Preliminary Survey of Coral Reefs at Vakare with special emphasis on Kayankerni Reef

<strong>Preliminary</strong> <strong>Survey</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Coral</strong> <strong>Reefs</strong> <strong>at</strong> <strong>Vakare</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>special</strong> <strong>emphasis</strong> on
Kayankerni Reef
27-29th June 2011
Team
Prasnna Weerakkody
Sajith Subhashana
ORCA
ORCA
K. Lakmal ORCA
Asanka Abhayakoon
Dilmah Conserv<strong>at</strong>ion
Post to interviews <strong>with</strong> locals and examin<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> aerial images from Google the team selected to
conduct a survey around the Island <strong>at</strong> Sallitivu (challitivu).
The preliminary n<strong>at</strong>ure <strong>of</strong> the survey and the non-familiarity <strong>of</strong> the team <strong>with</strong> the eastern reefs dict<strong>at</strong>ed
the initial need to move through the reefs fast and sample a larger area <strong>of</strong> ground r<strong>at</strong>her than indulge in
detailed studies <strong>of</strong> the sites. so the surveys carried out was limited to visual surveys backed up by photo
and video document<strong>at</strong>ion.
The Eastern coastline <strong>of</strong> the area include the Pasikuda reef nested <strong>with</strong>in the cove <strong>with</strong>in the Pasikuda
headland <strong>at</strong> the point separ<strong>at</strong>ing the Kalkuda bay to the south and Vandeloose Bay to the North just
below the estuary out fall <strong>of</strong> the Valachchanei Aru. The Northern end <strong>of</strong> the Vandeloose bay is formed
by the Chengemum munei headland which is surrounded on 3 sides by an extensive reef system known
as the Kayankerni reef. which extends though to the Northern shores <strong>of</strong> the Chengemum munei
headland opening in to the Thennadi Bay. The Western end <strong>of</strong> the Thennadi Bay is composed <strong>of</strong> the
Velikuda Periya munei point which also contain an apron reef along the shore. Another <strong>of</strong>f shore shalow
reef p<strong>at</strong>ch is found about 1.4 km. <strong>of</strong>f shore <strong>at</strong> this point. Beyond this point no shoreline coral fe<strong>at</strong>ures
are observed till Sallitivu (Challitivu) munei point <strong>at</strong> Panichchankerni. The headland is composed <strong>of</strong> a
small island <strong>with</strong> a coral reef structures around it. Experienced divers indic<strong>at</strong>e many somewh<strong>at</strong> deeper
reef systems throughout the areas and report good reef areas to be found in the area.

Sallitivu reef
TheEastern coastline between
Pasikuda and <strong>Vakare</strong> contain
several areas <strong>of</strong> interest observed
through aerial images. these
include the Pasikuda reef
kayankerni reef
Pasikuda reef

Kayankerni reef
The area was a long favorite <strong>of</strong> the ornamental fish collectors and the divers used to visit this reef to do
Sand Island reef
their collections even during the days when the area was under the influence <strong>of</strong> the LTTE. The team
carried out 2 dives <strong>at</strong> the site on the 28th and 29th. The dives included snorkel swims, SCUBA and diver
tows to sample over 850m. <strong>of</strong> reef areas.
The reef is an extensive complex <strong>of</strong> reefs and shoals th<strong>at</strong> span the Thennadi bay and extend down along
the Northern reaches <strong>of</strong> the Vanderloos Bay ( 8° 0'1.86"N, 81°30'44.25"E / 7°59'48.29"N,
81°32'46.27"E / 7°58'50.53"N, 81°33'33.75"E) The reef is composed <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> structures comprising
shoals <strong>with</strong>in the Thennadi bay. There is a small p<strong>at</strong>h reef close to the shore on the Western end <strong>of</strong> the
Thennadi Bay around "Velikuda Periyamunei Point" (this area was not surveyed presently) an extensive
p<strong>at</strong>ch reef is found about 1.4Km. North <strong>of</strong> this site the site is composed <strong>of</strong> varied habit<strong>at</strong>s from very
shallow Staghorn beds to deep coral domes and steep reef slopes dropping down to over 10m. in depth.
The area is exposed to heavy surf and is said to have had an exposed sand island previously which has
subsided and is now over grown <strong>with</strong> coral.
A large expanse <strong>of</strong> coral p<strong>at</strong>ches spread across most <strong>of</strong> the Eastern half <strong>of</strong> the Thennadi bay ranging
from 250-500m. <strong>of</strong>f shore and stretching up to the large rocky outcrops loc<strong>at</strong>ed about 300m. <strong>of</strong>fshore
on the North Western edge <strong>of</strong> the reef. The reef then spreads around the headland in a continuous reef
about 250-300m. <strong>of</strong>f shore <strong>with</strong> an enclosed reef lagoon. this reef extends beyond the elephant point to
reach lower along the opposite side <strong>of</strong> the headland in to the Vanderloos Bay . fanning out in to a wide
arc about 400m to 800m. from the shore separ<strong>at</strong>ed by a wide reef lagoon.

