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

AUGUST 2005 FINAL REPORT
with a few occasionally emerging to traverse sand, rubble, or seagrass habitats at depths of 16 to 68
m (Myers 1999; Smith 1999; Debelius 2002; Allen et al. 2003).
Life History—Most eel species are known to migrate for spawning (WPRFMC 2001). Individual
spawning characteristics varies among the different families. False morays are known to migrate off
the reef to spawn and spaghetti eels migrate to the surface to spawn with males that are pelagic
(Myers 1999). Snake eels appear to be nocturnal with some species also coming to the surface to
spawn (Myers 1999). Group spawning of eels has also been documented with large numbers of
adults congregating at the water surface at night (WPRFMC 2001).
♦ Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes)
Status—Fifty-eight cardinalfish species are managed in Micronesia as part of PHCRT by the
WPRFMC (2001). These managed species occur in the CNMI and Guam (Amesbury and Myers
2001; Myers and Donaldson 2003) and have EFH designated within the boundaries of the study area
(WPRFMC 2001; NMFS 2004c). Currently, no data are available to determine if cardinalfish of the
PHCRT are approaching an overfished situation (NMFS 2004a). Generally, this species is not
important economically, but a few species are seen in the aquarium trade or as tuna bait (Allen 2001).
None of the species found in the study area are listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species
(IUCN 2004).
Distribution—Apogonids are a very large family of small reef fishes that are distributed in shallow
coastal waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans (Debelius 2002).
Habitat Preferences—Cardinalfishes are found in water depths ranging from 0 to 80 m and are
typically nocturnal, remaining hidden under coral reef ledges, holes, flats, and rubble even among the
spines of sea urchins (Diadema) or crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster) during the day, then
emerging at night to feed on the reef (Allen 2001; Amesbury and Myers 2001; Debelius 2002).
Although typically solitary, in pairs or loose clusters, a few species (e.g., Apogon fragilis) form dense
aggregations immediately above mounds of branching corals (Allen et al. 2003). Members of the
genera Apogonichthys, Foa, and Fowleria are typically secretive, cryptic inhabitants of seagrasses,
algal beds or rubble of sheltered reefs and reef flats (WPRFMC 2001).
Life History—Apogonid species display a variety of different spawning patterns including year-round,
spring and fall peaks and phases of the moon (WPRFMC 2001). Courtship and spawning in
cardinalfishes are always paired rather than group activities (Debelius 2002). Cardinalfish are also
among the few marine fishes with oral brooding with the male carrying the eggs in his mouth until
they hatch (Allen et al. 2003).
♦ Blenniidae (Blennies)
Status—Fifty-three species of blennies are managed in Micronesia as part of PHCRT by the
WPRFMC (2001). At least 80% of these managed species occur in the CNMI and Guam (Amesbury
and Myers 2001; Myers and Donaldson 2003) and have EFH designated within the boundaries of the
study area (WPRFMC 2001; NMFS 2004c). Currently, no data are available to determine if blennies
of the PHCRT are approaching an overfished situation (NMFS 2004a). They have very little
commercial importance because of their small size (Springer 2001). None of the species found in the
study area are listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species (IUCN 2004).
Distribution—Blennies have a worldwide distribution occurring in tropical and temperate seas. The
Indo-Pacific population consists of two subfamilies: sabretooth (Salariinae) and combtooth
(Blenniinae) blennies based on dentition and diet (Myers 1999).
Habitat Preferences—Blennies are bottom-dwelling fishes that tend to shelter in small holes in the
rocky, oyster, or coral reefs or sand substrate in tidepools (Springer 2001; Debelius 2002). This group
exhibits complex color patterns that enable them to be well camouflaged to the surrounding habitat
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