FISHES

Phylum Vertebrata (Vertebrates)

Class Pisces (Fish) (Philippine Translation: Isda)

Uncategorized: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12)

Subclass Elasmobranchii (Sharks and Rays)

Order Carchariniformes (Ground Sharks)

Family Carcharhinidae (Requiem Sharks)

Carcharhinus Melanopterus Sp. (Blacktip Reef Shark) (Philippine Translation: Pating) Normally shy and easily frightened shark swims in shallow water exposing its fins and back in pursuit of its prey and has been know to bite waders by mistaken identity. Most commonly observed species in most reef areas. (1) (2)

Traenodon Obesus Sp. (Whitetip Reef Shark) (Philippine Translation: Pating) Relatively inoffensive unless provoked, this inquisitive shark normally sits on the bottom or in caves and expertly pulls out a prey from its shelter at night. (1)

Order Rajiformes (Skates and Rays) Like sharks, have a skeleton of cartilage.

Family Dasyatide (Stingrays)

Dsyatis (Lymma or Kuhlii) Sp. (?) (Blue Spotted Fantail Ray) (Philippine Translation: Pagi) Most commonly sighted on reefs, this ray is a usual visitor of table corals, becoming active on dusk to fee. Beware as this and other stingrays can give a painful wound.

Family Myliobatide (Eagle Rays)

Manta Birostris Sp. (Giant Manta) (Philippine Translation: Pagi) Feeds with the aid of two cephalic horns, which direct prey into its sieve like mouth. Huge but maneuverable manta ray can spend time with divers for extended periods, as if to show off the spectacular leaps it can make above the surface. Observed near reef drop offs in remote areas. Some approach five meters in width or more and may weigh more than 1,000 kilograms. Mantas are easily distinguished by their paired forward limbs, which assist in feeding. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

(Marble Stingray) (1) (2)

Subclass Actinopterygii (Ray Finned Fishes)

Order Anguilliformes

Family Congridae (Conger Eels, Garden Eels)

Heteroconger Hassi Sp. (Spotted Garden Eel) This garden eel inhabits sand bottoms near coral reefs, often in huge colonies that include hundreds of individuals that normally disappear when approached. (1)

Family Muraenidae (Moray Eels) (Philippine Translation: Hagmag, Pananglitan) Some eel species are typically mistaken for sea snakes. The gill opening of eels are small, roundish and laterally located. Known as fierce predators, many spend their lives in holes in rock and coral, emerging to snap a their prey and retreating when alarmed. They are nocturnal animals but can be seen hiding in rock holes during the day.

Echidna Nebulosa Sp. (Snowflake Moray) (Philippine Translation: Payangitan) Most eels are active at night but this reef flat dweller may hunt in bright sunlight for crustaceans, it primary food. (1)

Rhinomuraena Quaesita Sp. (Ribbon Moray) (Philippine Translation: Malibanos) Has a small but menacing head with enlarged tentacle like nostrils, making it one of the most unusual morays identified. (1)

Sideria Thyrsoidea Sp. (White Eyed, Greyface Moray) (Philippine Translation: Malibanos) Fairly common inhabitant of reef flats where it is usually encountered in shallow tidal pools. Best identified by its white eyes and often found in pairs or mixed with another species in silty, muddy habitats. (1) (2) (3)

Order Perciformes (Perch Like)

Family Carangidae (Jacks, Trevallies, Pompano) Fast swimming surface and open water predators of moderate to large size. They swim in schools or as solitary individuals in the vicinity of coral reefs. Large schools on the outer edge of a fringing reef are impressive.

Carnax Ignobilis Sp. (Giant Trevally) (Philippine Translation: Samin-Samin, Talakitok) Largest species of Caranx, this fish dines on fishes, crabs and lobsters, Large individuals may be ciguatoxic. (1)

Family Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes) Small to moderate sized carnivorous fishes resembles scorpion fishes (although they are not related). Rest on coral branches, ready to dart after any suitable prey that comes within range. After a short dash, whether successful or not, they return to their customary perch. When frightened, they seek cover under coral heads.

Cirrhitichthys Falco Sp. (Dwarf Hawkfish) Rests at the base of corals, near hiding places. (1)

Family Gobiidae (Gobies) Usually solitary, bottom dwelling fishes found in tidal pools, around shallow coral, among weeds, or in estuarine waters. Most species are drab and harmonized with their surroundings, although those living in coral communities are very colorful. Similar to blennies but gobies lack the elaborate head cirri of blennies and have two dorsal fins. some gobies re very well camouflaged with the sandy bottom and maintain commensal relations with certain burrowing shrimps by using the shrimp burrows as houses and in turn serving as protectors for the shrimps.

