour:to gill opening; pelvic–fin tips reaching beyond dorsal–fin origin. Body light transparent fleshy brown, with 1–4 small needle–like silvery band down flanks; back with 2 pigmented scutes between pectoral No post–pelvic scutes areas behind head; a double pigmented line before and pelvic–fin bases Size: To 10 cm, common 8 cm dorsal–fin origin. Stolephorus indicus FAO names: (Fr) Indian anchovy (En) Local name(s): Dangaa(vanDagaa Hasselt, 1823) (K). Habitat: Anchois indien Fisheries: N: / ; S: Mwatiko Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in coastal waters. Seines, Bottom trawls, Stake traps. Maxilla tip short, not reaching gill opening; pelvic–fin tips not reaching Colour:to dorsal–fin origin; anal–fin origin below dorsal– fin base. 2–6 small needle–like scutes Light transparent fleshy brown, with a between pectoral and pelvic– No post–pelvic scutes silver band down flanks; no dark pigment lines on fins bases (usuallySize: 4) back between head and dorsal–fin origin. To 15.5 cm (SL), common 12 cm (SL) Stolephorus insularis FAO names: Hardenberg’s anchovy (En) Local name(s): DangaaHardenberg,Dagaa 1933 (K). Habitat: Fisheries: N: / ; S: Mwatiko Distinctive Pelagic Characters: schooling in coastal waters. Seines, Bottom trawls, Stake traps. Maxilla tip pointed, reaching to or beyond hind boarder of preopercle; Colour:anal fin short, usually with 14–17 rays, its origin below about middle of dorsal–fin base. A double pigmented line on back behind 4–8 small needle–like scutes dorsal fin; tail deep yellow. No post–pelvic scutes between pectoral and pelvic Size: To 8 cm (SL) fin bases (usually 6–7)

Thryssa baelama FAO names: (Fr) Local name(s): Dangaa(Forsskål,Dagaa 1775) (K). Baelama anchovy (En) Habitat: Anchois–moustache sardin N: / ; S: Mwatiko Fisheries: Pelagic mostly in inshore waters, bays, Distinctivelagoon, harbours, Characters: mangroves Maxilla pools and short, estuaries. not Seines, Shallow trawls.

Colour:reaching to edge of gill cover; anal fin moderately long, usually with 26–30 branched rays. Back blue–green or brown, flanks silvery; a dark venulose area behind gill opening. No scutes anterior to pectoral–fin origin Size: To 16 cm (SL) 4–9 sharply pointed scutes anterior to pelvic fins GuideThryssa to Species setirostris (Broussonet, 1782) FAOEngraulidae names: - Chirocentridae - 135 (Fr) Longjaw thryssa (En) Local name(s): Dangaa Dagaa (K). Anchois–moustache cornu Habitat: Pelagic, mostly inshore, enters bays and estuaries. N: / ; S: Mwatiko Fisheries: Distinctive Characters: Boat seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Belly with a sharp keel Colour:of scutes; tip of snout at level of eye centre; scutes present before and behind pelvic–fin base. Back blue–green or brown, flanks silvery; reaching at least to Anal fin long, usually with a dark venulose area behind gill opening; dorsal Maxilla very long, Size:32–35 Tobranched 18 cm rays (SL) and caudal fins faint yellow. tip of pectoral fin Thryssa vitrirostris FAO names: (Fr) Orangemouth anchovy (En) Local name(s): Dangaa(GilchristDagaa & Thompson, (K). 1908) Habitat: Pelagic in inshore areas, enters estuaries Anchois–moustache cristal and lagoons. N: / ; S: Mwatiko Fisheries: Distinctive Characters: Boat seines, Gillnets, Shallow trawls. Body fusiform; belly with Colour:a sharp keel of scutes before and behind pelvic–fin base; tip of snout at level of eye centre. Back blue–green, flanks silvery; a dark Maxilla long, reaching beyond base of 1st blotch behind upper part of gill opening; inside of Anal fin long, usually with gill cavity bright orange. 32–38 branchedSize: To rays 20 cm pectoral–fin ray CHIROCENTRIDAE Wolf–herrings Chirocentrus dorab FAO names: Chirocentre dorab (Fr) Local name(s): Panga(Forsskål, 1775) Dorab wolf–herring (En) (K). ; Habitat: N: S: Panga (M), Mkonje Fisheries: used as bait Pelagic for large in coastal scombroids waters in down trolling. to 120 m. Distinctive Gillnets, Characters: Seines, Traps, Bottom trawls;

Colour: Dorsal fin with 16–19 Pectoral fins shorter than distance between eye centre and behind rays; anal fin with 29–36 rays. border of gill cover Size: To 100 cm (SL), common 60 cm Back with bands of green and blue; tip of dorsal fin and front of anal fin black. Chirocentrus nudus (Plate I, 4) FAO names: Chirocentre sabre (Fr) Local name(s): PangaSwainson, 1839 Whitefin wolf–herring (En) (K). Habitat: N: ; S: Panga (M), Mkonje Fisheries: used as bait Pelagic for large in coastal scombroids waters in down trolling. to 150 m. Distinctive Gillnets, Characters: Seines, Shallow water trawls;

Colour: Dorsal fin with 16–19 rays; anal fin with 29–36 rays. Pectoral fins longer than distance bands of green and blue. between eye centre and behind Dorsal and anal fins colourless; back with border of gill cover Size: To 100 cm (SL), common 60 cm Bony Fishes 136 - Pristigasteridae - Chanidae - Ariidae PRISTIGASTERIDAE Pristigasterids

Pellona ditchela Valenciennes, 1847 FAO names: (Fr) Local name(s): Simu Kerenge Indian pellona (En) Habitat: Alose–écaille indienne N & S: / (M/K). Fisheries: Pelagic Seines, inCast coastal nets. waters, in estuaries, 7r"r-,yrs J, Distinctivelagoons and rivers. Characters:

r r11 ' I " Body moderately deep, compressed; eye very large, lower jaw projecting; upper jaw toothed; dorsal–fin origin near midpoint Colour:of body; scales with upper and lower vertical striae slightly overlapping each other at center of scales. 26–28 scutes Belly with 34–42 anal–fin rays Back blue–green or grey, flanks silvery. Size:

To 16 cm (SL), common 13 cm CHANIDAE

Chanos chanos (Plate I, 5) Milkfish FAO names: Chano (Fr) Local name(s): (Forsskål,Borodi 1775) Milkfish (En)

Habitat: N: /Fupefupe; S: Mwatiko Mouth small Dorsal fin at about Fisheries:(M/K). midpoint of body Coastal pelagic, entering rivers. with no teeth Scoop nets, Seines, Gillnets, Traps, DistinctiveHooks and Line; Characters: important to fisheries for culture in fresh and brackish waters. Lower jaw with a small tubercle at tip; dorsal fin with 2 spines and 13–17 Colour:rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 8–10 rays; scales along belly small; lateral line present. No scutes Back olive green, flanks silvery; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with dark margins. Size: To 180 cm, common 100 cm

ARIIDAE

Arius africanus Günther, 1867 Sea catfishes FAO names: Mâchoiron africain (Fr) African sea catfish (En) Local name(s): Fumi Yahudhi Habitat: Fisheries: N: / ; S: Fumi (M/K). Distinctive Estuaries Characters: but mainly freshwater. Gillnets, Stake traps, Hooks and Line. Three pairs of barbels around mouth, the maxillary pair extending to slightly beyond pectoral–fin base; median longitudinal groove on head shallow, extending 1tost just behind posterior margin of orbit anteriorly, not reaching supraoccipital process posteriorly; Colour:dorsal and pectoral fins each with a strong spine; 19 to 21 total anal–fin rays. Back brownish, sides silvery, belly white. Size:

To 45 cm (Fr) (Fr) 137 Ariidae -Ariidae 18–23 rays Anal fin with spine spine spine Veined catfish (En) Veined To 62 cm (SL) Size: To To 35 cm (SL) Size: To spine dorsal and pectoral dorsal and pectoral dorsal and pectoral dorsal and pectoral dorsal and pectoral dorsal and pectoral st st st 1 fins each with a strong 1 1 fins each with a strong fins each with a strong dorsal and pectoral dorsal and pectoral Blacktip sea catfish (En) Mâchoiron barbarin barbarin Mâchoiron st Mâchoiron malgache malgache Mâchoiron 1 fins each with a strongfins each with Madagascar sea catfish sea catfish (En) Madagascar Mozambique sea catfish (En) To 30 cm, common 20 cm 30 cm, common Size: To names: FAO To 70 cm (SL), common 20 cm Size: To names: FAO names: FAO names: FAO barbles

