Elacatinus chancei

Smith-Vaniz, William F. & Jelks, Howard L., 2014, Marine and inland fishes of St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands: an annotated checklist, Zootaxa 3803 (1), pp. 1-120 : 77-89

Elacatinus chancei (Beebe and Hollister 193l) — Shortstripe Goby, Fig. 20B

Listed as Gobiosoma chancei and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF 149189 (3), BIRNM; UF 230711 (1) and UF 230712 (4), both Cane Bay; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72).

Distribution: Colin (2010) WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, nSA).

Elacatinus evelynae Böhlke and Robins 1968 — Sharknose Goby, Fig. 20C

Listed as Gobiosoma evelynae and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 42); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:309); observed during Frederiksted reefsystem censuses ( Toller, 2007:51).

Distribution: Colin (2010) WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Colin (2010:41) documented three color morphs of E. evelynae , each with little overlap in distributions. The St. Croix "yellow-blue" morph has the widest distribution of the three morphs.

Elacatinus prochilos ( Böhlke and Robins 1968) — Broadstripe Goby

Listed as Gobiosoma prochilos and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 31); observed, as G. prochilos , during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51).

Distribution: Colin (2010) WA (GA, VI, LA, WC).

Elacatinus tenox ( Böhlke and Robins 1968) — Slaty Goby

Listed as Gobiosoma tenox and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: One individual observed at Salt River Canyon ( Kaufman and Ebersole, 1984:260); Colin (2010:47) also collected this species from St. Croix (off Butler Bay) but the voucher specimens were lost in the mail (Colin, pers. com.).

Distribution: Colin (2010) WA (GA, LA).

Remarks: Based on known distribution, this species probably also occurs elsewhere in the Virgin Islands although not yet recorded. Elacatinus tenox is a relatively deep-dwelling species (27–70 m), and according to Colin (2010) occurs exclusively with the sponge Neofibularia nolitangere (Duchassaing and Michelotti) .

Evorthodus lyricus (Girard 1858) — Lyre Goby, Fig. 20D

Justification: UF 180909 (2, 34–48 mm SL), Mahogany Gut; UF 183022 (5, 31.7–45.8 mm SL), unnamed stream at East End Road ; USNM 106630 (5, 26–48 mm SL), Caledonia, 1937; USNM 106633 (1, 59 mm SL), Fairplain Stream, 1937 .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Beatty (1944:178) reported this species from Caledonia and Fairplain streams. This goby is usually found in backwater lagoons and bays but has also been reported from freshwater streams.

Ginsburgellus novemlineatus (Fowler 1950) — Ninelined Goby, Fig. 20E

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51). Distribution: WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Gnatholepis cauerensis (Bleeker 1853) — Goldspot Goby, Fig. 20 F

Listed as Gnatholepis thompsoni and "very common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 66); observed, as G. thompsoni , during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (245/122).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, St. Helena, EA, IWP.

Remarks: In a study of mitochondrial DNA variation in populations of Gnatholepis, Rocha et al. (2005) presented data indicating that a single species had colonized the Atlantic from the Indian Ocean during the late Pleistocene. Subsequently, Randall and Greenfield (2007) redescribed Gobius cauerensis Bleeker, 1853 , discussed why the name used by Rocha et al. (op. cit.) was incorrect and concluded that Gnatholepis cauerensis (Bleeker) is a senior synonym of G. thompsoni Jordan, 1904 . In their recent revision of the genus Gnatholepis, Larson and Buckle (2012) treat Gnatholepis thompsoni and G. cauerensis as allopatric sisterspecies. We acknowledge the thoroughness of their revision, but disagree with their choice of nomenclature, which seems to have been strongly biased by geography. Larson and Buckle also seem to have ignored the fact that Rocha et al. (2005) showed that the Atlantic population has been genetically isolated relatively recently (approximately 145,000 years) from its Indo-Pacific relatives.

Gobionellus oceanicus (Pallas 1770) — Highfin Goby

Justification: UF 182868 (1, 102 mm SL) and UF 234154 (1, 134 mm SL), both Altona Lagoon .

Distribution: WA (North Carolina, FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: This euryhaline species inhabits bays, tidal streams, muddy inshore and offshore bottoms. Pezold (2004:294) reported that when the tide is out and the bottom exposed "the gobies remain in water-filled burrows they have excavated in the mud."

