Indonesian Reef Fishes

PICTORIAL GUIDE TO:
INDONESIAN REEF FISHES

OPISTOGNATHIDAE 623 GOBIDAE 627 GOBIDAE 655 ELEOTRIDIDAE 710
PTERELOTRIDIDAE 712 MICRODESMIDAE 721 ACANTHURIDAE 722 NASINAE 741
PRIONURINAE 750 ZANCLIDAE 751 SIGANIDAE 752 SCATOPHAGIDAE 763
EPHIPPIDAE 764 SPHYRAENIDAE 774 SCOMBRIDAE 776 NOMEIDAE 779
Part 3
JAWFISHES – SUNFISHES
OPISTOGNATHIDAE – MOLIDAE
PSETTODIDAE 780 CYNOGLOSSIDAE 780 SOLEIDAE 782 SAMARIDAE 789
RUDIE H. KUITER & TAKAMASA TONOZUKA
PARALICHTHYIDAE 792 BOTHIDAE 794 MONACANTHIDAE 798 BALISTIDAE 816
OSTRACIIDAE 831 TETRAODONTIDAE 837 DIODONTIDAE 854 MOLIDAE 858

315
FAMILIES CONTENTS LIST JAWFISHES – OPISTOGNATHIDAE
A family with at least 3 genera and an estimated 70 species, many of which undescribed. Secretive fishes that make their own bur-
JAWFISHES • OPISTOGNATHIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .623 GRUBFISHES • SPHYRAENIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .774
row in sand and rubble. Their burrows are vertical near the surface and constructed with bits of rubble and neatly placed together
GOBIES • GOBIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .627 TUNAS & MACKERELS • SCOMBRIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .776
to make them durable. In suitable habitats they form loose colonies. Most species are living along reef edges and they are usually
SHRIMP GOBIES • GOBIDAE 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .627 DRIFTFISHES • NOMEIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .779
seen with just their hear above the hole to have a good view around. When safe they may come out to secure prey that floats past
SLEEPER, SAND AND REEF GOBIES • GOBIDAE 2 . . . . . .655 HALIBUTS • PSETTODIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .780
as zooplankton. Sometimes shrimps share their burrow but their relationship is not known. The male broods the eggs in the mouth.
GUDGEONS • ELEOTRIDIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .710 TONGUE SOLES • CYNOGLOSSIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .780
Most tropical species are small, often just a few cm long but their are ‘giants’ that reach 50 cm in length.
RIBBON GOBIES • PTERELEOTRIDIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .712 SOLES • SOLEIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .782
DART GOBIES • PTERELEOTRIDIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .712 RIGHT-EYED FLOUNDERS • PLEURONECTIDAE . . . . . . . .789
WORM GOBIES • MICRODESMIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .721 RIGHT-EYED FLOUNDERS • SAMARIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . .789 Gold-specs Jawfish Opistognathus sp 1
SURGEONFISHES • ACANTHURIDAE (ACANTHURINAE) . .722 LARGE-TOOTH FLOUNDERS • PARALICHTHYIDAE . . . . . .792
UNICORNFISHES • ACANTHURIDAE (NASINAE) . . . . . . . .741 LEFT-EYED FLOUNDERS • BOTHIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .794 A common, but yet to be described species in Indonesia.. Coastal
SAWTAILS • ACANTHURIDAE (PRIONURINAE) . . . . . . . . .750 FILEFISHES • MONACANTHIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798 and inner-reef habitats, favouring open rubble flats on reef crests.
MOORISH IDOLS • ZANCLIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .751 TRIGGERFISHES • BALISTIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .816 Depth range about 6–20 m. Recognised by the dark head and
bright golden edge on top of the eye. Length to about 10 cm.
RABBITFISHES • SIGANIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .752 BOXFISHES • OSTRACIIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .831
SCATS • SCATOPHAGIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .763 PUFFERFISHES • TETRAODONTIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .837
BATFISHES • EPHIPPIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .764 PORCUPINEFISHES • DIODONTIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .854
BARRACUDAS • MUGILIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .772 OCEAN SUNFISHES • MOLIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .858
First published in 2001 by A

O. sp 1, with shrimp. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 12 cm.
ZOONETICS
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Fax: Int+ 613 9766 4094
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B
Publishers: Rudie H. Kuiter & Mark Chettle O. sp 1, removing sand from its burrow. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm.
Design, typesetting and indexer: Rudie H. Kuiter
Reproduction: ZOONETICS, Melbourne, Australia.
Printer: Excel Digital, Melbourne, Australia.
Binder: M&M Binders, Melbourne, Australia.
Kuiter, R.H. & T. Tonozuka

Pictorial Guide to: INDONESIAN REEF FISHES.
Part 3
JAWFISHES – SUNFISHES
OPISTOGNATHIDAE – MOLIDAE
Copyright ©2001 Zoonetics

Copyright ©2001 in text: Rudie H. Kuiter
Copyright ©2001 in photographs (unedited): actual photographer
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, painting,
drawing, recording or otherwise, without the written permission of the copyright holders.
C D E
O. sp 1, babies hatching from the mouth. Tony WU. O. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. D Length 20 mm. E Length 75 mm.
II www.zoonetics.com IRF-Fishes - KUITER & TONOZUKA 316 IRF-Fishes - KUITER & TONOZUKA www.zoonetics.com 623
Variegated Jawfish Opistognathus solorensis Blue-spotted Jawfish Opistognathus castelnaui
Opistognathus solorensis Bleeker, 1853. Solor. Opistognathus castelnaui Bleeker, 1859. Singapore.
Widespread Indonesia, but identification uncertain Only known from Andaman Sea and Singapore, but tentative identifica-
and may involve several similar species. It appears to tion. Name also used for Japanese species, but this grows to 25 cm and
be a highly variable species that can turn quickly from lives in depths over 100 m. Similar to Opistognathus solorensis but
brown to blue. The specimens at Tulamben were liv- head usually dark on the top and has bright blue spots on the cheeks.
ing within a few square metres of each other. Coastal Lives on open sand and rubble substrates in about 20–25 m depth.
reef flats and slopes amongst rubble to 35 m depth. Length to 12 cm.
Length to 10 cm.
O. castelnaui. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. D. 20 m. Roger C. STEENE.
Ring-eye Jawfish Opistognathus sp1
Widespread throughout Indonesia and probably more widespread in

adjacent waters. A common species, but usually in depths of about 20
m or more. Makes vertical burrow amongst coarse rubble near the
deeper end of sloping sand channels between reefs. An apparently
undescribed species, easily recognised by the distinctly white iris.
Length to about 10 cm.
A B C
O. solorensis. A Bitung, Sulawesi. D. 4 m. B & C Tulamben, Bali. Depth 1.5 m & 35 m. Lengths 10 cm. A Roger STEENE. B Akira OGAWA.
A
O. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm
B C
D E O. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 24 m. Length 10 cm
F G H D E
O. solorensis colour variations, H with shrimp, G & H are the same individual. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 1–2 m. Lengths 10 cm. O. sp. D with brood in mouth. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm. E Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm .
624 www.zoonetics.com IRF-Fishes - KUITER & TONOZUKA 317 IRF-Fishes - KUITER & TONOZUKA www.zoonetics.com 625
White-margin Jawfish Opistognathus sp 2 GOBIES – GOBIIDAE
Undetermined species. A plain looking species and A very large family that comprises a number of subfamilies, but they are difficult to define and presented here in groups that refer
the white margin on the dorsal fin may be diagnostic. to their common name such as Shrimp Gobies, Sleeper Gobies, Sand Gobies, Pygmy Gobies etc, so most users of this book can
A small colony of 6 individuals was found on open make sence out of this difficult and highly diverse assembly of mostly small fishes. The number of species could be speculated on
sand-rubble flat, subject to strong currents, at 20–21 (1500 worldwide), but their are several hundred in Indonesia. The greatest majority of species are bottom-hugging, a few swim just
m depth (Tony WU, pers. comm.). They behaved in
above the substrate and none of the Indonesian species swim in open waters, except in larval stages. The major different groups
an interesting way by expanding its gills outwards to
cover the hole, improving its camouflage (B) when are treated here separately.
approached. Length to about 45 mm.
SHRIMP GOBIES – GOBIIDAE 1
A One of the most interesting groups of gobies is those species that live in association with snapping shrimps Alpheus spp. The
shrimps dig burrows and do all the house-keeping, whilst the goby stands guard at the entrance. When the shrimp need to come
out to unload sand or other matter from the burrow, the goby signals if it’s safe to do so. The alpheid shrimps are usually noctur-
nal and have poor eye-sight. Those species that don’t associate with gobies are unually under rocks or deep in reefs. Adult gobies
and shrimps are usually in pairs but most of the time just one of each is sighted. The shrimp may be down the hole for a loing time
before showing at all. Some goby-species live only with certain shrimp-species but others are less choosy. There are many more
gobies than shrimps species and shrimps or gobies may prefer a particular type of habitat that brings them together. The species
are variously distributed geographically and with depth or habitat. The gobies feed on small invertebrates that are filtered from the
sand around their burrows and from zooplankton floating passed.
Yellow-barred Shrimp-goby
Cryptocentrus pavoninoides
Gobius pavoninoides Bleeker, 1849.
Madura, Java.
West Pacific, ranging from Java and Bali to

Philippines. Inhabits still muddy substrates in
B C estuaries or quiet and well protected bays near
O. sp 2. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 20 m. Length 45 mm. Tony WU. rivers. Usually found in small sprea-out
colonies in depths of 3 to 10 m. Males are eas-
Black-marble Jawfish Stalix histrio ily identified by the yellow barred body and
Stalix histrio Jordan & Snyder, 1902. Nagasaki. distinctly coloured dorsal fins, the first tall with
one or a series of dark spots. Length to 15 cm.
Tentative identification. Either dark form of Stalix
histrio or is closely related. The colour may be a A
reflextion of the black sand where the Sulawesi indi- C. pavoninoides, male. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 12 m. Length 15 cm.
viduals were photographed. Distribution unknow
and record from Res Sea is unlikely this species.
The Stalix members are not well known and many
are undescribed. Stalix histrio lives in shallow pro-
tected coastal bays and is rather small when fully
grown, just 30 mm long.
A
B C
C. pavoninoides. Gilimanuk, Bali. D. 9 m. L. 15 cm. Akira OGAWA C. pavoninoides, female. S. of Bitung, Sulawesi. D. 10 m. L. 15 cm.
Cheek-eye Shrimp-goby
Cryptocentrus nigrocellatus
Mars nigrocellatus Yanagisawa, 1978. Japan.
West Pacific, southern Japan to Moluccen

and Flores Seas. Coastal, usually silty sandy
substrate with small boulders or large rubble
pieces in 3–10 m depth range. Identified by
the white saddles and white-edged black ocel-
lus on the cheek. Length to 65 mm.
B C
S. histrio. A & B with brood in mouth. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Length 30 mm. C by Scott MICHAEL. C. nigrocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 65 mm.
Skunk Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus albidorsus White-saddled Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus maudae Blue-speckled Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus caeruleomaculatus
Mars albidorsus Yanagisawa, 1978. Japan. Cryptocentrus maudae Fowler, 1937. Thailand. Mars caeruleomaculatus Herre, 1933. Philippines.
West Pacific, southern Japan to southern Indonesia. Coastal, usually Andaman Sea and southern Indonesia. Occurs on rubble patches on Widespread West Pacific. Common species in coastal waters, including
silty sandy substrate with small boulders or large rubble pieces in few coastal reef. Secretive and rarely encountered by divers. Identified by mangroves, estuaries and large tidal pools. Usually in a few metres
metres depth. Identified by the white face and back. Length to 75 mm. pale, almost white saddles over the back. Length to 10 cm. depth. Identified by the barred pattern and numerous small blue spots
on the body. Length to 10 cm.
A
C. maudae. Sumba. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
A B
C. caeruleomaculatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 85 mm. C. caeruleomaculatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 75 mm.
Side-spot Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus strigilliceps

Mars strigilliceps Jordan & Seale, 1906. Samoa.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Common species in coastal waters, near

reefs on sand with rubble. Depth range about 3–15 m. Identified by large
black spots on side, first large and obvious. Length to 10 cm.
B
C. albidorsus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 55 mm. C. maudae. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 55 mm.
White-spotted Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus leucostictus

Gobius leucostictus Günther, 1872. Tonga Is.
West to Central Pacific. Shy species, usually found on sheltered pro-

tected reefs, along edges with coarse sand and fine rubble. Depth range
about 3–10 m. Distinguished from similar species by the more spotted
pattern on the body and dark dorsal fin with white diagonal stripes.
Length to 75 mm.
A B
C. strigilliceps. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 85 mm. C. strigilliceps. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 60 mm.
Black-nape Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus inexplicatus

A Smilogobius inexplicatus Herre, 1934. Philippines.
C. leucostictus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 50 mm.
West Pacific and Andaman Sea, west of Wallace’s line. Sheltered coastal
sand flats and in estuaries. Depth range about 3–6 m. Lacks colour, is
dark on head and has barred body pattern. Length to 12 cm.
B C A B
C. leucostictus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 65 mm. C. leucostictus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 55 mm. C. inexplicatus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. C. inexplicatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 12 cm.
Ventral-barred Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus sp 1 Black Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus fasciatus
Undermined species, probably undescribed Gobiosoma fasciatum Playfair, 1866. Zanzibar.
Appears to be Widespread West Pacific. Common species in coastal Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal and inner reef sand slopes,
waters, usually in depths over 10 m. Highly variable in colour from usually in occurs in small colonies in depth of 6–20 m. Yellow form
almost black to bright yellow. Identified by the distinctive barring on the uncommon in most areas. Distinguished from Cryptocentrus cinctus in
ventral fin. Length to 12 cm. having blue horizontal lines in anal fin. Length to 10 cm.
A
A C. fasciatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 10 cm.
C. sp 1. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm.
B C B C
C. sp 1. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 12 m. Length 11 cm. C. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm. C. fasciatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm. C. fasciatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
Yellow Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus cinctus Singapore Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus leptocephalus

Smilogobius cinctus Herre, 1936. Singapore. Cryptocentrus leptocephalus Bleeker, 1876. Singapore.
Smilogobius singapurensis Herre, 1936. Singapore.
Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal sand slopes and lagoons, usual-
ly in depth of 10–25 m. Yellow and dark colour forms. Identified by the Widespread West Pacific. Shallow coastal waters, including mangroves,
blue speckles on the cheek and front part of body, and the blue lines in large tidal pools or inner reef lagoons, on sand and rubble substrates.
the anal fin that run over the rays. Length to 10 cm. Usually in few metres depth, occasionally on deeper mud-slopes. As
Cryptocentrus singapurensis in most literature, but this is a junior syn-
onym. Identified by the mauve spots on the head, heavily-spotted dorsal
fins and the red-yellow striped ventral fin. Length to 12 cm.
A A
C. cinctus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm. C. leptocephalus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm.
C D B C
C. cinctus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 8 cm. C. cinctus. Karimunjawa. Depth 23 m. Length 8 cm. C. leptocephalus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 12 cm. C. leptocephalus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 12 cm.
Lagoon Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus cyanotaenia Orange-spotted Shrimp-goby Psilogobius prolatus
Gobius cyanotaenia Bleeker, 1853. Java. Psilogobius prolatus Watson & Lachner, 1985.
One Tree Island, Qld, Australia.
West Pacific, Java to Flores and PNG to Micronesia.
Protected fine-sand lagoons or bays in 2–12 m depth range. West Pacific, known from Australia, Indonesia and southern
Has diagonal blue lines on cheek and males with 10 or more Japan. Occurs in sheltered coastal bays, lagoons and estu-
thin blue bars on the body. Length to 10 cm. aries to about 15 m depth. Small species, head and body
with numerous dark-edged orange ocelli. Male changes
colour dramatically during display with blue and orange,
especially on median fins (A). Length to 55 mm.
A
P. prolatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 55 mm.
A B
C. cyanotaenia. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 10 cm. C. cyanotaenia. Karimunjawa. Depth 10 m. Length 9 cm.
Four-blotch Shrimp-goby
Cryptocentrus polyophthalmus
Gobius polyophthalmus Bleeker, 1853. Java.
Only known from Indonesia, Java, Bali and southern Sulawesi,

but probably more widespread. Cryptocentrus russus Cantor,
1850, from Bengal was thought to be the same, but this
species has bands on the body and caudal fin with oblique B C
lines. C. polyophthalmus occurs on coastal mud slopes in a P. prolatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 55 mm. P. prolatus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 12 m. Length 50 mm.
depth range of 10–30 m. Head with small dark-edged orange
ocelli. The male has a tall first dorsal fin with an orange tip and Mosaic-fin Shrimp-goby Flabellogobius sp 1
A black just blotch below. Length to 14 cm.
Undescribed species.
C. polyophthalmus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 14 cm.
Southern Japan to northern Indonesia. Lives on open sandy
substrates, usually subject to strong currents in depth of 15
to 25 m range. Spectacular species that is easily recognised
by the large first dorsal fin with a mosaic pattern. It is
assumed here that the female has yellow and the male a
grey dorsal fin with darker blotches. Length to 65 mm.
B
C. polyophthalmus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 12 cm.
Short Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus sp 2

Undetermined species, probably undescribed.
West Pacific, throughout Indonesia to southern Japan.

Coastal mud and sand slopes, usually in depths over 10 m.
A dark looking species with a white ventral fin, small dark-
edged blue ocelli on head and rear part of body, and pale
barring on abdomen. A small, stocky species, largest seen
about 6 cm.
B C
C. sp 2. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 55 mm. F. sp 1. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 15 m. Length 65 mm.
Dancer Shrimp-goby Lotilia graciliosa Pink-bar Shrimp-goby
Lotilia graciliosa Klausewitz, 1960. Red Sea. Amblyeleotris aurora
Cryptocentrus aurora
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but some geographical variations.
Polunin & Lubbock, 1977. Seychelles.
Coastal to outer reef habitats in shallow depth to about 10 m. Usually on
sand and rubble patches close or shaded by low overhanging corals. Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to
Easily recognised by the black and white markings. The pectoral fins are Sumatra. Clear coastal to outer reefs on sand
spotted and moved in dancing fashion. Length to 45 mm. and rubble flats in depths of 20–35 m. Often
along bases of outer reef walls or in deep
lagoon channels. Distinguished from the
similar Pacific Amblyeleotris yanoi in having
a diagonal red bar below the eye and a series
of blue-edged red ocelli in the caudal fin.
Length to 11 cm.
A. aurora. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 23 m. Length 10 cm.
Flag-tail Shrimp-goby
Amblyeleotris yanoi
Amblyeleotris yanoi Aonuma & Yoshino, 1996.
Iriomote, Japan.
A B Widespread Indonesia to souther Japan.
L. graciliosa. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 40 cm. L. graciliosa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 35 cm. Coastal sand slopes in 6–30 m depth. Readily
identified by the distinctive tail colour pattern
Metallic Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris latifasciata of yellow and orange with blue stripes.
Amblyeleotris latifasciata Polunin & Lubbock, 1979. Philippines. Length to 13 cm.
Widespread Indonesia to Philippines. Coastal to outer reef sand slopes,

usually in depth over 10 m. Somewhat variable in colour and most
colourfull on dark sand. Idenfified by metallic blue shine when found on
dark sand and the colour pattern in the fins. Length to 13 cm.
A. yanoi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm.
Diagonal Shrimp-goby
Amblyeleotris diagonalis
Amblyeleotris diagonalis
Polunin & Lubbock, 1979. Qld, Australia.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to

A outer reef sand slopes. Depth range 6–40 m.
Easily identified by the distinctive black diago-
nal line on the cheek. Length to 11 cm.
A. diagonalis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 11 cm.
Shoulder-spot Shrimp-goby
Amblyeleotris downingi
Amblyeleotris downingi Randall, 1994. Kuwait.
Widespread northern Indian Ocean. Coastal,

open sandy substrates in 10–20 m depth.
Identified by the few slightly diagonal dark
bands and the dark spot just above the pectoral
fin base near the gill opening that is prominent
in adults. Length to 14 cm.
B
A. latifasciata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 16 m. Length 12 cm. A. downingi. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 12 m. Length 12 cm.
Horse-shoe Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris arcupinna Masked Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris gymnocephala
Amblyeleotris arcupinna Mohlmann & Munday, 1999. PNG. Gobius gymnocephalus Bleeker, 1853. East Indies.
Indonesia and New Guinea. Deep coastal slopes, usually in depths Widespread West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes and estuaries and usual-
over 20 m. Adults with diagnostic ‘horse-shoe’ shaped marking in dor- ly at moderate depth of about 20 m on deeper slopes. Identified by the
sal fin. Length to 11 cm. black line behind the eye or the blue and red line along the middle of the
anal fin. Length to 13 cm.
A B
A. arcupinna. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 24 m. Length 11 cm. A. sarcupinna. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 24 m. Length 11 cm.
Eye-brow Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris sp 2

Indonesia. Coastal bays and estuaries to about 20 m depth. A B

Usually on muddy or silty substrates. Variable from very plain A. gymnocephala. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 13 cm. A. gymnocephala. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 23 m. Length 12 cm.
when on white sand to deeply coloured when on black sand.
Identified by the distinctly red margins on the dorsal and anal
fins in adults and the black spot behind the eye. Length to 12 cm.
A
A. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 11 cm.
C D
A. gymnocephala. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. A. gymnocephala. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm.
Steinitz’s Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris steinitzi

Gobius steinitzi Bleeker, 1853. East Indies
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes and estuaries and usual-
ly at moderate depth of about 20 m on deeper slopes. Identified by the
black line behind the eye or the blue and red line along the middle of the
B C anal fin. Length to 13 cm.
A. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm. A. sp 2. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm.
Seven-spine Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris sp 3

Indonesia. Only known from Gilimanuk, Bali, an large estuary A

with muddy channels and fringing mangrove shores. It is unusu- A. steinitzi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 23 m. Length 12 cm.
al in having seven spines in the first dorsal fin, rather than six in
the congeners. Length to 12 cm.
B C
A. sp 3. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. A. steinitzi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. A. steinitzi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm.
Gold-speckled Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris sp 4 Giant Shrimp-goby
Undescribed species. Amblyeleotris fontanesii
Gobius fontanesii Bleeker, 1853. Sulawesi.
Indonesia. Deep muddy coastal slopes, usually in depths over 20 m.
Dark-looking fish with gold speckles in natural light. Length to 11 cm. Widespread West Pacific. Usually found on deep
coastal mud slopes but also occurs in estuaries
in muddy channels. Adults are identified by their
large size and the band below first dorsal fin
extends into the fin. Juveniles are often more
banded and have a dark spot on the back
between first and second dorsal fin. A large
species, to 25 cm.
A
A. fontanesii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 24 cm.
A B
A. sp 4. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 10 cm. A. sp 4. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 75 mm.
Burgundy Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris wheeleri

Cryptocentrus wheeleri Polunin & Lubbock, 1977. Seychelles.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes and deep lagoons,

shallow to 40 m depth range. Identified by the wine-red coloured bands
and blue specks over the body and caudal fin. A red stripe in the anal fin B
near the base. Length to 10 cm. A. fontanesii. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 6 cm.
A B
A. wheeleri. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 85 mm. A. wheeleri. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 75 mm.
C D
A. fontanesii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 12 cm. A. fontanesii. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm.
Ogasawara Shrimp-goby
Amblyeleotris ogasawarensis
Yellow-lined Shrimp-goby
Amblyeleotris ogasawarensis Yanagisawa, 1978. Amblyeleotris sp 5
Ogasawara I., Japan.
Undetermined species.
West Pacific, southern Japan to Indonesia. Clear
coastal sand slopes, but appears to be uncom- Only known from photograph. It is unusual in hav-
mon in Indonesia. Recognised by the broad dark ing longitudinal yellow lines on the body, as well as
reddish bands on the body and on head below the having the barred pattern. It appears to be unique
eye. The pale areas with numerous small blue and is probably undescribed. Length 10 cm.
speckles. Length to 10 cm.
A. ogasawarensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 75 mm. A. sp 5. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm.
Black-chest Shrimp-goby Masui’s Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris masuii
Amblyeleotris guttata Amblyeleotris masuii Aonuma & Yoshino, 1996. Japan.
?Cryptocentrus liolepis Bleeker, 1876. Borneo. West Pacific, Japan to southern Indonesia. Coastal to outer reef
Pteroculiops guttatus Fowler, 1938. Philippines. sand slopes to 40 m depth. Identified by the broad and narrow
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef dark bands, each with a dark spot dorsally, the spots forming a
sand slopes to 25 m depth. Identified by the series along the dorsal fin bases, and a short dark line behind
numerous orange spots over the body and dor- eye and short bar below eye on end of jaw. Length to 11 cm.
sal fins, black underneath the head and belly,
and moderately long or lanceolate caudal fin.
Length to 11 cm. A
A. masuii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 11 cm.
A
A. guttata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 11 cm.
B C
A. masuii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. A. masuii. Manado. Depth 15 m. Length 8 cm.
B C
A. guttata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 14 m. Length 35 mm. A. guttata. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm.
Broad-banded Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris periophthalma