Three pairs of pairs Three , * * * ; S: Fumi (M/K). ; S: Fumi ; S: Fumi (M/K). ; S: Fumi ; S: Fumi (M/K). ; S: Fumi ; S: Fumi (M/K). ; S: Fumi Head shield nearly shield nearly Head Yahudhi Yahudhi Yahudhi Yahudhi / / / /

(Bleeker, 1846) (Bleeker, polystaphylodon Plicofollis (Valenciennes, 1840) dussumieri (Valenciennes, Plicofollis Valenciennes, 1840 Valenciennes, venosus Arius Vaillant, 1894 Vaillant, madagascariensis Arius Habitat: Coastal marine Fisheries: waters and Stake estuaries. traps, trawls. and Line, Bottom Hooks Beach seines, Gillnets, Distinctive Characters: Three pairs around mouth, of maxillary pair extending toslightly barbels longer in orbit,beyond small relatively specimens; in the head hind shield partrugose and granulated anal fin with 15–17 rays. the occipital region; near Colour: Greyish–brown above, silvery below; fins dusky. N: Fumi Local name(s): Purely marine waters down to 100 m. to down waters marine Habitat: Purely Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Gillnets, and Line.Beach seines, Hooks Stake traps, Distinctive Characters: Three pairs around of mouth; barbels head shield not or very rugose, except at occiput granulated and occipital process; rays. 14–16 with fin anal V–shaped; plate predorsal Colour: Bluish–black on dorsal surface and sides, fin tips edged with black. below; dull white N: Fumi Local name(s): Coastal waters. Maximum depth 100 m. waters. Habitat: Coastal Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Gillnets, and Line.Beach seines, Hooks Stake traps, Distinctive Characters: smooth with few rugosities bordering the median longitudinal groove. Colour: Dark reddish–brown, or dark grey–blue above, white below; or grey fins paired terminally; darker fins all unpaired fins generally upper half black of above; adipose hyaline, fin spotted with black. N: Fumi Local name(s): Estuaries but mainly freshwater. but mainly Habitat: Estuaries and Line, Gillnets. Hooks traps, Stake Fisheries: Distinctive Characters: Three pairs around of mouth, barbels the maxillary pectoral–fin pair base; head extending shield granulated to behind orbit with a blunt conical eye; above protuberance median longitudinal groove shallow; dorsal prolonged. ray fins outermost pectoral and on sides, pinkish– silvery blue above, Steel Colour: and caudal fins greyish. dorsal on belly; yellow N: Fumi Local name(s): Guide to Species to Guide Bony Fishes

138 - Plotosidae - Chlorophthalmidae PLOTOSIDAE

Plotosus limbatus Valenciennes, 1840 Eel catfishes FAO names: Darkfin eel catfish (En) Local name(s): Tondi (M), Msilimu (K). Habitat: N: ; S: Ngogo/Mtozi 4–6 soft rays Fisheries: One spine and Distinctive Open Characters: coastal waters Head and moderately estuaries. large, Bottom trawls, Seines, Hooks and Line. (0 arched from snout tip to dorsal–fin origin;nd pectoral fins with 13–16 soft rays; pelvic fins with 12–16 Colour:rays; dorsal procurrent; caudal fin (2 dorsal fin) with 106–133 rays; anal fin with 87–126 soft rays. Body reddish brown to dark brown, Remarks:sometimes fading to a lighter brown ventrally; fins andoften may blackish be fatal. brown, usually with a black border. 4 pairs of barbels Size: To 41 cm (SL) Dorsal and pelvic spines are venomous

Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787) FAO names: Striped eel catfish (En) Local name(s): Tondi (M), (K). Habitat: N: ; S: Ngogo/Mtozi 4 soft rays Fisheries:Ngogo One spine and Distinctive Reefs, Characters: estuaries andHead tidal moderately pools in schools. large, Bottom trawls, Seines, Hooks and Line.

profile slightly arched from tip of snout to dorsal– fin origin; dorsal procurrent caudal fin (or second Colour:dorsal fin) with 69 to 115 rays; pectoral fins with 9–13 soft rays; pelvic fins with 10–13 rays. Brown or black above, whitish below, with Remarks:2–3 stripes (white or yellow in life); 2 of the stripes 4 pairs of barbels andfrom may snout be tofatal. near caudal peduncle. Size: Dorsal and pelvic spines are venomous To 32 cm, common 25 cm CHLOROPHTHALMIDAE Greeneyes

Chlorophthalmus agassizi FAO names: Shortnose greeneye (Fr) Local name(s): Bonaparte, 1840 (En) Eperlan du large Habitat: Benthic, inhabits shelf and offshore Snout shorter than N & S: No information. eye diameter Fisheries: Distinctivewaters from Characters: 150 m to 980 m. Adipose fin Bottom trawls. Colour: Origin of dorsal fin much closer to tip of snout than to adipose fin. Brownish or yellowish, covered with large dark blotches, especially the dorsal half; eyes green; ventral surface of body around anus, pharyngeal and peritonical lining black; gill cover black with metallic luster; inner pelvic–fin rays blackish. No projecting denticulate plate on lower jaw Size: To 40 cm Guide to Species Synodontidae - 139 SYNODONTIDAE

Saurida gracilis Lizardfishes(Plate I, 6) FAO names: (Fr) Gracile lizardfish (En) Local name(s): (Quoy & Gaimard, (K). 1824) Anoli grêle Habitat: 11 (rarely 12) reefs. N: Goromwe; S: Spika Shallow waters, sandy areas near coral Fisheries: dorsal–fin rays Distinctive Characters: Bottom trawls. nd rd A vertical from tip of pectoralColour: fins passes through 2 or 3 predorsal scale; anal fin with 9–10 soft rays. White or pale yellow, with dark brown and black spots on back and sides; darker crossbars on back; all fins with dark bars and spots. 13 (rarely 12–14) pectoral–fin rays Size:

To 30 cm Saurida tumbil FAO names: (Fr) Greater lizardfish (En) Local name(s): (Bloch, 1795) (K). Anoli tumbil Habitat: Muddy bottoms from 20 m to 60 m. Fisheries: N: Goromwe; S: Spika Pectoral fin not reaching 12 (rarely 11–13) Distinctive Characters: dorsal–fin origin dorsal–fin rays Bottom trawls. Head and caudal peduncle Colour:somewhat depressed; several rows of teeth visible in both jaws even when mouth is closed. Back and sides brown, belly pale or silvery; distal parts of dorsal, pectoral and particularly caudal fins, dusky; otherwise, no markings.

rays 14–15 pectoral–fin Size: To 60 cm

Saurida undosquamis (Richardson, 1848) FAO names: (Fr) Brushtooth lizardfish (En) Local name(s): (K). Anoli à grandes écailles Habitat: N: Goromwe; S: Spika rays Fisheries: 11–12 dorsal–fin Distinctive Muddy Characters: bottoms from 20 m to 350 m. Bottom trawls. Cigar-shaped, rounded or slightly compressed; the head pointed and depressed;rays, inner barelythe snout longer rounded; than outer. longest pectoral ray Colour:extending to about dorsal–fin origin; 9 pelvic–fin

2nd Back and sides brown, belly pale or silvery; 8–10 bars often visible along lateral line; dorsal–fin ray and upper caudal ray with dark rays spots. 14–15 pectoral–fin Size:

To 50 cm 140 Bony Fishes

Synodus- Synodontidae binotatus * (Plate I, 7) FAO names: (Fr) Two–spot lizardfish (En) Local name(s): Schultz, 1953 (K). and broad Nasal flap long Anoli à deux taches Habitat: N: Goromwe; S: Spika rays Fisheries: 12–14 dorsal–fin Distinctive Shallow Characters: waters down to 10 m. Bottom trawls. Cheek behind mouth scaled; palatine teeth in a single band on each side (characteristic of the genus); pectoral fins reaching inner Colour:well beyond a line connecting origin of dorsal and pelvic fins; 8–10 anal–fin rays. outer Two black spots on snout; a series of 4 dark brown dorsal saddle–like bands on tan much longer than outer background; all fins barred. 8 pelvic–fin rays, inner Size: To 18 cm