* Lophogobius cyprinoides (Pallas 1770) — Crested Goby, Fig. 20G

Justification: UF 182930 (18, 17.8–38.3 mm SL) Salt River Bay; USNM 380507 (1), Christiansted. Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Lythrypnus crocodilus (Beebe and Tee-Van 1928) — Mahogany Goby, Fig. 20H

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 45).

Distribution: Greenfield (1988) WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Lythrypnus elasson Böhlke and Robins 1960 — Dwarf Goby, Fig. 20I

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 9); UF 185650 (1), SSW Butler Bay .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

* Lythrypnus nesiotes Böhlke and Robins 1960 — Island Goby, Fig. 20J

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 19).

Distribution: Greenfield (1988) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Lythrypnus okapia Robins and Böhlke 1964 — Okapi Goby

Justification: UF 160123 (1, 10.5 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: WA (BD, BA, WC, nSA).

* Microgobius carri Fowler 1945 . — Seminole Goby

Justification: Observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (1/3).

Distribution: Birdsong (1981) WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC).

Remarks: Because both this species and Microgobius signatus Poey have been reliably documented from St. John, Virgin Islands. The species identification should be regarded as provisional until voucher specimens or unmistakable photographs become available.

Nes longus (Nichols 1914) — Orangespotted Goby, Fig. 21A

Justification: UF 160866 (2, 27–29 mm SL), BIRNM; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (2/0).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Priolepis hipoliti (Metzelaar 1922) — Rusty Goby

Listed as Quisquilius hipoliti and "common" Clavijo et al. (1980:28).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 47); REEF (23/2).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Psilotris alepis Ginsburg 1953 — Scaleless Goby

Listed as Psilotropis [sic] alepis and "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5); UF 183060 (1, 13.7 mm SL), Spring Bay .

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Described from St. Croix as the new species Psilotris alepis (see Table 4 ).

* Psilotris boehlkei Greenfield 1993 — Yellowspot Goby

Justification: UF 160122 (1, 24 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: WA (LA).

Remarks: This species was previously known only from the type locality, St. Barthelemy in the Lesser Antilles ( Greenfield, 1993) and Saba Bank Atoll ( Williams et al., 2010).

* Psilotris celsus Böhlke 1963 — Highspine Goby

Justification: UF 160124 (1, 22 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA,VI, WC, nSA).

* Pycnomma roosevelti Ginsburg, 1939 — President Goby

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 25).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, LA, WC).

Remarks: Williams et al. (2010:29) provided the first color photograph of this goby and stated that, although it had been previously taken at several scattered localities around the Caribbean, there are fewer than 10 specimens known. This certainly reflects a collecting artifact because the use of ichthyocides and fine mesh hand-nets are necessary to collect this diminutive goby. We recovered 62 specimens (9.8–18.4 mm SL) from 25 BIRNM stations.

Risor ruber (Rosén 1911) — Tusked Goby

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); REEF (80/9).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Sicydium buscki Evermann and Clark 1906 , Fig. 21B

Justification: UF 180989 (5, 19.1–24.1 mm SL) ; UF 181001 (5, 30.7–35.6) ; UF 181002 (2, 30.1–31.6 mm SL) ; UF 181038 (1, 45.3 mm SL) ; UF 183289 (4, 20.8–40.0 mm SL) ; UF 183291 (2, 25.7–26.6 mm SL) [identifications by Ryan Chabarria].

Distribution: WA (GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA,).

Remarks: In his revision of Sicydium from the Dominican Republic, Watson (2000) provided detailed descriptions of four species. He emphasized the number, arrangement and morphology of upper teeth as important characters in diagnoses of sicydiine gobies. The same four species he reported from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico also occur on St. Croix in at least Caledonia and Mahogany guts. Life colors and preserved color patterns of the four St. Croix species can be highly variable.

* Sicydium gilberti Watson 2000

Justification: UF 184440 (2, 21.5–22.0 mm SL); UF 184445 (1, 35.1 mm SL) [identifications by Ryan Chabarria] .

Distribution: WA (GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Sicydium plumieri (Bloch 1786) , Fig. 21C

Justification: UF 184441 (1, 25.7 mm SL); UF 184444 (1, 31.5 mm SL) [identifications by Ryan Chabarria]. Distribution: WA (GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Sicydium punctatum Perugia 1896 , Fig. 21D

Justification: UF 183043 (2, 33.5–48.7 mm SL) ; UF 184437 (4, 23.1–26.6 mm SL) ; UF 184442 (3, 28.0–41.1 mm SL) ; UF 184443 (2,19.4–24.5) ; UF 184446 (1, 36.3 mm SL) [identifications by Ryan Chabarria].