Eleotris periophthalmus Bleeker, 1853. Java.
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef sand slopes to 35 m

depth. Identified by the broad, somewhat diffused bands on the body
and dense spotting on the head. Anal fin with several thin blue lines.
Length to 11 cm.
D
A. masuii. Sumba. Depth 30 m. Length 11 cm.
Gold-barred Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris randalli

A
Amblyeleotris randalli Hoese & Steene, 1978. Philippines.
A. periophthalma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 14 m. Length 11 cm.
Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal to outer reef. Usually on
C
rubble in caves. Easily identified from colouration. Length to 12 cm.
A. periophthalma. Karimunjawa. Depth 18 m. Length 9 cm.
B D A B
A. periophthalma. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 7 m. Length 10 cm. A. periophthalma. Karimunjawa. Depth 20 m. Length 8 cm. A. randalli. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 12 cm. A. randalli. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm.
Black-rayed Shrimp-goby Stonogobiops nematodes Yellow-snout Shrimp-goby
Stonogobiops nematodes Hoese & Randall, 1982. Philippines. Stonogobiops xanthorhinica
Stonogobiops xanthorhinica Hoese & Randall, 1982.
West Pacific, widespread Indonesia to Philippines. Deep coastal
Madang, PNG.
slopes and sand flats, usually in depth over 10 m. Very similar to
Stonogobiops xanthorhinica, but has long dorsal filament and last Widespread West Pacific. Deep coastal slopes and sand
dark band on caudal peduncle is less diagonal. Length to 60 mm. flats, usually in depth over 20 m. Very similar to
Stonogobiops nemathodes, but lack long dorsal fila-
ment and last dark band on caudal peduncle is more
diagonal. Length to 60 mm.
A
S. nematodes. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 50 mm.
B
S. nematodes. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 29 m. Length 50 mm. A B
S. xanthorhinica. Tulamben, Bali. D. 29 m. L. 6 cm. S. xanthorhinica. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 55 mm.
White-rayed Shrimp-goby Stonogobiops sp

West Pacific, Japan to Indonesia and Coral Sea. Open sand flats, usually in
depth of 30 m or more. Easily identified by the long white filament on the first
dorsal fin and horizontal stripes that look black in deep water. Length to 60 mm.
C
S. nematodes. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 60 mm.
D E A B
S. nematodes. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 25 m. Length 60 mm. S. nematodes. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 60 mm. S. sp. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 32 m. Length 60 mm. S. sp. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 32 m. Length 60 mm.
Smiling Goby Mahidolia mystacina Blue Shrimp-goby Myersina sp 1
Gobius mystacinus Valenciennes, 1837. Java. Undetermined, probably undescribed species.
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal sand and mud habitats from shallow Widespread Indonesia. Coastal waters, usually on muddy slopes
estuaries to moderate depths on slopes. Highly variable in colour of the or deep muddy estuaries. Looks brilliant blue in natural light.
body and features of the dorsal fin. Males are probably those with an Males with filaments on first dorsal fin. A small timid species, to
elongated first dorsal fin. Bode with more or less banded pattern, usually about 40 mm.
vertical over abdomen and diagonal posteriorly. A dark band in the anal
fin that has an upward curve posteriorly. Dorsal fin intermittently with one
or two black, sometimes blue spots. Length to 8 cm.
A
A B M. sp 1. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 20 m. Length 40 mm.
M. mystacina. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 75 mm. M. mystacina. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 75 mm.
B C
M. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 40 mm. M. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 40 mm.
C D Girdled Blue Shrimp-goby

M. mystacina. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 65 mm. M. mystacina. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 75 mm. Myersina sp 2
Undetermined, probably undescribed species.
Widespread Indonesia. Coastal waters, usually on

muddy slopes or deep muddy estuaries. Males
with several filaments on first dorsal fin, black
spots in second dorsal fin, and dark stripe from
second dorsal fin origin to anus. Possibly a varia-
tion of Myersina sp 1, but several individuals were
sighted. A small timid species, to about 45 mm.
E F
M. mystacina. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 45 mm. M. mystacina. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 55 mm. M. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 45 mm.
Black-line Shrimp-goby Myersina nigrivirgata Tangaroa Shrimp-goby Ctenogobiops tangaroai
Myersina nigrivirgata Akihito & Meguro, 1983. Ctenogobiops tangaroai Lubbock & Polunin, 1977.
Iriomote, Japan. Samoa.
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs in muddy coastal bays and Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal and inner reefs
estuaries. Variable in colour from pale grey and bony white to on rubble flats and slopes in 6–20 m depth range.
bright yellow with a mid-lateral stripe that is usually a solid Identified by the pale body with orange spots and white
black, but occasionally it is faded or has short interruptions. specks with the greatly extended first rays of the first
Length to 10 cm. dorsal fin. Length to 60 mm.
A
M. nigrivirgata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 10 cm.
A
C. tangaroai. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 55 mm.
B
M. nigrivirgata. Karimunjawa. Depth 10 m. Length 8 cm.
C D B C
M. nigrivirgata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 10 cm. M. nigrivirgata. Tulamben, Bali. D. 15 m. L. 10 cm. C. tangaroai. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 50 mm. C. tangaroai. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 60 mm.
Black-mast Shrimp-goby Myersina lachneri Saffron Shrimp-goby Ctenogobiops crocineus

Myersina lachneri Hoese & Lubbock, 1982. PNG. Ctenogobiops crocineus Smith, 1959. Seychelles.
Southern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Sheltered bays Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal and inner reefs on rub-
and estuaries. Lives in muddy burrows and found between 1 ble flats and slopes in 6–20 m depth range. Distinguished from sim-
and 20 m depth. ilar species by the more elongate dark spots on the body, orange
spots and a thin line of blue and orange from cheek toward dorsal
Small species below appears to be this genus and is possibly fin with a smooth curve. Males with diagonal orange lines on cheek.
a juvenile Myersina nigrivirgata. Length to 10 cm.
A B A B
M. lachneri. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 50 mm. M. sp?. Tulamben, Bali. D. 10 m. L. 45 cm. C. crocineus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm. C. crocineus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 85 mm.
Pale Shrimp-goby Ctenogobiops feroculus Fan Shrimp-goby
Ctenogobiops feroculus Lubbock & Polunin, 1977. Flabellogobius latruncularius
New Caledonia. Eilatia latruncularia Klausewitz, 1974. Red Sea
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal and inner reefs Widespread Indian Ocean and Red Sea, ranging east to
on rubble flats and slopes in 6–20 m depth range. Java. Lives on open sand and rubble zones adjacent to
Distinguished from similar species by the rounded dark spots reefs in moderate depths. Slender species with blotched
on the body, distinctly largest mid-laterally with none below pattern. First dorsal fin moderately tall and with filaments
that level, and the small blue spots scattered over the pale in males. Usually in 20+ m. Length to about 10 cm.
areas. Length to 8 cm.
F. latruncularius. Karimunjawa. Depth 23 m. Length 10 cm.
Spot-fin Shrimp-goby
Vanderhorstia lanceolata
C. feroculus. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 12 m. Length 60 mm. Vanderhorstia lanceolata Yanagisawa, 1978. Japan.
Pop-eyed Shrimp-goby Ctenogobiops pomastictus West Pacific, southern Japan to Indonesia. Coastal bays
Ctenogobiops pomastictus Lubbock & Polunin, 1977. and estuaries on sand or muddy substrates to 25 m
Great Barrier Reef, Australia. depth. Best identified by pattern in dorsal fins that are
mostly clear but with round orange spots and first fin
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes to about usually with one to three black spots along its posterior
15 m depth. This species has series of round to horizontal edge. Length to 75 mm.
elongated black spots. Round spots below mid-lateral series. A
Length to 8 cm. V. lanceolata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 75 mm.
A B
C. pomastictus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 11 m. Length 55 mm. C. pomastictus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 80 mm. B C
V. lanceolata. Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm. V. lanceolata. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 75 mm.
Rust-speckles Shrimp-goby
Ctenogobiops aurocingulus Twin-spotted Shrimp-goby
Vanderhorstia ambanoro
Aparius aurocingulus Herre, 1935. Fiji.
Cryptocentrus ambanoro Fourmanoir, 1957.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes in rubble Ambanoro Bay, Madagascar.
patches on reef crests. Usually on dark substrates to about 20
m depth. Body with many black spots grouped together in a Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal bays and lagoons
series of larger grey blotches, but adults are best distin- on sandy or muddy substrates to about 30 m depth.
guished from similar species by the many orange speckles on Juveniles and females with two series of pupil-sized
the head and body, those on the lowere side of the body as black spots. Males with ornamented fins, the ventral fin
vertical bars. Length to 8 cm. is used for display. Length to 12 cm.
A A
C. aurocingulus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 80 mm. V. ambanoro. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 12 cm.
B B C
C. aurocingulus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 60 mm. V. ambanoro. Tulamben, Bali. D. 12 m. L. 12 cm. V. ambanoro. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 12 cm.
Blue-blotch Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 1 Dorsal-blotch Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 2 Scribbled Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 4
Undetermined species. Undetermined species. Undetermined species.
Only known from Maumere Bay, Flores, where on shallow sandy or Only known western Indonesia and Borneo. where on shallow sandy or Only known from Manado, northern Sulawesi and Maumere
muddy flats in 3 to 10 m depth. Has unique colour pattern on body and muddy flats in 3 to 10 m depth. Has unique colour pattern on body and Bay, Flores. Coastal sand slopes subject to strong currents.
dorsal fin. Appears to be undescribed. Length to about 75 mm. dorsal fin. Appears to be undescribed. Length to about 75 mm. To 45 m depth. Length to 50 mm.
A B
V. sp 4. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 25 m. Length 45 mm. V. sp 4. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 25 m. Length 50 mm.
Fancy-foot Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 5

A A
V. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 75 mm. V. sp 2. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm.
Widespread West Pacific. Often referred to V. ornatissimus
(Smith, 1959) from Seychelles that has a spotted ventral
fin. Sp 5 is uniquely coloured and appears to be unde-
scribed. Common coastal species, usually on shallow silty
sandy substrates near large rubble pieces, but ranging to
deep water. Length to 75 mm.
A
V. sp 5. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 75 mm.
B B
V. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 75 mm. V. sp 2. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 15 m. Length 55 mm.
Split-fin Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 3

Only known from Maumere Bay, Flores. Coastal silty sand

flat near river mouth. Locally common. Unique coloura-
tion of body and fins, ventral fin with three black bands,
dorsal fin deeply incised and midlateral black blotches on
body continued by blotch on caudal fin. A small species, B C
length to about 55 mm. V. sp 5. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 65 mm. V. sp 5. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 75 mm.
Blue-shine Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 6

&
Yellow-pepper Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 7
A
V. sp 3. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 55 mm. Bali. Depth 23 m. Length 75 mm.
Both individuals are males, seemingly in a territorial dis-

pute. Beautifully coloured, quite common, and yet appear
to be undescribed. Both species are often reffered to
Vanderhorstia mertensi (Klausewitz, 1974) from the north
western Indian Ocean regions, but they are very different
in colour and, like many other members in this genus,
most likely undescribed. Both species are treated on the
next page.
B C
V. sp 3, courting pair. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 55 mm.
Blue-shine Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 6 Rayed Shrimp-goby Tomiyamichthys sp
Undetermined species. Undescribed species, uncertain genus.
West Pacific, Japan to southern Indonesia. Shallow estuaries to Widespread West Pacific. White-sand open substrates in
deep muddy habitats. Males brilliant shiny-blue and females with 3–20 m depth. Easily identified by unusual colour and long
orange blotch on first dorsal fin, near its base. Ventral fin with tiny rays on first dorsal fin. Length to 75 mm.
yellow spots. Length to 10 cm.
A
V. sp 6. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 85 mm.
A B
T. sp. Derawan, Kalimantan. D. 14 m. L. 65 mm. T. sp. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 14 m. Length 65 mm.
Mottled Shrimp-goby Tomiyamichthys oni

B C Cryptocentrus oni Tomiyama, 1936. Japan.
V. sp 6. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 10 cm. V. sp 6. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 10 cm.
Widespread West Pacific and Andaman Sea. Clear coastal
and inner reefs on rubble flats and slopes in 6–25 m depth
range. Body colour variably mottled with brown. A black diag-
onal line from below eye and a black spot on throat. First dor-
sal fin with dark blotches on end of 3rd and 4th rays. Lives
with a variety of alpheid shrimps. Length to 11 cm.
A
T. oni. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 11 cm.
D E
V. sp 6 Karimunjawa. Depth 22 m. Length 55 mm. V. sp 6. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
Yellow-pepper Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 7

Widespread West Pacific. Shallow estuaries to deep fine-sand habi-

tats. Males with numerous tiny yellow spots and females with
orange and black blotch on first dorsal fin. Length to 11 cm.
A B C
V. sp 7. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 11 cm. T. oni. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 11 cm. T. oni. Maumere, Flores. Depth 14 m. Length 65 cm.
C
V. sp 7. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 60 mm.
B D D E
V. sp 7. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 11 cm. V. sp 7. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 85 mm. T. oni. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Lemgth 11 cm. T. oni. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 25 m. Length 11 cm.
White-flecks Shrimp-goby Tomiyamichthys sp 1 SLEEPER, SAND AND REEF GOBIES – GOBIIDAE 2
Sleeper gobies are regularily seen along reef edges where adults usually pair and may have large territories. They are big-headed species
West Pacific, Japan to southern Indonesia. Clean sand and rubble with rounded snout and some species have separate ventral fins that are joint in most gobies. Unlike similar looking gobies resting on
substrate, usually at moderate depths from 15 m down. Similar to the substrate, the sleeper gobies typically swim just above the bottom and spents most of the day feeding by taking large mouths full of
Tomiyamichthys oni but is readily distinguished from that by the
sand to filter out small prey. Some species built large mounts with sand and rubble that are use as safe places or nesting. Several such
lack of the the diagonal line below the eye. Males with numerous
orange spots. Length to 10 cm. mounts may be distributed in their territories and is built by the male.
The sand and reef gobies are a great variety of genera that include most species that are found on or around reefs. They include some of
the smallest fish species and many are specialised dwellers of sponges or corals. These fishes are distinguished by their united ventral
fins that is used to suck or grasp surfaces to hold on to in currents. Many of the sand dwellers and small reef gobies are undescribed.
Broad-barred Sleeper-goby
Valenciennea wardii
Eleotris wardii Playfair, 1867. Zanzibar.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, showing no signifi-

A B cant variation. Coastal bays and inner reefs, usually
T. sp 1. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 10 cm. T sp 1. Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm. on deep silty slopes from about 15 m down. Easily
identified by the pattern of broad bars and black
Flag-fin Shrimp-goby Tomiyamichthys sp 2 blotch in dorsal fin. Length to 15 cm.
Cryptocentrus oni Tomiyama, 1936. Japan.
Widespread West Pacific and Andaman Sea. Clear coastal and

inner reef slopes and sand flats. Usually at moderate depths from
15 m down. Similar to Tomiyamichthys oni, but has filaments on
the first dorsal fin, short in females and long in males, and differs
V. wardii. Menjangan I, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 10 cm.
in body colouration. Length to 11 cm.
Black-lined Sleeper-goby
Valenciennea helsdingenii
Eleotriodes helsdingenii Bleeker, 1858. Goram.
A
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging to sub-
T. sp 2. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
tropical waters as adult. Some geographical vari-
ation. Usually at moderate depths in large estuar-
ies, harbours as well as sheltered parts of outer
reefs. Occasionally shallow, depth range 3 to 45
m. Identified by the double stripes, black or red-
dish, and black blotch in dorsal fin. Adults with
filamentous tips on caudal fin. Large species,
reaching 25 cm in sub-tropical zones, usually
smaller in Indonesia.
A
V. helsdingenii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 8–15 cm.
B C
T sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 26 m. Length 10 cm. T sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 11 cm.
D E B
T sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 10 cm. T. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 10 cm. V. helsdingenii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 22 cm.
Little Sleeper-goby Valenciennea parva Yellow-lined Sleeper-goby Valenciennea sp 1
Valenciennea parva Hoese & Larson, 1994. Queensland, Australia. Undetermined species.
Widespread West to Central Pacific. Coastal and inner reef sand flats and Only known from Indonesia. Probably widespread, but
slopes, often in large lagoons. Pale with few marking when on white several similar small species similar to Valenciennea
sand, usually small black spots on snout and top of eyes. Body with faint limicola Hoese & Larson, 1994. Fiji. Occurs in deep
orange lateral lines. On dark sand colour intensifies with lines more yel- water on open sand and rubble substrates. Identified
low or orange but remain narrow. Length to 10 cm. by straight yellow lines with blue in between on the
body. Length to 75 mm.
Note: Valenciennes parva is part of a complex of similar small species
that needs investigation. Only two are recognised In this group:
Valenciennes parva that is widespread, and V. limicola from Fiji and
records of latter in Indonesia are probably based on undescribed species
that are included here.
A V. sp 1. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 32 m. Length 65 mm.

V. parva. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 85 mm.
Blue-band Sleeper-goby Valenciennea sp 2
Only known from Indonesia and Thailand. Was con-

fused with Valenciennea limicola. Occurs in deep water
on open sand and rubble substrates. Identified by the
metallic blue on the cheek, orange stripes on snout,
dorsal fins and irregular lower stripe on the body.
Length to 75 mm.
B C
V. parva. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 95 mm. V. parva. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 85 mm.
A B
V. sp 2. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 75 mm. V. sp 2. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 75 mm.
Orange-lined Sleeper-goby Valenciennea cf parva
Undescribed species. Green-band Sleeper-goby
Known from Bali to Flores and Banda (Hoese & Larson, 1994, Pl. V, Fig Valenciennea randalli
E, as Valenciennea limicola). Coastal sand slopes in 15 m depth or more. Valenciennea randalli Hoese & Larson, 1994.
Most similar to the sympatric V. parva and is distinguished from that Solomon Islands.
species by the double orange lines and preference for deeper water.
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal estuaries and
Length to about 85 mm.
muddy slopes adjacent to algal reef to about 30 m
depth. Identified by the horizontal broad green-blue
band below the eye (looks more green when observed
underwater) and faint orange longitudinal stripes
along the body and dorsal fins. Length to 16 cm.
A A
V. cf parva. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 65 mm. V. randalli. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 16 cm.
B C B C
V. cf parva. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 32 m. Length 85 mm. V. cf parva. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 75 mm. V. randalli. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 10 m. Length 55 mm. V. randalli. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 16 cm.
Golden-head Sleeper-goby Valenciennea strigata Orange-spotted Sleeper-goby Valenciennea puellaris
Gobius strigatus Broussonet, 1782. Tahiti. Eleotriodes puellaris Tomiyama, 1956. Kochi, Japan.
Widespread Indo-West to Central Pacific, juveniles expatriating to West Pacific, southern Japan to northern Australia. Similar
sub-tropical zones. Most widespread species in genus but sever- species in Indian Ocean and central Pacific with barred colour
al variations. Coastal to outer reef habitiats, often in a few meters pattern. Mainly found on sand slopes in coastal bays and inner
depth on reef crest, but most large adults occur in 10 and 25 m reef lagoons, usually along reef margins. Adults easily identified
depth. Identified by the yellow or orange head with pupil-width by the numerous orange spots over the back and in dorsal fins.
blue lines, but sometimes the yellow or orange is faded com- Juveniles with elongated filamentous ray on first dorsal fin.
pletely (B). Length to 18 cm. Length to 20 cm.
A
V. strigata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 16 cm.
A
V. puellaris. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 18 cm.
C
V. strigata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm.
B C
V. puellaris. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. V. puellaris. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm.
B D
V. strigata. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. V. strigata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 16 cm.
Ni’s Sleeper-goby Valenciennea immaculata

Eleotriodes immaculata Ni, 1981. China.
West Pacific, China seas, Malaysia to Singapore and east to

Komodo. Sheltered, somewhat silty habitats in areas subject to
strong tidal currents. Appears to prefer moderate depths, shal-
lowest seen about 10 m. Identified by the red-lined pattern when
adult, lines darker in small individuals. Length to 12 cm.
A D
V. immaculata. Singapore. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm. V. puellaris, followed by others for potential easy prey from the gobies disturbances of the sand. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. D. 12 m. L. 18 cm.
Black-chin Sleeper-goby Valenciennea cf puellaris

Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Sumatra. Previously

included with its Pacific sibling Valenciennes puellaris as a geo-
graphical variant, but whilst it shows many similarities, species
are based on differences. Distinguised from latter by the orange-
barred pattern on the body and black chin. Occurs on clean white
sand slopes, usually in depths over 20 m. Length to 20 cm.
C B
V. immaculata. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 15 m. Length 11 cm. V. immaculata. Rinca I. Depth 25 m. Length 45 mm. V. cf puellaris. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 23 m. Length 16 cm.
Mural Sleeper-goby Valenciennea muralis Teardrop Sleeper-goby
Eleotris muralis Valenciennes, 1837. Santa Cruz Archipelago. Valenciennea longipinnis
Eleotris longipinnis Lay & Bennett, 1839.
Widespread West and eastern Indian Ocean. Inshore on shallow
Ryukyu Is, Japan.
coastal sand and rubble flats, often near mangroves. Usually in
a few metres depth, ranging to about 10 m. Identified by the Widespread West Pacific. Shallow coastal reef
lined colour pattern, black dorsal fin tip, and the yellow belown flats on sand and rubble patches, usually in a
mouth. Length to 16 cm. few metres depth. Distinguished from similar
species by the series of spots midlaterally on the
body and lack of black tip or spot on the first
doprsal fin. The pattern of longitudinal lines is
very distinct when found on dark substrates.
Length to 18 cm.
A
V. muralis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 16 cm.
B A
V. muralis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 55 mm. V. longipinnis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 16 cm.
C D
V. muralis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 16 cm. V. muralis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 16 cm.
Six-spot Sleeper-goby Valenciennea sexguttata

Eleotris sexguttatus Valenciennes, 1837. Sri Lanka.
B
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Common species on shallow
coastal sand flats and in lagoons, usually no deeper than 10 m. V. longipinnis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length 18 cm.
Identified by generally pale colouration and black dorsal fin tip.
Few irridescent blue spots on cheek. Length to 13 cm. Dusky Sleeper-goby Oxyurichthys sp 1
A West Pacific, Bali to Flores, probably wide-
V. sexgutata. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 13 cm. spread. Found on muddy substrates in coastal
bays. Identified by the black patch on the dorsal
fin, blotched body pattern, and short black &
blue bar below posterior part of eye. Caudal fin
lanceolate and long in males. Length to 85 mm
including long tail.
B C A
V. sexgutata. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm. V. sexgutata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length ~50 mm. O. sp 1, male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 85 mm.
D E B C
V. sexgutata. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. V. sexgutata. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. O. sp 1, female. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 55 mm. O. sp 1, male. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 65 mm.
Mindanao Sleeper-goby Oxyurichthys notonema False Sleeper-goby Amblygobius nocturnus
Gobius (Oxyurichthys) mindanensis Herre, 1927. Manado. Yabotichthys nocturnus Herre, 1945. Philippines.
Widespread Indonesia to Philippines and southern Japan. Widespread Indo-West Pacific and Red Sea. Coastal bays,
Coastal bays and estuaries on muddy substrates, usually in Eastuaries and lagoons. Occurs on sand rubble reef to
depths over 15 m on coastal slopes, but shallower in estu- about 20 m depth. Adults usually in pairs. Look very much
aries. Identified by colour, dorsal fin finely spotted with like a Valenciennea and behaves like one, but ventral fins
orange and males with orange and blue barred ventral fin. that are virtually separate in Valenciennea are fully joined to
Length to 75 mm. form a single fin. Length to 10 cm.
A
A A. nocturnus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm.
O. notonema. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 75 mm.
B C
O. notonema. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 65 mm. O. notonema. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 65 mm.
B C
A. nocturnus. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 10 cm. A. nocturnus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm.
Cheek-spot Goby Amblygobius sp 1

Undetermined species, probably undescribed.
Only known from Bali to Flores, but probably widepread.