Synodus dermatogenys (Plate I, 8) FAO names: (Fr) Banded lizardfish (En) Local name(s): Fowler, 1912 (K). and slender Anoli bigarré Habitat: Nasal flap long Fisheries: N: Goromwe; S: Spika rays 10–13 dorsal–fin Distinctive Shallow Characters: waters down to 20 m. Bottom trawls. Cheek behind mouth scaled; palatine teeth in a single band on each side (characteristic of the genus); pectoral fins short inner not reaching the line between origins of dorsal and Colour: outer pelvic fins; 8–10 anal–fin rays. much longer than outer Size: To 40 cm Background tan; a series of 8–9 dark 8 pelvic–fin rays, inner brown squared blotches with pale centers along lateral line; peritoneum pale. Synodus indicus FAO names: (Fr) Indian lizardfish (En) Local name(s): (Day, 1873) (K). often notched distally Nasal flap long, triangular, Anoli indien Habitat: N: Goromwe; S: Spika Fisheries: ( rays Distinctive Coastal Characters: waters from 20 m to 100 m. 11–13 dorsal–fin Bottom trawls. Anterior palatine teeth Colour:short, not forming a discrete group; 8–11 anal–fin rays; posterior pelvic process wide. Body dusky pink above, with pale blue- inner grey blotches and stripes; two small pigmented outer spots at upper distal corner of operculum; 9–11 much longer than outer Size: To 20 cm, common 12 cm peritoneal spots. 8 pelvic–fin rays, inner

Synodus variegatus (Plate I, 9) FAO names: Variegated lizardfish (En) Local name(s): (Lacepède, 1803) (K). and triangular Nasal flap short Habitat: Fisheries: N: Goromwe; S: Spika rays 10–13 dorsal–fin Distinctive Shallow Characters: waters down to 10 m. Bottom trawls. Anterior palatine teeth long and forming a discrete group; 8–10 anal–fin Colour: inner rays; posterior pelvic process wide. Adults variable from grey to red; on some outer individuals,red band. the saddle–shaped markings along the sides may be obliterated by an almost solid dark much longer than outer Size: To 40 cm 8 pelvic–fin rays, inner 141

GuideTrachinocephalus to Species myops (Forster, 1801) Synodontidae FAO names: - Macrouridae - Snakefish (En) Local name(s): (K). Habitat: Eyes small, near N: Goromwe; S: Spika tip of mouth Fisheries: Sand, shell, rock or mud bottoms from the Distinctiveshoreline down Characters: to 400 m. Bottom trawls. Mouth oblique with a Colour:single row of teeth on upper jaw visible even when inner mouth is closed; 14–15 anal–fin rays. outer A series of longitudinal blue and yellow stripes cover back and sides; belly pale yellow or Anal–fin base much longer gold; a large, dark, oblique spot at upper corner of much longer than outer than dorsal–fin base gill cover. 8 pelvic–fin rays, inner Size:

To 40 cm, common 25 cm MACROURIDAE Grenadiers

Coelorinchus denticulatus Regan, 1921 FAO names: Filesnout grenadier (En) Local name(s): Tondi Habitat: N: ; S: No information. Fisheries: Benthopelagic, occurs in waters between Distinctive64 m and 335 Characters: m. Bottom trawls. Light organ a dark streak extending forward from anus to chest, streak broadened at either end but anterior fossa not broadly naked; spinules on scales slender, Colour:conical, recurved, in irregular subparallel rows to somewhat quincunx pattern. st dorsal Body light brownish to grey–brown with faint diagonal bands in some individuals; 1 Size: To 28 cm fin with a dark band across the middle; pelvic fins black–tipped, their base blackish. Malacocephalus laevis FAO names: Softhead grenadier (En) Local name(s): Tondi (Lowe, 1843) Habitat: smooth N: ; S: No information. Edge of spine Fisheries: Benthopelagic on the continental slope Distinctivebetween 200 Characters: m and 1000 m. Bottom trawls. Upper jaw teeth in 1 row, outer series enlarged and widely spaced; dorsal fin with 2 spines and 9–13 rays, plus more than 220 Colour:soft rays; anal fin with1 st more than 210 soft rays; pectoral fins with 16–22 soft rays. Body brown; dorsal fin, pectoral fins, ventral fins and belly, blackish. Scales on gular

branchiostegal rays membrane and lower

Size: To 60 cm, common 40 cm 142 Bony Fishes

Ventrifossa- Macrouridae petersonii - Ophidiidae - Lophiidae FAO names: Peterson’s grenadier (En) Local name(s): Tondi (Alcock, 1891) 2nd one serrated) and 8–10 Habitat: Dorsal fin softwith rays 2 spines (the N: ; S: No information. Fisheries: Benthopelagic, occurs in deep waters Distinctivebetween 300 Characters: m and 1000 m. Bottom trawls. Teeth small; mandibular teeth in 2 or 3 rows; no scales on branchiostegal rays; scales rather large, with short, slender, conical Colour:spinules, many with broadened bases, arranged in widely divergentst V rows or quincunx pattern. Snout with a black margin along leading edge; 1 dorsal fin with a prominent black blotch across middle to lower portions. Size: To 42 cm OPHIDIIDAE – Brotulas

Brotula multibarbata Cusk eels FAO names: Goatsbeard brotula Brotula barbe–de–boue (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Tondi Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 Habitat: N: ; S: No information. Fisheries: Benthic on continental shelf and slope in Distinctivedeeper waters. Characters: Maximum depth 650 m. Hooks and Line, Traps, Bottom trawls. Body elongate with a tapering caudal fin; fine teeth present on jaws and on palate; fins spineless; dorsal and anal fins on snout and chin 2 rays each Colour:long, continuous with caudal fin; body completely 12 barbels present covered with small, cycloid (smooth) scales. Pelvic fins with Uniform silvery, dusky to brown. Size: To 100 cm

LOPHIIDAE

Lophiodes mutilus Goosefishes FAO names: Smooth angler Baudroie marache (Fr) (En) Local name(s): (Alcock, 1894)Guguye Bocho (M). Habitat: N: Shinda dovu/ ; S: Frontal ridges 1st smooth Inshore benthic on muddy to rocky dorsal–fin spine modified into a lure and Fisheries:bottoms, coral and rocky reefs; meso– and bearing a fleshy bait Distinctivebathypelagic Characters:between 300 m and 500 m. Bottom trawls. nd st Head with numerous 1 sharp2nd spines on dorsal and lateral surfaces; 2 Colour:cephalic dorsal–fin spine scarcely longer than 1 ; (soft) dorsal fin with 8 rays; anal fin with 6 rays. Uniformly light to dark brown above, lighter below; pectoral fins darker distally; all fin extending in front of rays with pale tips. Gill openings pectoral–fin base

Size:

To 45 cm, common 30 cm (Fr) (Fr) 143 fin base dorsal fin dorsal dorsal fin nd To 25 cm Size: To nd Gill opening below dorsal–fin spine st and behind pectoral– 1 on 2 bearing a fleshy bait bearing a fleshy Athérine têtue têtue Athérine To 11 cm (SL) Size: To modified into a lure and a lure modified into rays on anal fin rays rays on 2 rays 1 spine and 8–11 soft 1 spine and 12–17 soft rays on anal fin soft rays 1 spine + 12–13 soft 1 spine and 8–10 soft rays 1 spine and 8–10 soft rays Athérine tropicale tropicale Athérine Tropical silverside (En) silverside Tropical Blackmouth angler angler Blackmouth (En) Hardyhead silverside (En) silverside Hardyhead Lophiidae - Atherinidae - - Atherinidae Lophiidae ,

st

To 40 cm, common 30 cm Size: To st - names: FAO names: FAO names: FAO dorsal fin dorsal dorsal fin dorsal 7 _,L 5–7 spines on 1 4–7 spines on 1 ' / rough Frontal ridges Frontal Silversides ATHERINIDAE ATHERINIDAE / Bocho * ; S:

(soft) dorsal nd Guguye / cephalic dorsal–fin nd gill arch; body scales st 1 (M), Mambangumu (K). (M), Mambangumu (K). cephalic dorsal–fin spine darkly

nd (Vahl, 1797) (Vahl, setigerus Lophiomus (Forster, 1801) lacunosus (Forster, Atherinomorus (Valenciennes, 1835) (Valenciennes, duodecimalis Atherinomorus (M). fin with 8 rays; anal fin with 6 rays. fin with 8 rays; Colour: Light to dark brown above, lighter below; dorsal surface mottled; frequently all fin with rays pale tips; 2 pigmented. Local name(s): N: Shinda dovu Habitat: Inshore benthic bottoms, on coral muddy and to 800 m. 30 m to from at depths bathypelagic rocky rocky reefs to meso– trawls. Bottom Fisheries: and Distinctive Characters: Floor of mouth distinct reticulate with pattern; 2 a spine stout and darkly pigmented; 2 pigmented; spine and stout darkly Restricted to coastal waters and harbours. and waters coastal to Restricted Habitat: nets.Fisheries: Seines, Cast Distinctive Characters: The distal end of upper jaw extending slightly backward beyond vertical through anterior border of orbit; the anus is 2 to 4 scales in front of the pelvic–fin tips, rarely more than 3 scales. Colour: Scales above the midlateral stripe heavily chromatophores; by outlined edges with pigmented narrow. stripe midlateral kuoza; S: Hanithi/ N: Makame Local name(s): Mambangumu Habitat: Schooling along shores sometimes with sardines. nets.Fisheries: Seines, Cast moderately and eyes Head Characters: Distinctive large; posterior anterior edge edge with of a distinct rakers preopercle on lower notch; limb of 18–25 straight, gill Mambangumu N: Makame kuoza; S: Hanithi N: Makame Local name(s): large. Colour: Greenish–grey with a broad silvery stripe on side of its body, upper edge with an iridescent fins. on pectoral blotch blue line; a dark Guide to Species to Guide 144 Bony Fishes

Hypoatherina- Atherinidae - Belonidae barnesi FAO names: Barnes’ silverside (En) Local name(s): Schultz, 1953Hanithi Mambangumu (M), Mambangumu (K). st N: Makame kuoza; S: / rays on 2nd Habitat: 5–7 spines on 1 1 spine and 8–11 soft Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. dorsal fin dorsal fin Distinctive Coastal Characters: waters and lagoons.

Colour: Body slender; body scales large; pectoral fins with 12–15 rays. A black mid–dorsal line running from head to end of caudal peduncle; midlateral stripe wide, broadest between anus and anal fin extending limb of 1st gill arch 15–19 gill rakers on lower 1 spine and 12–17 onto caudal fin forming a triangular blotch on soft rays on anal fin upper half of fin base; rows of spots on lower sides occasionally present. Size: To 10 cm, common 4 cm

Hypoatherina temminckii FAO names:

Samoan silverside (En) Local name(s): (Bleeker, 1854) Mambangumu (M), Mambangumu (K). st Habitat: N: Makame kuoza; S: Hanithi/ on 2nd Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. 5–7 spines on 1 1 spine + 8–10 soft rays dorsal fin dorsal fin Distinctive Restricted Characters: to coastal waters and harbours.

Colour: Body slender; anus always behind pelvic–fin tips. Transparent and blue–green in colour; silvery narrow midlateral stripe; scales above

it heavily pigmented with edges outlined by st chromatophores. limb of 1 gill arch 20–25 gill rakers on lower 1 spine and 11–14 soft rays on anal fin

Size:

To 11 cm, common 5 cm BELONIDAE

Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846) Needlefishes FAO names: (Fr) Flat needlefish (En) Local name(s): Mtumbuudau Mgendi (K). Orphie plate Habitat: Pelagic, N: inhabiting offshore/ /Mgezi;surface S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare Anterior part of dorsal and anal Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets, Trolling gears, Gillnets, fins with high falcate lobes Handlines.waters, abundant around islands. Distinctive Character:

Dorsal fin with 23–26, usually 24–25 rays; anal fin with 24–28, usually 12–14 blotches Colour:26–27 rays; pectoral fins falcate with 13–15 rays; on body caudal peduncle without lateral keels. Bluish green above, silvery white below. Size: To 140 cm, common 70 cm GuidePlatybelone to Species platyura * FAO names: Belonidae - 145 (Fr) Keeltail needlefish (En) Local name(s): Mtumbuudau(Bennett,Mgendi 1832) Orphie carénée (K). Habitat: N: / /Mgezi; No prominent S:Fisheries: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare lobes on fins Seines, Handlines. Pelagic in off–shore waters. Distinctive Castnets,Character: Trolling gears, Lured hooks,

Colour: Dorsal fin with 12–15 rays; anal fin with 15–20 rays; pectoral fins not falcate. Bluish–green above, silvery below; a dark Caudal peduncle strongly Cross section depressed with large lateral keels blue stripe along sides; scales and bones green. through caudal peduncle Size:

To 40 cm, common 30 cm Strongylura leiura FAO names: Banded needlefish (En) Local name(s): Mtumbuudau(Bleeker, 1850)Mgendi (K). N: / /Mgezi; 11–12 soft rays 17–21 soft rays Habitat: In coastal areas, also enters estuaries. Pectoral fin with Dorsal fin with S:Fisheries: Mtumbuudau Drift nets,(M), TsatsarikaSeines, Lines./Ngarengare Distinctive Character: Body almost rectangular in th to 10th ray

Colour:cross section; origin of dorsal fin over 7 22–26 soft rays of anal fin. Anal fin with No lateral Back greenish, sides silvery, white keel ventrally; a black bar on cheek between opercle Size: and preopercle; pectoral fins dark distally, the tip yellow. To 75 cm Tylosurus acus melanotus FAO names: (Fr) Agujon needlefish (En) Local name(s): Mtumbuudau(Bleeker,Mgendi 1850) Aiguille voyeuse (K). 24–27 soft rays Habitat: N: / /Mgezi; Dorsal fin with S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare Fisheries: Pelagic in off–shore waters, also found in Gillnets,coastal waters. Seines. Distinctive Cast Characters: nets, Trolling gears, Lured hooks,

Caudal fin deeply forked, 22–24 soft rays lowerlobe than lobe T. muchcrocodilus. longer than upper; longer jaws Anal fin with A small black lateral keel on caudal peduncle Colour:with more numerous teeth and narrower caudal Size: To 90 cm

Dark bluish above, silvery white below. Tylosurus crocodilus crocodilus FAO names: (Fr) Hound needlefish (En) Local name(s): Mtumbuudau Mgendi(Péron & Lesueur, 1821)(Plate I, 10) Aiguille crocodile (K). N: / /Mgezi; 21–24 soft rays Habitat: Dorsal fin with S:shore. Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare Fisheries: Pelagic Castnets, in coastalTrolling waters, gears, Purse but also seines, off– Drift nets, Gillnets, Lines. Distinctive Character:

Caudal fin deeply forked, Colour:lower lobe much longer than upper; a small black 19–22 soft rays lateral keel on caudal peduncle. Anal fin with Dark bluish green above, silvery below; a Size: dark blue stripe along sides; a distinct black lateral keel on caudal peduncle. To 150 cm 146 Bony Fishes - Hemiramphidae HEMIRAMPHIDAE

Euleptorhamphus viridis Halfbeaks FAO names: Demi–bec allongé (Fr) Ribbon halfbeak (En) Local name(s): Chuchungi (van Hasselt, 1823) Kidau (K). Dorsal fin with Habitat: N: /Mkeke/Mgezi 21–25 rays Fisheries:S: Chuchungi (M), Off–shore waters. Distinctive Gillnets, Characters: Shore seines; common in catches particularly in the south coast.

Lower jaw very 20–24 rays Colour:prolonged; upper jaw short, triangular, and scaly; Anal fin with pectoral fins long. Size: Fins unpigmented; fold of skin at edges of To 50 cm lowerHemiramphus jaw, grey with far transverse black bands.(Plate II, 11) FAO names: Black–barred halfbeak (En) Local name(s): Chuchungi(Forsskål, 1775)Kule Kidau (K). blotches on the sides N: /Mkeke/ 3–9 (usually 4–6) vertical Dorsal fin with Habitat: 12–15 rays S: Chuchungi (M), Fisheries: Common Gillnets, Seines. in off–shore waters rich in Distinctivesubmerged vegetation.Characters:

Lower jaw very prolonged; upper jaw short triangular and scaleless; pectoral rays, usually 11 Colour:fins short; total number of gillrakers on first gill Anal fin with 11–12 arch 25 to 36, usually 29 to 33. Size: Dark bluish above, silvery white below. To about 45 cm, common to 27 cm Hemiramphus lutkei Valenciennes, 1847 * FAO names: (Fr) Lutke’s halfbeak (En) Local name(s): Chuchungi Kiroho Demi–bec de Lutke Kidau (K). bars on sides Habitat: N: /Mkeke/ No spots or vertical Dorsal fin with Fisheries:S: Chuchungi Shore (M), seines, Gillnets, Lines. 12–15 rays Distinctive Off–shore Characters: waters.