Amblygobius Decussatus Sp. (? ) (Orange Striped Goby) (Philippine Translation: Bia) (1) (2) (3)

Family Haemulidae (Sweetlips & Grunts) Although similar to snappers, sweetlips have a distinctive head profile and dentition, and are more solitary and less common.

Plectorhinchus Chaetodonoides Sp. (Harlequin Sweetlips) (Philippine Translation: Labian, Lipti) Colorful juveniles of this species closely resemble and anemone fish in coloration. Impressively swim with an exaggerated undulated motion to mimic some distasteful soft bodied invertebrates (sea slug or flatworms) for protection from predation. (1)

Family Labridae (Wrasses) Highly diverse fishes of moderate size, abundant in most shallow coral reefs. Some wrasses are called tuskfish because their teeth, adapted for crushing mollusks and crustaceans, are strong, separate and projected backward giving a bucktooth appearance. Most wrasses are herbivorous and construct nests of seaweed for their eggs and young. Most species are solitary or seen in pairs. They are diurnal and may sleep half buried in sand or in rock crevices. More than 50 species of wrasses occur on Philippine reefs and they are prominent members of the fish fauna.

Cheilinus Fasciatus Sp. (Red Breasted Banded Wrasse) (Philippine Translation: Buntugon, Mameng) Marked by vertical white and red bands on the forehead, although the color pattern is variable. (1)

Family Microdesmidae (Worm Fishes & Dart Gobies) Worm fishes are very long and slender, and the dart fishes are mostly small torpedo shaped slender fishes. They possess large eyes and prominent dorsal and anal fins. Dart gobies are benthic species but swim above the substrate in groups to feed on zooplankton. At the sight of dancer, they mall all try at once to dart into a single hole made by other fishes for refuge. The species, although very difficult to get, re very popular in aquarium trade because of their attractive look and small size.

Nemateleotris Magnifica Sp. (Fire Goby, Dartfish) Is a close relative of gobies and is characterized by an elongate, pennant like first dorsal fin, which is flicked back and forth. (1)

Family Pomacentridae (Anemone Fish) Large family of small, agile, often brightly colored fishes living in close association with several common sea anemones in shallow coral reefs. Anemone fish exude a mucus substance that protectors them from the t\stings of anemone tentacles where they take shelter when alarmed; they never stray too far. The number of fishes associated with each anemone seems to depend on the size of the host, but usually there is only one large fish, presumably a female, accompanied by a varying number of smaller fish.

Amphiprion Clarkii Sp. (Yellow Tail Clownfish) (Philippine Translation: Bantay-Botbot) Most widely distributed of al anemone fishes, this species is able to change from the male to female sex. (1) (2) (3)

Amphiprion Frenatus Sp. (Tomato Clownfish) (Philippine Translation: Palata, Ulan-Ulan) Is commensal with the anemone Entacmea Quadricolor and feeds mainly on planktonic copepods and benthic algae. (1) (2) (3)

Amphiprion Perideraion Sp. (Pink Anemone Fish) (Philippine Translation: Bantay-Botbot) Inhabits coral reefs and is found exclusively with host anemone Heteractis Magnifica. (1)

Order Scorpaeniformes (Scorpionfishes and Flatheads)

Family Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes, Rockfishes, Lionfishes or Turkeyfishes) Large family of small to moderate carnivorous fishes is found on all reefs. All scorpaenids have venomous spines capable of inflicting extremely painful wounds even after the death of the fish. Sluggish and solitary, lying motionless and almost invisible but ready to grab any small fish that comes within range. They drift in and out of the undersides of coral heads on the medium to deeper portions of the reef. Their anatomy is not conducive to swimming and they are sometimes seen gliding through the water with their pectoral fins widespread in a picturesque manner.

Pterois Antennata Sp. (Broadbarred Firefish, Spotfin Lionfish) (Philippine Translation: Lawong) Is found alone or in groups under ledges and in holes and can inflict painful wounds when provoked. (1) (2) (3) (4)

Pterois Volitans Sp. (Red Lionfish) (Philippine Translation: Lawong) Is recognized by the spotting of the median fins, which is very distinct. (1) (2) (3) (4)

Scorpaenopsis Sp. (Scorpionfish) (Philippine Translation: Noog-Noog, Bantol) Like all Scorpionfishes, this species should not be touched. A sting produces extreme pain and, in rare cases, is fatal. Usually found lying motionless and camouflages will with its surroundings, but erects its highly venomous spines when threatened. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

Dendrochirus Zebra Sp. (Zebra Turkey Fish) (Philippine Translation: Lawong) Courtship and spawning in this species occur at night. Males are quite aggressive and patrol a home range within which they attempt to drive out other males and court any females. (1) (2)

Order Siluriformes (Catfishes)

Family Plotosidae (Marine Stinging Catfishes) Sea catfishes form tight schools of small fishes that swim over sand bottoms or under coral overhangs. Individuals resemble an elongate catfish with a tapering tail. Plotosids can inflict painful wounds with their venomous spines located on the dorsal fin and pectoral fins.