Easily confused with Amblygobius nocturnus, but differs
considerable in clour. Best distinguished from that species
by the dark spot on the middle of the gill-plate. Occurs in
coastal bays and estuaries to about 15 m depth. Length to
D E
95 mm.
O. notonema. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 65 mm. O. notonema. Maumere, Flores. Depth 24 m. Length 75 mm.
Big Mud-goby Oxyurichthys papuensis

A
Gobius papuensis Valenciennes, 1837. PNG.
A. sp 1. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 90 mm.
Widespread West Pacific. Still muddy habitats, usually open
flat bottom and large adults mostly seen at about 30 m depth.
Dives head first into the mud for safety. Adults identified by
large size and colouration. Mainly bluish grey with series of
dusky blotches and bright red on top of eye. Length to 20 cm.
A
O. papuensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 20 cm.
B C
A. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm. A. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 95 mm.
B D E
O. papuensis. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 20 cm. A. sp 1. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 75 mm. A. sp 1. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 65 mm.
Snout-spot Goby Amblygobius esakiae Buan Goby Amblygobius buanensis
Amblygobius esakiae Herre, 1939. Palau. Amblygobius buanensis Herre, 1927. Philippines.
West Pacific, Indonesia to Micronesia. Estuaries and West Pacific, western Indonesia to Philippines. Occurs
lagoons, on muddy substrates to about 10 m depth. Body mainly in sheltered bays and harbours to about 15 m
mostly plain, sometimes with faint mid-lateral stripe. depth. On fine sand and rubble along reef margins.
Distinguished from similar species by the lanceolate tail. Identified by the pattern of primarily horizontal lines on the
Length to about 85 mm. body, black spot with pale spots above and below on base
of caudal fin and dark nose stripe. Length to about 75 mm.
A
A. esakiae. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm.
A
A. buanensis. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 4 m. Length 65 mm.
B C
A. esakiae. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 75 mm. A. esakiae. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 75 mm.
Head-stripe Goby B C
Amblygobius stethophthalmus A. buanensis. Karimunjawa. Depth 10 m. Length 75 mm. A. buanensis. Singapore. Depth 7 m. Length 70 mm.
Gobius stethophthalmus Bleeker, 1851. Anjer, Java
Pink-lined Goby Amblygobius decussatus
West Pacific, Indonesia to Micronesia. Previously includ- Gobius decussatus Bleeker, 1855. Manado.
ed with Amblygobius bynoensis (Richardson, 1844), a
similar species from northern Australia. Estuaries and West Pacific, southern Japan to northern Australia. Coastal
lagoons, on shallow sand-rubble substrates in a few and inner reefs on sand and rubble flats to about 20 m
metres depth. Body mostly whitish. Head with black stripe depth. Identified by the pattern of horizontal as well as ver-
from snout, running through eye to below first dorsal fin. tical lines forming a pattern of near-square rectangulars.
Length to about 85 mm. Caudal fin spot orange with white above. Length to 95 mm.
A
A. stethophthalmus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 85 mm.
A B
A. decussatus. Karimunjawa. D. 3 m. L. 85 mm. A. decussatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 95 mm.
B C
A. stethophthalmus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 85 mm. A. stethophthalmus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 35 mm.
D E C
A. stethophthalmus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 85 mm. A. stethophthalmus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm. A. decussatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm.
Hector’s Goby Amblygobius hectori Sphynx Goby Amblygobius sphynx
Seychellea hectori Smith, 1957. Seychelles. Gobius sphynx Valenciennes, 1837. PNG.
Indian Ocean to southern Japan, but in Indonesia west of Widespread West Pacific, ranging broadly from
Wallace’s line. Sheltered bays and inner reefs on fine rubble southern Japan to northern Australia. Similar
shaded by large living corals. Readily identified by the dark species in west Indian Ocean. Shallow protected
colour, yellow lines and ocelli on first dorsal fin and base of coastal bays and estuaries to about 15 m depth.
second dorsal fin. Length to 85 mm. Often on rubble and sand on the edge of seagras
beds. Variable from grey to green with pearly-
spotted dusky bars. Small black spot on caudal
fin base. Length to 10 cm.
A
A. sphynx. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 10 cm.
A. hectori. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 65 mm.
Red-striped Goby Amblygobius rainfordi

Koumansetta rainfordi Whitley, 1940. Queensland, Australia.
Northern Australia and southern Indonesia. Sheltered bays

and inner reefs on fine rubble shaded by large living corals
to about 20 m deep. Readily identified by the dark colour,
red lines and ocellus on second dorsal fin. Length to 85 mm.
B C
A. sphynx. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 10 cm. A. sphynx. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm.
A
A. rainfordi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 16 m. Length 75 mm.
D E
A. sphynx. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 55 mm. A. sphynx. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 8 cm.
B
A. rainfordi. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 75 mm. Half-barred Goby Amblygobius semicinctus
Gobius semicinctus Bennett, 1833. Mauritius.
Menjangan Goby Amblygobius sp 2
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Bali where it co-occurs with
Undetermined species, probably undescribed or possible
hybrid Amblygobius rainfordi X hectori. the similar Amblygobius phalaena from which is is distinguished in
colour pattern, especially the short, pupil-width, barring on the belly.
Only known from Menjangan Island on the north-west coast Protected, often silty habitats in lagoons and estuaries. Usually on algae
of Bali. Similar to Amblygobius rainfordi, but has thicker red reef to about 10 m depth. Length to 11 cm.
lines with dark borders, outlined in bluish-white, ocellus on
second dorsal fin is lower positioned, partly on the body,
and second yellow edged ocellus on the upper of caudal fin
base. Length 65 mm.
A B A B
A. sp 2. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 65 mm. A. semicinctus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 11 cm. A. semicinctus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 4 m. Length 10 cm.
White-barred Goby Amblygobius phalaena Mud-reef Goby Exyrias belissimus
Gobius phalaena Valenciennes, 1837. Acentrogobius belissimus Smith, 1959. Mozambique.
South West Pacific.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered reefs and
Widespread West Pacific. A common species from lagoons to about 10 m depth. Usually on fine sand or mud
southern Japan to tropical Australia, ranging west to under or near large corals. Length to 15 cm.
Java. Coastal reefs and lagoons on sand and rubble mar-
gins of algal reef and sometimes near seagrass beds.
Variable from grey to green and occasionaly near black.
Juveniles and females with distinct double bars of white
as shown in B. Length to 10 cm
A
A B
A. phalaena. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 75 mm.
E. belissimus. Karimunjawa. Depth 6 m. Length 5 cm. E. belissimus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 15 cm.
B C C D
A. phalaena. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 85 mm. A. phalaena. Sanur, Bali. D. 1 m. L. 75 mm. E. belissimus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 9 cm. E. belissimus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 15 cm.
Crab-eyed Goby Signigobius biocellatus Filamented Sand-goby Exyrias sp 1

Signigobius biocellatus Hoese & Allen, 1977. GBR. Undescribed species.
Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal sand slopes and Widespread Indonesia and Philippines. Sheltered reefs on fine,
lagoons along reef margins on sand with rubble. Readily light coloured sand amongst corals to 20 m depth. Identified
identified by large eye-spots in dorsal fin. Looks and moves by colour and long dorsal filaments. Length to 12 cm.
like side-ways walking crab when approached, moving ven-
tral fin in and out like claw of crab. Length to 10 cm.
A B
A B E. sp 1. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 5 cm. E. sp 1. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 20 m. Length 12 cm.
S. biocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 95 mm. S. biocellatus. Maumere, Flores. D. 10 m. L. 35 mm.
C C D
S. biocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 75 mm. E. sp 1. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 8 m. Length 11 cm. E. sp 1. Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 12 cm.
Puntang Goby Exyrias puntang Anjer Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis anjerensis
Gobius puntang Bleeker, 1851. Java. Gobius anjerensis Bleeker, 1850. Anjer, Java.
Widespread West Pacific, ranging west to Andaman Sea. West Pacific, known from Java and Bali to northern Borneo. Similar
Shallow coastal waters, large tidal pools, mangroves, silty species in Indian Ocean. Shallow coastal bays and estuaries on silty sandy
lagoons and brackish lakes. Some localised forms. Small substrates with sparse algae-reef or seagrasses. Identified by colour pat-
dark and pearly spots scattered over the body. Sometimes ters that comprises tiny spots and some dark blotches. It lacks any hori-
with indistinct dusky bars. Length to 14 cm. zontal lines. Diagnostic is a tiny yellow ‘ear’ spot and dark specimens have
5–7 small white spots along upper sides. Large individuals have elongate
caudal fins. Length to 65 mm.
A A
E. puntang. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 12 cm. G. anjerensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 65 mm.
B C
G. anjerensis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm. G. anjerensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm.
B C
E. puntang. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 11 cm. E. puntang. Kakaban lake form, Kalimantan. Length ~14 cm.
Ferraris’ Goby Exyrias ferrarisi

Exyrias ferrarisi Murdy, 1985. Philippines.
West Pacific, Philippines to Bali. Occurs in shallow, well

protected bays and estuaries. On sand or mud along algae-
reef margins. Identified by ‘ear’ spot and deep body below
first dorsal fin. Length to 11 cm.
C D
G. anjerensis. Lipah, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. Akira OGAWA. G. anjerensis. Lipah, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. Akira OGAWA.
A
E. ferrarisi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 10 cm.
E F
G. anjerensis. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 10 m. Length 55 mm. G. anjerensis. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm.
B C
E. ferrarisi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 10 cm. E. ferrarisi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 8 cm. Spotted Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis cf anjerensis
Only know from photograph-locality. A large and well protected coastal

bay with silty substrate, mostly fine mud, with debris washed from rivers
scattered over the bottom. This species has a pattern of numerous small
dark spots and series of grey blotches on the body. It lacks diagnostic
markings of any of the known species. Largest seen about 60 mm.
D E
E. ferrarisi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 75 mm. E. ferrarisi. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 45 mm. G. cf anjerensis. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. L. 55 mm.
Silty Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis deltoides Cauer Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis cauerensis
Gobius deltoides Seale, 1901. Guam. Gobius cauerensis Bleeker, 1853. Cauer, Sumatra.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, slight differences between Indian and West Pacific, ranging from southern Indonesia to Japan. Shallow
Pacific Ocean. The Indian Ocean fish has numerous pearly-blue spots coastal sand flats and estuaries to about 10 m depth. Identified by
over the upper sides and probably represents an undescribed species. the thick eye-bar, and the body and dorsal fins with series of spots,
Occurs in sheltered bays, harbours and estuaries. Line below eye very forming lines. Adults with yellow ‘ear’ spot on black blotch. Dark
thin, usually dividing a dark blotch about halfway down with a small pale blotches along lower sides moderately large, usually over three lines
spot in each half. Body spots from irregular horizontal lines and dorsal of spots. Length to 60 mm.
fins with several horizontal series of spots. A small orange ‘ear’ spot usu- A
A ally present. Appears to be closely related to Gnatholepis anjerensis. G. anjerensis, male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 60 mm.
G. deltoides. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 65 mm. Length to 75 mm.
B C
G. cauerensis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm. G. cauerensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 55 mm.
B C
G. deltoides. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm. G. deltoides. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm. Common Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis scapulostigma
Gnatholepis scapulostigma Herre, 1953. Philippines.
Yellow-spotted Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis ophthalmotaenia
Gobius ophthalmotaenia Bleeker, 1853. Cocos Islands. Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but may comprise several similar
species and together with Gnatholepis cauerensis needs investiga-
Widespread Indonesia to southern Japan and west to Andaman Sea. tion. Inhabits coastal to inner reef sand flats and lagoons with fine
Sheltered coastal reef flats, usually intertidal amongst rubble or rocks with rubble, usually near reef margins or outcrops. Identified by the pale
crevices on silty sand, and most common in freshwater run-offs where in colour and thin eye-bar. Fins plain, but with numerous tiny dark
small groups. Males are easily identified by the ornamental colours on the spots in males. Length to 70 mm. A
anal fin and body. Anal fin with series of yellow blotches and body with G. scapulostigma, male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 70 mm.
pearly blue spots scattered or forming a circled pattern around the dark
side-blotches. Dorsal fin with numerous small spots scattered all over.
Bleeker’s description is based on the male. Length to 65 mm.
A
G. ophthalmotaenia. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 60 mm.
B C
G. scapulostigma. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length 45 mm. G. scapulostigma. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 60 mm.
Big-toothed Goby Macrodontogobius wilburi

Macrodontogobius wilburi Herre, 1936. Palau.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal bays, lagoons and estuaries

on fine sand along reef margins to about 20 m depth. Variable in
colour from light sandy to dusky with numerous dark spots. Best
B C distinguished from similar sand gobies by the broadly barred ven-
G. ophthalmotaenia. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 65 mm. G. ophthalmotaenia. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 60 mm. tral fin that is usually visible. Length to 65 mm.
A
Pale Eye-bar Goby Gnatholepis sp 1
M. wilburi. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 65 mm.
Only know from photograph-locality. Inner reef habitat, with open white
sand flats. Lacks diagnostic markings of known species. Has white
blothces on eyes, cheeks and pectoral fin bases. Dorsal fins plain, except
for few spots on first ray of each fin.
B C
G. sp 1. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 12 m. L. 65 mm. M. wilburi. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 7 m. Length 45 mm. M. wilburi. Karimunjawa. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm.
Elegant Sand-goby Istigobius elegans Eye-line Sand-goby Istigobius perspicillatus
Gobius elegans Valenciennes, 1837. Java. Ctenogobius perspicillatus Herre, 1927. Madras, India.
Widespread West Pacific. Previously included with the closely Andaman Sea to Bali. A similar species in Australia. Shallow coastal
related Istigobius ornatus that occurs from Sumatra to Africa and bays on sand amongst rubble. Best distinguished by the 5 black dashes
Red Sea. Shallow coastal reefs amongs algae covered rubble from along sides and eye-line continuing posteriorly to above pectoral fin
intertidal to about 15 m depth on mud slopes. Occurs in small base or beyond. Length to 10 cm.
aggregations. Males brightly coloured with yellow and red spots
on head and yellow margins on median fins. Length to 12 cm.
A
I. elegans. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 11 cm.
A B
I. perspicillatus, male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 10 cm. I. perspicillatus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 5 m. Length 75 mm.
Brown-speckled Sand-goby Istigobius rigilius

Pallidogobius rigilius Herre, 1953. Marshall Islands.
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal bays to inner reef lagoons on sandy

sand flats and slopes to at least 30 m depth. Usually on white sand along
reef margins. Identified by the brown and white speckles all over and
B C
few dark-brown to black dashes along lower sides. Ventral fin mostly
I. elegans. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 75 mm. I. elegans. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. white. Length to 10 cm.
Decorated Sand-goby Istigobius decoratus

Gobius decoratus Herre, 1927. Philippines.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow coastal reefs to about 15 A

m depth on sand slopes along reef margins. Pale whitish to dusky I. rigilius. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm.
with series of white spots and few black spots and one series of
elongated black dashes. Adults with numerous orange spots.
Length to 12 cm.
A
I. decoratus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
B C
D I. rigilius. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm. I. rigilius. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
I. decoratus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm.
Black-spotted Sand-goby Istigobius nigroocellatus
Gobius nigroocellatus Günther, 1873. Qld, Australia.
West Pacific, Australia to Philippines. Shallow coastal sand flats, usual-

ly sily bottom in a few meters depth. Usually has moderately large black
peduncular spot and severel white spots over the back. Spots and lines
usually white or black and forming longitudinal lines. Although not dis-
B
tinct, a series of white dashed forming a line mid-laterally is diagnostic
I. decoratus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm. A
for this species when adult. A small species, length to 65 mm.
I. nigroocellatus. Sangihe Islands. Depth 10 m. Length 45 mm.
E
I. decoratus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm.
C F B B
I. decoratus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 5 m. Length 85 mm. I. decoratus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 45 mm. I. nigroocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 55 mm. I. nigroocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 55 mm.
Goldmann’s Sand-goby Istigobius goldmanni Thread-fin Sand-goby Papillogobius reichei
Gobius goldmanni Bleeker, 1852. Timor. Gobius reichei Bleeker, 1853. Padang, Sumatra.
Widespread West Pacific. Shallow coastal reef flats on rubble and sand Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow coastal sand and mud
flats in a few metres depth. Has few small dark spots forming sries along flats, mainly in estuaries and mangroves, entering brackish
body about eye-level and lower sides. Caudal peduncular spot usually the water. Male with long filament on 2nd spine of first dorsal fin.
most prominent black spot. Small species, length to 6 cm. Caudal din in adults with vertical series of black and white spots,
forming alternating black and white series. Length to 75 mm.
A
P. reichei, male. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 65 mm.
I. goldmanni. Karimunjawa. Depth 2 m. Length 55 mm.
Twin-spots Sand-goby Istigobius spence

Gobius spence Smith, 1947. Mozambique.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow coastal reefs to about 10 m

depth. Has distinctive small black spots, some highlighted by white sur-
round and back with mixure of small white and black spots on grey
patches. Small species, length to 6 cm.
B C
P. reichei. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 35 mm. P. reichei, female. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 40 mm.
Bali Sand-goby Papillogobius melanobranchus

Rhinogobius melanobranchus Fowler, 1934. Bali.
Southern Indonesia, possibly widespread. Coastal sand and

mud flats and slopes to about 15 m depth. Body heavily pig-
mented with black spots and series of blotches along lower
sides and pale blotches or bars over the back. Length to 65 mm.
A B
I. spence. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 60 mm. I. spence. Karimunjawa. Depth 2 m. Length 55 mm.
Bandit Goby Gladiogobius ensifer

Gladiogobius ensifer Herre, 1933. Waigeo.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered sandy bays and estuaries

amongst rubble and in lagoons along edges of coral patches. Usually
occurs in small loose groups. Best identified by the raised eyes with a A B
horizontal dark band across. Body pattern like in Gnatholepis with small
P. melanobranchus. Flores. D. 8 m. L. 65 mm. P. melanobranchus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 40 mm.
spots and blotches. Often sits on the bottom with head slightly raised.
Length to 75 mm.
Black-pitted Sand-goby Oplopomops diacanthus
Oplopomus diacanthus Schultz, 1943. Phoenix Is.
Widespread West Pacific. Shallow coastal sand and fine rubble

flats adjacent to reef to about 10 m depth. Usually occurs on
light coloured sand and is often partly burried. Highly camou-
A flaged and identified by the pointed snout, light colour and the
G. ensifer. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 6 m. Length 75 mm. well defined black spots all over with white spots scatted
amongst them. Length to 75 mm.
O. diacanthus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 4 m. Length 75 mm.
Sparsely-spotted Sand-goby Oplopomops atherinoides

Oplopomus atheriniodes Peters, 1855. Mozambique.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow protected sand habitats

in large lagoons and harbours to about 15 m depth. Occurs
mainly on light coloured sand and is often partly burried. Highly
camouflaged and identified by the pointed snout, light colour and
the small brown and white spots spots all. Length to 75 mm.
B C
G. ensifer. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 65 mm. Akira OGAWA. G. ensifer. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm. O. atherinoides. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 75 mm.
Pretty Lagoon-goby Oplopomus oplopomus Poisonous Goby Yongeichthys criniger
Gobius oplopomus Valenciennes, 1837 Red Sea. Gobius criniger Valenciennes, 1837 New Guinea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow to deep coastal sand Widespread Indo-West Pacific, replaced by Yongeichthys nebulosus
and mud flats, common in lagoons and estuaries. Usually on the in the Red Sea. Shallow to deep coastal mud or silty sand flats.
sand near large depression with burrow in the middle. Male with Identified by robust body, large eye and 3 principal large black
ornamental colours on median fins. Juveniles with pearly blue blotches, one below each dorsal fin and on on the caudal fin base.
and orange spots scattered over the body. Length to 10 cm. Skin contains poison which deters predators. Length to 15 cm.
B
Y. criniger. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 14 cm.
A
O. oplopomus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm. A
Y. criniger. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 65 mm.
C
O. oplopomus. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. D. 25 m. L. 45 mm.
C D
Y. criniger. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. Y. criniger. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
Occasional-shrimp Goby Drombus bontii

Gobius bontii Bleeker, 1849. Java.
Southern Indonesia, Java to Flores. Lives on silty sand flats in pro-

B D tected coastal bays and estuaries in few metres depth. Usually seen
O. oplopomus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 75 mm. O. oplopomus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 55 mm. closed to burrow and is rarely observed with alpheid shrimp. Colour
is highly variable from mostly black to dusky with green, with tiny
Robust Goby Oplopomus caninoides white spots spaced out in series, if all the included forms represent
Gobius caninoides Bleeker, 1852. Ambon. the same species. Length to about 55 mm.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand and mud flats,

mainly in deepst parts of estuaries and at moderate depth, about
20 m, in coastal bays. Identified by the lines in the fins, horizion- A
tal in dorsal fins and vertical in caudal fin. Body with numerous D. bontii. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 55 mm.
small orange spots. Length to 75 mm.
A
O. caninoides. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 12 cm.
B C
D. bontii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 45 mm. D. bontii. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 45 mm. Akira OGAWA.
B C D E
O. caninoides. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm. O. caninoides. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 65 mm. D. bontii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 35 mm. D. bontii. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 45 mm.
Eye-lappet Goby Glossogobius biocellatus Blue-spotted Mud-goby Acentrogobius cf audax
Gobius biocellatus Valenciennes, 1837 India. Appears to be undescribed. Closely related to Acentrobobius
audax Smith, 1959, from Mozambique.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow estuaries, entering rivers
and freshwater. Eye with small lappet in pupil to provide shade in West Pacific, Indonesia to southern Japan. Occurs in shallow
the strong light in shallow water when out in the open. Usually estuaries with freshwater run-off or lower reaches of rivers on
well camouflaged, matching colours and patterns on the bottom. mud banks. Small groups were observed sitting on the bottom
Dorsal fins and upper caudal fin usually with yellow margins. First as tides were coming in, quickly diving into the mud when
A
dorsal fin with eye-like spot. length to 12 cm. approached. A robust looking species, some of the largerst indi-
G. biocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 85 mm.
viduals with series of irridescent blue spots on the cheek and
sides, presumed males. Length to 10 cm.
A
B C
G. biocellatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 10 cm. Miki TONOZUKA.
Sulu Mud-goby Amoya suluensis B

Rhinogobius suluensis Herre, 1927. Philippines. A. cf audax, A female, B male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 95 mm.
West Pacific, Indonesia to southern Japan. Occurs in muddy

estuaries, mangrove lagoons and lower reaches of rivers. Readily Big-eye Mud-goby Hazeus? sp
identified by shape and colour. Length to 11 cm. Undetermined genus and species.
Only known from Maumere Bay, Flores, but probably wide-

spread. Coastal mud flats. A small colourful species with large
A eyes. Sits low on the bottom near small burrows. Length to
A. suluensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 85 mm. about 35 mm.
Hazeus? sp. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 35 mm.
Mud-skipper Goby Periopthalmus argentilineatus

Periophthalmus argentilineatus Valenciennes, 1837 Moluccas.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Intertidal zone in coastal bays, estu-

aries and mangroves on mud banks, rubble or mangrove roots.
Usually near freshwater run-offs or in brackish water. Several sim-
ilar species, each with diagnostic colour patterns in the dorsal fins.
Length to 12 cm. Some other species can reach 25 cm.
B
A. suluensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 10 cm.
A
Spot-lined Sand-goby Acentrogobius sp 1
Undetermined species from Bali.
Occurs on sand and mud habitat with moderate tidal currents.