Prolonged lower jaw; upper jaw short, triangular and scaleless; total number of gillrakers on first gill arch 33 to 46; Anal fin with Colour:pectoral fins long, reaching beyond anterior margin 10–13 rays of nasal pit when folded forward. Size: Dark bluish above, silvery white below. To 40 cm, common 25 cm Hyporhamphus affinis (Günther, 1866) FAO names: Tropical halfbeak (En) Local name(s): Chuchungi Kidau (K). on snout 14–17 rays Habitat: N: /Mkeke/Mgezi Scales present Dorsal fin with Fisheries:S: Chuchungi Shore (M), seines, Purse seines, Gillnets. Distinctive Clear Characters:waters particularly around reefs.

Lower jaw very Colour:prolonged; upper jaw short; front part of dorsal fin and entire anal fin covered with scales. Body deep blue above, silvery white below; Anal fin with silvery stripe on side; caudal fin bluish, other fins 15–19 rays Size: unpigmented; tip and distal half of underside of lower jaw bright carmine red. To 38 cm 147

Guide to Species Hemiramphidae - Exocoetidae - Hyporhamphus dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1847) FAO names: Demi–bec de Dussumier (Fr) Dussumier’s halfbeak (En) Local name(s): Chuchungi Kidau (K). N: /Mkeke; 11–12 rays 14–16 rays Habitat: Occurs around islands and coral reefs. Pectoral fins with Dorsal fin with Fisheries:S: Chuchungi Shore (M), seines, Gillnets, Lines. Distinctive Characters:

Greatly prolonged beak– like lower jaw; upper jaw short, triangular and Colour:scaly; caudal fin forked with lower lobe longer than 14–16 rays upper. Anal fin with Greenish above, silvery white below; fleshy tip of beak red. Size:

To 38 cm, common 20 cm EXOCOETIDAE

Flyingfishes Cheilopogon atrisignis * FAO names: (Fr) Glider flyingfish (En) Local name(s): (Jenkins, 1903) Exocet planeur 1st Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi unbranched and(M/K). neritic areas. pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin low with 14–16 rays Fisheries: Pelagic Gillnets, in Seines,surface Handwaters nets. of both oceanic Distinctive Characters: Head shorter than

distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of upper caudal–fin lobe; dorsal–fin rays at anterior Colour:end, the longest; pelvic fins abdominal, large, reaching well beyond anal–fin origin. Dark above, pale below; pectoral fins brownish with numerously scattered spots.

Anal–fin (9–11 rays) origin, 4–6 rays or more behind dorsal–finSize: origin

To 35 cm Cheilopogon cyanopterus (Valenciennes, 1847) * FAO names: (Fr) Margined flyingfish (En) Local name(s): Exocet cadène Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi 1st (M/K). unbranched an neritic areas. pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin low Fisheries: Pelagic Gillnets, in Seines,surface Handwaters nets. in both oceanic with 12–14 rays Distinctive Characters:

Head approximately equal to distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of upper caudal–fin lobe; dorsal–fin rays at Colour:anterior end the longest; pelvic fins abdominal, large, reaching well beyond anal–fin origin. Dark above, pale below; dorsal with a prominent black spot; pectoral fins blue in life; without stripes or spots. Anal–fin (9–11 rays) origin, 3 rays or more behind dorsal–fin origin

Size: To 40 cm 148 Bony Fishes

Cheilopogon- Exocoetidae furcatus * FAO names: Spotfin flyingfish (En) Local name(s): (Mitchill, 1815) 1st N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi unbranched Habitat: pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin low Fisheries:(M/K). Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. with 12–14 rays Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in oceanic surfaceHead waters.considerably

shorter than distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of upper caudal–fin lobe; dorsal rays Colour:at anterior end the longest; caudal fin forked with lower lobe much longer than upper. Body dark iridescent blue above, silvery– white below; pectoral fins dark grey, with a broad Anal–fin (9–11 rays) origin, 5–7 pale margin crossed by a pale stripe becoming rays behind dorsal–fin origin narrower toward anterior fin margin; pelvic fins pale. Size: To 35 cm Cheilopogon nigricans (Bennett, 1840) * FAO names:

Local name(s): Blacksail flyingfish (En) 1st Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi unbranched (M/K). pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin high Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. By–catch in with 13–15 rays Pelagic in oceanic surface waters. Distinctive Characters: Head shorter than various types of gears.

distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of Colour:upper caudal–fin lobe; pelvic fins abdominal, large, reaching well beyond anal–fin origin. Dorsal fin with a prominent black spot; pectoral fins black with a central portion crossed by a yellow or greenish–yellow transverse stripe becoming narrow towards fin margin; pelvic fins with prominent black spot. Anal–fin (8–11 rays) origin, 5–7 rays behind dorsal–fin origin Size: To 28 cm

Cypselurus naresii (Günther, 1889) * FAO names: (Fr) Pharao flyingfish (En) Local name(s): 1st Exocet pharaon unbranched Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin low Fisheries:(M/K). Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. with 10–12 rays Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in oceanic surface waters.

Head approximately equal to the distance between dorsal–fin origin and origininsertion. of upper caudal–fin lobe; insertion of pelvic Colour:fins closer to anal–fin origin than to pectoral–fin th ray. Dorsal fin greyish; pectoral fins brownish, unpigmented below the 9

Anal–fin (7–9 rays) origin, 4–7 rays behindSize: dorsal To fin 21origin cm 149

GuideCypselurus to Species oligolepis * FAO names: Exocoetidae - (Fr) Largescale flyingfish (En) Local name(s): (Bleeker, 1865) 1st unbranched Exocet à grandes écailles Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin low Fisheries:(M/K). Gillnets, Seines, Handnets. with 10–12 rays Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in surface Head waters much of inshore shorter areas. than

distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of uppermuch nearer caudal–fin to hind lobe; margin pelvic–fin of head insertion than to closerorigin to anal–fin origin than to pectoral–fin insertion and Colour: of lower caudal–fin lobe. Pectoral fins greyish–brown, lower portion and posterior tip colourless. Anal–fin (7–9 rays) origin, 4–7 rays behind dorsal–fin origin Size: To 27 cm

Cypselurus poecilopterus (Valenciennes, 1847) * FAO names:

Yellowing flyingfish (En) Local name(s): 1st unbranched Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi pectoral–fin ray Dorsal fin low (M/K). with 11–13 rays Fisheries: Pelagic Gillnets, in Seines,neritic Handsurface nets. waters; rare in Distinctivethe open ocean. Characters: Head shorter than

distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of uppernearer caudal–finto hind margin lobe; of insertion head than closer to origin to anal– of fin origin than to pectoral–fin insertion and much Colour: lower caudal–fin lobe. Pectoral fins brownish–grey (yellowish– brown in life) with numerous dark spots. Anal–fin (7–9 rays) origin, 4–7 rays behind dorsal–fin origin Size: To 27 cm

Exocoetus monocirrhus Richardson, 1846 FAO names: (Fr) Barbel flyingfish (En) Local name(s): Exocet boue Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi (M/K). Dorsal fin low Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. with 13–14 rays Distinctive Pelagic Characters: in oceanic surface waters.

