Marine Resources Assessment for the Marianas Operating ... - SPREP

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
The raccoon butterflyfish inhabits shallow reef flats of lagoons and seaward reefs to depths of over 30
m (Froese and Pauly 2004). This species is common in exposed rocky areas of high vertical relief
(Myers 1999). The raccoon butterflyfish can be found in tropical waters from 30°N to 32°S at depths
between 0 and 30 m (Froese and Pauly 2004). Juveniles prefer rocks of inner reef flats and tide pools
(Froese and Pauly 2004). This is the only nocturnally active butterflyfish, spending its days hovering
inactively in aggregations between boulders (Myers 1999).
The black-backed butterflyfish inhabits coral-rich areas of reef flats, lagoons and seaward reefs to a
depth of over 15 m (Myers 1999). This species can be found in tropical waters from 30°N to 30°S at
depths between 4 and 20 m (Froese and Pauly 2004).
The saddled butterflyfish inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs to a depth of 30 m and prefers areas of
rich coral growth and clear water (Myers 1999). This species can be found in tropical waters from
30°N to 30°S at depths between 0 and 30 m (Froese and Pauly 2004).
Life History—The threadfin butterflyfish may be found singly or in pairs and forms aggregations that
roam long distances in search of food (Froese and Pauly 2004). Very little information is known about
the spawning and migration of the other three butterflyfishes (Myers 1999; WPRFMC 2001; Froese
and Pauly 2004).
♦ Pomacentridae (Damselfishes)
Status—Three aquarium species in the family Pomacentridae are managed in Micronesia as part of
the CHCRT by the WPRFMC (2001) and occur in CNMI and Guam (Amesbury and Myers 2001;
Myers and Donaldson 2003). All three species have EFH designation within the boundaries of the
study area (WPRFMC 2001; NMFS 2004c). In addition, the remaining 46 species of damselfishes
found in the study area have designated EFH under the PHCRT (WPRFMC 2001). Currently, no data
are available to determine if damselfishes of the CHCRT are approaching an overfished situation
(NMFS 2004a). Their most important commercial use is as aquarium fishes, especially the anemone
fish (Allen 2001). None of these aquarium species are listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened
species (IUCN 2004).
Distribution—Damselfish can be found in all tropical seas but are most abundant in the Indo-West
Pacific region (Froese and Pauly 2004).
The blue-green chromis (Chromis viridis) can be found distributed throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific
from the Red Sea in the west to the Line, Marquesan, and Tuamoto Islands in the east. This species
ranges as far north as Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia (Froese and Pauly 2004).
The humbug dascyllus (Dascyllus aruanus) can be found distributed throughout the tropical Indo-
West Pacific from the Red Sea and east Africa in the west to the Line, Marquesan, and Tuamoto
Islands in the east. This species ranges as far north as southern Japan and south to Sydney,
Australia (Froese and Pauly 2004).
The threespot dascyllus (D. trimaculatus) can be found distributed throughout the tropical Indo-West
Pacific from the Red Sea and east Africa in the west to the islands of Oceania in the east excluding
the Hawaiian and Marquesan Islands. This species ranges as far north as southern Japan and south
to Sydney, Australia (Froese and Pauly 2004).
Habitat Preferences—Damselfish typically occur in shallow-water or coral or rock substrata
associated with shelter (Myers 1999).
The blue-green chromis is found above thickets of branching coral in sheltered areas such as subtidal
reef flats and lagoons. This species can be found in subtropical waters from 35°N to 35°S at depths
between 10 and 12 m (Froese and Pauly 2004).
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