Body with close-set spots, forming many longitudinal lines. First
dorsal fin rounded with dusky margin, white submarginal band
and dark spot posteriorly near base. Length to 12 cm.
A B B
A. sp 1. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 12 cm. A. sp 1. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 65 mm. P. argentilineatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth .5 m and out of water. Length 10 cm.
Black-banded Goby Callogobius clitellus Black-hand Goby Callogobius sp 1 Dirty-yellow Goby Callogobius sp 3
Callogobius clitellus McKinney & Lachner, 1978. Madang, PNG. Undescribed species. Undescribed species.
West Pacific, Philippines and Micronesia to southern Indonesia and Japan to Indonesia. A few specimens were found in Flores, occurring Only known from a single specimen from Flores, but a secretive species
Solomon Islands. Secretive in rubble on coastal or inner reef slopes to on a reef slopes at about 15 m amongst algae covered rubble. It is dis- and probably widespread. Was found in a cave along a inner reef wall.
about 20 m depth. Often under large flat rubble pieces on the bottom of tinctive in having the upper posterior part of the pectoral fin black. Body very dark and showing indistinct bands. Fins yellow with black
surge channels. Length to about 50 mm. Length to about 45 mm. speckles in irregular rows on the fins
C. sp 3. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 45 mm.
Mini Mud-goby Callogobius sp 4

Known from northern Borneo and Indonesia to southern PNG and is

probably widespread. Lives on silty muddy substrates in borrows or
under debris to about 10 m depth. A small but distintive species, waving
C. clitellus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm. C. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 20 mm.
its dorsal and pectoral fins. Found in pairs. Length to 25 mm.
Hasselt’s Goby Callogobius hasseltii Palm-leaf Goby Callogobius cf hasseltii

Gobius hasseltii Bleeker, 1851. Java. Undetermined species.
Widespread West Pacific, but may comprise several species sharing the Similar to, and possibly a variation of Callogobius hasseltii. Apart from
‘diagnostic’ tail-spot. Secretive under rubble, intertidal to a few metres colour differences, the large size suggest that this species is different. A
depth. Body with dark blotches and a distinct black spot on the upper Found on open muddy substrate under palm-leaves at moderate depth C. sp 4. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 6 m. Length 25 mm.
part of the caudal fin. Length to about 50 mm. in a sheltered bay. Length to 85 mm.
B C
C. hasseltii. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 65 mm. C. cf hasseltii. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 85 mm. C. sp 4. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 6 m. Length 25 mm. C. sp 4. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 4 m. Length 25 mm.
White-ear Goby Callogobius sp 2 Dusky-banded Goby Callogobius sclateri Spike-fin Goby Discordipinna griessingeri
Undetermined species. Eleotris sclateri Steindachner, 1880. Society Is. Discordipinna griessingeri Hoese & Fourmanoir, 1978. Gulf of Aqaba.
Widespread West Pacific, but probably comprises several similar Widespread West Pacific. Sheltered coastal reefs to at least 30 m depth. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered coastal reefs to at least 30 m
species. On sandy substrate and secretive under rubble. Body with dark Very secretive and usually discovered under loose debris. Body with depth. Very secretive amongst boulder-rubble or under low reef-over-
blotches, usually forming a broad bar below each dorsal fin, a band dark blotches, usually forming a broad bar below each dorsal fin. hangs. Readily identified by the colouration and tall first dorsal fin.
through eye and white ‘ear’ spot. Length to about 50 mm. Length to about 50 mm. Length to about 30 mm.
A B
C. sp 2. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 8 m. Length 45 mm. C. sclateri. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 45 mm. D. griessingeri. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 22 mm. D. griessingeri. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 7 m. Length 30 mm.
Starry Goby Asterropteryx semipunctatus Double-spot Sand-goby Fusigobius duospilus
Asterropteryx semipunctatus Rüppell, 1830. Red Sea. Fusigobius duospilus Hoese & Reader, 1985. Queensland.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered coastal reefs, harbours Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered coastal to inner reef
and estuaries, usually silty habitats, to about 15 m depth. habitats to about 25 m depth. Often in small groups on the bot-
Variable from grey to almost black with pale, somewhat diffused tom of large caves with sand and rubble. Semitransparents and
saddles over back, small blue ocelli on cheek and in rows along adults with small orange spots scattered over head and body.
body. Blue ocelli spread to fins in adults. Male with filamentous ray First dorsal fin with two elongated black spots. Juveniles with
in first dorsal fin. Length to about 75 mm. dusky or brown spots and dorsal fin with a vertical black line.
Length to 45 mm.
A
F. duospilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 45 mm.
A B
A. semipunctatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 55 mm. A. semipunctatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 35 mm.
Blue-spotted Rubble Goby Asterropteryx ensiferus

Brachyeleotris ensifera Bleeker, 1874. Moluccas.
B C
Appears to be widespread Indo-West Pacific. Common on coastal
F. duospilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 25 mm. F. duospilus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 35 mm.
sand and rubble slopes prone to currents between 6–35 m depth.
Usually congregates over patches of accumulated rubble, swim-
ming just above the bottom to feed on plankton. Males bluish
Orange-spotted Sand-goby Fusigobius sp 1
black with rows of blue ocelli. Females with a black mid-lateral Undescribed species.
stripe or band, widening with age. Length to 35 mm.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal to inner reef habitats
to about 35 m depth. Usually on open sand patched close to reef.
Distinguished from similar species by the rounded first dorsal fin
that has a frontal blue spot just over halfway up. length to 50 mm.
A
A. ensiferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm.
A
F. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 50 mm.
B C B C
A. ensiferus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 28 m. Length 35 mm. A. ensiferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 30 mm. F. sp 1. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 22 m. Length 45 mm. F. sp 1, eating smal fish. Sipadan. Depth 7 m. Length 45 mm.
Cave Rubble-goby Asterropteryx bipunctatus White-flag Sand-goby Fusigobius longispinus

Asterropteryx bipunctatus Allen & Munday, 1995. Madang. Fusigobius longispinus Goren, 1978. Gulf of Aqaba.
Widespread West Pacific. Usually in caves along steep walls to Widespread Indo-West Pacific and Red Sea. Coastal to inner reef
about 40 m depth. Sits on the bottom. Identified by the orange habitats to about 25 m depth. Usually on sand and rubble
spots and large black peduncular spot. Length to 45 mm. amongst reef. Variable from pale, semi-transparent with orange
spots when on white sand to dusky with orange and black mark-
ings. In the Red Sea, where the sand is very white, specimens are
usually pale. At Tulamben, Bali, which has black sand, the speci-
mens are darkest. Distinguished from similar species by the
white-tipped, elongated tall dorsal fin. Length to 50 mm.
A B
A. bipunctatus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm. A. bipunctatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 30 mm. F. longispinus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 50 mm.
Fine-spotted Sand-goby Fusigobius neophytus Black-tip Sand-goby Fusigobius sp 2
Fusigobius neophytus Günther, 1985. Queensland. Undescribed species.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered estuaries to inner reef West Pacific, throughout Indonesia to southern Japan and
lagoons to about 25 m depth. Usually on sand and rubble with Micronesia. Coastal to inner reef slopes, on sand and fine rubble
close to reef. Semitransparents with small brown to dusky spots along reef margins to about 20 m depth. Easily identified by the
and several dashes on the back and mid-laterally. Pale with few black tip first dorsal fin which is usually held erect. Body colour
markings when on white sand and variable on dark sand to very varies from pale to dusky, depending on the substrate its on.
dusky with larges spots. Sometimes dark spot at front and near tip Length to 45 mm.
of first dorsal fin. Length to 45 mm.
A
A
F. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm.
B C
F. neophytus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 45 mm. F. neophytus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 40 mm.
B C
F. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 35 mm. F. sp 2. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm.
Flasher Sand-goby Fusigobius signipinnis

Fusigobius signipinnis Hoese & Obika, 1988. Queensland.
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal and inner reef habitats, usually

on sand or fine rubble rubble in gutters or patches near corals
and on sandy bottoms of large caves. Body semi-transparent with
tiny orange to brown spots. Readily identified by the black and
orange tipped first dorsalfin and brown to orange eyes. The fin is
often flicked up and down, especially during courtship display.
Length to 45 mm.
D
F. neophytus, preparing nesting site. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 15 m. Length 65 mm.
African Sand-goby Fusigobius africanus

Fusigobius neophytus africanus Smith, 1961. Ibo, Africa.
A
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Bali. Coastal reef slopes F. signipinnis. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm.
and drop-offs, usually on rubble or sand on the bottom of caves or
below overhanging reef. Previously regarded as a synynom of
Fusigobius neophytus from which it is distinguished by the busier
pattern of spots on the body and those in fins forming lines. Some
individuals with a dark spot at the front of the first dorsal fin that is
closer to the body than to its tip. Such as spot develops in F. neo-
phytus but closer to the tip of the fin. The illustration of the type of
A
Fusigobius africanus clearly represents the same as this species. It
was also photographed in the Maldives. Length to 65 mm.
B B C
F. africanus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 65 mm. F. signipinnis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 35 mm. F. signipinnis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm.
Padang Frill-goby Bathygobius padangensis Convict Goby Priolepis cincta
Gobius padangensis Bleeker, 1851. Padang, Sumatra. Gobiomorphus cinctus Regan, 1908. Chagos Archipelago.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging to sub-tropical Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging to sub-tropical
zones. Closely related to Bathygobius fuscus from the Red zones. Probably comprises a complex of similar species.
Sea. Clear coastal reef flats, intertidal to about 5 m depth. Reported from muddy inshore reefs, debris on mud to deep
Variable with dusky blotches to near black during courtship. clear outer reef as deep as 70 m. Some individuals are fully
Identified by small pale spots forming lines along scales and grown at about 40 mm and others to 75 mm. Indonesian
18 pectoral fin rays. Length to 85 mm. members of this species-complex to about 50 mm in length.
A
B. padangensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 75 mm.
P. cincta. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm.
Eye-bar Coral-goby Lubulogobius morrigu

Lubulogobius morrigu Larson 1983. Arafura Sea..
Only known from Bali. Found on a variety of soft corals,

seapens and fans. Usually in a depth of 20 m or more. The
type came from 58 m depth. Body white or yellowish and
a distinct dusky to reddish stripe from snout to eye and
diagonal from below eye. Length to about 25 mm.
A
B C L. morrigu. Menjangan I, Bali. Depth 35 m. Length 15 mm.
B. padangensis. Maumere, Flores. Tidal pool. Length 45 mm. B. padangensis. Maumere, Flores. Tidal pool. Length 45 mm.
Cocos Frill-goby Bathygobius cocosensis Cyclops Frill-goby Bathygobius cyclopterus

Gobius cocosensis Bleeker, 1854. Cocos-Keeling Is. Gobius cyclopterus Valenciennes, 1837. Bismarck Archipelago.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal bays and estuaries to about 10 Widespread Indo-West Pacific, possilby several similar species sharing
m depth on silty substrate amongst rubble or in reef crevices. Dusky to 21 pectoral fin rays. Coastal reef flats and slopes to about 20 m depth.
near black, usually series of eye-sized diffused dark blotches mid-later- Amongst or under rubble pieces, usually in silty habitats. Grey with
ally and very dark individuals with narrow pale saddles over back. dusky blotches over back that may exend down as broad bands.
Pectoral rays 19. Length to 10 cm. Pectoral rays 21. Length to 65 mm.
B C
L. morrigu. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 20 mm. L. morrigu. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm.
Soft-coral Goby Pleurosicya boldinghi

Pleurosicya boldinghi Weber, 1913. New Guinea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs primarily on
Dendronephthya soft corals, usually at a depth of 20 m or
more in areas subject to strong currents. Large corals may
B. cocosensis? Queensland, Australia. Depth 2 m. Length 75 mm. B. cyclopterus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 65 mm. play host to several individuals. Plain, white looking at depth,
and thin line from eye on snout. Length to 45 mm.
Orange Convict-goby Priolepis sp 1
Only known from eastern Sulawesi. Occurs on silty muddy

substrates on logs or other debris on the bottom from near- A
by rivers. Typically in pairs. Brightly coloured yellow-orange P. boldinghi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 45 mm.
with thin white barring and a dark spot on base of first dor-
sal fin. A large species, length to 75 mm.
A B B C
P. sp 1. South of Bitung. Depth 8 m. Length 70 mm. P. sp 1. South of Bitung. Depth 8 m. Length 75 mm. P. boldinghi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 35 m. Length 30 mm. P. boldinghi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 26 m. Length 35 mm.
Cling Goby Pleurosicya micheli Many-host Goby Pleurosicya mossambica
Pleurosicya micheli Weber, 1913. New Guinea. Pleurosicya mossambica Smith, 1959. Mozambique.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reef slopes, usually on hard Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal bays and reef slopes. Occurs on
corals to about 30 m depth. Sometimes found on the mantle of clams a variety of host and also on algae from very shallow to at least 30 m.
and eggs are usually laid on ascidians such as those in the photographs. Eggs are laid on arcidians, bases of soft corals, algae or flat rubble sur-
A slender species, best identified by the semitransparent body lacking faces near host. Distinguised from similar species by shape and colour.
pigment on upper half, eye with black on top and whitish to pinkish line Eye usually with red ring and a white spot present on upper of pectoral
along vertebrae inside the body, and a brown to blackish mid-lateral fin base, best seen in F. Length to 26 mm.
stripe that runs on to the caudal fin. Length to about 25 mm.
A
P. micheli. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 25 mm.
B C
P. micheli. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 20 mm. P. micheli. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm.
D
P. micheli, on clam. Derawan, Kalimantan. D. 15 m. L. 15 mm.
A B
P. mossambica, eggs on soft coral base. Bali. D. 25 m. L. 25 mm. P. mossambica, eggs on ascidian. Tulamben, Bali. D. 9 m. L. 25 mm.
C D
P. mossambica, eggs on ascidian. Tulamben, Bali. D. 9 m. L. 25 mm. P. mossambica, eggs on weed. Tulamben, Bali. D. 25 m. L. 25 mm.
E F E F
P. micheli. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 22 mm. P. micheli. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 25 mm. P. mossambica, on wood. Maumere, Flores. D. 12 m. L. 25 mm. P. mossambica. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 25 mm.
Short-nose Cling-goby Pleurosicya spongicola Carolines Cling-goby Pleurosicya carolinensis
Pleurosicya spongicola Larson, 1990. Lombok Strait. Pleurosicya carolinensis Larson, 1990. Caroline Islands.
Known from Lombok, Bali and Sulawesi, but probably widespread. Originally only known from Micronesia, but those found in Bali on shal-
Found in deep water on sponges and soft corals in depth of 25 m or low reef flats appear to be this species. Appears to favour floppy
more. Identified by short nose, small size and plain colouration. Eye sponges on algae reef in 3–6 m depth, clinging to the underside. A plain
with red ring, a pale band curving upward from behind eye, and some- species with some dark spots along base of first dorsal fin and reddish
times with faind banding on back. Length to 20 mm. stripe on snout. Length to 25 mm.
A
P. spongicola, on ascidian. Tulamben, Bali. D. 25 m. L. 20 mm.
A B
P. carolinensis, on sponge. Tulamben, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 23 mm. P. carolinensis, on sponge. Tulamben, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 25 mm.
Barrel-sponge Goby Pleurosicya labiata

B C
Rhinogobius labiatus Weber, 1913. Flores.
P. spongicola, on soft coral. Tulamben, Bali. D. 28 m. L. 15 mm. P. spongicola, on sponge. Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. D. 35 m. L. 18 mm. Widespread West Pacific and Andaman Sea. Coastal slopes, usually on
barrel sponges in 10–30 m depth. Recognised by the pointed snout and
Tortuosum Goby Pleurosicya annandalei dusky spots dorsally and ventrally on the body. Length to 35 mm.
Pleurosicya annandalei Hornell & Fowler, 1922. India.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reef slopes, usually on hard

corals to about 30 m depth. Sometimes found on the mantle of clams
and eggs are usually laid on ascidians such as those in the photographs.
A slender species, best identified by the semitransparent body lacking
pigment on upper half, eye with black on top and whitish to pinkish line
along vertebrae inside the body, and a brown to blackish mid-lateral
stripe that runs on to the caudal fin. Length to about 25 mm.
A B
P. labiata, on sponge. Maumere, Flores. D. 22 m. L. 35 mm. P. labiata, on sponge. Tulamben, Bali. D. 28 m. L. 30 mm.
A Slender Sponge-goby Pleurosicya elongata

P. annandalei. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm. Pleurosicya elongata Larson, 1990. Papua New Guinea.
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs on variously coloured, large floppy or

fan sponges, usually in depths greater than 10 m. Found on the under-
side of the sponges. Body semi-transparent and colour of sponge
shows through. Snout usually with red stripes from eye to tip of snout
and eye with red ring. Length to 40 mm.
A
P. elongata, on sponge. Milne Bay, PNG. D. 22 m. L. 40 mm.
B C
P. annandalei. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm. P. annandalei, with eggs. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm.
Split-tongue Cling-goby Pleurosicya bilobata

Cottogobius bilobatus Koumans, 1941. India.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on shallow reef flats with algae

and seagrass habitats. Brown or green with dusky barring over the back.
It is best distinguished from the similar Pleurosicya mossambica in hav-
ing tiny white spots scattered over the sides. Some individuals have a
dark spot near the end of the second dorsal fin. Length to 30 mm.
B C
P. bilobata. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 5 m. Length 30 mm. P. elongata, on sponge. Bali. D. 18 m. L. 35 mm. P. elongata, on sponge. Sangihe Islands. D. 15 m. L. 40 mm.
Long-snout Cling-goby Pleurosicya plicata Black-coral Goby Bryaninops tigris
Pleurosicya plicata Larson, 1990. Chagos Archipelago. Bryaninops tigris Larson, 1985. GBR, Qld.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on solid sponges at mod- Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs mainly on deep
erate depths, usually in 10 m or more, but probably depending slopes, subject to strong currents, with isolated outcrops
on the occurance of certain sponges. A small and well camou- of black corals. Occurs in small groups. Eggs are laid on a
flaged species, usually moving aroung the back when branch section after removing the polyps and guarded by
approached. The Eyes are more elevated than other sponge gob- the (presumed) male. A slender species with alternating
A ies and it has a dusky line on the snout, latter moderately long dusky spots and bars on the back. Length to 40 mm.
P. plicata, on sponge. Tulamben, Bali. D. 15 m. L. 30 mm. and pointed. Length to about 35 mm
A
B. tigris, guarding eggs. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 40 mm.
B
P. plicata, on sponge. Sangihe Is. D. 24 m. L. 35 mm.
B C
B. tigris, B wrapping the branch with its ventral fin for hold, C on its host Antipathes sp. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 40 mm.
C
P. plicata, on sponge. Sangihe Is. Depth 24 m. Length 35 mm.
Sea-whip Goby Bryaninops yongei
Flathead Sponge-goby Phyllogobius platycephalops Long-snout Sponge-goby Luposicya lupus Cottogobius yongei Davis & Cohen, 1969. Borneo.
Cottogobius platycephalops Smith, 1964. Mozambique. Luposicya lupus Smith, 1959. Mozambique. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Associates with sea-whip
Cirrhipathes anguinea that occurs from shallow inshore
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on shallow coastal reef flats and Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Found on a variety of large sponges, usu- reef flats to deep water along drop-offs in variuos current
slopes on floppy and fan sponges. A solitary species and usually no ally on the underside of floppy or fan types that grow on shallow reef regimes. A common species and up to 7 individuals were
other similar species present. Recognised by the low profile and flat- flats and down on slopes that are subject to moderate currents. To about seen on a single whip (pers. obs). Eggs are laid on cleared
tened head. Eyes with red in upper half and body speckled with white 15 m depth. A slender species, usually stting with the head slightly section. Length to 35 mm.
spots. Length to 50 mm. raised. Length to 35 mm. A
B. yongei, preparing for eggs. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 30 mm.
A A B
P. platycephalops, on sponge. Tulamben, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 50 mm. L. lupus, on sponge. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. D. 8 m. L. 35 mm. B. yongei, guarding for eggs. Togian I., Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
B B C D
P. platycephalops, on sponge. Bitung, Sulawesi. D. 3 m. L. 50 mm. L. lupus, on sponge. Tulamben, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 35 mm. B. yongei. C & D Togian I., Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm.
White-line Seawhip Goby Bryaninops amplus Purple-eyed Goby Bryaninops natans
Bryaninops amplus Larson, 1985. GBR, Qld. Bryaninops natans Larson, 1985. GBR, Qld.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Associates with several sea-whip species, usually Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Associates with Acropora thickets in clear water
Junceela fragilis in Indonesia, that occur inshore on somewhat silty reefs. Usually in lagoons and protected bays in areas subject to mild currents. Typically swims just
small groups where seawhips are numerous and they freely swim between nearby above the corals in small groups, maintaining position in currents and intercepting prey
whips. Identified by the thin, whitish internal line. Length to 45 mm. from the plankton. Readily identified by the bright purple eyes and its behaviour. A tiny
species, length to 24 mm.
A B
B. amplus. Derawan, Kalimantan. D. 6 m. L. 40 mm. B. amplus. Derawan, Kalimantan. D. 6 m. L. 40 mm. A B
B. natans. A Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 20 mm. B showing typical behaviour, Maldives. Depth 6 m.
White-line Seawhip Goby Bryaninops loki
Bryaninops amplus Larson, 1985. GBR, Qld. Nexus Goby Bryaninops nexus
Bryaninops nexus Larson, 1987. Escape Reef, Qld.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Associates with several sea-whip species, usually
Junceela fragilis in Indonesia, that occur inshore on somewhat silty reefs. Usually in West Pacific, southern Japan to northern Australia. Occurs in deep lagoons on staghorn
small groups where seawhips are numerous and they freely swim between nearby corals, usually swimming parallel with the branches to feed on plankton. It keeps ven-
whips. Identified by the thin, whitish internal line. Length to 45 mm. tral side to the coral and is most commonly swimming upside-down near the under-
sides of branches. Identified by the unusual behaviour and purplish colour in natural
light. Length to 23 mm.
A B
B. loki. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 40 mm. B. loki. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 40 mm.
A B
Sea-pen Goby Bryaninops sp 1 B. nexus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 20 mm. Photos inverted.
Range not known, but probably widespread. In Bali and Flores it

is found in coastal waters open sand or mud slopes subject to
strong currents, associating with sea-pens. Similar and possibly
a variation of Bryaninops tigris but colouration is markedly differ-
ent. Lower part of the body and head is yellow and orange and
extended upwards with 5 or 6 bands. Length to 45 mm.
C
B. sp. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 45 mm. B. nexus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 20 mm. Specimen on left has parasites in gill cavity. Photo inverted.
Two-stripe Pygmy-goby Eviota bifasciata Black-spot Pygmy-goby Eviota nigriventris Neon Pygmy-goby Eviota pellucida
Eviota bifasciata Lachner & Karnella, 1980. Philippines. Eviota nigriventris Giltay, 1933. Near Banda. Eviota pellucidus Larson, 1976. Guam.
South-western Indonesia to southern Japan. Clear coastal reefs and Widespread West Pacific. Mainly in large sheltered lagoons with rich Widespread West Pacific. Coastal reefs and sheltered lagoons with
protected outer reef coral habitats. Usually at moderate depths of 10 m coral growth. Occurs in small groups amongs Acropora thickets in rich coral and algae growth. Occurs in singly in 6–15 m depth.
or more, swimming near sponges or corals when feeding on plankton. 6–20 m depth. Length to 30 mm. Length to 30 mm.
Identified by the brown to dusky lateral stripes, lower one ending with a
small black spot on caudal fin base. Males have filaments on dorsal and
anal fins. Length to 35 mm.
A
E. bifasciata, male. Menjangan I., Bali. D. 17 m. L. 35 mm.
A A
B C E. nigriventris, male. Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm. E. pellucida. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 25 mm.
E. bifasciata, male. Menjangan I., Bali. D. 17 m. L. 35 mm. E. bifasciata, female. Menjangan I., Bali. D. 17 m. L. 35 mm.
Three-spot Pygmy-goby Eviota cf bifasciata

Flores and Ambon Seas, PNG and to eastern Australia. Clear coastal
reefs and lagoons to about 10 m depth. Typically swims just above
Acropora thickets to feed on plankton, sometimes in schools. Identified
by the white mid-lateral stripe, brown to dusky above and below, and
bluish snout. Similar to Eviota bifasciata and best distinguished in have B B
two black spots or dashes on caudal fin base and a small black spot on E. nigriventris, female. Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 25 mm. E. pellucida. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 30 mm.
the operculum. Length to 45 mm.
A Blue-stripe Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 1 Comet Pygmy-goby Eviota cometa
E. cf bifasciata, male. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. Undetermined species. Eviota cometa Jewett & Lachner, 1983. Fiji.
Only known from photograph taken on sandy, muddy slope with mixed Widespread West Pacific. Deep coastal slopes, subject to strong cur-
rubble and corals. Length to 25 mm. rents, on rubble reef to 30 m depth. Length to 25 mm.
B C
E. cf bifasciata, female. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 40 mm. E. cf bifasciata. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 40 mm.
E. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 20 mm. E. cometa. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm.
White-line Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 2 Orange-head Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 3

Undetermined species. Undetermined species.
Only known Andaman Sea and Maldives. On coral heads to 25 m depth. Only known from photograph taken on mixed sandy, rubble and coral
Has white or yellow line. Length to 35 mm. substrate. Length to 30 mm.
D
E. cf bifasciata, schooling. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 35–45 mm. E. sp 2. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 4 m. Length 25 mm. E. sp 3. Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Red-head Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 4 Five-bar Pygmy-goby Eviota zebrina Shoulder-patch Pygmy-goby Eviota infulata Five-bar Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 6
Undetermined species. Eviota zebrina Lachner & Karnella, 1978. Seychelles. Eviotops infulatus Smith, 1957. Seychelles. Undetermined species.
Only known from photographs. Distinctive species with a bright red Widespread Indo-Pacific. It has 5–6 diagonal brown bars on lower, Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow silty inshore reefs. Usually Only known from photograph taken at moderate depth off Java. Similar
head and 6–7 diagonal dusky bars on lower, posterior half of body. posterior half of body and series of small bown spot over back. greenish and has dark ‘shoulder’ blotch. Length to 25 mm. to Eviota sp 5, but lacks barring. Length about 25 mm.
Length about 25 mm. Length about 25 mm.
E. infulata. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 4 m. Length 25 mm. E. sp 6. Karimunjawa. Depth 17 m. Length 25 mm.
Belly-spotted Pygmy-goby Eviota storthynx Red-pepper Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 7