Plotosus Lineatus Sp. (Striped Eel Catfish) (Philippine Translation: Ito) A common species with black, two yellow stripes from head to tail, yellow undersides and fin bases. Schools of these fish hover in tight formations and make symmetrical patterns with their quick movements. Frequently seen in the vicinity of coral reefs and its juveniles may form tightly packed aggregations containing up to several hundred fish. The spines are toxic. (1) (2)

Order Syngnathiformes

Family Aulostomidae (Trumpetfishes or Flutemouths) Named for their long tubular snout that likens that of a trumpet. Solitary fishes are see moving very slowly at a steep angle to the surface, lying on the bottom, or lying head down among corals and algae. They are able to change color from brown or gray to green, yellow and orange, to harmonize with the background although yellow is most often displayed.

Aulostomus Chinensis Sp. (Chinese Trumpetfish) (Philippine Translation: Trompita, Tubo-Tubo) Common trumpetfish, hovers between coral heads and the surface in the denser coral areas. Can rapidly change color to blend with its background. (1)

Family Sygnathidae (Pipefishes and Seahorses) Small, highly specialized, slow moving fishes are a unique and rare. Seahorses have been heavily collected in recent ears for the aquarium trade and medicinal uses and re now rare.

Corythoicthys Intestinalis Sp. (Scribbled Pipefish) (Philippine Translation: Dagum-Dagum) Often seen resting in the open or moving slowly along the bottom, feeding on tiny crustaceans. (1) (2) (3)

Doryrhamphus Dactyliophorus Sp. (Ringed Pipefish) Hovers in deep recesses beneath ledges, tide pools to 56 meters. A common pipefish, displays an alternation of red and white rings and is found in shallow water. The tail is red at its base, white and red at its mid section and rimmed with white. (1) (2)

Order Tetraodontiformes (Puffers and Filefishes)

Family Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes, Burrfishes) Named for the well developed spines on their body. During swimming the spines are not extended to reduce drag, but when the body is inflated the spines become erect. Slow simmers stay near the bottom and occasionally move up to mid water. They have strong parrot like jaws formed by fusion o two teeth. Similar to puffers, they have no pelvic fins and can inflate themselves into a balloon.

Cyclichthys Orbicularis Sp. (Shortspined Porcupinefish, Birdbeak Burrish ) (Philippine Translation: Butete) Characterized by its short, nonmovable spines on head and body and the relatively large black spots on back and side. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9)

Family Monacanthidae (Filefishes) Small to moderate sized, somewhat sluggish, and known to feed both on algae and on coral polyps. They are very similar to triggerfishes in appearance and habits.

Aluterus Scriptus Sp. (Scrawled Filefish) (Philippine Translation: Sagoksok, Tiwarik) Usually solitary and feeds on algae, sea grasses, hydrozoans, gorgonians, colonial anemones and tunicates. (1) (2) (3)

Family Tetraodontidae (Puffers & Sharp Nosed Puffers) Large family of short, robust fishes displays smooth skin or short embedded spines. Four teeth are fused to form the parrot like beak characteristic of puffer fish. The viscera of most puffers contain an alkaloid poison, tetraodotoxin, and in some species the greatest concentration of this is at spawning time. In Japan, puffer flesh is considered a delicacy when prepared correctly without the viscera, although it is very expensive because only trained chefs are licensed to prepare it. Puffers are also eaten salted and dried in the Philippines. These fishes can inflate their bodies with air and water as a defensive mechanism, but they have no pelvic fins.

Arothron Nigropunctatus Sp. (Black Spotted Puffer) A light gray puffer with randomly distributed black spots of different sizes. It swims slowly on the bottom, remaining stationary for long periods as if dead, but it swims away when approached. Feeds primarily on corals. Like all puffers, this species is capable of inflating its body by swallowing water or air to discourage predators; it also has a powerful toxin in its liver and ovaries, and thus, under no circumstances should it be eaten. (1) (2) (3) (4)

Canthigaster Valentini Sp. (Valentini's Sharpnose Puffer) (Philippine Translation: Buriring) Is distinguished by a black triangular patch on its mid body tapering sharply to the ventral side, dark saddle markings and fewer dorsal and anal rays, and lacks dorsal spines. It has a black band passing through the eye. Has a very limited ability to inflate and fees on algae, tunicates, and crustaceans, among others. (1) (2)

Arothron Stellatus Sp. (Starry Toadfish) (Philippine Translation: Butete) Common in many shallow coral areas and has highly poisonous liver and gonads. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

*Reference: Philippine Coral Reefs A Natural History Guide By Alan T. White & Coral Reef Animals Of The Indo-Pacific By Terrence M. Gosliner, David W. Beherens, Garry C. Williams