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

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
The humbug dascyllus inhabits shallow lagoons and subtidal reef flats. This species can be found in
large aggregations above staghorn, Acropora, thickets and in smaller groups above isolated coral
heads (Froese and Pauly 2004). This species can be found in tropical waters from 30°N to 30°S at
depths from 0 and 20 m. The larvae of this species are pelagic (Froese and Pauly 2004).
The threespot dascyllus inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs at depths of 1 to > 55 m. This species
typically occurs in small groups around pronounced coral mounds or large isolated rocks (Myers
1999). The threespot dascyllus is found in tropical waters from 30°N to 30°S at depths from 1 and 55
m. Juveniles are associated with sea anemones, sea urchins, or small coral heads (Froese and Pauly
2004).
Life History—The blue-green chromis is non-migratory and spawning occurs on sand and rubble
(Froese and Pauly 2004). Very little information is known about the spawning and migration of the
humbug and threespot dascyllus (Myers 1999; WPRFMC 2001; Froese and Pauly 2004).
♦ Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
Status—Thirty species of the family Scorpaenidae are managed as aquarium taxa in Micronesia as
part of the CHCRT by the WPRFMC (2001). Twenty-five of these species occur in CNMI and Guam
(Amesbury and Myers 2001; Myers and Donaldson 2003) and have EFH designation within the
boundaries of the study area (WPRFMC 2001: NMFS 2004c). Currently, no data are available to
determine if scorpionfishes of CHCRT are approaching an overfished situation (NMFS 2004a). Most
species in the Western Central Pacific are small and dangerous to handle and do not form the basis
of large fisheries (Poss 1999a). These species are not listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened
species (IUCN 2004).
Distribution—Scorpaenids can be found in all tropical and temperate sea (Froese and Pauly 2004).
Habitat Preferences—Scorpionfish and lionfish may be found swimming well above the bottom but
smaller, more cryptic species of the subfamily Scorpaeninae are typically found on the bottom usually
associated with rubble areas in shallow-water. Scorpaenids are commonly found in shallow-waters
but may be found at depths greater than 50 m (WPRFMC 2001). The eggs are pelagic and larvae of
this species are planktonic (Froese and Pauly 2004).
Life History—Most scorpionfishes are ovoviparous, producing between a few hundred and a few
thousand eggs, although, some are viviparous (Poss 1999a).
♦ Sabellidae (Feather-duster Worms)
Status—The family Sabellidae is managed as aquarium taxa in Micronesia as part of the CHCRT by
the WPRFMC (2001). Four species occur in CNMI and Guam (Bailey-Brock 2003) and have EFH
designation within the boundaries of the study area (WPRFMC 2001; NMFS 2004c). These species
are not listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species (IUCN 2004).
Distribution—Feather-duster worms are common throughout the world in shallow-water (Waikiki
Aquarium 1998b).
Habitat Preferences—In the western Pacific, feather-duster worms are common on reef flats and in
quiet bays and harbors where they are associated with hard surfaces to which they attach (Bailey-
Brock 1995; Hoover 1998; Waikiki Aquarium 1998b). Feather-duster worms prefer turbid water
(Hoover 1998). They are occasionally found in high energy environments and clear water, usually at
depths greater than 30 m (Hoover 1998; WPRFMC 2001).
Life History—Feather-duster worms are dioecious (separate sexes) and fertilization of eggs is
external (Hawaii Biological Survey 2001a). Fertilized eggs develop into trochophore larvae (type of
larva with several bands of cilia) that are plantonic for a short time before settling on the reef
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