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Common coral reef fishes of Haiti

Biodiversity:

Common coral reef fishes of Haiti

Published:
Updated: September 20, 2010, 7:45 pm
Topics: Biodiversity Geography Oceans and seas Marine Ecology Species Fisheries Coral Reefs
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor: J. Emmett Duffy

Introduction 

Haiti is a country located on the western side of island of Hispaniola, while the Dominican Republic occupies the eastern side. Hispaniola is part of the group of islands known as the Greater Antilles. Over 95 species of reef fishes have been identified during  limited number of REEF Fish Surveys in Haiti.

25 most common species in Haiti

The following ranking is based on the results only 9 REEF Fish Surveys covering a bottom time of 8 hours and 52 minutes. (REEF Geographic Zone Report, May 30, 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.

Bluehead—the most frequently observed  and  the reef fish with the highest average abundance in Haiti. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994. Bluehead—the most frequently observed  and  the reef fish with the highest average abundance in Haiti. ''Reef Fish Identification'', New World Publications © 1994.

Species

% of surveys observed

Mean abundance category

 1. Bluehead

 88.9

 many

 2. Trumpetfish

 77.8

 single-few

 3. Dusky damselfish

 66.7

 many

 4. Ocean surgeonfish

 66.7

 many

 5. Barred hamlet

 66.7

 few

 6. Spotted goatfish

 66.7

 few-many

 7. Blue tang

 66.7

 few-many

 8. Yellowhead wrasse

 66.7

 few

 9. Stooplight parrotfish

 66.7

 few-many

 10. Redband parrotfish

 55.6

 few

 11. Sergeant major

 55.6

 few

 12. Yellowtail snapper 

 55.6

 few

 13. Slippery dick

 55.6

 single-few

 14. Cocoa damselfish

 55.6

 few

 15. Blue chromis

 55.6

 few

 16. Fairy basslet

 55.6

 few-many

 17. Bar jack

 55.6

 many

 18. Striped parrotfish 

 55.6

 many

 19. Yellowtail damselfish

 55.6

 single-few

 20.  Black hamlet

 55.6

 few-many

 21.  Sharpnose puffer

 55.6

 few

 22.  Indigo hamlet

 44.4

 single-few

 23. Spanish hogfish 

 44.4

 single-few

 24. Blackbar soldierfish

 44.4

 single-few

 25.  Puddingwife

 44.4

 single-few

References and Further Reading

Citation

Mark McGinley (Lead Author);J. Emmett Duffy (Topic Editor) "Common coral reef fishes of Haiti". 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 20, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Common_coral_reef_fishes_of_Haiti?topic=49480>

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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