–––
The present preliminary survey carried out several spot surveys on the reef using snorkel and SCUBA
diving and carried out a rapid survey <strong>of</strong> reef areas using 2 divers on an 850meter long diver tow over the
Eastern section <strong>of</strong> the reef <strong>at</strong> Thennadi bay. The areas were assessed for general habit<strong>at</strong> types, reef
health indic<strong>at</strong>ors, and general Biodiversity <strong>of</strong> non-cryptic daytime fauna. the areas were documented
using underw<strong>at</strong>er Photography and Video.
The coral areas <strong>with</strong>in the Eastern section <strong>of</strong> the Thennadi bay is composed <strong>of</strong> three roughly fan shaped
reef areas. The sections are diverse in habit<strong>at</strong>s ranging from large Staghorn coral domin<strong>at</strong>ed
environments to massive Dome coral domin<strong>at</strong>ed habit<strong>at</strong>s to a varied combin<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> mixed coral
assemblages, <strong>Coral</strong> rubble zones and Sea grass beds composing a rich diversity <strong>of</strong> marine habit<strong>at</strong>s <strong>with</strong>in
a compact area. The rich diversity <strong>of</strong> coral species is encountered <strong>with</strong>in the many coral habit<strong>at</strong>s.
including Acropora, Porites, Montipora, Echinopora, Pocillopora, Favia, Favites
A brief snorkel dive was carried out <strong>at</strong> the site known as the Sand Island which is loc<strong>at</strong>ed about 1.4km.
<strong>of</strong>f the headland loc<strong>at</strong>ed on the Western end <strong>of</strong> Thennadi bay. the reef is a elev<strong>at</strong>ed out crop roughly
500m. x 300m. and ranging from almost intertidal sections and reaching down steeply to a depth <strong>of</strong> over
10m. the reef is composed <strong>of</strong> different habit<strong>at</strong>s including Staghorn domin<strong>at</strong>ed to large dome habit<strong>at</strong>s.
The area is prone to high surf.
On a general note the condition <strong>of</strong> the reef seem to be healthier than most comparable reefs <strong>with</strong> very
low incidence <strong>of</strong> invasive organism activity and physical pollution. recent mechanical damage including
human activities was not significant. coral areas are diverse and range from large Staghorn coral
domin<strong>at</strong>es environments <strong>with</strong> more than 80% coral cover to mixed coral habit<strong>at</strong>s which are usually
composed <strong>of</strong> mixed strands <strong>of</strong> several different Staghorn Acropora species including A. formosa and A.
yongei. Large Dome coral environments <strong>with</strong> massive coral heads th<strong>at</strong> are commonly over 3m in high