Distribution: WA (GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Tigrigobius dilepis (Robins and Böhlke 1964) — Orangeside Goby

Listed as Gobiosoma dilepis and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5); REEF (49/20).

Remarks: We follow Van Tassell (2011) and Eschmeyer (2013) in assigning this goby to the genus Tigrigobius Fowler rather than its traditional classification in Gobiosoma Girard or Elacatinus Jordan. In their paper on western Atlantic seven-spined gobies, Böhlke and Robins (1964) recognized Tigrigobius as a subgenus and included T. dilepis and the following four species in that subgenus.

* Tigrigobius gemmatus (Ginsburg 1939) — Freckfin Goby, Fig. 21E

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 13).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: See above discussion of generic name used for Tigrigobius dilepis .

Tigrigobius multifasciatus (Steindachner 1876) — Greenband Goby

Listed as Gobiosoma multifasciatum and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: Observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (3/0).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: See above discussion of generic name used for Tigrigobius dilepis .

* Tigrigobius pallens (Ginsburg 1939) — Semiscaled Goby, Fig. 21F

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 34); REEF (16/4).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: See above discussion of generic name used for Tigrigobius dilepis .

Tigrigobius saucrus (Robins 1960) — Leopard Goby

Listed as Gobiosoma saucrum by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); UF 182885 (1, 9.0 mm SL), Tague Bay; AMNH 225032 (1); REEF (33/8). Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Remarks: See above discussion of generic name used for Tigrigobius dilepis .

MICRODESMIDAE —wormfishes and dartfishes (2 species)

* Cerdale floridana Longley 1934 — Pugjaw Wormfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5).

Distribution: Dawson (1974) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC).

Ptereleotris helenae ( Randall 1968) — Hovering Goby

Listed as Ioglossus helenae and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:27).

Justification: ANSP 144652 (1, 26.6 mm SL), N. of Frederiksted, 37 m, March 1977; AMNH 225039 (1, 26 mm SL); REEF (24/7).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

EPHIPPIDAE —spadefishes (1 species)

Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet 1782) — Atlantic Spadefish

Justification: UF 160136 (1, 23 mm SL), BIRNM; ZMUC P.5114 (1, 108 mm SL), St. Croix , Feb. 1906; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:9); REEF (6/19) .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

ACANTHURIDAE —surgeonfishes (3 species)

Acanthurus chirurgus (Bloch 1778) — Doctorfish (Gizzard Doctor)

Listed as Acanthurus chirurgus by Cope (1871:474) and as Hepatus caerulens by Fowler (1919:145). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 11); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:321); REEF (165/231).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Acanthurus coeruleus Bloch and Schneider 1801 — Blue Tang (Blue Doctor)

Listed as Acanthurus coeruleus by Cope (1871:474) and as Hepatus hepatus by Fowler (1919:145). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 15); REEF (433/529).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension Island.

Acanthurus tractus Poey 1860 — Ocean Surgeon

Listed as Acanthurus bahianus Castelnau by Clavijo et al. (1980:28)

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 31); REEF (430/472).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Until recently authors have followed Randall (1956) in treating Acanthurus tractus (described from Cuba) as a junior synonym of A. bahianus (described from Bahia, Brazil). Based on morphological (color of dorsal and caudal fins) and molecular evidence, Bernal and Rocha (2011) have determined that both are valid allopatric species. Acanthurus tractus occurs north of the Amazon River outflow and throughout the Caribbean while A. bahianus is present only south of the Amazon River barrier and at central Atlantic islands.

SPHYRAENIDAE —barracudas (2 species)

Sphyraena barracuda (Edwards 1771) — Great Barracuda

Justification: UF 160141 (1), BIRNM; UF 181043 (1); UF 180894 (1); observed during Frederiksted reefsystem censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (101/174).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP.

Sphyraena borealis DeKay 1842 — Sennet

Listed as Sphyraena picudilla and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:24).