Upper jaw not protrusible; gillrakers on first arch 21 to 29; pelvic fins short, far Colour:from reaching anal fin; usually 7 transverse rows of scales between dorsal–fin origin and lateral line. Body dark iridescent blue above, silvery– white below; pectoral fins and caudal fin greyish or brownish, other fins unpigmented. 12–14 rays Anal fin with

Size: To 20 cm Bony Fishes

150Parexocoetus- Exocoetidae brachypterus (Richardson, 1846) FAO names:

Sailfin flyingfish (En) Local name(s):

Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi Pectoral fins not reaching Dorsal and anal fins (M/K). beyond posterior part of with 12–14 rays Fisheries: Pelagic Gillnets, in Seines,neritic Handsurface nets. waters, rare in anal–fin base Distinctivethe open ocean. Characters:

Upper jaw protrusible; Colour:dorsal fin Body high, iridescent reaching greenish–blue well beyond origindorsally, of upper caudal–fin lobe when depressed.

silvery–white ventrally; dorsal fin black except for base and posterior rays which are pale; pelvic fins greyish, other fins transparent . Size: To 14 cm

Parexocoetus mento (Valenciennes, 1847) FAO names: (Fr) African sailfin flyingfish (En) Local name(s): Exocet voilier africain N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi Habitat: 9–12 rays (M/K). Pectoral fins not reaching Dorsal fin with Fisheries: Pelagic Gillnets, in neritic Seines, surface Hand nets. waters, absent in beyond posterior part of anal–fin base Distinctivethe open ocean. Characters:

Upper jaw protrusible; dorsal fin high almost reaching the origin of upper caudal–fin lobe when depressed; pelvic fins abdominal, medium–sized, reaching beyond anal– Colour:fin origin, their insertion closer to anal–fin origin than to pectoral–fin insertion. 10–12 rays Dorsal fin mostly blackish; pectoral fins Anal fin with and caudal greyish, other fins transparent. Size: To 11 cm

Prognichthys brevipinnis (Valenciennes, 1847) FAO names: Shortfin flyingfish (En) Local name(s):

Habitat: N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi 10–11 rays (M/K). Dorsal fin with Fisheries: Pelagic Gillnets, in Seines,neritic Handsurface nets. waters, rare in Distinctivethe open ocean. Characters: Head shorter than

distance between dorsal–fin origin and origin of upper caudal–fin lobe; lower jaw a little shorter than the upper; first 3 rays of pectoral fins unbranched;nearer to hind pelvic–fin margin insertionsof head than closer to origin to anal– of fin origin than to pectoral–fin insertion and much Colour: lower caudal–fin lobe. Anal–fin (8–10 rays) origin, 3–5 Dorsal fin greyish; pectoral fins grey rays behind dorsal fin origin above, lower part and tip transparent; pelvic fins unpigmented. Size: To 19 cm Guide to Species BERYCIDAE Berycidae - Holocentridae - 151

Beryx splendens Alfonsinos FAO names: Béryx long (Fr) Splendid alfonsino (En) Local name(s): Lowe, 1834 Habitat: Dorsal fin with 4 spines N & S: No information. and 13–16 rays Fisheries: Bathypelagic, over the continental slope, Distinctivein depths from Characters: about 200 m to 600 m. Longlines, Bottom trawls. Body depth 2.5 to 2.8 times in standard length; first infraorbital bone with a spine projecting laterally on anterior end; lateralthe 2nd dorsalline extends ray is elongate.to caudal fin; a fleshy disk on Colour:inner face of exposed area of scale; in young fishes

Body orange–red with silvery reflections ventrally. Size: To about 70 cm, common 40 cm

HOLOCENTRIDAE –

Myripristis adusta Squirrelfishes SoldierfishesFAO names: Marignan ombré (Fr) Shadowfin soldierfish (En) Local name(s): SheemiitoBleeker, 1853 Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). spines and 14–16 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ Mwanaasha Kijame Fisheries: Common in shallow waters around coral Distinctivereefs; hides inCharacters: caves during day. Hooks and Line, Gillnets, Spears, Seines. mouth. One or two (usually one) Colour:pairs of tooth patches at front of lower jaw outside

Pale salmon pink; edges of scales dorsally on body deep blue to black; median fins with broad black outer border. A black spot and 12–14 soft rays on opercle Anal fin with 4 spines Size:

To 35 cm, common 20 cm Myripristis berndti * FAO names: (Fr) Local name(s): SheemiitoJordan & Evermann, 1903 Blotcheye soldierfish (En) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Marignan à oeillères spines and 13–15 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ Fisheries: Mwanaasha Kijame night. Shallow waters around coral reefs. Distinctive HooksCharacters: and Line, Gillnets; caught at th dorsal One pair of toothth and patches closely at front of lower jaw outside mouth; 11 spineColour: more than twice length of 10 applied to soft portion of fin. Spiny dorsal fin orange–yellow; opercular membrane black; leading edge of soft dorsal, anal Lower jaw of adults strongly projecting Anal fin with 4 spines caudal and pelvic fins white. and 11–13 soft rays Size:

To 30 cm, common 22 cm Bony Fishes

152Myripristis- Holocentridae kuntee FAO names: Marignan ardoisé (Fr) Shoulderbar soldierfish (En) Local name(s): SheemiitoValenciennes, 1831 Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). spines and 15–17 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ at night. Mwanaasha Kijame Fisheries: Shallow waters around coral reefs; caught Distinctive Characters: Hooks and Line, Gillnets. One pair ofth tooth patches at front of lower jaw outsideth mouth; corner of preopercle with a sharp spine; 11 dorsal spine aboutColour: twice the length of 10 spine and closely applied to soft portion of fin. Silvery orange–red; red pigment in soft Remarks:dorsal and analHas finssmaller concentrated scales than in a largemost spot other at tips of fins. and 14–16 soft rays Anal fin with 4 spines Continuous reddish–brown bar similar species and the higher number along the from upper end of gill opening Size: To 26 cm, common 16 cm to axil of pectoral fin body is quite obvious. Myripristis murdjan FAO names:

Local name(s): Sheemiito(Forsskål, 1775) Pinecone soldierfish (En) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 spines and 13–15 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ by day. Mwanaasha Kijame Fisheries: Coral reefs, hiding in caves and crevices night. Distinctive Hooks Characters: and Line, Gillnets; caught at

Snout short; lower jaw slightly projecting when mouth is closed; a single Colour:pair of tooth patches at front of lower jaw outside mouth; caudal fin deeply forked. Body colour silvery–pink; edge of scales red; opercular margin black; all fins red; submarginal band in each caudal–fin lobe; leading and 11–14 soft rays edges of median fins white. Lower jaw slightly Anal fin with 4 spines projecting Size:

To 30 cm, common 20 cm Neoniphon opercularis FAO names: Marignan aile noire (Fr) Blackfin squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito(Valenciennes, 1831) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ spines and 12–14 Mwanaasha Kijame Fisheries: A reef species found in shallow to Distinctivemoderate depths. Characters: Body moderately Hooks and Line, Traps.

Colour:elongated; corner of preopercle with a sharp spine; anal fin with 4 spines and 8–9 soft rays. Body iridescent silvery with dark red or black markings on each scale; spinous portion of dorsal fin black; soft dorsal, anal and caudal fins reddish–yellow; pectoral fins pink; pelvic fins Lowermouth jaw closed strongly white. pointed when Size:

To 35 cm, common 23 cm GuideNeoniphon to Species sammara FAO names: Holocentridae - 153 Marignan tacheté (Fr) Local name(s): Sheemiito(Forsskål, 1775) Sammara squirrelfish (En) Kifufu (M), (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 spines and 11–13 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ of bays and Mwanaashalagoons. Fisheries: Coral reefs, most often in shallow waters Distinctive Characters: Body moderately Hooks and Line, Traps, Seines.

Colour:elongated; corner of preorpercle with a sharp spine. Silvery with blue–green iridescence; a reddish stripe following lateral line; snout and top of head red; spiny portion of dorsal fin with a large black spot tinged with red on first 3 membranes. mouthLower closed jaw and 8 soft rays projecting when Anal fin with 4 spines Size:

To 30 cm, common 23 cm Ostichthys archiepiscopus (Valenciennes, 1862) * FAO names: Longsnout soldier Marignan cuirassé (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito Kifufu (M), (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 12 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ spines and 13–15 Fisheries: Mwanaasha Distinctive Associated Characters: with reefs down to 200 m. Bottom trawls, Hooks and Line. Dorsal profile of head Colour:straight; dorsal fin continuous though deeply thusnotched forming between faint spiny longitudinal and soft bands. portions. Light red, the centers of the scales paler,

and 11 soft rays No spines at corner Anal fin with 4 spines of preopercle Size:

To 32 cm, common 24 cm Sargocentron caudimaculatum (Plate II, 12) FAO names: Silverspot squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito (Rüppell, 1838) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ Dorsal14 soft fin rays with Fisheries: Mwanaasha Kijame 11 spines and Distinctive Associated Characters: with reefs. Hooks and Line, Traps. Dorsal profile of head of9 soft adults rays. nearly straight; very large scales on Colour:posterior part of opercle; anal fin with 4 spines and