A A Eviotops storthynx Rofen, 1959. Philippines. Undetermined species.
E. sp 4. Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 25 mm. E. zebrina. Karimunjawa. Depth 7 m. Length 25 mm.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow inshore algal reefs. Usually Only known from photograph taken on a sponge in a sheltered bay.
pale brownish with white round spots on belly. Length to 25 mm. Distinctly coloured with red spots and lines. Length about 25 mm.
B B
E. sp 4. Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 25 mm. E. zebrina. Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 25 mm. E. storthynx. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 25 mm. E. sp 7. Sangihe Is. Depth 5 m. Length 20 mm.
Green Pygmy-goby Eviota guttata Freckled Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 5 Black-spotted Pygmy-goby Eviota melasma White-barred Pygmy-goby Eviota albolineata
Eviota guttata Lachner & Karnella, 1978. Red Sea. Undetermined species. Eviota melasma Lachner & Karnella, 1980. Australia. Eviota albolineata Jewett & Lachner, 1983. Tahiti.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow reefs with mixed algae and coral Only known from Flores. Similar to Eviota guttata, but head with red Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal reefs on mixed algae and coral Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal reefs on mixed algae and
growth to about 15 m depth. Looks green underwater. Has three blotch- spots and eyes with black spots. Sheltered coastal, silty reefs to about to about 20 m depth. Eye with black leopard-like spots and body with coral to about 20 m depth. Mostly orange, eye with red spots, and white
es on top of head. Length to 25 mm. 10 m depth. Length to 30 mm. numerous small orange spots. Length to 30 mm. bars on belly. Length to 30 mm.
A A A A
E. guttata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 25 mm. E. sp 5. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 25 mm. E. melasma. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 25 mm. E. albolineata. Sangihe Is. Depth 9 m. Length 25 mm.
B B B B
E. sp 4. Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 25 mm. E. sp 5. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 30 mm. E. melasma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 30 mm. E. albolineata. Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 25 mm.
Sebree’s Pygmy-goby Eviota sebreei Red-lined Pygmy-goby Trimma striatum Sharp-eye Pygmy-goby Trimma anaima
Eviotops sebree Jordan & Seale, 1906. Samoa. Coronogobius striatus Herre, 1945. Philippines. Trimma anaima Winterbottom, 2000. Comores..
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal to outer reef coral habitats, Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer reefs. Often upside Known from Maldives and Tulamben, Bali. Coastal reef slopes and
usually to about 15 m depth. Easily identified by the black band and down on ceilings of caves. Easily identified by red lines on head. lagoons. Occurs along reef margins with rubble. Yellow to reddish, eye
white dashes. Length to 25 mm. Length to 35 mm. red with black and blue margin on top. Length to about 30 mm.
A B
E. sebree. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 25 mm. E. sebree. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 mm. A A
T. striatum. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 7 m. Length 30 mm. T. amaima. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Grubby Pygmy-goby Eviota fasciola Gravel-belly Pygmy-goby Eviota sp 8
Eviotops fasciola Karnella & Lachner, 1981. GBR, Qld. Undetermined species.
Widespread West Pacific. Shallow reef flats. Secretive in corals. Dark Only known from photograph taken on a coral in a silty coastal habitat.
looking with greenish back and thin bars. Length to 25 mm. Length about 25 mm.
B B
T. striatum. Karimunjawa. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm. T. amaima. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Ring-eye Pygmy-goby Trimma benjamini Red Pygmy-goby Trimma naudei

Trimma benjamini Winterbottom, 1996. Philippines. Trimma naudei Smith, 1857. Seychelles.
E. fasciola. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 20 mm. E. sp 8. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 25 mm.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal reefs on mixed algae and Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear coastal to outer reefs. Head and
coral to about 20 m depth. Head and body red, eye encircled by white body with close-set red blotches. Two white blotches on pectoral fin
Hairfin Pygmy-goby Eviota prasites Pale-cheek Pygmy-goby Eviota sigillata ring. Length to 30 mm. base and several on body. Length to 35 mm.
Eviota prasites Jordan & Seale, 1906. Samoa. Eviota sigillata Jewett & Lachner, 1983. Brandon Shoals.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various reef habitats to about 15 m Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reefs and estuaries to about 10
depth. Brown or purplish with white spots on belly. Identified by stripe m depth. Reddish brown with white or yellow spots. Area from mouth
from mouth to over cheek. Length to 30 mm. to below eye pale with no markings. Length to 30 mm.
T. benjamini. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm.

T. naudei. Karimunjawa. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Pink-face Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 2
A A Undetermined species.
E. prasites. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 25 mm. E. sigillata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 20 mm.
Only known from photograph. Body dusky-red, yellow spot on each
scale, head pink with yellow on top. Length 35 mm.
B B
E. prasites. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 25 mm. E. sigillata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 25 mm. T. sp 2. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 35 mm. T. naudei. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 35 mm.
Y-bar Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 3 Red-spotted Pygmy-goby Trimma macrophthalmus Red-blotched Pygmy-goby Trimma rubromaculatum
Undetermined species. Eviota macrophthalmus Tomiyama, 1936. Japan. Trimma rubromaculatus Allen & Munday, 1995. PNG.
Only known from Bali’s north coast. Occurs on rubble edges of reef and Widespread West Pacific. Coastal reefs to about 30 m depth. Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal reefs and inner reef habitats in
sand to about 25 m depth. Identified by the brown to red ‘Y’ mark Numerous red spots all over, two spots distinctly on pectoral fin base. 20 to 50 m or more. A strikingly coloured species that is easily identi-
behind the head. Length to 35 mm. Length to 30 mm. fied. The red colours appear black in deep water with natural light.
Length to 35 mm.
A A
T. sp 3. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 30 mm. T. macrophthalmus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 30 mm.
A B
T. rubromaculatum. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 50 m. Length 35 mm. T. rubromaculatum. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 50 m. Length 35 mm.
Grey-barred Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 5 Spot-barred Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 6

Only known from photograph. Similar to Trimma okinawae, but has a grey barred Only known from photograph. Has a distinctive pattern of spots and those on
pattern. Length to 30 mm. posterior half of body forming bars. Length to 30 mm.
B B
T. sp 3. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm. T. macrophthalmus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Okinawa Pygmy-goby Trimma okinawae Sparsely-spotted Pygmy-goby Trimma halonevum

Eviota caesiura okinawae Aoyagi, 1949. Okinawa. Trimma halonevum Winterbottom, 2000. Papua New Guinea.
Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal reefs, usually near sponges to Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reefs on mixed algae and coral
about 30 m depth. Head and body grey with numerous and close-set to about 20 m depth. Head and body red, with few scattered red to dark-
orange to red spots. Length to 35 mm. red spots . Length to 30 mm.
T. sp 5. Bune Wedan, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 30 mm. T. sp 6. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 25 mm.
Grey-barred Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 7 Big-spots Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 8

Only known from photograph. Similar to Trimma caesiura, but has a Only known from photograph. Has large red spots on head and body,
grey cheek and snout. Length to 30 mm. single on pectoral fin base. Length to 30 mm.
A A
T. okinawae. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 35 mm. T. halonevum. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 35 mm.
B B
T. okinawae. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm. T. halonevum. Maumere, Flores. Depth 9 m. Length 30 mm. T. sp 7. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 35 mm. T. sp 8. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Orange-banded Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 9 Tomato Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 10 Cave Pygmy-goby Trimma tevegae Griffiths’ Pygmy-goby Trimma griffithsi
Undescribed species. Undetermined species. Trimma tevegae Cohen & Davies, 1969. PNG. Trimma griffithsi Winterbottom, 1984. Chagos Archipelago.
Only known northern Sulawesi, Philippines and Micronesia. Only a sin- Appears to be widespread West Pacific. Coastal reefs to about 30 m Widespread West pacific. Coastal to outer reefs, typically in small grous Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reefs to about 30 m depth.
gle individual was observed on coral in Manado. Has distinctive pattern depth. Plain orange-red with indistinct white spots showing through in caves, usually upside-down (photo inverted). Easily identified by Usually hovers near caves. Has white internal line, long dorsal filamnet,
of orange bands. Length to 30 mm. from inside. Length to 35 mm. colour and behaviour. Length to 30 mm. and lacks line on nose. Length to 30 mm.
A A
T. sp 9. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 25 mm. T. sp 10. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 30 mm.
T. tevegae. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 25 mm. T. griffithsi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 30 mm.
Nose-line Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 13

Widespread southern Indonesia, possibly widespread. Coastal to outer

reef walls. Occurs in small groups, usually swimming near gorgonians.
Identified by white line on nose and through upper eye. A tiny species,
probably not exceeding 15 mm in total length.
B B
T. sp 9. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 25 mm. T. sp 10. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm.
A
Long-tail Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 11 Yellow-speckled Pygmy-goby Trimma taylori T. sp 13. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 17 m. Length 15 mm.
Undetermined species. Eviota taylori Lobel, 1979. Hawaii.
Only known from Flores where along deep outer reef walls amongst Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal slopes and drop-offs, usually in
large gorgonian fans. Length to 45 mm (including caudal fin tips). small groups in caves. Length to 35 mm.
B C
T. sp 13. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 17 m. Length 15 mm. T. sp 13. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 15 mm.
A Small-spotted Pygmy-goby Trimmaton sp 1

T. sp 11. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 45 mm. T. taylori. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 35 mm. Undetermined species.
Black-coral Pygmy-goby Trimma sp 12 Throughout Indonesia, probably widespread Indo-Pacific. Clear coastal
reefs, usually on sponges or corals. Semi-transparent with numerous
small red spots. Length to 15 mm.
Only known from Tulamben drop-off where in small groups swimming
amongst large black coral fans. Length to about 25 mm.
B A B
T. sp 11. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 45 mm. T. sp 12. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm. T. sp 1. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 12 m. Length 15 mm. T. sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 15 mm.
Pygmy Sand-goby Gobiidae sp 1 Filamented Pygmy Sand-goby Gobiidae sp 2 Yellow Coral-goby Gobiodon okinawae White-band Coral-goby Gobiodon albofasciatus
Undetermined genus and species. Undetermined genus and species. Gobiodon okinawae Sawada, Arai & Abe, 1972. Okinawa, Japan. Gobiodon albofasciatus Sawada & Arai, 1972. Ishigaki I., Japan.
Coastal sand slopes on Bali’s north coast. Usually on black sand flats in Widespread Indonesia. Usually on light coloured sand or rubble to West Pacific, Japan to Australia. Usually in small groups amongst West Pacific, Japan to Indonesia. Shetered inshore channels in
6–25 m depth. Small, slender species, semi-transparent with black about 15 m depth. Semi-transparent with small dark spots on top of Acropora thickets. Less secretive then congeners. Easily identified by Acropora thickets. Identified by the black and white band on the body
spots, a mid-lateral line bordered with orange above, and orange lines head, brown to orange mid-lateral line and double stripes in dorsal fins. bright yellow colour. Length to 35 mm. and spotted face. Length to 25 mm.
on dorsal fin near bases. Length to 40 mm. Male with long filament on first dorsal fin. Length to 45 mm.
A A
Gobiidae sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 mm. Gobiidae sp 2. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 35 mm.
A A
G. okinawae. Manado, Sulawesi. D. 6 m. L. 25 mm. G. albofasciatus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. D. 9 m. L. 20 mm.
B B
Gobiidae sp 1. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 40 mm. Gobiidae sp 2, male. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 12 m. Length 45 mm.
Clear Pygmy Sand-goby Gobiidae sp 3

Undetermined genus and species.
Only known from Maumere Bay, Flores. Inshore, open sandy substrate
in 3–10 m depth. Slender species, dorsal fins well spaced, series of B B
close-set small black spots along anal-fin base, small black spot in dor- G. okinawae. Maumere, Flores. D. 6 m. L. 35 mm. G. albofasciatus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. D. 9 m. L. 20 mm.
sal fin and one direct below along body mid-line. Length to 40 mm.
Five-line Coral-goby Gobiodon quinquestrigatus Lemon Coral-goby Gobiodon citrinus
Gobiidae sp 3. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm. Gobius quinquestrigatus Valenciennes, 1837. Tonga. Gobiodon citrinus Rüppell, 1838. Red Sea.
Yellow Pygmy-goby Lubricogobius exiguus Widespread West to Central Pacific. Usually secretive in small groups Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Sheltered reefs and lagoons in staghorn
amongst Acropora thickets. Highly variable, identified by 5 long thin Acropora thickets. Usually yellow, but occasionally black. Stripe along
Lubricogobius exiguus Tanaka, 1915. Nagasaki.
bars on head. Length to 45 mm. dorsal fin base and 4 bars on head. Length to 50 mm.
Japan to Indonesia, but Indonesian form possibly different. Occurs shal-
low inshore to moderate depth on muddy substrates, usually with small
outcrops of rubble or debris. Identified by the plain yellow colour. Length
to 40 mm.
A A
G. quinquestrigatus. Tulamben, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. G. citrinus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. D. 12 m. L. 50 mm.
A B
L. exiguus, guarding eggs. Maumere, Flores. D. 10 m. L. 40 mm. L. exiguus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. L. 30 mm.
C B B
L. exiguus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. L. 30 mm. G. quinquestrigatus. Tulamben, Bali. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. G. citrinus. Aquarium, Bali. L. 45 mm.
Rhino-horn Goby Redigobius balteatus Black Gudgeon
Vaimosa balteata Herr, 1935. Waigeo. Eleotris melanosoma
Eleotris melanosoma Bleeker, 1852.
West Pacific, Philippines to northern Australia. Coastal estuar- West Sumatra.
ies, lakes and streams, entering freshwater. Distinctly marked
species with black bar below first dorsal fin and angular from Widespread Indo-West Pacific, introduced in
below eye. Male has elongated dorsal fin. Length to 35 mm. Panama. Intertidal zone and estuaries.Colour
variable from grey to brown, sides and tail often
black. Length to 17 cm.
E. melanosoma. Maumere, Flores. Depth 0.5 m. Length 8 cm.
Spangled Gudgeon
A B Ophiocara porocephala
R. balteatus, male. Lake, Kalimantan. Depth 2 m. Length 35 mm. Tony WU.
Eleotris porocephala Valenciennes, 1837
Seychelles; Bismarck Archipelago.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Mainly known

from freshwater streams and pools, but juveniles
GUDGEONS – ELEOTRIDIDAE specimen in photograph was found in large inter-
A small family closely related to, and by some authors regarded a sub-family of Gobiidae. It is distinguished from most gobies tidal pool which has some freshwater input.
Colour variable from grey to greenish on top, pale
by their separate ventral fins. They are coastal fishes and some are marine or freshwater, but the majority occurs in estuaries
ventrally and with silvery-white transverse bands.
and brackish water. Length to 34 cm.
Olive Flathead-gudgeon
Butis amboinensis
Eleotris amboinensis Bleeker, 1853. Ambon. O. porocephala. Maumere, Flores. Depth 0.5 m. Length 8 cm.
Widespread Indonesia to Japan and eastern
Indian Ocean. Intertidal zone and lower reach- Rainbow Gudgeon
es of streams. Identified by depressed head, Hypseleotris guentheri
dark line from snout to eye and orange spot- Asterropteryx Güntheri Bleeker, 1875. Based on
ting in anal fin and lower part of caudal fin. Günther’s Eleotris cyprinoides.
Length to 14 cm.
Several very similar species found widespread
Indo-West Pacific. Hypseleotris cyprinoides
(Valenciennes) type for genus is from Mauritius,
H. leuciscus from western Indonesia to southern
Japan is very similar to H. guentheri. Latter is
probably restricted from eastern Indonesia to the
B. amboinensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 0.5 m. Length 11 cm. Pacific islands. Species in Java and Bali need fur-
ther investigation. Mainly occurs in freshwater
but can live in marine waters and are occasional-
Brown Gudgeon Eleotris fusca ly found in Mangroves and estuaries, especially
Poecilia fusca Bloch & Schneider, 1801. during the wet season. Males are deeper bodied A
South-eastern Pacific. than females and usually feature colourful dorsal H. guentheri, male. From freshwater stream in Vanuatu. Length 75 mm.
fins, the marking are diagnostic for the species.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Intertidal zone
Length of Hypseleotri guentheri to 75 mm and H.
and estuaries.Colour variable from grey to
leuciscus to 60 mm.
brown. Body and fins finely spotted. Length to
15 cm.
B
E. fusca. Maumere, Flores. Depth 0.5 m. Length 10 cm. H. guentheri, female. From freshwater stream in Vanuatu. Length 70 mm.
RIBBON GOBIES AND DART GOBIES – PTERELEOTRIDIDAE Robust Ribbon-goby Oxymetopon compressus
Oxymetopon compressus Chan, 1966. Hong Kong.
A small goby family closely related to, and by some authors regarded to be a sub-family of Microdesmidae. It is distinguished from
West Pacific, widespread between southern Japan and
most gobies by their separate ventral fins, slender and usually torpedo shaped body that is highly compressed in the ribbon gob-
northern Australia. Lives on deep mud slopes subject to
ies. All members are free swimming above the bottom to feed on plankton. The slender body and large second dorsal and similar strong currents, usually in excess of 15 m depth. Adults
anal fin below held erect by some species gives them the name ‘dart goby’. They live in burrow that usually belong to other gobies, single or in pairs, and juveniles form small groups that
commonly those of shrimpgobies and jawfishes. Some species stay close and quickly retreat by the slightest disturbance, but other resemble Ptereleotris when small. A shy species, usually
school and swim high above the substrate. seen low on the bottom next to its burrow. Distinguished
from the similar Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum by the dark
margins on the doral and anal fins and upper and lower
Blue-barred Ribbon-goby parts of the caudal fin. Large species, some individuals
Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum were an estimated 24 cm long.
Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum Klausewitz & Condé, 1981. A
Aquarium import from Philippines. O. compressus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 16 cm.
West Pacific, appears to be widespread between southern

Japan and northern Australia. Lives on deep mud slopes
subject to strong currents, usually in excess of 20 m depth.
Adults nearly always in pairs, often numerous pairs in favor-
able habitat, and juveniles form small groups that resemble
Ptereleotris when small. A spectacuar species, especially
when seen in its natural environment of dull grey mud, with
metallic blue barring. Length to 20 cm.
A
O. cyanoctenosum. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 20 cm.
B C
O. compressus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm. O. compressus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 24 cm.
Sailfin Ribbon-goby Oxymetopon typus

Oxymetopon typus Bleeker, 1861. Timor.
West Pacific, Flores and Timor, probably widespread. Deep

muddy slopes, subject to strong currents. Usually seen in
small groups, often of mixed sizes. Males are often seen
displaying with erected median fins and the area below the
first dorsal fin bright blue. When not displaying it is similar
to the other species, but adults have a long pointed caudal
fin. Length to 18 cm.
B C
O. cyanoctenosum. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. B juveniles about 8 cm. C adult, profile.
A
O. typus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 15 cm.
D B
O. cyanoctenosum. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 20 cm. O. typus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Largest 18 cm.
Mini Dart-goby Aioliops megastigma Naked Dart-goby Parioglossus nudus Fork-tail Dart-goby Parioglossus sp 1 Andaman Dart-goby Parioglossus raoi
Aioliops megastigma Rennis & Hoese, 1987. Philippines. Parioglossus nudus Rennis & Hoese, 1985. Lizard I., Qld. Undetermined species. Amblyeleotris (Andameleotris) raoi Herre, 1940. Andaman Is.
West Pacific, Philippines to Indonesia. Inshore, usually in silty and West Pacific, appears to be widespread from Philippines to Australia. Only known from Flores. Coastal silty rubble reef near freshwater run- Andaman Sea to West Pacific, but several geographical variations.
sheltered reef habitats in a few metres depth. Swims in small groups Swims in small groups or mixes with Eviota in large caves or below off in 3–5 m depth. Semi-transparent with yellow internal line. Coastal rocky reefs, near freshwater run-off in few metres depth. Has
near corals. Readily identified by the black tail spot and yellow head. overhangs. Identified the yellow internal line, black eye patch and lunate Distinguished from similar species by forked tail. Female and juveniles black mid-lateral and dorsal stripes, and distinctive caudal fin spot.
Length to 30 mm. caudal fin. Length to 20 mm. have black caudal fin spot. Length to 30 mm. Caudal fin rounded. Length to 35 mm.
A
A. sp 1, male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 30 mm.
A A
A. megastigma. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 4 m. Length 30 mm. P. nudus. Pumu, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 20 mm.
B
A. sp 1, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 30 mm. P. raoi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 30 mm.
Yellow-eye Tiny Dart-goby Ptereleotrididae? sp 2 Blue-eye Tiny Dart-goby Ptereleotrididae? sp 3

B B
Undetermined genus species. Undetermined genus species.
A. megastigma. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 30 mm. P. nudus. Menjangan, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 20 mm.
Only known from Flores, but similar species or variations elsewhere. Only known from Bali, but part of a small group of similar species.
Thai Dart-goby Parioglossus formosus Philippine Dart-goby Parioglossus philippinus Occurs along deep coastal reefs in depths of 25–35 m. Single or small Coastal reef and rubble slope, usually occurs in 30–40 m depth. Median
Herrea formosa Smith, 1931. Koh Chula, Thailand. Herreolus philippinus Herre, 1940. Philippines. groups near the bottom and close to reef. Body grey, eye with yellow on fins brightly coloured with blue and yellow. Body grey and eye blue on
top. Length to 35 mm. top. Length to 30 mm.
Widespread West Pacific to Gulf of Thailand, Japan and east to Fiji. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reefs and estuaries. Occurs
Shallow coastal reef pools and mangrove estuaries. Swims in small in small groups on silty reefs to about 10 m depth. Semi-transpar-
schools. Identifed by the black lines and white spot in front of eye. ent with yellow internal line and distinct black spot on caudal fin.
Length to 45 mm. Length to 35 mm.
A A A A
P. formosus, male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 45 mm. P. philippinus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 30 mm. P. sp 2. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 30 mm. P. sp 3. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 35 m. Length 30 mm.
B B B B
P. formosus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 0.5 m. Length 35 mm. P. philippinus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 30 mm. P. sp 2. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 35 mm. P. sp 3. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 35 m. Length 30 mm.
Flores Dart-goby Ptereleotrididae sp 4 Bali Dart-goby Ptereleotrididae? sp 5 Red Fire-goby Nemateleotris magnifica
Undetermined genus and species. Undetermined genus and species. Nemateleotris magnificus Fowler, 1928. Sulawesi.
Only known from Flores. Occurs along rubble reef edges of coastal Only known from photograph. Coastal muddy-sand slope. Swims Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Deep coastal to outer reef drop-offs subject to
reefs channels subject to strong currents, swimming well above the above the bottom and is more goby-like, but lacks the cup-like ventral strong currents. Usually in depths of 25 m or more, but occasionally as shal-
substrate at about 30–35 m depth. A tiny but colourful species. Length fin. Possibly a juvenile fish, but has colouration of the head and belly low as 10 m, depending on location. Nearly always seen in pairs but some-
about 25 mm. found usually in adults. Length about 15 mm. times in small groups. Length to 60 mm.
P. sp 4. Maumere, Flores. Depth 35 m. Length 25 mm. P. sp 5. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 14 m. Length 15 mm.
Purple Fire-goby Nemateleotris decora

Nemateleotris decora Randall & Allen, 1973. Palau.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Deep coastal to outer reef drop-offs sub-

ject to strong currents. Usually in depths of 40 m or more, but occa- A B
sionally shallower, depending on location. Nearly always seen in pairs. N. magnifica. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 60 mm. N. magnifica. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 60 mm.
Readily identified by the colouration, having a more purple look when
seen in natural light. Length to 65 mm. Arrow Goby Ptereleotris evides
Encaeura evides Jordan & Hubbs, 1925. Wakanoura, Japan.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various reef habitats from shal-

low coastal sand and rubble flats to outer reef lagoons. Adults
A
usually in pairs on sandy or rubble zone along reef edges, some-
times swimmin high in the water colomn to feed.. Small juvenile
N. decora. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 65 mm.
often in small groups in surface waters with reef ourcrops or
tops of bommies. Usually swims with median fins erect. Length
to 12 cm.
A
P. evides. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 11 cm.
B
B C
N. decora. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 42 m. Length 50 mm.
P. evides. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 45 mm. P. evides. Sangihe I. Depth 8 m. Length 10 cm.
C D D
N. decora. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 35 m. Length 50 mm. N. decora. Amed, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 50 mm. P. evides. Derawan. Kalimantan. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm.
Green-eyed Dart-goby Ptereleotris microlepis Round-tail Dart-goby Ptereleotris sp 1
Eleotris microlepis Bleeker, 1856. Banda. Undescribed species.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various reef habitats from shal- Probably widespread West Pacific. Coastal slopes with shrimp
low silty estuaries and inlets to outer reef lagoons to about 10 m gobies to about 30 m depth. Similar to Ptereleotris hanae, but
depth, but may be found deep on coastal slopes to 25 m. Adults caudal fin rounded without filaments. Length to 12 cm.
occur in pairs or small aggregations when feeding on zooplank-
ton. Identified by the plain pale grey-blue body and shiny green-
ish colour on top. It has faint pinkish barring and lines, usually
just visible and difficult to see in the wild. Eyes iridescent green.
A A dark bar is usually on the pectoral fin base but this feature was
P. microlepis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 16 m. Length 10 cm. lacking in the Java population. Length to 12 cm
B
P. microlepis. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 5 m. Length 10 cm. A B
P. sp 1, with Amblyeleotris yanoi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm.
Lyre-tail Dart-goby Ptereleotris monoptera
Ptereleotris monoptera Randall & Hoese, 1985. Taiwan. Glorious Dart-goby Ptereleotris grammica
Ptereleotris grammica grammica Randall & Lubbock, 1982.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various reef habitats from shal- Okinawa.
low coastal slopes to outer reef lagoons and slopes below drop-
offs to 50 m, amongst rubble and rock. Occurs in small to large Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but some geographical vari-
aggregations. Identified by the pale green clour, long caudal fin ants. Deep along coastal reef slopes, usually about 40–50 m
tips and black mark below the eye. Length, including caudal fin deep. Readily identified by the colour pattern. Length to 10 cm.
tips, to about 12 cm.
P. monoptera. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm.
Thread-tail Dart-goby Ptereleotris hanae A B
Vireosa hanae Jordan & Snyder, 1901. Misaki, Japan.

Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but several variations and true
species (see B) is probably endemic to Japan. Indonesian pop-
ulation occurs on coastal reef slopes in a depth range of about
6 to 30 m. Adults in pairs and usually seek refuge in burrows of
shrimp-gobies. They are readily identified by the one or two long
thread like filaments on the caudal fin. Length to 12 cm, exclud-
A ing filaments on caudal fin.
P. cf hanae. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 11 cm without filaments.
B C
P. hanae. Ehime, Japan. Depth 3 m. Length 12 cm, without filaments. P. grammica. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 50 m. A juvenile, B female, C male. Length 4–10 cm.
Flag-tail Dart-goby Ptereleotris uroditaenia WORM GOBIES - MICRODESMIDAE
Ptereleotris uroditaenia Randall & Hoese, 1985. Philippines.
A small gobioid family closely related to the dart gobies with about 10 species in the Indo-Pacific. Small secretive fishes with long,
Widespread West Pacific. Open sand or mud substrates, usually
flat bottom and well away from reefs at moderate depth. Known
almost eel-like bodies. They swim close to the substrate and quickly dive into burrows of shrimp gobies or jawfishes when threatened.
depth range is 18 to 35 m but this species is rarely encountered
because of its preferred habitat. Readily identified by the two
black lines in the caudal fin. Length to 10 cm. Black-stripe Worm-goby Gunnellichthys pleurotaenia Orange-stripe Worm-goby Gunnellichthys viridescens
Gunnellichthys pleurotaenia Bleeker, 1858 Manado, Sulawesi. Gunnellichthys viridescens Dawson, 1968. Seychelles.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow coastal reef flats, usually near Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes and inner reef sand
seagrass or mangrove habitats. Readily identified by the black line from flats to about 20 m depth. Identified by orange stripe from snout to cau-
tip of snout to caudal fin. Length to 12 cm. dal fin. Length to 12 cm.
P. uroditaenia. Maumere, Flores. Depth 35 m. Length 8 cm.
Zebra Dart-goby Ptereleotris zebra

Pogonoculius zebra Fowler, 1938. Philippines.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Usually occurs on shallow

exposed reef flats, often subject to strong currents, where in
small to large aggregations. Males display with erect median and
ventral fins and extend their peculiar barbel on the chin. Easily G. pleurotaenia. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 11 cm. G. viridescens. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
identified by the vertical barring on the body. Length to 12 cm.
Black-spot Worm-goby Gunnellichthys monostigma
Gunnellichthys monostigma Smith, 1958. Mossambique.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes, subject to

strong currents. Identified by thin orange line through eye and
along body. Usually a black spot at gill opening, but seems to turn
it off when feeding. Length to 15 cm.
A
G. monostigma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 15 cm.
A B
P. zebra. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. P. zebra. Rowley Shoals, WA. Depth 8 m. Length 8–9 cm.
Tail-spot Dart-goby Ptereleotris heteroptera

Eleotris heteropterus Bleeker, 1855 Banjarmasin.
B C
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef slopes to 45
G. monostigma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm. G. monostigma. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 8 m. Length 14 cm.
m depth on rubble-sand substrates. Adults usually seen in pairs
and juveniles in small groups that share the same burrow.
Identified by the bright blue body and black spot on caudal fin.
Rarely brown and caudal fin sometimes yellow. Length to 12 cm.
D E
G. monostigma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm. G. monostigma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm.
Neon Worm-goby Gunnellichthys curiosus

A B Gunnellichthys curiosus Dawson, 1968. Seychelles.
P. heteroptera. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 12 cm. P. heteroptera. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 8 cm. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand and rubble slopes to
about 20 m depth. Easily identified by the distinct colouration,
head blue in natural light. Length to 12 cm.
C A B
P. heteroptera. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 11 cm. G. curiosus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. G. curiosus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 75 mm.
SURGEONFISHES - ACANTHURIDAE (ACANTHURINAE) Indonesian Powderblue Surgeonfish
Acanthurus cf leucosternon
A moderately large family of small to medium sized fishes, comprising three sub-families: Acanthurinae, the surgeonfishes; Nasinae,
the unicornfishes; Prionurinae, the sawtails. The Acanthurinae is the largest with four genera and about 55 species. Surgeonfishes Southern Indonesia from Sumatra to west Flores and rare in
have oblong to ovate and compressed bodies; tiny ctenoid scales, a single long-based dorsal fin, without notch; caudal fin usually Cocos and Christmas Is., eastern Indian Ocean where it is
lunate in adults, and the peduncle features a single moveable spine on each side (venomous in some species). The mouth is rather out-numbered by the Indian Powderblue Surgeonfish. The
two species are very similar and Acanthurus cf leucosternon
small with numerous small teeth that differ between genera, adapted for various ways of feeding. Many species graze algae from
is best distinguished from A. leucosternon by the blue
hard surfaces, some filter food from the substrated by digesting sand and plankton is usually taken at certain stages of growth. Reef
instead of white chest. Occurs mainly around rocky reefs
dwellers are often very colourful and easily identified but juveniles may differ greatly from the adults in colour as well as in shape. subject to strong currents. Seen solitary or in small groups.
They juveniles settle on reef after a pelagic stage and are semitransparent to begin with, measuring about 30–40 mm long. Adults Length to 20 cm.
very in size from about 20–50 cm.
Blue Surgeonfish Paracanthurus hepatus

Teuthis hepatus Linnaeus, 1766. Ambon.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but west Indian Ocean population con-

A
siderably different. Coastal to outer reef flats subject to currents and
surge, usually in depths less than 10 m. Juveniles secretive in Acropora A. cf leucosternon. Komodo. Depth 25 m. Length 16 cm.
thickets, swimming just above to feed on plankton. Large adults swim
openly about and graze algae, sometimes forming schools to feed on
plankton. Length to 20 cm.
A
P. hepatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 40 mm.
B C
A. cf leucosternon. Pelabuhan Ratu. Depth 15 m. Length 5 cm.
B C
P. hepatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 16 cm. P. hepatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 16 cm.
D D
P. hepatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 20 cm. A. cf leucosternon. Southern Sunda Strait. Depth 7 m. Length 18 cm.
Velvet Surgeonfish Acanthurus nigricans Pin-striped Surgeon Acanthurus nubilus
Hepatus nigricans Linnaeus, 1758. Red Sea. Hepatus nubilus Fowler & Bean, 1929. Sulawesi.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs mainly on outer reef Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Usually found along deep
crests in small to large aggregations when adult. Small juve- outer reef walls. Rarely noticed by divers because of the
niles somewhat shy amongst large corals. Best distinguished lack of distinctive features. Identified by the numerous thin
from the similar Acanthurus japonicus by the small white lines along the body. Length to 25 cm.
mark below the eye and sub-marginal yellow band in caudal
A B
A. nubilus. Maumere, Flores. D. 30 m. L. 20 cm. A. nubilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 20 cm.
A
A. nigricans. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. Night Surgeonfish Acanthurus thompsoni
Hepatus thompsoni Fowler, 1923. Hawaii.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal slopes to our reef

walls. Easily identified by the dark body and white tail.
C
Length to 25 cm.
A. nigricans. Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 6 cm.
A B
A. thompsoni. Tulamben, Bali. D. 20 m. L. 10 cm. A. thompsoni. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 15 cm.
Dusky Surgeonfish Acanthurus nigrofuscus

Cheatodon nigrofuscus Forskåll, 1775. Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal reefs and harbours,

usually algae-rocky habitats to outer reef gutters and chan-
nels to about 20 m depth. Adults usually in small groups,
but form large schools in some oceanic locations.
B D
Juveniles are often seen in mixed species aggregations.
A. nigricans. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm. A. nigricans. Sangihe I. Depth 20 m. Length 7 cm.
Adults identified by the small orange spots on the head,
blue to mauve tail and a dark spot at the end of the anal and
White-nose Surgeonfish Acanthurus japonicus dorsal fin-base. Juveniles brown to bluish black when
Hepatus aliala japonicus Schmidt, 1931. Japan small. Length to 20 cm.
A
Northern West Pacific, southern Japan, Philipines and Bonin
A. nigrofuscus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 15 cm.
I, Indonesia. Occurs mainly on outer reef crests and slopes to
about 20 m depth. Usually occurs in small to large aggrega-
tions. Very similar to Acanthurus nigricans and best distin-
guished from that by the large white area below the eye and
the lack of the yellow sub-marginal band in the caudal fin.
The two species co-occur in southern Japan and Bonin
Islands. Length to 14 cm.
B C
A. japonicus. Iriomote I., Japan. Depth 4 m. Length 14 cm. A. nigrofuscus. Sydney, Australia. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. A. nigrofuscus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 15 cm.
Pacific Mimic Surgeon Acanthurus pyroferus Indian Mimic Surgeon Acanthurus tristis
Hepatus pyroferus Kittlitz, 1834. Caroline I. W. Pacific. Acanthurus tristis Tickell, 1888. India.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef crests. Indian Ocean from Maldives and India to Bali, occurring
Juveniles mimic various sympatric pygmy angelfishes, usu- sympatric with Pacific mimic in Bali. Coastal reef slopes
ally Centropyge vrolikii in Indonesia, in clolour and shape. and crests to about 20 m depth. Juveniles mimic
The rounded tail changes to lunate when outgrowing the Centropyge eibli in Bali. Adults identified by white margin
size of the model and changes colour to that of the adult. on caudal fin and eye black surrounded by a lighter colour.
Length to 20 cm. Length to 20 cm.
A
A. pyroferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 16 m. Length 20 cm.
A B
B A. tristis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. L. 5 cm. A. tristis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 6 cm.
A. pyroferus. Mabul, Malaysia. D. 6 m. L. 5 cm.
C D
A. pyroferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 18 cm. A. pyroferus. Maumere, Flores. D. 10 m. L. 5 cm.
C D
A. tristis. Sunda Strait, Java. D. 20 m. L. 20 cm. A. tristis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. L. 18 cm.
E F
A. pyroferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 12 cm. A. pyroferus. Maumere, Flores. D. 10 m. L. 6 cm.
G H E
A. pyroferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 11 cm. A. pyroferus. Sangihe I. D. 7 m. L. 4 cm. A. tristis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. L. 20 cm.
Ring-tail Surgeon Acanthurus auranticavus Dark Surgeon Acanthurus blochii
Acanthurus auranticavus Randall, 1956. Philippines. Acanthurus blochii Valenciennes, 1835. Mauritius.
Widespread Indo-Pacific. Shallow coastal to outer reef Widespread Indo-Pacific. Outer reef habitats from shallow
crest and slopes. Adults in groups, often mixed withg other lagoons to deep slopes. Usually seen in small groups and
similar species. Identified by the vertical white band on the may school in some oceanic locations. Adults are distin-
base of the caudal fin and short angled dark band like guished from similar species in having bluish black medi-
joined elongated spots behind the eye. Sometimes shows an fins and a yellowish spot behind the eye. Appears to be
a rusty-orange colour surrounding the peduncular spines rare in Indonesia. Length to 45 cm.
and alternating pale and dark bands on the chest. Length to
45 cm.
A
A. auranticavus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm.
A. blochii. Iriomote I., Japan. Depth 25 m. Length 40 cm.
Pencilled Surgeon Acanthurus dussumieri

Acanthurus dussumieri Valenciennes, 1835. Mauritius.
Widespread Indo-Pacific, but rarely seen in Indonesia

where it apprears to be confined to north-eastern regions,
Sumatra and southern Java. Adults mainly on deep coastal
reef slopes and outer reef walls, often on deep shipwrecks.
Juveniles coastal on algae-rocky reef. Adults are identified
by the yellow band over and between the eyes and the
white peduncular spine. Juveniles dusky with yellowish
dorsal fin and pale whitish tail. Length to 50 cm.
B C Jerry. ALLEN
A. auranticavus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 45 cm. A. auranticavus. Togean I. D. 5 m. L. 15 cm. G. Allen.
White-spine Surgeon Acanthurus leucocheilus

Acanthurus leucocheilus Herre, 1927. Philippines. A. dussumieri. Maldives. Depth 25 m. Length 45 cm.
Widespread Indo-Pacific, but two forms between Indian Eye-spot Surgeon Acanthurus bariene
and Pacific Oceans. Shallow protected reef flats and slopes
to outer reef walls. Adults best identified by the dark colour Acanthurus bariene Lesson, 1831. Waigeo.
and white spine. Pacific population has white vertical band Widespread Indo-Pacific. Adults mainly on deep coastal
on caudal fin base and juveniles have a white caudal fin. reef slopes and outer reef walls. A distinctly coloured
Length to 45 cm. species. Adults are identified by the yellow around the eyes
and eye-size blue-black spot closely behind, dorsal fin yel-
low with blue line along its base. Large adults have a
strongly rounded snout profile. Length to 45 cm.
A
A. leucocheilus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 18 cm.
A
A. bariene. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 40 cm.
B B C
A. leucocheilus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 45 cm. A. bariene. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 45 cm. A. bariene. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 35 cm.
Horse-shoe Surgeon Acanthurus fowleri Spot-face Surgeon Acanthurus maculiceps
Acanthurus fowleri de Beaufort, 1951. Hepatus maculiceps Ahl, 1923. Melanesia.
Based on Acanthurus pyroferus Fowler & Bean, 1929.
Philippines. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow, often exposed
coastal to outer reef flats. Usually in schools of mixed
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs mainly on deep similar species when grazing algaes. Adults easily identi-
coastal reef slopes and outer reef walls, usually in fied by the numerous pale spots over the head and yel-
small groups and at moderate depths of about 20 m or low-tipped pectoral fin. Length to 40 cm.
more. A distinctly coloured species. Adults are easily
identified by the mostly blue head and horse-hoe mark
above the pectoral fin base. Length to 45 cm.
A
A. maculiceps. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 40 cm.
A
A. fowleri. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 40 cm.
B C
A. maculiceps. Tulamben, Bali. D. 3 m. L. 40 cm. A. maculiceps. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 40 cm.
Pale Surgeon Acanthurus mata

Acanthurus mata Cuvier, 1829. No locality.
Widespread Indo-Pacific. Coastal to outer reef crest and

slopes. Adults often seen in schools, feeding mid-water
on plankton. Identified by the pale grey or blue body and
B yellow ‘mask’. Juveniles with horizontal lined pattern of
A. fowleri. Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Depth 20 m. Length 40 cm. alternating pale-blue and dusky lines. Length to 45 cm.
A
A. mata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 40 cm.
B
A. mata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 40 mm.
B C D
A. fowleri. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 40 cm. A. mata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 45 mm. A. mata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 35 cm.
Yellow-mask Surgeon Eye-line Surgeon Acanthurus nigricaudus
Acanthurus xanthopterus Acanturus gahm var nigricauda Duncker & Mohr,
Acanthurus xanthopterus Valenciennes, 1835. 1929. Bismarck Archipelago.
Seychelles.
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs on shallow coastal
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various reef habitats, to outer reef slopes, usually swimming with groups
sand slopes and lagoons, and juveniles often in estu- of mixed acanthurid species. A distinctly coloured
aries. Adults usually in aggregations feeding on sand species. Adults are easily identified by the long tail
and rubble surfaces. Adults identified by the grey-blue and the long black line behind the eye, as well as a
body, the yellow mask and blue around the peduncular black line running anteriorly from peduncular spine.
spine. Juveniles black to dusky, white caudal fin base Length to 45 cm.
and lines on dorsal and anal fins. Length to 50 cm.
A
A. nigricaudus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 40 cm.
A
A. xanthopterus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 45 cm.
B C
A. xanthopterus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 15 cm. A. xanthopterus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 2 m. Length 9 cm.
B
A. nigricaudus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 45 cm.
Lieutenant Surgeon Acanthurus tennentii
Acanthurus tennentii Günther, 1861. Sri Lanka. Orange-blotch Surgeon
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Bali. Acanthurus olivaceus
Various reef flats and slopes from silty inshore to Acanthurus olivaceus Bloch & Schneider, 1801.
outer reefs. Usually in small groups and in Bali it often Tahiti.
mixes with Acanthurus olivaceus. Identified by the
bluish black colour, peduncular spine surrounded by Widespread West to central Pacific, ranging to sub-
black with blue edge and black mark above pectoral fin tropical zones as juveniles during summer. Coastal reef
base that develops into double short stripes. Small slopes and inner reefs, usually in small groups and
juveniles black to yellow body, yellow caudal fin and sand and rubble zones. Juveniles in shallow coastal
dark eye (see next page). Length to 30 cm. bays in rocky habitats. Adults grey-yellow to almost
black, often posterior half abrubtly dark, and bright
A orange blotch behind eye. Small juveniles bright yellow
A. tennentii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 30 cm. and blue anal fin margin. Length to 35 cm.
A
A. olivaceus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 35 cm.
B C B C
A. tennentii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 15 cm. A. tennentii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 15 cm. A. olivaceus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 40 mm. Mixed juveniles, A. olivaceus (x 1, centre) & A. tennentii (x 3, left). Tulamben, Bali.
Lined Surgeon Acanthurus lineatus Convict Surgeon Acanthurus triostegus
Chaetodon lineatus. Linnaeus, 1756. Indies. Chaetodon triostegus Linnnaeus, 1758. Indies.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow Widespread Indo-Pacific, but several geographical varia-
coastal to outer reef flats, often in exposed tions and subspecies. Coastal reefs and estuaries.
reefs subject to surge. Adults ussually Sometimes forms large schools in harbours or to feed in
forms schools and commonly found in areas with aggressive damselfishes, which then are com-
shallow gutters. Juveniles solitary and pletely overwelmed by their numbers. Often feeding near
secretive on shallow rubble habitats. freshwater run-offs where certain algaes grow on rocks
Readily identified by the orange and blue that are grazed. Readily identified by the pale colour and
lined pattern. Peduncular spine is ven- distinctive pattern of vertical black bars. Length to 26 cm.
omous. Length to 35 cm.
A
A. triostegus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 20 cm.
A
A. lineatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 35 cm.
B C
A. triostegus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 15 cm. A. triostegus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 15 cm.
White-spotted Surgeon Acanthurus guttatus

Acanthurus guttatus Forster, 1802. Tahiti.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Mainly oceanic and found

schooling in shallow depths over reef flats subject to surge
B or currents. A deep-bodied species that is easily identified
A. lineatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 35 cm. by colour. The numerous white spots are thought to be
camouflage when swimming near breaking waves where
surface waters are mixed with small air-bubbles. Length to
26 cm.
C A B
A. lineatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 35 cm. A. guttatus, schooling. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 1 m. A. guttatus. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 1 m. Length 20 cm.
Yellow-tip Bristle-tooth Two-spot Bristle-tooth Ctenochaetus binotatus
Ctenochaetus tominiensis Ctenochaetus binotatus Randall, 1955. Philippines.
Ctenochaetus tominiensis Randall, 1955.
Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Widespread Indo-Pacific, but several geographical
variations and probable subspecies. Coastal and inner
West Pacific, mainly east of Wallace’s line, reef slopes with rich invertebrate growth. Identified by
ranging north to Palau and south to the Coral the numerous horizontal lines on the body, small spots
Sea. Usually found along steep slopes and on face and chest, and pupil-sized black spot at end of
walls with rich invertebrate growth in depth of bases of dorsal and anal fins. The caudal fin is less
20 m or more. Readily identified by the Yellow- lunate compared to other similar species. Indonesian
orange on the dorsal and anal fins that appear juveniles have a yellow caudal fin. Length to 18 cm.
bright yellow in natural light, and the white
caudal fin. Length to 16 cm.
A A
C. tominiensis, with small Diproctacanthus cleaning. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm. A. binotatus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 8 m. Length 12cm.
B C
A. binotatus. Menjangan I., Bali. D. 6 m. L. 45 mm. A. binotatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 16 cm.
B C
C. tominiensis. Pumu. Depth 25 m. Length 15 cm. C. tominiensis. Maumere, Flores. D. 35 m. L, 45 mm.
Striped Bristle-tooth
Ctenochaetus striatus
Acanthurus striatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825.
Guam.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but has some

geographical variations that may represent
other species. Coastal reef crests and slopes.
Usually seen in small groups but may form D E
large schools in oceanic locations. Identified A. binotatus. Maumere, Flores. D. 9 m. L. 14 cm. A. binotatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 16 cm.
by the numerous fine lins on the body, includ-
ing chest that is spotted in the similar looking
species. Juveniles have a small dark spot at
end of dorsal fin base. Length to 25 cm.
A
C. striatus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 18 cm.
B C F
C. striatus, with Labroides. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 16 cm. C. striatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 20 cm. A. binotatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 85 mm.
Short-tail Bristle-tooth Pacific Sail-fin Surgeonfish
Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus Zebrasoma veliferum
Ctenochaetus cyanocheilus Randall & Clements, 2001. Acanthurus velifer Bloch, 1795. East Indies.
Marshall Islands.
Widespread West and Central Pacific, but distribution in
Widespread West pacific, previously confused with western Indonesia uncertain and replaced by similar
Ctenochaetus strigosus. Sheltered inner to outer reef Indian Ocean Zebrasoma desjardinii in Sumatra and
habitats with rich coral growth, usually on upper part of west Java. Occurs mainly on coastal reefs and in inner
slopes in 7–15 m depth. Caudal fin rounded to truncate reef lagoons. Juveniles amongst in large corals with
in young and in adults much less forked compared to algae-rubble substrate. Readily identified by colour and
similar species in the region. Head and chest with small shape. Distinguished from Z. desjardinii in having high-
pale spots and budy with longitudinal fine lines. er fins at all comparable stages and is less spotted as
Juveniles all yellow and eye with some blue in upper and adult. Length to 30 cm.
lowr parts. Length to 16 cm.
A
C. cyanocheilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 15 cm.
A
Z. veliferum. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 25 cm.
B C
C. cyanocheilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm. C. cyanocheilus. Sangihe I. Depth 9 m. Length 50 mm.
Indian Gold-ring Bristle-tooth B C D

Ctenochaetus truncatus Z. veliferum. B Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 6 cm. C Sangihe I. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm. D Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 35 mm.
Ctenochaetus truncatus Randall & Clements, 2001.

Seychelles.
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Java.

