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214
The Distribution of Some Uncommon Reef Fishes in Andaman and Nicobar
Islands: A Short Note
M.P. Goutham Bharathi* and C. Sivaperuman
Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair – 744 102,
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Corresponding author: gouthamrussia@gmail.com
Abstract
viz. Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus,
Epibulus insidiator Pomacanthus xanthometopon
, Chaetodontoplus melanosoma
Diploprion bifasciatum
Keywords
Introduction
th century (Blyth,
families from Andaman water (Rajan et al.,
viz.
Aulostomus chinensis
Epibulus insidiator
Pomacanthus xanthometopon
, Chaetodontoplus melanosoma (Bleeker,
Diploprion bifasciatum Cuvier,
to four different families viz
et al.,
three genera viz., Aulostomus Epibulus
Diploprion
Chaetodontoplus
represented by two species in the Islands. Pomacanthus
In-situ
photographs were taken using a digital camera (Canon;
PowerShot G1X Mark II
images were labeled with the following details viz.,
abbreviated location code, initials of the researcher, depth
available literature (Randall et al., et al.,
Fricke et al
Results and discussion
Islands. This species is known to rely partly on stealth and
A “brown phase” male of Epibulus insidiator was
observed from a shallow coral reef habitat in Grub Island,
to lunate; black lines radiating from eye. It was observed
holding its protrusible mouth open, which could be a
visit to the cleaning stations. A single individual of
215
Pomacanthus xanthometopon was observed from a
shallow coral reef at “Small World” a popular dive site in
coral rich reef area. Body deeply compressed; upper back
and most of the body whitish, breast, caudal and pectoral
surrounding eyes, head blue, a black spot at rear base of
Chaetodontoplus melanosoma
uncommon species inhabiting coral reefs and reef rubbles
with rich invertebrate growth. Several individuals of
Diploprion bifasciatum
head though eye and a broader one on the body. It is
important to note that this species is particularly abundant
so far. Its absence from the other localities could not be
comprehended.
Fig. 1. Fishes recorded in the present study
A - Aulostomus chinensis Epibulus insidiator
C - Pomacanthus xanthometopon Chaetodontoplus melanosoma
E - Diploprion bifasciatum
Goutham Bharathi and Sivaperuman J. Andaman Sci. Assoc. 25 (2):2020
216
Species Name Locality Region GPS Coordinates Depth
(m)
Latitude Longitude
Aulostomus
chinensis Champin,
Epibulus insidiator Grub Is., South
Andaman
Pomacanthus
xanthometopon South
Andaman 5
Chaetodontoplus
melanosoma Rutland Is. South
Andaman
Diploprion
bifasciatum Champin,
Saanu,
Hitui,
Acknowledgements
The aut
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government
of India for the facilities.
References
the East Indies. Volume I-III, University of Hawai’i
Press, Honolulu, HI, USA.
Journal of Asiati
references.
from the Andaman Islands. Memoirs of the Indian
the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. University of
Received : th Accepted: nd
Goutham Bharathi and Sivaperuman J. Andaman Sci. Assoc. 25 (2):2020