and 4m. across are found in some reef edge areas giving excellent height relief to the reef and
supporting large popul<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> shoaling fish species above the colonies and in the deep crevices <strong>at</strong> their
bases.
In some areas large sections <strong>of</strong> old dead coral is found interspersed <strong>with</strong> live coral areas, significant
areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Coral</strong> rubble also exist indic<strong>at</strong>ing th<strong>at</strong> the reef may have seen a significant mortality event and is
now recovering well from it. The age <strong>of</strong> corals vary and most are m<strong>at</strong>ure colonies indic<strong>at</strong>ing healthy long
term survival <strong>of</strong> corals <strong>at</strong> the site.
At least one large expanse <strong>of</strong> Sea grasses ( Halophilla sp.) was observed <strong>at</strong> about 5m depth. reportedly
several other large sea algal beds are found in the area.
At first the fish popul<strong>at</strong>ions seem abundant and diverse on the reef. The reef teems <strong>with</strong> large shoals <strong>of</strong>
Fussiliers, Damselfishes, Cardinalfishes, Sweepers, Parrots, Snappers and Sweetlips. The initial
impression <strong>of</strong> high abundance and the vibrancy <strong>of</strong> the fish popul<strong>at</strong>ions was shadowed by the notable
lack <strong>of</strong> many species <strong>of</strong> "Color fish" th<strong>at</strong> would normally be expected to be present in a similar situ<strong>at</strong>ion.
The group include many species <strong>of</strong> Butterflyfish; the family <strong>of</strong> which only 12 species were observed
during the preliminary survey while in a reef <strong>of</strong> similar condition it would not be un-usual to find 20-25
species. In addition; many other species including Genera Pterois , Zebrasoma , Canthigaster, Ostracion,
Amphiprion, Chromis, Plectorhinchus, Labroides, Dascyllus, Balistapus etc. were either not observed or
found in very small numbers on the reef. While the preliminary n<strong>at</strong>ure <strong>of</strong> the dive is too brief for
conclusions the apparent reduction <strong>of</strong> popul<strong>at</strong>ions may be <strong>at</strong>tributed to selective collection in the
Ornamental aquarium industry. Other notable omissions included top end pred<strong>at</strong>ors including Trevallys
(Carangidae),Barrakuda ( Sphyraenidae) and Large Groupers (Serranidae). medium to small sized
groupers were common on the reef including E. caeruleopunct<strong>at</strong>us, C.argus, C.formosa. A very young
individula and a medium adult grouper <strong>of</strong> a Plecropoma sp. was observed but was unable to confirm
species identific<strong>at</strong>ion. Angel fishes were abundant <strong>with</strong> all three common large species (Pomacanthus
semicircul<strong>at</strong>us, P. annul<strong>at</strong>us, P. impar<strong>at</strong>or) observed along <strong>with</strong> Centropyge multispinis, C. flavissimus
and C. eiblii present.
The focus on invertebr<strong>at</strong>es was low as the preliminary n<strong>at</strong>ure <strong>of</strong> the survey did not have scope to look
for the more cryptic species. <strong>Coral</strong> abundance and Diversity was high and is documented in the list. The
list only details species th<strong>at</strong> are easily identified in the field <strong>with</strong>out delving in to microscopy. Where it is
not possible to go down to species level identific<strong>at</strong>ion has been carried out to generic level. The absence
<strong>of</strong> any large sea anemones was notable and can be directly <strong>at</strong>tributed to the high activity <strong>of</strong> the
ornamental fish collectors in the area. Few crustaceans were observed primarily due to the limit<strong>at</strong>ions in
the preliminary survey observ<strong>at</strong>ions. Several Painted Spiny lobsters <strong>of</strong> medium size was observed along
<strong>with</strong> good numbers <strong>of</strong> Sea cumbers still popul<strong>at</strong>ing reef areas. the sea cucumbers observed all belonged
to the genus Holothuria while it may be possible th<strong>at</strong> a higher diversity would be observed if a night
time survey is carried out. though several large Pin cushion Sea stars (Culcita spp) were observed It is
notable th<strong>at</strong> no coral pred<strong>at</strong>or "Crown-<strong>of</strong> Thorn Sea stars" th<strong>at</strong> have reached plague proportions in
many other reefs both in the East and North-west coast were observed during the survey. Crinoid
popul<strong>at</strong>ions were abundant and Diverse. The Big Blue Octopus, Reef Squids, Large Lambis lambus