Head and body red, edges of scales silver; silvery white spot antero–dorsally on caudal peduncleof the membranes (often disappears bright red. after death); spinous part of dorsal fin mottled light red, the outer part

Corner of preopercle with a sharp spine Size:

To 25 cm, common 18 cm Bony Fishes

154Sargocentron- Holocentridae diadema (Plate II, 13) FAO names: Crown squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito(Lacepède, 1802) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). 12–14Dorsal softfin with rays Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ 11 spines and Fisheries:Mwanaasha Kijame Distinctive Coral Characters: reefs from 2 m to 30 m. 8–9 soft rays. Hooks and Line. Colour: Anal fin with 4 spines and

Body with alternating stripes of red and silvery–white; head red with 2 vertical white streaks on the opercle, one on its edge and an oblique one below the eye; distinctive reddish– black to black dorsal fin with two white streaks. Corner of preopercle with a sharp short spine Size: To 17 cm

Sargocentron ittodai * FAO names: Samurai squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito(Jordan & Fowler, 1902) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Dorsal fin with Red, tips white, and a series of Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ 11 spines and white dots in the middle Fisheries: Mwanaasha Kijame 13–14 soft rays Distinctive Associated Characters: with coral reefs. 8–10 soft rays. Hooks and Line. Colour: Anal fin with 4 spines and

Body with red and white stripes following the scale rows, the red stripes slightly narrower than the white ones; inner base of pectoral fins with a black spot.

Corner of preopercle with a sharp short spine Size: To 20 cm

Sargocentron macrosquamis Golani, 1984 FAO names: Bigscale squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ Dorsal fin with Mwanaasha Kijame 11 spines and Fisheries: 13–14 soft rays Distinctive Shallow Characters: inshore watersVery fromlarge 4 mscales to 10 onm. Traps, Seines, Hooks and Line, Gillnets.

posterior part of preopercle; anal fin with 4 spines and 9–10 soft rays; pectoral fins with 14–16 soft rays; mouth terminal to slightly inferior; maxilla extending to a vertical at front edge of pupil or Colour:slightly before or beyond to it; broadly rounded caudal fin lobes. the head, Body thorax, red and with anterior silvery abdomen.reflections on many scales, shading to silvery–white on lower part of Corner of preopercle with a sharp short spine Size: To 9 cm GuideSargocentron to Species melanospilos * FAO names: Holocentridae - 155 Blackblotch squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito (Bleeker, 1858) Kifufu (M), (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ spines and 12–14 Fisheries: Mwanaasha Distinctive Shallow Characters: coastal waters down to 90 m. Traps,rd Seines, Hooks and Line, thGillnets. slightly longer). Anal fin with 4 spines and 12Colour: soft rays (3 spine stoutest, but the 4

Body with red–orange and silvery stripes; dark spots at origin of pectoral fins, end of caudal peduncle and bases of soft rayed portions of dorsal and anal fins. Corner of preopercle with a sharp spine Size:

To 25 cm Sargocentron praslin FAO names:

Local name(s): Sheemiito(Lacepède, 1802) Dark–striped squirrelfish (En) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Large dark brown spot N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ Habitat: in axil of pectoral Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Fisheries: Mwanaasha Kijame spines and 12–13 Distinctive Shallow Characters: waters, often around coral reefs. Traps, Hooks and Line, Seines, Gillnets. Body deep; anal fin with Colour:4 spines and 9 soft rays; 13–15 pectoral–fin rays (rarely 13). Body with brownish–red stripes alternating with silvery white ones; the upper 2 darkrd stripes often ending in an elongate dark brown spot at theth base of the dorsal–fin soft portion; the 3 curvingth and downward6th to end at mid–base of caudal fin; the 4 ending just thbefore and 8 theth caudal peduncle; the 5 converging posteriorly on lower edge of caudal Corner of preopercle peduncle; 7 ending in a dark blotch at the with a long sharp spine rear soft anal–fin base; soft portions of dorsal and Size: anal fins with a dark spot each. To 32 cm Sargocentron punctatissimum * FAO names: Peppered squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito (Cuvier, 1829) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ spines and 12–14 Mwanaasha Kijame Fisheries: Rocky shores and reefs exposed to wave Distinctiveaction, often Characters: in shallow waters. Small mouth, terminal to Traps, Hooks and Line, Seines, Gillnets.

slightly inferior, maxilla reaching from below front Colour:of iris to below center of eye; anal fin with 4 spines and 9 soft rays; pectoral fins with 14–16 soft rays. Body reddish–silvery, iridescent bluish dorsally; scales finely dotted with black; spiny dorsal–fin silvery white, with broad red margin. Corner of preopercle with a sharp spine Size: To 16 cm Bony Fishes

156Sargocentron- Holocentridae rubrum FAO names: Redcoat Marignan rouget (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito(Forsskål, 1775) Dorsalsoft fin rays with 12 Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). spines and 13–14 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ habitats suchMwanaasha as bays andKijame lagoons. Fisheries: Shallow water species found in protected Distinctive Characters: Mouth terminal to slightly inferior, maxilla Traps, usually Hooks andextending Line, Seines, nearly Gillnets. to or a

Colour:short distance beyond a vertical through center of eye; anal fin with 4 spines and 8–9 soft rays. Body with alternate stripes of red and silvery–white; spiny dorsal–fin red with white tips Corner of preopercle and a median band of white spots; no dark spots at with a sharp spine pectoral–fin base, but with dark spots at bases of soft dorsal and anal fins. Size:

To 32 cm, common 27 cm Sargocentron spiniferum * FAO names: Marignan sabre (Fr) Sabre squirrelfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito (Forsskål, 1775) Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). spines and 14–16 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ Mwanaasha Kijame Fisheries: Associated with coral reefs; hides by day Distinctiveand emerges Characters:with the onset of darkness. Hooks and Line, Traps, Gillnets, Spears. Lower jaw projecting when mouth closed; maxilla extending posteriorly to a vertical at front edge of the orbit; anterior end of nasal bone often with 2 close-set, short spines; Colour:anal fin with 4 spines and 9–10 soft rays; 15 pectoral–fin rays. Head and body red, darker dorsally; a large vertically elongate deep red spot behind eye; pectoral axil and region above pectoral–fin base Corner of preopercle with a long sharp spine deep red. Size: To 45 cm, common 35 cm Sargocentron violaceum (Plate II, 14) FAO names: Violet soldierfish (En) Local name(s): Sheemiito (Bleeker, 1853) Kifufu (M), , , Kifudu (K). Dorsalsoft fin rays with 11 Habitat: N: /Idazi; S: Bwanaheri/ spines and 13–16 Fisheries: Mwanaasha Kijame Distinctive Coral Characters: reefs of shallow waters. Traps, Hooks and Line, Gillnets. A single pair of tooth Colour:patches at front of lower jaw outside gape; anal fin with 4 spines and 12–14 soft rays. Body colour brownish to purplish red; head primarily red; upper part of opercular membrane blackish; dorsal margin of scales dark brown to nearly black; median fins light–red, red Remarks:distally, with Has white a high edges body anteriorly similar to on S. softspiniferum dorsal,, butanal, differs caudal in and coloration pelvic fins. and does not get as large.

