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Common coral reef fishes of Antigua

Coral Reefs:

Common coral reef fishes of Antigua

This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: J. Emmett Duffy

Introduction 

Antigua  is a part of the nation Antigua and Barbuda in the Lesser Antillies of the Caribbean Sea. Over 165 species of reef fishes have been identified during REEF Fish Surveys in Antigua.

25 most common species in Antigua

The following ranking is based on the results of 32 surveys covering a bottom time of 25 hours and 52 minutes. (REEF Geographic Zone Report, May 27, 2009).  The species are ranked by the percentage of surveys in which a species was observed.  Abundance of fishes in REEF Fish Surveys are estimated using the following categories: 1- single =1 individual, 2-few = 2- 10 individuals, 3-many = 11-100 individuals, and 4-abundant > 100 individuals.  The mean numeric abundance (ranging from 1 - 4) was calculated for each species..  The mean abundance category is determined as follows: mean abundance category 0 - 1.49 = single, 1.50 - 1.99 = single-few, 2.0 - 2.49 = few, 2.5 - 2.99 = few-many, 3.0 - 3.49 = many, 3.5 -3.99 = many-abundant, and 4.0 = abundant.

Blue tang—the most frequently observed reef fish in Antigua. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994. Blue tang—the most frequently observed reef fish in Antigua. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

Blue chromis—the reef fish with the highest mean adundance in Antigua. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994. Blue chromis—the reef fish with the highest mean adundance in Antigua. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

 Species

 % of surveys observed

 Mean abundance category

 1. Blue tang 

 100.0

 few-many

 2. Bluehead

 90.6

 many

 3. Stoplight parrotfish

 87.5

 few-many

 4.Yellowtail damselfish

 81.3

 few

 5. Foureye butterflyfish

 81.3

 few-many

 6. Yellowtail snapper

 78.1

 few-many

 7. Sergeant major

 78.1

 few-many

 8. Graysby

 78.1

 few

 9. French grunt

 75.0

 few-many

 10. Spanish hogfish

 75.0

 few

 11. Yellowhead wrasse

 75.0

 few-many

 12. Blue chromis

 71.9

 few-many

 13. Bicolor damselfish

 71.9

 many

 14. Banded butterflyfish

 68.8

 single-few

 15. Ocean surgeonfish

 68.8

 many

 16. Rock beauty

 65.6

 single-few

 17. Black durgon

 65.6

 few-many

 18. Redband parrotfish

 65.6

 few-many

 19. Princess parrotfish

 65.6

 few

 20.  Trumpetfish

 65.6

 few

 21.  Slippery dick

 62.5

 few-many

 22.  Coney

 62.5

 few

 23. Yellow goatfish

 59.4

 many

 24. Brown chromis

 59.4

 many

 25.  Spotted goatfish

 59.4

 few

References and Further Reading

Citation

Mark McGinley (Lead Author);J. Emmett Duffy (Topic Editor) "Common coral reef fishes of Antigua". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth October 7, 2009; Last revised Date September 20, 2010; Retrieved May 18, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Common_coral_reef_fishes_of_Antigua?topic=49570>

The Author

Mark McGinleyMark McGinley is an Associate Professor in the Honors College and Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University. He has conducted research in the evolutionary, behavioral, and community ecology of animals and plants. Dr. McGinley’s recent scholarly interests focus on educating the general public about scientific (particularly environmental) issues. He is currently working closely with students in an interdisciplinary degree program, Natural History and Humanities, which combine ... (Full Bio)

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