shells, large ear-shells (Pinna sp.) were notable among the mollusks. No Giant clam (Tridachna) shells
were observed. A good diversity <strong>of</strong> sponges were observed <strong>with</strong> medium sized Barrel sponges being not
un-common.
REEF CONDITION AND HEALTH
Though it is difficult to give firm numbers <strong>at</strong> the present level <strong>of</strong> explor<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> the r<strong>at</strong>her extensive reef
system it can be noted th<strong>at</strong> the reef is in a comparably better st<strong>at</strong>e <strong>of</strong> health than most other surviving
coral reefs in the East and North-West <strong>of</strong> Sri Lanka. The reef is composed <strong>of</strong> a complex <strong>of</strong> reef p<strong>at</strong>ches
and shoals interspaced <strong>with</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> sand, coral rubble and Sea grass. There are several large dead coral
areas as well as intermittent dead coral spaces <strong>with</strong>in coral areas which indic<strong>at</strong>e a past wide scale coral
mortality event. It is difficult to d<strong>at</strong>e the event based on the dead coral and rubble available except th<strong>at</strong>
it is <strong>at</strong> least 5 or more years old and possibly <strong>at</strong>tributable to either the 1998 coral bleaching event or the
2004 Tsunami. But the reef seem to show good restor<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> coral habit<strong>at</strong>s and the m<strong>at</strong>ure st<strong>at</strong>e <strong>of</strong>
most coral colonies indic<strong>at</strong>e th<strong>at</strong> the reef has been stable for 5 or more years in the minimum. The live
coral cover varies between different sections <strong>of</strong> the reef from 5-10 low areas to areas <strong>with</strong> 80-90% live
coral cover. the species composition and coral habit<strong>at</strong> diversity varies from massive coral dome (mainly
Porites spp.) domin<strong>at</strong>ed environments to large strands <strong>of</strong> Staghorn corals, though most Staghorn areas
involve more species diversity <strong>with</strong>in the "Staghorn" group <strong>of</strong> Acroporid corals <strong>with</strong> less mono-specific
strands than <strong>at</strong> eg. Pigeon Is. The significant height relief <strong>of</strong> coral structures and <strong>of</strong> the shoals on which
coral grown rising on general 1.5 -4m. or more above the sand floor provide good opportunity for
additional habit<strong>at</strong>.
The Indic<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> physical damage and solid debris pollution is low on the reef and the non-incidence
and occurrence <strong>of</strong> invasive Reef organisms in any alarming numbers indic<strong>at</strong>ed th<strong>at</strong> the reef is in better
health than most other reef observed currently.
RECOMENDATONS
It is apparent th<strong>at</strong> this reef is a very important coral reef environment surviving in Sri Lanka. while most
<strong>of</strong> the other reefs in similar survival st<strong>at</strong>e and Bio-diversity richness is currently under protection by
DWLC this reef has not received any protection despite surveys carried out by the relevant government
agencies.
Additional studied are needed urgently to document the full extent, bio-diversity and conserv<strong>at</strong>ion
st<strong>at</strong>us <strong>of</strong> the reef. and conserv<strong>at</strong>ion measures need to be brought in place to preserve the reef along the
same lines <strong>with</strong> the protection provided for Bar-reef and the Pigeon Islands reef.