Size:

To 45 cm, common 20 cm Guide to Species PARAZENIDAE Parazenidae - Zeidae - Aulostomidae - 157

Cyttopsis rosea * FAO names: Rosy dory Parazens Saint Pierre rosé (Fr) (En) Local name(s): Sese(Lowe, 1843) Habitat: Dorsal fin with 7–8 Fisheries: N: /Ngamia; S: No information. spines and 28–30 rays Distinctive Bathypelagic Characters: from 65 m to 600 m. Gillnets, Seines, Bottom trawls. Upper edge of orbit with small spines anteriorly; twost large keeled scutes, each2nd ending in a1 st spine much between larger than pelvic–fin the 2nd , rays; and anal fin with 2 spines, the 1 immovable and the and movable, branched the soft rays. Colour:28–30 soft rays; pelvic fins with 9–10 segmented

Rosy pink and silvery in life; pelvic fins Size: reddish, the membrane black. ZEIDAE To 31 cm Dories Zenopsis conchifer FAO names: Saint Pierre argenté (Fr) Silvery John dory (En) Local name(s): Sese(Lowe, 1852) Habitat: Dorsal fin with 9–10 spines and 24–27 rays Fisheries: N: /Ngamia; S: No information. Distinctive Mesopelagic Characters: from 90 m to 600 m. Gillnets, Seines, Bottom trawls.1st Sevenst pairs of keeled bony scutes between pelvic fins and anal spine; 1–3 bony plates at base of 1 dorsal fin, 4–5 along base of soft dorsal and 5–7 along base of anal fin; Colour:anal fin with 3 spines and 24–26 soft rays; pelvic fins with 6–7 rays. Body silvery, with a dusky mid lateral spot just posterior to and slightly above end of pectoral fins; fin membranes of spinous dorsal, pectoral, pelvic and caudal fins blackish. Size: To 80 cm

AULOSTOMIDAE

Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus, 1766) Trumpetfishes FAO names: (Fr) Chinese trumpetfish (En) Local name(s): Misusa (M), Mrara, (K). Trompette chinoise 1st Habitat: N: ; S: Misonjo/Mziwa Unjasi dorsal fin with 8–12 Fisheries: Clear, shallow waters, in rocky and coral isolated spines Distinctiveareas of protected Characters: and seaward reefs. Lines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Second dorsal fin with Colour:24–27 soft rays; anal fin with 26–29 segmented soft rays; pelvic fins small, abdominal, with 6 rays. on chin Background colour brownish with A single barbel irregular light vertical bars; dorsal and anal fins light, with a dark basal bar; caudal fin usually Size: with two round black spots; a black spot at base of pelvic fin. To 80 cm, common 50 cm Bony Fishes

158 - Fistulariidae - Scorpaenidae FISTULARIIDAE – Flutemouths

Fistularia commersonii Cornetfishes FAO names: Cornette à taches bleues (Fr) Bluespotted cornetfish (En) Local name(s): Misusa Rüppell, 1838 (M), Mrara, (K). Habitat: N: ; S: Misonjo/Mziwa Unjasi Fisheries: Seagrass beds and coral reefs in shallow Distinctivewaters. Characters: Lines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Dorsal and anal fins short–based and opposite, with 15–17 and 14–16 Mouth at the end of a long segmented soft rays, respectively; pectoral fins tubular snout hexagonal in Colour:with 13–15 rays; pelvic fins small and abdominal, cross section with 6 rays. Brownish to olive above, lighter to silvery below; a pair of blue stripes or a row of blue spots along back; dorsal and anal fins with an orange Size: To 160 cm, common 100 cm cast becoming transparent at base; caudal filament white.Fistularia petimba FAO names: Cornette rouge (Fr) Red cornetfish (En) Local name(s): MisusaLacepède, 1803 (M) Mrara, (K). Habitat: N: ; S: Misonjo/Mziwa more thanUnjasi 10 m. Fisheries: In coastal areas over soft beds down to Distinctive Characters: Body elongate and Lines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls.

depressed; mouth at end of a long tubular snout, hexagonal in cross section; dorsal and anal fins short–based and opposite, with 14–16 segmented Colour:soft rays; pectoral fins with 15–16 rays; pelvic fins along the midline small and abdominal, with 6 rays. A row of bony plates orange cast. Background colour red to orange–brown Size: To 200 cm, common 100 cm above, silvery below; vertical fins also have an SCORPAENIDAE –

Dendrochirus brachypterus Scorpionfishes(Plate II,Rockfishes 15) FAO names: Shortfin turkeyfish (En) Local name(s): Mchafe Bocho(Cuvier, (M), Chale 1829) (K). Habitat: Benthic on sandy and muddy bottoms N: ; S: Fisheries: Distinctivedown to 70 m.Characters: Bottom trawls (incidentally), Spears. Dorsal fin with 13 spines and 9–10 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 5–6 Colour:soft rays; mid–dorsal spines shorter than body depth. Body reddish with vague broad bars; paired fins with bars; median fins with small dark spots. Size: To 17 cm GuideDendrochirus to Species zebra FAO names: Scorpaenidae - 159 Zebra turkeyfish (En) Local name(s): Mchafe(Cuvier,Bocho 1829) (M), Chale (K). Habitat: Benthic on sandy and muddy bottoms N: ; S: Fisheries: Distinctivedown to 80 m.Characters: Spears. Dorsal fin with 13 spines and 10–11 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and Colour:6–7 soft rays; mid–dorsal spines longer than body depth. Body reddish with 5 dark bars, alternat- ing with thin dark bars in large specimens; medi- an fins with small dark spots; dark spot on cheek. Size:

To 25 cm SL Pterois antennata (Bloch, 1787) FAO names: Broadbarred firefish (En) Local name(s): Mchafe Bocho (M), Chale (K). Habitat: N: ; S: Lagoon and seaward reefs; hides in Fisheries:crevices under rocks and coral formations during Distinctivethe day and huntsCharacters: at night. Maximum depth 50 m. Bottom trawls (incidentally), Spears. Dorsal fin with 13 spines andbands. 11–12 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 6 Colour:soft rays; tentacle above eye long and with dark

Reddish to tan with many dark bars on body; median fins with scattered dark spots; adults with bluish–black blotches near the base of the pectoral fins.

Size: To 20 cm

Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) FAO names: Devil firefish (En) Local name(s): Mchafe Bocho (M), Chale (K). and 9–11 soft rays Habitat: Dorsal fin with 13 spines N: ; S: Fisheries: Benthic in coastal waters in muddy Distinctivehabitats down Characters: to 60 m. Bottom trawls (incidentally). Body covered by small cycloid scales; many spinules on bones below eye in adults; dorsal spines and pectoral rays Colour:greatly extended; numerous spines and tentacle projections on head; caudal fin truncate. Background colour reddish or grey, with numerous thin dark bars on body and head; white spots may occur along lateral line and on fins; Remarks:dark spots on caudal and tentacles above eye causeoccasionally death inbanded; humans. dark spots on median fins. Fin spines highly venomous, sting can and 6 soft rays Anal fin with 3 spines Size:

To 35 cm SL 160 dusky, withlight round spotsonproximal half. mostly pelvicfins spots; usuallycovereddark with membrane pectoral–fin spots; without fins caudal and anal dorsal, of rays crossbars soft segmented dark head; on 4 with Reddish–brown Colour: rounded; scalessmallandcycloid. fin caudal length; their half about for dorsal membrane fin of the from part free rays pectoral–fin segmented 3–4 upper of fin; end beyond or to unbranched13 segmentedrays, reachingthe longest with fins pectoral spines; anal 3 fin; of height dorsal–fin adults; membrane strongly incised, almosttheentire in developed better young, in Characters: Distinctive Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Seines. Habitat: Benthiconsoftbottoms down to 60m. peduncle; caudal spots oncaudalfin. on stripe tentacles above eye occasionally faintly banded; no horizontal broad 5–6 about lines; pale by body,separated with on bars dark broad brownish, to Reddish Colour: fins with16softrays. pectoralrays; 5–6 and spines 3 with fin anal rays; 11 and spines 12–13 with fin dorsal depth; body Distinctive than Characters:longer spines Dorsal Fisheries: Spears. small caves down to 30m. zones or in narrow crevices, or along rock–walls in Habitat: Benthic,coastal,sometimesinsurge Local name(s): N: Local name(s): N: banded; upper half of pectorals with large dark dark large spots oninnersurface. with pectorals of half upper banded; be may which eye above tentacle small cheek; on spot dark white; by broad separated bars dark alternating thin and with brown Reddish Colour: rays. and 10 soft rays; anal fin with 3 spines and 6–7 soft DistinctiveCharacters: especially Fisheries: Bottom trawls (incidentally). growth, ridges invertebrate sponges down to 60m. rubble rich rich with amongst substrates muddy or Habitat: Benthic,normally found onsoft–bottoms Local name(s): N: Pterois 1831 russelii Bennett, Pterois radiata Cuvier, 1829 Pterois mombasae(Smith, 1957)

- Scorpaenidae - Scorpaenidae Mchafe Mchafe Mchafe Dorsal fin with 13 spines spines 13 with fin Dorsal Head with feeble spines spines feeble with Head ; S: ; S: ; S: Bocho Bocho Bocho (M),Chale (M),Chale (M),Chale (K). (K). (K). (K). (K). pectoral fin FAO names: FAO names: FAO names: Plaintail turkeyfish(En) Frillfin turkeyfish(En) Dorsal fin with Dorsal finwith Radial firefish(En) 13 spines Size: To 30cmSL Size: To 24cm Size: To 31cm Bon y Fishes 11