Previously included with Ctenochaetus strigosus from
the Hawaiian region. Sheltered inner reef crests and
slopes. Usually amongst large corals or in gutters,
singly or in small groups. Identified by the yellow ring
around the eye and small pale spots all over. Small juve-
niles all yellow with blue eye. length to 16 cm.
A B E
C. truncatus. Maldives. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. C. truncatus. Sunda Strait. D. 9 m. Length 50 mm. Z. veliferum. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 25 cm.
Indian Sail-fin Surgeonfish UNICORNFISHES - ACANTHURIDAE (NASINAE)
Zebrasoma desjardinii
Acanthurus desjardinii Bennett, 1836. Mauritius. The unicornfishes are a sub-family of Acanthurinae, representing a small but important group of fishes on coral reefs that are often
present in great numbers along the edges of reefs. They are readily distinguised from the surgeonfishes by the fixed spine or spines
Widespread Indian Ocean and Red Sea, ranging to west
on the caudal peduncle. Several species develop a horn-like protrusions on the head that prompted the common name ‘unicorn’.
Java. Coastal reef slopes and lagoons to about 25 m
depth. Adults usually occur in pairs. Juveniles solitary
They often form large school when feeding, usually when current run along the reefs, to feed on plankton and may use a wide dept-
and usually amongst staghorn corals in lagoons or pro- range in pursuit of zooplankton, or feed on surface floating algae that causes a unusual sight when horned species do this. Several
tected reefs. Identified by shape and colour. Distinguised species grow to moderate size, reaching about 70 cm.
from the Pacific Sail-fin Surgeonfish in having lower fins
when young and adults are heavily spotted on the head
and along the ventral part of the body. Both species occur Pacific Orange-spine Unicorn Naso lituratus
in Java and possible found mixed. Length to 40 cm. Acanthurus lituratus Forster, 1801. Tahiti.
Widespread West and Central Pacific. Replaced by

Z. desjardinii. Aquarium, Jakarta. Apparently was collected in Sunda Strait. L. 30 cm. Naso elegans in Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Coastal
and inner reef flats and slopes. Adults usually in
small groups. Juveniles on shallow rocky reefs,
Two-tone Surgeonfish Zebrasoma scopas sometimes in small aggregations mixed with other
Acanthurus scopas Cuvier, 1829. Banda. acanthurids of similar size. Identified by the double
Widespread Indo-West Pacific and Red Sea, some geo- orange peduncular spines as adults, and distin-
graphical variations and rare yellow form in Japan and guished from its Indian Ocean cousin in having a
Maldives. Coastal algae-rich reef slopes. Adults usually broad black band along dorsal fin base and orange
in small groups and sometimes schooling. Juveniles anal and ventral fins versus yellow dorsally and
solitary and usually amongst corals. Identified by shape dusky ventral and anal fins. Both species can be
and colour. Length to 40 cm. found together in Bali. Length to 45 cm, excluding
caudal fin filaments.
A
N. lituratus, night. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 40 cm.
A
Z. scopas. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm.
B C
Z. scopas. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 20 cm. Z. scopas. Sangihe I. L. 30 mm. B C
N. lituratus. Sangihe I. Depth 5 m. Length 75 mm. N. lituratus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 40 cm.
Indian Orange-spine Unicorn Naso elegans

Apisurus elegans Rüppell, 1829. Red Sea.
Widespread Indian Ocean and Red Sea, ranging to

Bali. Coastal and sheltered reef flats in small groups
and schools in oceanic locations such as Maldives.
Identified by the orange peduncular spines and dis-
tinguished from its Pacific cousin in having a yellow
dorsal fin, and dusky to black ventral and anal fins.
The two species were found together in Bali where
Naso lituratus greatly outnumbers and dominates N.
elegans there, evident by the scar shown in the pho-
tograph. Length to 45 cm.
D E
Z. scopas. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm. Z. scopas. Bali. L. 30 mm. N. elegans. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 40 cm.
Big-nose Unicorn Naso vlamingii Blue Unicorn Naso caeruleacaudus
Acanthurus vlamingii Forster, 1801. Tahiti. Naso caeruleacauda Randall, 1994. Philippines.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but some geographical West Pacific, Philippines to Indonesia (east of
variation. Found on clear coastal to outer reef habitats, Wallace’s Line) and Coral Sea. Occurs in schools,
forming loose schools along upper regions of deep drop- mainly along outer reef walls to moderate depths in
offs. Readily identified by colour and in all stages from pursuit of plankton. Underwater they are recognised
juvenile to adults, the lips are blue. Like most unicorns, it by the overal blue colour and shape. It has a single
can change colour dramatically and quickly when coming peduncular spine and a yellowish area on the body
from open water to visit reefs to sleep or when visiting behind the pectoral fin. Length to 40 cm.
cleaning stations, as shown in the photographs. Length
to 55 cm. excluding filaments on caudal fin.
A
N. caeruleacaudus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 40 cm.
A
N. vlamingii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 45 cm.
B C
N. vlamingii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 45 cm. N. vlamingii. Tulamben, Bali. D. 4 m. L. 5 cm. B C
N. caeruleacaudus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 40 cm.
One-spine Unicorn Naso thynnoides

Axinurus thynnoides Valenciennes, 1835. PNG.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef

slopes, sometimes forming large schools. Usually
seen swimming steadily along upper edges of drop-
offs in pursuit of plankton. Identified by the yellow-
ish area mid-laterally on the body, and up close by
the single peduncular spine and often has fine verti-
cal lines on the upper sides behind the head. Length
to 35 cm.
D E
N. vlamingii, night. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 45 cm. N. vlamingii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 25 cm. A
N. thynnoides. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 35 cm.
F B
N. vlamingii. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 45 cm. N. thynnoides. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 30 cm.
Little Unicorn Naso minor Slender Unicorn Naso lopezi
Axinurus mino. Smith, 1966. Mozambique. Naso lopezi Herre, 1927. Philippines.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer Widespread West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef
reef slopes, usually swimming along upper edges slopes subject to strong currents. Sometimes in
of drop-offs in small schools. Not often noticed, large schools. Adults are identified by the slender
probably of small size. Identified by the black cau- body shape and numerous dusky spot on upper
dal peduncle with a single spine, and yellow caudal half of the body. Length to 60 cm.
A
N. minor. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 30 cm. N. lopezi. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 35 cm.
Sleek Unicorn Naso hexacanthus

Prionodon hexacanthus Bleeker, 1855. Ambon.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer

reef slopes at various depth in pursuit of plankton,
usually in large schools. Adults are identified by
the blue caudal fin and double peduncular spine.
Juveniles plain pale blue, grey, or greenish with
blue caudal fin. Length to 50 cm.
A
B
N. hexacanthus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 45 cm.
B D C
N. hexacanthus. Tulamben, Bali. B nuptial colour. Depth 20 m. Length 45 cm. C & D juveniles. Depth 10 m. Length 40-50 mm. N. lopezi. B & C Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Depth 20 m. Length 50 cm.
E D
N. hexacanthus. Tepekong I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length ~45 cm. N. lopezi. Banta I., Komodo. Depth 15 m. Length ~50 cm.
Humpback Unicorn Naso brachycentron White-margin Unicorn Naso annulatus
Naseus brachycentron Valenciennes, 1835. Priodon annulatus Quoy & Gaimard, 1825.
Waigeo. Timor.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Deep coastal to Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Deep, clear coastal to
outer reef slopes usually in small groups but outer reef slopes usually in small groups but occasional-
occasionally in large schools. Adults are identified ly in large schools. Adults are identified by the long horn
by the humped back, and only males have the long and white margin on the caudal fin. Juveniles grey with
horn in front of their eyes. Juveniles are plain grey white caudal peduncle. Largest unicorn, length to 1 m.
and have a white peduncle. Length to 70 cm.
A
N. brachycentron. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 cm.
A B
N. annulatus. Tulamben, Bali. A small juvenile, length about 45 mm. Depth 3 m. B large juvenile, length 35 cm. Depth 4 m.
B
N. brachycentron, male. Maledives. Depth 20 m. Length 65 cm.
C
N. annulatus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 75 cm.
C D
N. brachycentron. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 50-65 cm. Several N. unicornis (with blue-spines and evenly rounded backs) mixed in. N. annulatus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 85 cm.
Spotted Unicorn Naso brevirostris Blue-spine Unicorn Naso unicornis
Naseus brevirostris. Cuvier, 1829. No locality. Chaetodon unicornis. Forsskål, 1775.
Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various coastal to outer reef
habitat. Common species usually in small groups but forms Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Various reef
large schools in oceanic locations or on reefs subject to habitats, inshore, lagoons as well as deep
strong currents. Identified by the long horn at relatively small along outer reef walls. Juveniles in shallow
sizes. Caudal fin bluish grey to white and body and head protected bays and harbours. Readily identified
spotted, spots forming lines in adults. Length to 50 cm. by the blue blotch surrounding the peduncular
spine, including the juvenile stage. Length to
70 cm.
A
N. brevirostris. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 5 m. Length 35 cm.
A
N. unicornis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 35 cm.
B
B C
N. brevirostris, male. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 45 cm.
N. unicornis. Juvenile, NSW, Australia. Depth 5 m. Length 5 cm. N. unicornis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 50 cm.
C
N. brevirostris, nuptial male. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 50 cm. D
N. unicornis, nuptual male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 65 cm.
D E
N. brevirostris, schooling. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length ~45 cm. N. unicornis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 50 cm.
SAWTAILS – ACANTHURIDAE (PRIONURINAE) MOORISH IDOLS – ZANCLIDAE
The subfamily Prionurinae is represented by the single genus Prionurus with members variously distributed in the Indo-Pacific and A monotypic genus, closely related to the surgeonfishes. It has a unique shape and colour and lacks a peduncular spine.
the Atlantic. Sawtail-surgeons have an deep to ovate body (elongating with age), which is highly compressed and covered with
numerous tiny scales, giving the skin a leathery appearance. The single dorsal fin is long-based and of even height, originating just
Moorish Idol Zanclus cornutus
above end of the head. The anal fin is like a mirrorred image of the dorsal fin at the posterior end, originating about halfway between
snout and caudal-fin base. The caudal fin is truncate to emarginate, depending on age and species, and the pectoral fins are of mod- Chaetodon cornutus. Linnaeus, 1758. No locality.
erate size, the longest ray about equal to length of head, and pointed in shape. The mouth is small and placed just below level of Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific, ranging to subtropi-
body-axis. The peduncular spines develop with age into sharp keels, three or seven, that are fixed on plates on each side of the cau- cal zones as juveniles. Various reef habitats from silty inshore
dal peduncle. to outer reefs and at any divable depth. Their long pelagic lar-
val stage is the reason for their wide distribution and strong
Most species form large schools as adults and feed on benthic algae or in open water on suspended plant-matter during tidal flows. colouration that shows no geographical variation. The trans-
Juveniles are mainly seen grazing algae on the substrate. The species grow to a moderately large size, about 40–50 cm. parent larval stage already has a dorsal filament prior to set-
tling, but is rarely seen. Only on one occasion, during a night
dive in open water off-shore in Sulawesi such a stage was
Indonesian Sawtail seen, and, of course, the film in the camera was finished!
Prionurus chrysurus
Adults occur singly, in pairs and occasionally are seen in large
Prionurus chrysurus Randall, 2001. Komodo.
schools. Most divers are familiar with this species that is com-
Only known from southern Indonesia, Indian mon in Indonesia. A beginner could be confusing it with the
Ocean parts of Bali to western Flores. Swims in bannerfishes (Heniochus) and the Moorish Idol is best distin-
loose groups around rockty outcrops, usually in guished from those by its protruding mouth. Length to 22 cm.
high energy zones. The only sawtail known
from the region and appears to prefer the areas
with cool up-wellings. Easily identifed by the
colouration and presence of peduncular plates.
Length to 30 cm.
A
Z. cornutus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length 15 cm.
B B
P. chrysurus. Bali,,Indonesia. Depth 3 m. Length 25 cm. Akira Ogawa. Z. cornutus. Bitung, northern Sulawesi. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm.
RABBITFISHES – SIGANIDAE Andaman Fox-face
Siganus (Lo) magnificus
A tropical Indo-Pacific family with a single genus and about 30 species. Two sub-genera: Lo and Siganidae of which in Lo the snout Lo magnificus. Burgess, 1977. Phuket, Thailand
is much more produced. They are also dividable in two groups by habitat: reef-species, that are generally colour ful and readily iden-
tified by colour, and seagrass-species, that are all very similar and very difficult to tell apart, even from specimens. All the similar Andaman Sea, ranging east to western Java. Clear
coastal reefs to about 25 m depth. Adults swim in pairs,
species have near identical morphology, the same meristics, and in the seagrass-species there are only slight colour-pattern differ-
juveniles secretive in corals. Readily identified by the
ences. Spots maybe round, elongated, few or many, but sometimes it is useful to separate them as species. Rabbitfishes are unusu- colouration. Length to 24 cm.
al in having many spines in certain fins, 7 spines in the anal fin (most reef fishes have 3 or less) and a spine at both end of the ven-
tral fins (most reef fishes have one anteriorly only), and all spines are venomous. A stab causes agonising pain. They feed primari-
ly on weeds and algae that is grazed from rubble, coral bases and seagrasses. Reef species are often in pairs, sometimes school,
and most seagrass species school. They grow to about 30–45 cm in length.
Fox-face Siganus (Lo) vulpinus

Amphacanthus vulpinus. Schlegel & Müller, 1845.
Ternate I, Moluccas.
Widespread Indonesia to Philippines and to central

Pacific and eastern Australia. Replace further north by
Siganus unimaculatus and in Western Australia anoth-
er species very similar to S. unimaculatus. The fox-
face occurs on sheltered rich coral and invertebrate A B
reefs to about 15 m depth. Adults typically occur in S. magnificus. A Mentawai I, Sumatra. Juvenile. Helmut Debelius. B Sumatra specimen. Aquarium, Singapore. Length 22 cm.
pairs and juveniles may form small groups amongst
corals. This species is easily identified by the bright Double-bar Rabbitfish Siganus virgatus
yellow body and black & white head. Length to 25 cm.
Amphacanthus virgatus Valenciennes, 1835. Java.
A West Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean, west to India.
S. vulpinus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 18 cm. Mainly west of Wallace’s line and in southern Indonesia
east to Flores. Also in coastal WA, Australia, south to
Monte Bello Islands. Aduls pair on coastal reef flats,
slopes, and in estuaries. Small juveniles in mangroves
and enter freshwater, moving to reefs where usually in
small groups amongst corals. Length to 24 cm.
B C
S. vulpinus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 10 cm. S. vulpinus. Singapore. Depth 5 m. Length 30 mm.
A
S. virgatus. Maumere, Flores. Freshwater stream. B
Depth 1 m. Length 20 mm. S. virgatus. Tulamben., Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 20 cm.
D C D
S. vulpinus. Sangihe Islands. Depth 9 m. Length 23 & 25 cm. S. virgatus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm. S. virgatus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 55 mm.
Blue-lined Rabbitfish Siganus doliatus Pacific Coral Rabbitfish Siganus tetrazona
Siganus doliatus Cuvier, 1830. Buru I. Amphacanthus tetrazona. Bleeker, 1855.
Manado, Sulawesi.
West Pacific, replacing the closely related Siganus vir-
gatus east of Sulawesi, ranging into the Pacific and a Widespread Indonesia, ranging west to eastern Java, and
separate population at the Rowley Shoals, well off- north to southern Japan. Replaced by similar species
shore north-western Australia. Occurs on clear coastal elsewhere. Coastal reefs and inner lagoons in rich coral
reefs, adults in pairs of small groups. Identified by the and invertebrate habitat. Adults usually in pairs, swim-
pattern of blue lines on the body. Length to 25 cm. ming about openly. Juveniles singly or small numbers in
acropora thickets. Identified by bright yellow colour and
numerous small blue ocelly on the head and variably on
the body. Small juveniles with blue vertical bars. Length
to 30 cm.
A
S. tetrazona. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm.
A B
S. doliatus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 12 m. Length 10 cm.
Masked Rabbitfish Siganus puellus

Amphacanthus puellus. Schlegel, 1852.
Ternate I, Moluccas.
Widespread West Pacific. Clear coastal and sheltered

inner reefs, usually in coral and other invertebrate-rich
areas to about 10 m deep, occasionally deeper.
Identified by the combined colour and slender shape
and single black band over the eye to chin continued
C D
above eye as spots. Length to 30 cm.
S. tetrazona. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm. S. tetrazona. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
A B
S. puellus. A Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 25 cm. B Maumere, Flores. Depth 9 m. Length 35 mm..
E F
S. tetrazona. Bitung, Sulawesi. D. 9 m. L. 14 cm. S. tetrazona. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 18 cm.
Indian Coral Rabbitfish Siganus corallinus

Siganus corallinus. Valenciennes, 1835. Seychelles.
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging to Java. Coastal and

inner invertebrate-rich reef slopes to about 10 m depth.
Adults pair. Small juveniles on algae reef and in sea-
grasses. Adults dull yellow with numerous small blue
C spots and black patch underneath mouth. Juveniles plain
yellow. Length to 35 cm.
D E A B
S. puellus. C & E Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 15–20 cm. D Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm. S. corallinus. Pulau Putri, Java. A Depth 3 m. Juvenile. length 35 mm, swimming with juvenile S. virgatus. B Depth 4 m. Length 35 cm.
Java Rabbitfish Siganus javus Schooling Rabbitfish Siganus argenteus
Theuthis javus. Linnaeus, 1766. Java. Amphacanthus argenteus. Quoy & Gaimard, 1825.
Guam and Mariana Islands.
Widespread West Pacific and northern Indian Ocean to
the Persian Gulf. Coastal reefs and large estuaries. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal and inner reefs
Usually seen in small groups but occasionally schooling slopes and lagoons. Usually occurs in large schools that
in large numbers. Readily identified by the pattern of swim fast and well above the substrate, occasionally all
white spots and lines on the body and the large black diving down to the bottom to feed. Identified by the slen-
blotch on the caudal fin. Length to 40 cm. der body, colouration, and behaviour. Length to 30 cm.
A
S. javus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm.
A B
S. argenteus. A Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 14 cm. B Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 20 cm.
B
S. javus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 40 cm.
Labyrinth Rabbitfish Siganus labyrinthodes

Amphacanthus labyrinthodes. Bleeker, 1853. Java.
Only known from Java and Bali with doubtful reports

from Andaman Sea and Philippines. Occurs in pairs on
shallow coastal reefs. Identified by the almost all yellow
and blue irregular scribbling over the head and body. C D
Length to 25 cm. S. argenteus. Length 25 cm. C Tulamben, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 20 cm. D Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m.
E
S. labyrinthodes. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 24 cm. S. argenteus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 30 cm.
Gold-saddle Rabbitfish Siganus guttatus Scribbled Rabbitfish Siganus spinus
Chaetodon guttatus. Bloch, 1787. East Indies. Sparus spinus. Linnaeus, 1758. Java.
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal reefs slopes. Usually Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Shallow coastal and
adults occurs in small aggregations, but occasionally form inner reefs flats with rich algae growth. Adults usu-
large schools. Identified by the, larger than eye, gold spot ally occur in small groups, whilst juveniles gather in
below end of dorsal fin and spotted body. A similar unde- larger numbers in corals with algae-growth at their
scribed species from the Andaman Sea, in which the spots bases. Easily identified by the pattern of lines on the
on the body form longitudinal lines, may occur in Sumatra. body and caudal fin base. Length to 20 cm.
Length to 40 cm.
A A
S. guttatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 40 cm. S. spinus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 20 cm.
B C
S. guttatus. B Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 20 cm. C Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm.
B C
S. spinus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 15 cm. S. spinus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length 35–40 mm.
Maze Rabbitfish Siganus vermiculatus

Amphacanthus vermiculatus. Valenciennes, 1835.
New Guinea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging west to

India. Adults on coastal reefs, subject to strong cur-
rents. Both, adults and juveniles school, latter often
in estuaries. Identified by the maze-like pattern on
the body and spotted caudal fin. Head and variable
from lines to spots, sometimes spots extent well
onto the body. Length to 35 cm.
D
S. guttatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 35 cm.
A
S. vermiculatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 30 cm.
B
S. vermiculatus. As A.
E C D
S. guttatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 35–40 cm. S. vermiculatus. As D. S. vermiculatus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 30–35 cm.
Fine-Spotted Rabbitfish Spotted Rabbitfish Siganus punctatus
Siganus punctatissimus Amphacanthus punctatus. Schneider, 1801. Tonga.
Siganus punctatissimus. Fowler & Bean, 1929.
Widespread West-Central Pacific, ranging to west
Philippines.
Sumatra. Adults on deep coastal reefs, juveniles in shal-
Widespread West Pacific. Coastal reefs, usually near low estuaries. A deep bodied species, identified by the
steep slopes, and harbours. Adults usually in pairs. An numerous small orange spots all over. Juveniles with
illusive species and, although common, is rarely noticed. less and proportionally larger spots. Length to 40 cm.
It looks dark, greenish black, when seen at distance with
pale streaks in caudal fin that identifies the species. The
body is covered with tiny dark spots that are recognis-
able only when very close. Length to 35 cm.
A
S. punctatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 30 cm.
A
S. punctatissimus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 35 cm.
B
S. punctatus. Maumere, Flores. D. 4 m. L. 65 mm.
C D
B C S. punctatus. Pulau Putri, Java. D. 4 m. L. 65 mm. S. punctatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 35 cm.
S. punctatissimus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 30 cm. S. punctatissimus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 25 cm.
Starry Rabbitfish Siganus laqueus
White-Spotted Rabbitfish
Siganus laqueus. von Bondé, 1934. Zanzibar.
Siganus canaliculatus
Chaetodon canaliculatus. Park, 1797. Sumatra. Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging along the south-
western coast of Sumatra to west Java. Until recently
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging west to southern regarded as sub-specific from Siganus stellatus, a Red
India. Inshore, algae reefs, estuaries and in large Sea endemic, which has yellow tail. In Sunda Strait
lagoons with algae-rubble habitats. Mainly common on numerous pairs were observed on the Java side at about
rocky substrates. Usually seen in small groups at shal- 15 m depth, on rubble substrate with very strong cur-
low depths. Identified the greyish, dusky body with rents running at the time and photography was not pos-
numerous white spots, the spots elongating horizontally sible. They were identical to the Maldive specimens in
with growth. Length to 30 cm. the photographs used here. It is identified by the numer-
ous, close-set small black spots and white margins on
the caudal fin. Length to 40 cm
A
S. canaliculatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 30 cm.
B C A B
S. canaliculatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 30 cm. S. canaliculatus. Pulau Putri. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm. S. laqueus. Maldives. Depth 15 m. Length 25 & 35 cm.
Pearly-Spotted Rabbitfish SCATS – SCATOPHAGIDAE
Siganus margaritiferus
Amphacanthus margaritiferus. A small family, comprising 2 genera and 3 or 4 species, widespread in the Indo-Pacific. They are mostly estuarine species and
Valenciennes, 1835. Ambon. at least 2 occur in Indonesian waters. Fin-spines can inflict painful wounds and are thought to be venomous.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging west to
Andaman Sea. Inshore, algae reefs, estuaries and in
seagrasses when young. Adults usually in pairs on Striped Scat Selenotoca multifasciatus
algae reefs, but sometimes seen schooling in oceanic
Scatophagus multifasciatus. Richardson, 1846. Western Australia.
location. However, it seems several species are
involved. Adults are identified by the numerous small Southern Indonesia to Sulawesi, Papua New Guinea and northern
white and round spots on the body, a yellowish area Australia. Occurs mainly in estuaries and travels up freshwater habi-
over the head, and a dusky edge on the gill-plate. tats. Larval stages are distributed by ocean currents and juveniles
Sometimes dark spots are scattered over the body and are sometimes found in tidal pools. Identified by the silvery colour
an ‘ear’ blotch, that can fade in and out quickly. Small and pattern of dark bars and spots on the body. Length to 40 cm.
juveniles are yellow to green and usually occur in sea-
grass habitats. Length to 25 cm.
A
S. margaritiferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
A B
C S. multifasciatus. Jakarta, aquarium. Length 10 cm. S. multifasciatus. Jakarta, aquarium. Length, largest 30 cm.
S. margaritiferus. Bali. D. 5 m. L. 35 mm.
Spotted Scat Scatophagus argus
Chaetodon argus. Linnaeus, 1766. India.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging to sub-tropical waters as

B juveniles. Coastal waters and estuaries, usually in brackish water or
S. margaritiferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
near freshwater run-offs, and in small groups. Adults grey with
dark spots and median fins reddish on the spinous sections. Small
juveniles black with red marking on dorsal and ventral fins. Large
individuals are sometimes dusky with yellow spots on the body.
This species is also known as tiger-scat and spotted-butterfish.
D
Length to 35 cm.
S. margaritiferus. Flores. D. 2 m. L. 65 mm.
A
S. argus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 12 cm.
E F
S. margaritiferus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm. S. margaritiferus. Flores. D. 4 m. L. 10 cm.
G B C
S. margaritiferus. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 7 m. Length 35 cm. S. argus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 12 cm. S. argus. West Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 24 cm.
BATFISHES – EPHIPPIDAE
The family Ephippidae is represented by 7 genera. The Indo-Pacific genus Platax is the largest with 5 species, Chaetodipterus and
Drepane comprise 2 species and the rest, Ephippus, Parapsettus and Zabidius are monotypic. The species of Platax, known as bat-
fishes, are commonly observed by divers and included here. Representatives of other genera occur in the Atlantic, outside Indonesia
or are usually not encountered by divers. In some juveniles the dorsal and anal fin are extremely tall and deep like wings which pro-
portionally degrease in size with age. Juvenile Platax have interesting early stages. The tiny juveniles mimic floating leaves, crinoids
and one even a nasty tasting flatworm. Adult form schools to travel through open water in tight schools that take on shapes that
from a distance look like large sea-creatures. One school seen from a distance in clear water off an outer-reef wall was mistaken for
a sunfish by the senior author.
Tall-fin Batfish Platax teira