Sall<strong>at</strong>ivu/Sallithivu/Chall<strong>at</strong>ivu Reef
Two reef sites were surveyed <strong>at</strong> Sall<strong>at</strong>ivu including the shallow coral reef area around the Sall<strong>at</strong>ivu Island
and a sandstone ridge loc<strong>at</strong>ed about 3km. North west <strong>of</strong> the Island lying <strong>at</strong> about 7-12m. deep.
At the point <strong>of</strong> the Sall<strong>at</strong>ivu headland there is a low veget<strong>at</strong>ed Island separ<strong>at</strong>ed from the shore by a
stretch <strong>of</strong> sandy sea floors about 130m. wide. The Island is about 210m.x 300m. in extent and is
surrounded by a large coral reef <strong>with</strong> a elev<strong>at</strong>ed reef crest and enclosed lagoon extending 150-250m. on
the North and Eastern sides where it is exposed to wave action and forms a braking reef crest and a
outer reef slope. The reef is narrower on the land-ward side/ western side where it does not form
crests. the shores <strong>of</strong> the Island are composed entirely by 1-2 m. thick layer <strong>of</strong> washed and piled up coral
rubble mainly from broken Acropora branches. Pre-tsunami aerial images does not show the white rim
around the island formed <strong>of</strong> coral rubble and also indic<strong>at</strong>es th<strong>at</strong> the Island has under gone significant remodeling;
eroding the land bridge to the Island on the shore side and forming a large extension <strong>of</strong> land
to the North <strong>of</strong> the island <strong>with</strong>in the reef lagoon. it is highly likely th<strong>at</strong> most <strong>of</strong> the degrad<strong>at</strong>ion <strong>of</strong> the
reef is associ<strong>at</strong>ed <strong>with</strong> the damage from the 2004 Tsunami.
The reef lagoon on the whole <strong>of</strong> the Northern part <strong>of</strong> the reef is filled to brim <strong>with</strong> coral rubble <strong>with</strong>
depth <strong>with</strong>in the lagoon less than 10-30cm. The area is almost completely devoid <strong>of</strong> live coral and is
composed <strong>of</strong> coral rubble and Algal habit<strong>at</strong>s <strong>with</strong> very low diversity <strong>of</strong> life. The southern section <strong>of</strong> the
reef lagoon is slightly deeper in places and is composed <strong>of</strong> coral rubble and sand environments heavily
over grown <strong>with</strong> the algae Padina sp. The South western end <strong>of</strong> the reef comprises a shallow area <strong>of</strong>
newly recruited live coral in a area about 30m. wide by 250m. long along the outer edge <strong>of</strong> the reef. the
contain foliaceus types (Montipora aequitubercul<strong>at</strong>a, M.sp., Echinopora lamellosa) Staghorn and
branching corals coral (Acropora formosa, A. yongei, A. spp.) sub massive and encrusting types (favia,

favites, montastrea, pl<strong>at</strong>ygyra, Leptoria, Pavona spp.etc.) Almost all coral are imm<strong>at</strong>ure colonies which
may be 2-4 years old the southward placement <strong>of</strong> this reef p<strong>at</strong>ch facing the direction <strong>of</strong> the Kayankerni
reef may indic<strong>at</strong>e larval recruitment <strong>of</strong> corals from th<strong>at</strong> reef. The corals in this area seem to be
prolifer<strong>at</strong>ing and expanding <strong>with</strong> little new dead coral seen the substr<strong>at</strong>e dominance <strong>of</strong> algae could pose
a thre<strong>at</strong> to the reef if any growth trigger in algae is experienced. In addition the new coral is growing on
a thick base <strong>of</strong> dead and decaying coral rubble; which makes it prone to significant damage in the event
<strong>of</strong> a storm dislodging the unstable coral rubble base.
The outer reef areas facing the
western slope <strong>of</strong> the reef contain
good popul<strong>at</strong>ions <strong>of</strong> large dome
coral domin<strong>at</strong>ed environment. the
reef slopes from exposed reef crests
to depths <strong>of</strong> over 6m. the area
contain a mixed assemblage <strong>of</strong>
species <strong>with</strong> Porites,
Pl<strong>at</strong>ygyra,Favids,Montastrea,
Pachyseris, Pavona etc. The fish
popul<strong>at</strong>ions are moder<strong>at</strong>e <strong>with</strong> large
groups <strong>of</strong> Parrotfishes prominent.