Justification: St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:132); observed, as S. picudilla , during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (5/18).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Remarks: Smith-Vaniz et al. (1999:323) give reasons why they consider the Southern sennet, Sphyraena picudilla Poey , to be a junior synonym of S. borealis . This synomy was also adopted by Page et al. (2013).

GEMPYLIDAE —snake mackerels (3 species)

* Gempylus serpens Cuvier 1829 — Snake Mackerel

Justification: ZMUC P73371 (1, 995 mm SL), St. Croix , Hartmann, 1882 [identification by Peter Møller] .

Distribution: Circumtropical, Parin and Nakamura (2003a) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

Promethichthys prometheus (Cuvier 1832) — Roudi Escolar (Rabbitfish)

Justification: SIO 74–158 (1, 268 mm SL), St. Croix, 17°44'N, 64°32'W; listed as rare by Clavijo et al. (1980:28). Distribution: Parin and Nakamura (2003a) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA), EA, IWP. Remarks: Rabbitfish are meso- and benthopelagic on insular shelves in 100–700 m but migrate near the surface to feed at night.

* Ruvettus pretiosus Cocco 1833 ) — Oilfish

Justification: Listed as rare by Clavijo et al. (1980:28).

Distribution: Circumtropical, Parin and Nakamura (2003a) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA), EA, IWP, EP.

Remarks: Oilfish are benthopelagic in 100–700 m and usually caught in 200–400 m (Nakamura and Parin, 2003).

TRICHIURIDAE —cutlassfishes (1 species)

Evoxymetopon taeniatus Gill 1863 — Channel Scabbardfish

Justification: UF 226954 (1), off Frederiksted (tank specimen now lost); listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:28) .

Distribution: Parin and Nakamura (2003b) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), IWP.

Remarks: Benthopelagic in 100–700 m (Nakamura and Parin, 2003), but has been caught as shallow as 18 m with gill nets ( Palacio-Barros et al. (2011).

SCOMBRIDAE —mackerels and tunas (10 species)

All of the below scombrids were listed as either "common" or "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:28), except for Scomberomorus maculatus (see remarks for S. regalis ) and the two new additions indicated by asterisks. Tunas and mackerels are primarilly oceanic fishes but, because St. Croix has a narrow shelf and all these species are fished commercially and landed in St. Croix, we include them here.

Acanthocybium solandri (Cuvier 1832) — Wahoo

Justification: See above general remarks.

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

* Auxis cf. thazard (Lacepède 1800) — Frigate Mackerel

Justification: Based on underwater photograph taken at Frederisksted Pier of what is probably this species.

Distribution: Collette and Aadland (1964) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP.

Remarks: Two morphologically very similar species of Auxis , which cannot be reliably distinguished solely from underwater color photographs (B. B. Collette, pers. com.), occur in the Caribbean: A. thazard (Lacepède 1800) and A. rochel (Risso 1810) .

Euthynnus alletteratus (Rafinesque 1810) — Little Tunny

Justification: See above general remarks; listed in St. Croix FAD catches (Friedlander etal., 1994:598). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA.

Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus 1758) — Skipjack Tuna

Justification: See above general remarks; listed in St. Croix FAD catches (Friedlander etal., 1994:598). Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Scomber colias Gmelin 1789 — Atlantic Chub Mackerel

Justification: ZMUC P.74243 (1, 245 mm SL).

Distribution: WA(BD, FL, GOM, GA, nSA, sSA).

Scomberomorous cavalla (Cuvier 1829) — King Mackerel

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:28); observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381); listed in St. Croix FAD catches ( Friedlander et al., 1994:598).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Scomberomorus regalis (Bloch 1793) — Cero

Listed in St. Croix FAD catches ( Friedlander et al., 1994:598); listed as Scomberomorus maculatus and "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:28), presumably a misidentification (see remarks).

Justification: ZMUC P.74244–46 (3, 96–137 mm SL); observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381) and during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (67/74).

Distribution: Collette and Russo (1985) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Collette and Russo (1985) state that reports of Spanish Mackerel, Scomberomorus maculatus , from the West Indies (except northern Cuba) are based on misidentifications of S. regalis .

Thunnus alalunga (Bonnaterre 1788) — Albacore

Justification: See above general remarks.

Distribution: WA (BD, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP.

Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre 1788) — Yellowfin Tuna

Justification: See above general remarks.

