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IN Ac ANT H AST ERP LAN CI (L.).1-Pearlfishes

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IN Ac ANT H AST ERP LAN CI (L.).1-Pearlfishes Notes J>EARLFISH(CARAPlDAE)IN Ac ANT H AST ERP LAN CI from partly and completely dissected (n = 450) (L.).1-Pearlfishes are symbionts with certain and aquarium-held Acanthaster suggests that invertebrates, primarily with echinoderms as this starfish, despite its frequent but sporadic hOsts. Two genera of pearlfishes have been abundance, is not a major C. mourlani host. collected on Guam (Mariana Islands) by Our limited collections indicate that the Acan­ Branch (1969) and Trott (1970) from a number thaster-Carapidae associations do not differ of holothurian species and the cushion starfish, from the form of endocommensalism found in Cufcita 11ovaeguineae Miiller and Troschel. other pearlfish-echinoderm relationships. Acan­ The author has recently observed Guam pearl­ thaster and Culcita are both coral-eating fishes inhabiting the crown-of-thorns starfish, starfish and share many of the same reef habitats; Acanthaster planci (L.). One juvenile Enche­ therefore, the probability of pearlfish infesting liophis (Jordanicus) gracilis (Bleeker) and three Acanthaster is probably maximized in dense adult specimens of Carapus mourlani (Petit) and mixed Acantlzaster and Culcita popula­ were collected while assessing the reproductive tions. potential of Acanthaster. Three were taken as they emerged, apparently under oxygen stress, REFERENCES from the oral cavities of moribund starfish. Branch, J.B. 1969. Observations on the One C. mour/ani was found in the coelomic ecology and behavior of Guam pearlfishes cavity of a dissected Acantlzaster. No more (Carapidae). M . S. Thesis, University of than one pearlfish was recovered from each Guam. 250 p. starfish host. The stomachs of all collected Trott, L.B. 1970. Contributions to the biol­ pearlfishes were empty and the fish and their ogy of Carapid fishes (Paracanthopterygii: starfish hosts appeared normal. Gadiformes). Univ. Calif. Pub. in Zoo!., The juvenile and adult E. gracilis is usually Vol. 89. 60 p. associated with holothuroids and on Guam is DANIEL P. CHENEY, The Marine Laboratory, not commonly seen in asteroid hosts. Branch University of Guam, Agana, Guam 96910 (1969) recovered none from Culcita (n=49) and Trott (1970) obtained one from the samples he examined (n = 11). Of 1776 specimens of THREE NEW SHARK RECORDS FROM GUAM, 2 holothuroids examined by Branch (1969), 10 % MARIANA ISLANDS. - A shark fishing program contained one or more E. gracilis. Mature was carried out on Guam between August, adults were found consistently in only one 1971 and March, 1972. The purpose of the species, Holothuria argus. The larvae of study was to add to the species known from the E. gracilis are relatively non-specific and are island and to gain some insight as to their local not infrequently found in asteroid hosts (Trott, distribution. Sharks are infrequently captured 1970). around Guam and very little taxonomic or The C. mourlani (University of Guam Museum ecological data exists. Cat. No. 5789) had total lengths of 70 mm, Records of sharks previously taken from 121 mm, and 124 mm. This species is usually Guam include Ginglymostoma f errugineum associated with Culcita and holothuroids are (Orectolobidae), Triaenodon obesus (Triakidae), apparently minor hosts. C. mourlani was Carcharhinus menisorrah ( = C. amblyrhync/10s), reported to occur in 90% of the Culcita (n = ll) and C. melanopterus (Carcharhinidae) (Kami, sampled by Trott (1970) and in 45% of those Ikehara, and Deleon, 1968); Alopias pelagicus (n = 49) sampled by Branch (1969). The (Alopiidae), Hexanchus griseus (Hexanchidae), small number of C. mourlani specimens taken and Sphyrna lewini (Sphyrnidae) (Kami, 1971). 1 Contribution No. 29, The Marine Labora­ 2 Contribution No. 30, The Marine Labora­ tory, University of Guam. tory, University of Guam. .
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