Sand stone reef <strong>at</strong> 10m. deep
The local divers speak <strong>of</strong> many dive sites in deeper areas beyond Sallithivu Island and aerial (Google)
images confirm the existence <strong>of</strong> an extensive area <strong>of</strong> Sandstone reefs loc<strong>at</strong>ed about 3km. East and South
east <strong>of</strong> the island. One spot check dive was undertaken on this reef.
The reef consisted <strong>of</strong> a large fl<strong>at</strong> table <strong>of</strong> Sandstone <strong>with</strong> little surface relief. the area sampled included
few cracks and raised sections. the floor contained about 10% cover <strong>of</strong> Padina algae. The fauna recorded
was not significant <strong>at</strong> the site inspected. it is possible th<strong>at</strong> the there may be better loc<strong>at</strong>ions on the reef
elsewhere which the team could not loc<strong>at</strong>e in the preliminary survey. The reef fauna included many
barrel sponges <strong>of</strong> about a meter high, good diversity and abundance <strong>of</strong> Crinoids (fe<strong>at</strong>her stars) Sinularia
and the Musids, Favids, Plerogyra and some species <strong>of</strong> open branched Acropora species were prominent
among the corals observed. The fish popul<strong>at</strong>ions were low and prominent fish species recorded included
Butterflyfish Chaetodon decuss<strong>at</strong>us, Angelfish, Centropyge flavipectoralis, Apolemichthys xanthurus,
Damsels Pomacentrus phillippinus, Dasyllus aruanus, assorted parupenids and a single large Grouper
Plectropomus leopardus.
Though the site sampled was not significant based on the extent <strong>of</strong> this reef and reports from local
divers and ornamental fish collectors the area is known to contain many good reef environments.

<strong>Vakare</strong> Fish lists
Family Species Kayankerni Salli Is Salli deep
Muraenidae Gymnothorax javanicus 1
Gymnothorax permistes 1 1
Synodontidae Synodus varieg<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Clupeidae ?.sp 1
Belonidae Tylosus sp. 1 1
Holocentridae Myripristis murdjan 1 1 1
Myripristis adusta 1 1
Myripristis sp. 1 1
Neoniphon samarra 1 1 1
Neoniphon opercularis 1 1 1
Serranidae Cephalopholis argus 1 1 1
Cephalopholis formosa 1 1
Epinephelus merra 1 1 1
Epinephelus caeruleopunct<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Epinephelus longispinnis 1 1
Plectropomus leopardus 1 1
Cirrhitidae Paracirrhitus forsteri 1 1 1
Cirrhitus pinnul<strong>at</strong>us 1
Apogonidae Apogon kalopterus 1 1 1
Apogon novemfasci<strong>at</strong>us 1
Apogon spp. 1 1 1
Cheilodipterus macrodon 1 1 1
Cheilodipterus quinqueline<strong>at</strong>us 1
Archaemia fuc<strong>at</strong>a 1 1 1
Teraponidae Terapon jarbua 1
Gerridae Gerres acinacea 1 1
Leiogn<strong>at</strong>hidae Leiogn<strong>at</strong>hus sp. 1
Lutjanidae Lutjanus decuss<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Lutjanus rivul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Lutjanus fulvus 1 1
Lutjanus fulviflamma 1 1
Lutjanus monostigma 1 1
Lutjanus kasmira 1 1
Lutjanus vitt<strong>at</strong>a 1
Lutjanus bigutt<strong>at</strong>us 1
Lutjanus lutjanus 1 1
Lutjanus argentimacul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Lutjanus bohar 1
Lutjanus lunul<strong>at</strong>a 1 1

Caesionidae Pterecaesio chrysozona 1
Casio cuning 1
Haemulidae Plectorhynchus vitt<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Pletorhynchus picus 1 1
Plectorhynchus schotaf 1 1
Nemipteridae Scolopsis vosmeri 1 1
Monotaxis grandoculis 1
Lethrinidae Lethrinus orn<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Lethrinus nebulosus 1 1 1
Lethrinus harak 1 1 1
Pomadasys guoraka 1
Mullidae Mulloidichthys flavoline<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Parupaneus barbarinus 1
Parupaneus indicus 1
Parupeneus forskali 1
Parupeneus macronema 1
Kyphosidae Kyphosus sp. 1 1
Monodactylidae Monodactylus argenteus 1 1
Pempheridae Parapriacanthus sp. 1 1
Pempheris oualensis 1 1
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon decuss<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Chaetodon vagabundus 1 1 1
Chaetodon collaris 1
Chaetodon auriga 1 1
Chaetodon cittrinellus 1 1
Chaetodon trifasci<strong>at</strong>us 1
Chaetodon trifascialis 1
Chaetodon plebeius 1
Chaetodon klinii 1 1
Chaetodon falcula 1
Chaetodon meyeri 1 1
Chaetodon unimacul<strong>at</strong>us 1
Heniochus acumin<strong>at</strong>us 1
Heniochus pleurotaenia 1 1
Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus semicircul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Pomacanthus imper<strong>at</strong>or 1
Centropyge flavipectoralis 1 1
Centropyge multispinis 1 1 1
Centropyge elblii 1
Aplomichthys xanthurus 1
Pomacentridae Abudefduf vaigiensis 1 1
Abudefduf sordidus 1 1 1
Abudefduf septemfasci<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1