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Thunnus atlanticus (Lesson 1758) — Blackfin Tuna

Justification: See above general remarks; observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:384); listed in St. Croix FAD catches ( Friedlander et al., 1994:598).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Thunnus obesus (Lowe 1839) — Bigeye Tuna

Justification: See above general remarks; reported from St. Croix by Mather and Gibbs (1958).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, GA, LA, nSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

XIPHIIDAE —swordfishes (1 species)

Xiphias gladius Linnaeus 1758 — Swordfish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:29).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

ISTIOPHORIDAE —billfishes (4 species)

Billfishes are highly prized gamefishes and are sometimes fished commercially. Clavijo et al. (1980:29) listed the three of the following billfishes as "common" or "occasional," and although primarily oceanic we include them here.

Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw 1792) — Sailfish

Justification: See above general remarks.

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Kajikia albida (Poey 1860) — White Marlin

Listed as Tetrapturus albidus and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:29).

Justification: See above general remarks.

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA.

Remarks: Collette et al. (2006) recommended several changes in nomenclature of billfishes based on a molecular phylogeny of the family. The white marlin, along with the Indo-Pacific striped marlin, was moved to the genus Kajikia Hirasaka and Nakamura so its name is now Kajikia albida (Poey) .

Makaira nigricans Lacepéde 1802 — Blue Marlin

Justification: See above general remarks.

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA.

Tetrapturus pfluegeri Robins and de Sylvia 1963 — Longbill Spearfish

Justification: Listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:29).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

NOMEIDAE —driftfishes (1 species)

Nomeus gronovii (Gmelin 1789) — Man-of-war Fish

Justification: UF 47480 (1, 860 mm SL), south of St. Croix , in 73 m, July 1978; UF 182883 (6, 15–36 mm SL), Manning Bay Lagoon; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:29) .

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BD, BA, GA, WC, nSA), EA, IWP, EP.

BOTHIDAE —flatfishes (3 species)

Bothus lunatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Peacock Flounder

Listed as Rhomboidichthys lunatus by Cope (1871:480) and as Platophrys lunulatus by Fowler (11919:145). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); AMNH 17410 (1); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:205); REEF (110/146). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA.

Bothus maculiferus (Poey 1860) — Maculated Flounder

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); listed as "occasional" by Clavijo (1980:30).

Distribution: WA (BD, BA, GA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Bothus ocellatus (Agassiz 1831) — Eyed Flounder, Fig. 21G

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 15); REEF (45/25).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

PARALICHTHYIDAE —sand flounders (2 species)

* Citharichthys spilopterus Günther 1862 — Bay Whiff, Fig. 21H

Justification: UF 182934 (1, 109 mm SL), Triton Bay .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Syacium papillosum (Linnaeus 1758) — Dusky Flounder, Fig. 21I

Justification: UF 181053 (1, 89 mm SL), off Bethlehem Middle Works; UF 183075 (1, 110 mm SL), Great Pond Bay ; ZMUC P.856285–86 (2, 105–172 mm SL), St. Croix, 1896 .

Distribution: Fraser (1971) and Murakami and Amaoka (1992) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

ACHIRIDAE —American soles (2 species)

* Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Lined Sole

Justification: ZMUC P.8676 (1, 58 mm SL) Christiansted, Jan. 1906.

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Trinectes inscriptus (Gosse 1851) — Scrawled Sole, Fig. 21J

Justification: UF 182301 (1, 54 mm SL), Altona Lagoon ; UF 182938 (4, 37–55 mm SL), Triton Bay; ANSP 80624 (1); ZMUC P.8683–96 (14, 19–60 mm SL) Christiansted, Sept. 1916; ZMUC P.8697 (1, 52 mm SL), Christiansted, 1906 .

Distribution: WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

CYNOGLOSSIDAE —tonguefishes (2 species)

* Symphurus arawak Robins and Randall 1965 — Caribbean Tonguefish

Justification: UF 160071 (1, 11.7 mm SL) and UF 164959 (1, 29.0 mm SL), BIRNM 2 .

Distribution: Munroe (1998) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Symphurus ommaspilus Böhlke 1961 — Ocellated Tonguefish

Justification: UF 160073 (1, 49.5 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: Munroe (1998) WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

BALISTIDAE —triggerfishes (6 species)

Balistes capriscus Gmelin 1789 — Gray Triggerfish

Justification: UF 180963 (2), off Bethlehem Middle Works; listed as negligible trap bycatch ( Whiteman, 2005:23) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Balistes vetula Linnaeus 1758 — Queen Triggerfish

Listed as Balistes vetulus by Cope (1871:478) and Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: ANSP 80114 (5); UF 183009 (1, 132 mm SL), Frederiksted Pier; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:323); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992: Table 4 ); REEF (46/32).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA.