Plectroglyphidodon dickii 1 1
Plectroglyphidodon lacrym<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Chromis tern<strong>at</strong>ensis 1
Chrysiptera leucopoma 1
Pomacentrus similis 1 1 1
Pomacentrus phillipinus 1 1 1
Pomacentrus indicus 1 1 1
Pomacentrus chrysurus 1 1 1
Dascyllus aruanus 1
Neopomacentrus azysron 1 1
Neoglyphidodon bonang 1 1
Labridae Chelinus undul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Chelinus chlorurus 1 1
Halichoerus hortulanus 1 1 1
Halichoerus margin<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Halichoerus nebulosus 1 1 1
Halichoerus margaritaceus 1
Halichoerus timorensis 1 1
Hemigymnus fasci<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Hemigymnus melapterus 1 1
Gomphosus caeruleus 1 1
Macropharyngodon orn<strong>at</strong>us 1
Macropharyngodon meleagris 1
Stethojulis triline<strong>at</strong>a 1
Stethojulis sp. 1
Thalassoma lunare 1 1
Thalassoma hardwickii 1
Thalassoma janseni 1 1 1
Labroides dimidi<strong>at</strong>a 1 1 1
Diproctacanthus xanthurus 1 1 1
Scaridae Calotomus carolinus 1 1
Scarus rubroviolaceus 1 1
Sarus caud<strong>of</strong>asci<strong>at</strong>us
Scarus fren<strong>at</strong>us
Scarus niger
Scarus ghobban 1
Scarus sp. 1 1
Chlorurus rhacoura 1 1
Leptoscarus vaigiensis 1 1 1
Pinguipididae Parapercis sp. 1 1 1
Tripterigiidae Helcogramma stri<strong>at</strong>a 1
Helcogramma sp. 1 1 1
Tripterigion sp. 1

Enneapterigius sp. 1
Blenniidae Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos 1 1
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma 1 1
Petroscritus sp. 1
Cirripectus 1
Escanias nalolo 1 1
Ecsenias sp. 1
Escanias bicolor 1
Exalias brevis 1 1
Entomacrodus sp. 1 1
Istiblennius 1 1 1
Gobiidae Cryptocentrus /Amblyeleotris sp. 1 1 1
Amblygobius phalaena 1
Valencienna sp. 1
Gobiodon citrinus 1 1
Gn<strong>at</strong>holepis sp. 1
Istigobius decor<strong>at</strong>us 1
Istigobius sp. 1
Zanclidae Zanclus cornutus 1 1 1
Acanthuridae Zebrasoma scopas 1
Acanthurus line<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Acanthurus leucosternon 1 1
Acanthurus triostegus 1 1 1
Acanthurus m<strong>at</strong>a 1 1 1
Acanthurus dussumieri 1
Acanthurus xanthopterus 1
Ctenochaetus stri<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Ctenochaetus strigosus 1 1
Siganidae Siganus javus 1 1
Siganus line<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Siganus canalicul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Siganus virg<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Balistidae Balistapus undul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Balistoides viridescens 1
Psudobalistes flavimargin<strong>at</strong>us 1
Rhinecanthus acule<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Rhinecanthus rectangul<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Melichthys vidua 1
Melichthys indicus 1
Suffleman fren<strong>at</strong>us 1 1 1
Monacanthidae Amanses scopas 1 1
Tetaodontidae Arothron nigropunct<strong>at</strong>us 1 1
Canthigaster solandri 1 1

Diodontidae Diodon hystrix 1
Number <strong>of</strong> Species per site 160 106 49
* note: this list is considered incomplete as the list is based on very limited amount <strong>of</strong> sampling both in
time and areas <strong>of</strong> reef covered.