* Canthidermis maculata (Bloch 1786) — Rough Triggerfish

Justification: USNM 380508 (1), Christiansted Harbor, Nov. 1999.

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Remarks: Gill and Randall (1997) noted that this species only comes into shallow areas to breed, whereupon demersal eggs are laid in a large pit in sand or rubble areas.

Canthidermis sufflamen (Mitchill 1815) — Ocean Triggerfish

Justification: Nest guarding behavior in St. Croix described ( Nellis, 1980); observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:29); REEF (2/11).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Remarks: Like other species of Canthidermis , C. sufflamen is a pelagic or benthopelagic shelf species that comes near shore only to breed.

Melichthys niger (Bloch 1786) — Black Durgon

Listed as Balistes piceus by Cope (1871:478) and as Melichthys piceus by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: Predominent pelagic species attracted to FADS at Salt River Canon (Workman et al., 1984:381); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:29); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (342/382).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

Xanthichthys ringens (Linnaeus 1758) — Sargassum Triggerfish

Listed as Xanthichthys cicatricosus by Cope (1871:478) and as Xanthichthys ringens by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: ZMUC P.88328 (1, 163 mm SL). Submersible observations in 40–177 m (García Sais, 2005:93); REEF (2/1).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

MONOCANTHIDAE —filefishes (6 species)

* Aluterus schoepfii (Walbaum 1792) — Orange Filefish

Justification: MCZ 52507 (1, 108 mm SL), St. Croix , Nov. 1976 [identification confirmed by K. Hartel]; listed as negligible trap bycatch ( Whiteman, 2005:23) .

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Aluterus scriptus (Osbeck 1765) — Scrawled Filefish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:30); observed at Jacks Bay and Salt River Canyon ( Toller, 2002:25); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (34/70).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Cantherhines macrocerus (Hollard 1853) — Whitespotted Filefish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:30); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (74/96).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Cantherhines pullus (Ranzani 1842) — Orangespotted Filefish (Tail-light Filefish)

Listed as Monacanthus irroratus by Cope (1871:476) and as Cantherines pullus by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM 2); UF 183024 (1, 50 mm SL), Coakley Bay; UF 183067 (1, 80 mm SL), Rod Bay; ZMUC P.8815 (1, 120 mm SL), St. Croix, June 1892; ZMUC P.88335 (1, 134 mm SL), St. Croix, July 1863; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:333); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (270/249).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Monacanthus ciliatus (Mitchill 1818) — Fringed Filefish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 4); listed as "common" by Clavijo (1980:31).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Monacanthus tuckeri Bean 1906 — Slender Filefish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 32); ZMUC P.88334 (1, 49 mm SL) St. Croix, 1873; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

OSTRACIIDAE —boxfishes (5 species)

Acanthostracion polygonius Poey 1867 — Honeycomb Cowfish

Listed as Lactophrys polygonia by Clavijo et al. (1980:31).

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:31); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:29); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (139/137).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Acanthostracion quadricornis (Linnaeus 1758) — Scrawled Cowfish

Listed as Ostracium quadricorne by Cope (1871:474), Lactophrys tricornis by Fowler (1919:145), and as Lactophrys quadricornis by Clavijo et al. (1980:31).

Justification: ZMUC P.88329 (1), St. Croix, July 1863; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:30); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:74); REEF (16/37).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lactophrys bicaudalis (Linnaeus 1758) — Spotted Trunkfish Justification: UF 183014 (1, 155 mm SL), Butler Bay ; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:29); St. Croix

photograph ( Randall, 1996:340); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (127/153).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lactophrys trigonus (Linnaeus 1758) — Trunkfish

Justification: ZMUC P.88330–31 (2); ZMUC P.88332 (1); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:30); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:74); REEF (5/7).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lactophrys triqueter (Linnaeus 1758) — Smooth Trunkfish

Listed as Ostracium triquetrum by Cope (1871:474) and as Lactophrys triqueter by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: ANSP 731 (1) [identified by J. C. Tyler]; ZMUC P.88332 (1); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:30); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:337); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (226/337).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

TETRAODONTIDAE —puffers (6 species)

Canthigaster rostrata (Bloch 1786) — Sharpnose Puffer

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 31); REEF (402/369).

Distribution: Moura and Castro (2002) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Originally described from St. Croix as the new species Spheroides asterias (see Table 4 ).

* Sphoeroides dorsalis Longley 1934 — Marbled Puffer

Justification: ZMUC P.8913 (3, 24–29 mm SL), off Frederiksted, Nov. 1921.

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: The above juvenile specimens were collected off Frederiksted at night with a dip-net. They have the diagnostic species character consisting of a single pair of dark lappets on the dorsum positioned midway between the eyes and dorsal-fin origin.

* Sphoeroides greeleyi Gilbert 1900 — Green Puffer

Justification: UF 183046 (1, 53 mm SL), Rod Bay .

Distribution: Shipp (1974) WA (GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Sphoeroides pachygaster (Müller and Troschel in Schomburgk 1848) — Blunthead Puffer

Justification: SIO 76–205 (1, 231 mm SL), Lang Bank [identification confirmed by H. J. Walker]. Distribution: Shipp (1974) WA (FL, GOM, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP.

Sphoeroides spengleri (Bloch 1785) — Bandtail Puffer

Justification: UF 160118 (2, 29–45 mm SL), BIRNM; UF 183047 (1, 89 mm SL), Altona Lagoon; ZMUC P.89289 (1); observed at Salt River Canyon ( Bortone et al. (1986:9); one specimen caught in fish trap in Salt River Bay ( Adams and Tobias (1999:27); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:343); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (68/82).

Distribution: Shipp (1974) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus 1758) — Checkered Puffer

Justification: UF 180889 (1, 133 mm SL) and UF 180960 (3, 26–89 mm SL), both from Salt River; UF 183107 (2, 51–66 mm SL), Great Pond Bay; AMNH 26318 (5); common in fish traps in Salt River Bay ( Adams and Tobias (1999:27); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51).

Distribution: Shipp (1974) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

DIODONTIDAE —porcupinefishes (4 species)

Chilomycterus antennatus (Cuvier 1816) — Bridled Burrfish

Justification: UF 183000 (1, 125 mm SL), Butler Bay; ZMUC P.89291 (1, 160 mm SL); listed from St. Croix (Günther, 1870:311); listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:32); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (2/5).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Chilomycterus antillarum Jordan and Rutter 1897 — Web Burrfish

Justification: UF 183013 (1, 146 mm SL), Butler Bay; listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:32); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (2/4).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus 1758 — Ballonfish

Justification: UF 182861 (1, 125 mm SL), Butler Bay; FMNH 91000 (2); ZMUC P.89290 (1); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (30/41).

Distribution: Leis (1978) circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Diodon hystrix Linnaeus 1758 — Porcupinefish

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al., 1980:32); listed from Great Pond Bay ( Mateo and Tobias, 2004:330); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (67/130).

Distribution: Circumtropical, Leis (1978) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA, IWP, EP.

Figures

FIGURE 20. (A) Ctenogobius saepepallus, UF 158528, 26 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (B) Elacatinus chancei, UF 149189, 33 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (C) Elacatinus evelynae, UF 183263, 22 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Evorthodus lyricus, UF 183022, 41 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (E), Ginsburgellus novemlineatus, UF 183119, 10 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (F), Gnatholepis cauerensis, UF 181036, 29 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (G), Lophogobius cyprinoides, UF 182930, 29 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (H) Lythrypnus crocodilus, UF 149538, 13 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (I) Lythrypnus elasson, UF 185650, 12 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (J) Lythrypnus nesiotes, UF 149556, 13 mm SL, L. A. Rocha.

FIGURE 21. (A) Nes longus, UF 160866, 29 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (B) Sicydium buscki, UF 181001, 36 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (C) Sicydium plumieri, UF 183291, 33 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Sicydium punctatum, UF 183289, 44 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (E) Tigrigobius gemmatus, UF 149565, 16 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (F) Tigrigobius pallens, UF 149600, 16 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (G) Bothus ocellatus, UF 182940, 46 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (H) Citharichthys spilopterus, UF 182934, 109 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (I) Syacium papillosum, UF 181053, 87 mm FL, H. L. Jelks; (J) Trinectes inscriptus, UF 182301, 54 mm SL, L. A. Rocha.