Chaetodon teira. Forsskål. 1775. Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. The most common

batfish seen by divers. Large adults occur in sheltered
bays as well as deep offshore. Often found around
shipwrecks in small groups and occasionally forms
large schools. Small juveniles with floating debris and
form aggregations as they find each other. They can be
pelagic to large sizes and form schools under large
Sargassum rafts that usually form after the wet-sea-
son. Small juveniles are readily identified by their
shape and colour. The tall-fin look remains to a large
size and adults have a diagnostic black blotch posteri-
orly at the lower end of the dark band behind the head.
The blotch is less obvious when the band is dark and
in sub-adults it only as an irregularity in shape of the
band. Length to 45 cm.
A D
P. teira. Menjangan I., Bali. Length about 45 cm. P. teira. Menjangan I., Bali. Schooling adults in open water adjacent to reef. Length about 40–45 cm.
B C E
P. teira. Maumere, Flores. Juvenile stages. C a lonely 15 mm juvenile in large reef-pool. P. teira. Maumere, Flores. Large juveniles settled on reef, about 12 cm long. Alison Kuiter.
Boer’s Batfish Platax boersii Round Batfish Platax orbicularis
Platax boersii. Bleeker, 1852. Chaetodon orbicularis. Forsskål, 1775. Red Sea.
Macassar, southern Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Adults singly or in small
Widespread West Pacific from southern Japan to groups and occasionally in large schools in some areas.
Indonesia and New Guinea. Possibly more widespread, Occurs in shallow protected coastal waters to deep,
but confusion with Platax teira and P. orbicularis has led somewhat silty habitats. Often with deep shipwrecks.
to many erronuous records. Reports of P. boersii from Juveniles identified by their shape and colour. Large
the Indian Ocean are based on juveniles of P. teira. The juveniles are best distinguished from similar species by
juvenile stage is this species is not well known and juve- the dusky twin-spots at the ends of the dorsal and anal
niles of P. teira are shown in many books instead. It fin bases. Length to 50 cm.
appears that the juveniles live in deep water and are not
pelagic. The juveniles included here are of moderate size
and have a more triangular shape compared to P. teira at
a similar size. The nose-profile is much more rounded.
Adults are usually seen along walls or on deep slopes in
30 m depth or more. They are usually only noticed when
swimming in schools, but also occur singly or in pairs.
Juveniles are on deep slopes amongst tall coral forma-
tions. Length to 40 cm.
A
P. boersii. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 40 cm.
A B
P. orbicularis. A Tomini Bay, Sulawesi, tiny juvenile. B Pulau Putri, Java. Adult, about 35 cm.
C
P. boersii. Sulawesi. Depth 25 m. Length 10 cm.
B D C D E
P. boersii. Maumere, Flores. Length 30 cm. Depth 20 m. P. boersii. Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 35 cm. P. orbicularis. C Bitung, Sulawesi. about 8 cm. D Pulau Putri, Java, about 11 cm. E Maumere, Flores, about 5 cm. All showing diagnostic tail spots.
Humped Batfish Platax batavianus
Platax batavianus. Cuvier, 1831. Java.
Known from the Malay Peninsula to eastern

Australia.. Adults usually moderately deep on open
substrates with sparse reef or coral heads. A soli-
tary species, but occasionally in pairs or small
groups. Small juveniles also in deep water and the
zebra-pattern serves well as camouflage when
sheltering with crinoids. The striped pattern is
replaced when outgrowing the crinoids in size.
Large individuals become more elongate than the
other batfishes and develope a hump on the fore-
head. The largest batfish, reaching about 65 cm.
A B D E
P. batavianus. A Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length about 50 cm. B Gilimanuk, Bali. Tiny juveniles. Akira OGAWA. P. batavianus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 23 m. Length 35 mm. P. batavianus. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 16 m. Length 40 mm.
C F E
P. batavianus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 25 m. Length about 50 cm. P. batavianus. Bali, Indonesia. Depth 4 m. Length about 12 cm. E Takamasa Tonozuka. F Akira Ogawa.
Shaded Batfish Platax pinnatus
Chaetodon pinnatus. Linnaeus, 1758. East Indies.
Widespread West Pacific, ranging west to the Andaman Sea. Adults occur singly or
in small groups and occasionally large schools are seen travelling over open sub-
strate. Juveniles often deep along reef-walls in caves with rich invertebrate growth.
Adults are identified by the more protruding snout and usually have a bright yellow
pectoral fin. Small juveniles are black with bright orange-surround outline. This
gives them the appearance of a nasty tasting flatworm. Length to 35 cm.
A B
P. pinnatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 10 cm. P. pinnatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length about 35 cm.
E F
P. pinnatus. Flores, Indonesia. B Depth 25 m. Length about 15 cmJava, Indonesia. Depth 4 m. Length 6 cm.
C D G
P. pinnatus. Komodo. Length 20 mm. P. pinnatus. Menjangan I., Bali.. Depth 25 m. Length about 35 cm.
MULLETS – MUGILIDAE Square-tail Mullet Ellochelon vaigiensis
Mugil vaigiensis. Quoy & Gaimard, 1825. Waigeo.
A large family with about 15 genera and over 70 species globally. They are coastal, inshore fishes that live primarily in estuaries and
Widespread Indo-west Pacific. A schooling
harbours, some entering fresh water. Few species are found on coral reefs, usually in shallow parts where in schools, feeding on
species in sheltered coastal bays and estuaries,
detritus that forms on the surface of the protected sand-patches. usually swimming in surface waters and often
along beach-edges. Easily recognised by the large
Warty-lip Mullet Crenimugil crenilabis scales, truncate caudal fin, the mostly yellow fins,
and the very distinctive black pectoral-fin tips.
Mugil crenilabis. Forsskål, 1775. Red Sea.
Length to 50 cm.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. A schooling species that is
most commonly observed by divers in Indonesian waters.
Swims at various depths along reefs, to about 20 m but
usually much shallower. Feeds on detritus, containing A
algae and microscopic animals, by scooping up the upper E. vaigiensis. Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Depth 1 m. Length 35 cm.
layer of sand or mud and filtering it through the gills.
Length to 40 cm.
A
C. crenilabis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 30 cm.
B C
E. vaigiensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 15 cm. E. vaigiensis. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 40 cm.
Big-eye Mullet Chelon parmatus

Mugil parmatus. Cantor, 1849. Malaysia.
West Pacific, Malaysia and Indonesia to

Philippines. Ones of several similar species in
which the second dorsal fin is placed well back
and above the second half of the anal fin. They are
estuarine species that readily swim into freshwa-
ter and have large scales, usually between 25–34
vertical scale-rows. The largest reaches about 60
cm, this species just over 10 cm.
B
C. crenilabis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 40 cm. C. parmatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 85 mm.
Fringe-lip Mullet Oedalechilus labiosus Engel’s Mullet Moolgarda engeli

Mugil labiosus. Valenciennes, 1836. Red Sea. Mugil engeli. Bleeker, 1858. Java.
Widespread Indo-west Pacific. Occurs primarily in shel- Widespread Indo-west Pacific. A schooling
tered coastal bays and estuaries, usually swimming in sur- species that occurs mainly in muddy estuaries,
face waters near freshwater run-offs. Often in silty habi- usually swimming in small groups in shallow
tats. It has a rather bluntly-pointed snout, compared to waters. It has a shallow-forked caudal fin and a
other mullets in the area. Length to 25 cm. dark spot on the pectoral axil. A similar species,
Moolgarda seheli (Forsskål, 1775) occurs in simi-
lar habitats, but it has a deeper forked caudal fin
and a blue spot on the pectoral axil. Length of M.
engeli to 18 cm and that of M. seheli 50 cm.
L. labiosus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 20 cm. M. engeli. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 15 cm.
BARRACUDAS – SPHYRAENIDAE Black-spot Barracuda Sphyraena forsteri
Sphyraena forsteri . Cuvier, 1824. Based on drawing from Tahiti.
A single genus family with about 20 species variously distributed in all tropical seas. Most are open water species, several of which
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occasionally observed on inner reef crest.
rarely seen near reefs. Some visiting at night only. Young are often in estuaries and some small species school in coastal waters.
Appears to be sheltering during the day, hovering in tight groups (B) or stay low
on the substrate in small numbers. Several similar species that show longitu-
dinal stripes when on the bottom. This species is distinguised from the others
Great Barracuda Sphyraena barracuda by the dark spot on the inside at the base of the pectoral fin. It can be seen
Esox barracuda. Edwards, 1771. No locality. clearly in the schooling fish, but is hidden behind the pectoral fin by the upper
fish in the picture below. Length to 60 cm, but usually much smaller.
Widespread in all tropical seas. A large species that
is usually seen solitary on coastal reefs in
Indonesian waters. Sometimes in small groups
that may appear from open water to investigate a
diver. In some regions elsewhere they may form
large schools and in the Atlantic seas they are
regarded as dangerous to divers. Small juveniles
can be found in mangraves or in estuaries. Adults
are best identified by the dark blotches in the cau-
dal fin. Length to 1.9 m.
A B
A
S. forsteri. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm. S. forsteri. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm.
S. barracuda. Pulau Putri. Depth 10 m. Length 60 cm.
Yellow-tail Barracuda
Sphyraena flavicauda
Sphyraena flavicauda . Rüppell, 1838. Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but several similar

C species may be disguished under this name.
S. barracuda. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 1 m. L. 25 mm. Adults show a double dusky lateral stripe and the
tail is mostly yellow. It lacks a spot or dusky area
on the pectoral fin base that is present in some of
the othe similar species. Mainly schools on coastal
reefs. Length to about 50 cm.
B D
A B
S. barracuda. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 20 cm. S. barracuda. Derawan, Kalimantan. D. 1 m. L. 45 mm.
S. flavicauda. A juvenile. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 10 cm. B adults. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 25 m. Length 40 cm.
Little Barracuda Sphyraena pinguis

Sphyraena pinguis. Günther, 1874. China.
West Pacific, probabll widespread. A small species

that primarily inhabits estuaries or deep muddy
substrates. Ususally forms large schools. A palin
species in which the dorsal-fin origin is well back
from ventral-fin origin. Length to 35 cm.
E A B
S. barracuda. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 1.2 m. S. pinguis. A small juveniles in lagoon. Depth 3 m. Length about 50 mm. B adults. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 30 cm.
TUNAS & MACKERELS – SCOMBRIDAE Yellow-fin Tuna Thunnus albacares
Scomber albacares. Bonnaterre, 1788.
A large and commercially important family with 15 genera and about 50 species worldwide. The large tunas are primarily open water Lamaica.
species and few come close to reefs. Some species are sometimes seen wizzing past when diving on seamounts or outer reef walls.
Widespread in all tropical and sub-tropical
They are streamlined fishes that hunt other fishes and pelagic invertebrates such as squid, and some species are known to travel waters of the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic
over great distances for migration. Oceans. An open water pelagic that is com-
mon, but rarely seen near reefs. It is com-
mercially sought after by Japanese long lin-
Dogtooth Tuna Gymnosarda unicolor ers and sometimes caught by sport fisher-
Thynnus (Pelamis) unicolor. Rüppell, 1836. man. A large species that reaches a length of
Red Sea. well over 2 m.
Widespread Indo-Pacific. A commonly observed

species that visits reefs frequently. Large adults
may hunt solitary, in pairs, and sometimes the T. albacares. Pelabuhan Ratu, Java. Depth 15 m. Length about 2 m.
dogtooth tuna forms large schools. Feeds on var-
ious fishes, often targetting reef fishes that ven- Shark Mackerel
ture too far from their safety zone. Length to 2 m. Grammatorcynus bilineatus
Thynnus bilineatus. Rüppell, 1836. Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. An open

A water pelagic but often seen swimming near
G. unicolor. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length about 1 m. outer reef walls or deep clear-water slopes. A
solitary species and large adults may swim
past divers at close range, seemingly out of
curiosity. Length to just over 1 m.
G. bilineatus. Kerama, Japan. Depth 15 m. Length about 1 m.
Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel

Scomberomorus commerson
Scomber commerson. Lacepède, 1800.
Unkown locality.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. An open

water species, but mainly occurs in coastal
waters and is often seen close to reefs.
Usually hunts solitary and often swim in
shallow water along coastal slopes. Length
to 2.3 m.
B A
G. unicolor. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length about 1.5 m. S. commerson. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length about 2 m.
C B
G. unicolor. Nusa Penida, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length about 1.5 m. S. commerson. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 10 m. Length about 2 m.
Mouth Mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta DRIFTFISHES – NOMEIDAE
Scomber kanagurta. Cuvier, 1816. India.
A family, comprising 4 genera and about 25 species variously distributed in all major seas. Most species are widespread due to their
Widespread Indo-Pacific. Occurs in small groups or
habits, floating as juveniles with loose weeds, surface debris, or have an association with jellies. Adults of some species live in deep
large schools. Swims along reefs in pursuit of plank-
ton and ‘open wide’ to capture prey. Small groups water (some are known from 1000 m depth) and are only known from traws.
were seen feeding on eggs of Cheilio inermis straight
after their spawnings. The Mackerel swam individu-
ally, keeping an eye out for rising pairs of Cheilio Blue Driftfish Psenes cyanophrys
about to spawn and rushing in as soon as one was Psenes cyanophrys. Cuvier, 1833. Arafura Sea.
seen feeding, using their silver cheek as a signal.
A Length to 35 cm. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. A common species under floating
weeds or debris. Adults form schools and were found under large
R. kanagurta. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 6 m. Length about 30 cm.
weed-rafts at a depth of about 20 m, using the shade as cover.
Adults have short ventrals and are blue-grey with thin dusky lines
along horizontal scale-rows. Young have longer ventrals and have
dusky blotches. Length to 23 cm.
A
B C
R. kanagurta, in feeding mode, filtering zooplankton from the water with their numerous gill-rakers. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length about 35 cm.
B D
P. cyanophrys. A & B juveniles with floating debris. Menjangan I., Bali. C & D adults below Sargassum-raft at 20 m depth. Maumere, Flores.
Silver Driftfish Psenes maculatus

Psenes maculatus. Lütken, 1880. Atlantic.
Widespread in all tropical seas if indeed the various populations

represent a single taxon. Juveniles swim amongst tentacles of jel-
lies. Mostly reflective silvery, small juveniles may be blotched.
Small juveniles are deep-bodied and elongate with growth. Adults
are more slender compared to Psenes cyanophys and have longer
ventrals. Length to about 30 cm.
D A B
R. kanagurta, filtering the water for zooplankton. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 6 m. Length about 30–35 cm. P. maculatus. A Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length about 50 mm. B Tulamben Bali. Depth 10 m. Length about 75 mm.
HALIBUTS – PSETTODIDAE Spotted Tongue-sole Cynoglossus kopsii
Plagusia kopsii. Bleeker, 1851. Riouw.
A small family of flatfishes. One genus and 3 species. They Plagusia waandersii. Bleeker, 1854. East Sumatra.
are a primitive looking fish with large teeth and often swims Pacific Halibut Psettodes erumei
in an upright position. The eyes are orientated on the left side Pleuronectes erumei. Bloch & Schneider, 1801. India. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on silty or
muddy substrates in coastal waters to about 25 m
but upper one is almost dorsally on the head. One species is Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on silty or muddy substrates in depth. Usually deeply burried in the substrate dur-
commonly found throughout the tropical Indo-West Pacific coastal waters to about 25 m depth. Usually deeply burried in the substrate ing the day, but out and hunting at night. Variable
and included here. during the day, but out and hunting at night. Variable in colour and mayb in colour and mayb have a banded or blotched
have a banded or blotched pattern. Usually with small white spots scattered pattern. Usually with small white spots scattered
over the left side. Length to 60 cm. over the left side. Length to 60 cm. A
B
C. kopsii. Gilimanuks, Bali. Depth 6 m. A length 25 cm. B length 35 cm.
P. erumei. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 6 m. Length about 30 cm. Akira Ogawa.
TONGUE-SOLES – CYNOGLOSSIDAE
A family of flatfishes with 3 genera and over 100 species. The
eyes are small, situated on the left side of the head, the body Textile Tongue-sole Cynoglossus lingua
is highly compressed. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins are con- Plagusia lingua. Hamilton, 1822. India.
fluent, surrounding the body from snout to anus. Colour-pat- Plagusia macrorhynchos. Bleeker, 1858. Java.
terns are not well known for most species and identification Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on coastal muddy substrates and in
from photographs is difficult. Characters such as lateral estuaries to about 10 m depth. Usually deeply burried in the substrate dur- C. trulla. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 40 cm.
lines, that are diagnostic for many species, are not visible and ing the day, but out and hunting at night. Variable in colour, but usually with Borneo Tongue-sole Cynoglossus trulla
specimens need to be collected for a positive identification. small white spots along scale-rows on the eye side. Length to 40 cm. Blotched Tongue-sole Cynoglossus puncticeps
Plagusia trulla. Cantor, 1849. Sea of Pinang, Malaysia.
Plagusia borneënsis. Bleeker, 1858. Singkawang, Borneo. Plagusia puncticeps. Richardson, 1846. China.
West Pacific. Malaysia and Indonesia. Occurs on silty sand or muddy West Pacific. China Seas to northern Australian waters. Occurs on silty
substrates in sheltered coastal waters and estuaries. A large plain sand or muddy substrates in sheltered coastal bays and estuaries near
species that is usually encountered during the night. Colour variable beaches in a few metres depth. Eye side with dark irregular blotches on
from grey to brown, matching the substrate. Length to 45 cm. the head and body, some large and may form a pattern of irregular
cross-bands. Length to 35 cm.
C. macrorhynchus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 4 m. Length 25 cm. Roger Steene. C. puncticeps. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 3 m. Length 30 cm.
Pygmy Tongue-sole Symphurus orientalis Carpet Sole Liachirus melanospilos
Aphoristia orientalis. Bleeker, 1879. Japan. Achirus melanospilos. Bleeker, 1854. Manado.
West Pacific, Japan to Indonesia. Occurs on muddy West Pacific, Indonesia to Japan. Coastal sand slopes and
substrates in coastal bays and deep water. One of estuaries. Variable pattern of dark and pale markings, but has
many (~50) small secretive fishes in the genus that pale blotches or dark circles in particular positions on the
occur primarily in deep water. They are much like body.. Dorsal and anal fin rays with alternating dark and pale
tongue-soles, but the mouth is in front of the eyes. irregular stripes. Length to 15 cm.
Several maybe encountered by divers when diving
on muddy substrates, particularily at night. They
are small, usually less than 10 cm in length.
A
L. melanospilos. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 15 cm.
S. orientalis. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 12 m. Length about 50 mm.
SOLES – SOLEIDAE
A large family of flatfishes with 30 genera and over 100 species. The eyes are small, situated on the right side of the head, the body
is highly compressed. Dorsal, caudal and anal fins are confluent or separate in different genera. Colour-patterns are highly variable
with habitat, but diagnostic and several species are easily identified by pattern-characteristics. Most species are small, usually less
than 20 cm but a few are tiny, just a few centimetres fully grown, and a few can reach over 35 cm in total length.
Peacock Sole Pardachirus pavoninus

Aphoristia pavoninus. Lacepède, 1802. No locality.
C D
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand flats, L. melanospilos. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 14 cm. L. melanospilos. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 14 cm.
often silty substrates to about 40 m depth, but com-
monly seen in a few metres depth. Burries itself in Hartfeld’s Sole Liachirus hartzfeldii
the sand and specimens in photographs were Achirus hartzfeldi. Bleeker, 1853. Ambon.
cleared from sand. Identified by the dark-centred
pale blotches and yellow flecks scatted over the rest West Pacific, only known from Bali and Ambon, but probably
of the eye side. Length to 22 cm. widespread. Occurs in sheltered bays and estuaries. Body
sandy coloured with several dark blotches and rings, dorsal
and anal fins with regularily spaced dark lines running along
some rays. Length to 20 cm.
A
P. pavoninus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 6 m. Length 18 cm.
L. hartzfeldi. Gilimanuks, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 18 cm.
Marbled Sole Aseraggodes sp 1

Undetermined species from Flores. Several individuals were
seen and photographed in a large coastal reef-flat lagoon
with a coarse sand-rubble substrate and freshwater running
in from the beach. The eye sides is distinctively marked with
white blotches. Length to about 10 cm.
B C
P. pavoninus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 20 cm. A. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 7 cm.
Kian Sole Aseraggodes kaianus Yellow-spotted Sole Soleichthys sp 1
Solea kaiana. Günther, 1880. Kai I., Arafura Sea.
Undetermined species that appears to be undescribed.
West Pacific, widespread Indonesia and ranging north to Its colouration of broad dark bands, the distinctive yel-
southern Japan. A common species on inshore sand slopes low spots in the fins and the pair of white spots mid-lat-
and in estuaries. Usually occurs in small groups. Often seen erally is unique. Only known from the photograph in an
out during the day and sometimes crawling over reef. Eye shallow muddy estuary in Bali.
side with textile pattern and usually has several large dark
blotches mid-laterally, largest on posterior part of the body.
Length to about 14 cm.
A Z. sp 1. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 20 cm. Akira Ogawa.

A. kaianus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm.
Banded Sole Zebrias fasciatus
Solea fasciata. Basilewski, 1855. China.
West Pacific, Indonesia to Philippines. Several similar

species elsewhere and name often used in error. Occurs
in sheltered bays and estuaries in shallow sand habitats.
Usually only seen at night. Eye side with many dusky
bands, that are often pale along the middle, and a dis-
tinctive caudal fin. Length to 25 cm.
B C
A. kaianus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 11 cm. A. kaianus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 11 cm.
Black-tip Sole Soleichthys heterorhinos

Solea heterorhina. Bleeker, 1856. Ambon.
Appears to be widespread in the Indo-West Pacific, ranging

into the Red Sea. Occurs on shallow reef flats and slopes in
clear coastal waters. Rarely seen during the day and only
comes out at night to hunt. Identified by the black tips on the
ends of the dorsal and anal fin that are confluent with the
black margin on the caudal fin. Length to 18 cm.
B
A
Z. fasciatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
S. heterorhinos. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 16 cm.
Zebra Sole Zebrias zebrinus

Solea zebrina. Temminck & Schlegel, 1846. Japan.
West Pacific, known from southern Indonesia to Japan.

Several similar species elsewhere. Shallow sandy bays
and estuaries to about 20 m depth. Has distinctive
colouration on the eye side of the head and body, as
well as a brighly marked caudal fin. Length to about 22
cm.
There are a numer of similar species that may be con-

fused. Several are trawled in deeper water. Usually
placed in synonymy with Synaptura zebra. Bloch, 1787,
but this is clearly in error. S. zebra has fewer dark bands
and is synonymus with Strabozebrias cancellatus
(McCulloch, 1916) that lives in deeper water of south-
B C ern Indonesia and north-western Australia.
S. heterorhinos. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 2 m. Length 18 cm. S. heterorhinos. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm. Z. zebrinus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm.
Unicorn Sole Aesopia cornuta White Mini-sole Genus 1 sp 1
Aesopia cornuta. Kaup, 1858. India,
(British Indies). Undetermined genus and species, both probably undescribed. The low number
of dorsal and anal fin rays has no match with other known soles. Appears to be
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, if geo- widespread in Indonesian waters. Found on coastal sand in sheltered habitats.
graphical variations represent a single Was only seen on dark coloured sand, where moving about openly during the
species. Occurs on sand flats in estuaries day. Despite its white colour, it is not easily notice because of bits of white shell
as well as deep offshore. Identified by the scattered in such areas. In addition there are similar looking flatworms that are
broad dusky bands and the thickened usually not preyed on because of bad taste or poison properties. This species
prolonged first dorsal-fin ray. Length to appears to be fully grown at 20 mm total length.
25 cm (Bali).
A
A. cornuta. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 20 cm.
A B
Genus 1 sp 1. East of Singaraja, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 20 mm. Genus 1 sp 1. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 7 m. Length 18 mm.
Flores Mini-sole Genus 1 sp 2

Undetermined genus and species, both probably
undescribed. The low number of dorsal and anal fin
rays has no match with other known soles. Only
known from Maumere Bay, Flores, where it occurs
on a shallow coastal sand slope in depths between 3
and 6 m. Several individuals, all the same colour and
size were observed. In the same habitat there were a
number of seawhips that were preyed on by small
nudibranchs (Dermatobranchus sp) with similar
colours to that of the sole and may represent a case
of mimicry. This tiny species, measuring 7.5 mm SL,
is probably fully grown. Total length to about 11 mm.
B C
A. cornuta. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
Genus 1 sp 2. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 10 mm.
Black Mini-sole Genus 2 sp 1

Undetermined genus and species. Only one individ-
ual seen and photographed on a pale sand substrate.
Appears to mimic a black flatworm. Possibly a juve-
nile stage of a known species. Several other similar
species have been found elsewhere and some has an
narrow orange margin all around their profile that is
the same colouration of a known flatworm. At this
stage it appears that at least some of these tiny flat-
fishes are adults.
D
A. cornuta. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 20 cm. Gary Bell. Genus 2 sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 10 mm.
Frill-mouth Sole Dexillichthys aspilos Brown-blotched Sole
Synaptura aspilos. Bleeker, 1852. Singapore. Phyllichthys punctatus
Phyllichthys punctatus. McCulloch, 1916. WA.
Southern Indonesia and Singapore. Occurs in
sheltered bays and lagoons on pale sandy sub- Southern Indonesia and Western Australia. Clear
strates adjacent to reef. A large species, recog- water coastal bays on white-sand substrates, shall-
nised by the black-tipped pectoral fin on the eye- low to deep water. Identified by the shape and busy
side when adult. Length to 36 cm. pattern of dark-brown blotches. Length to 25 cm.
A
D. aspilos. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm.
A B
P. punctatus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm.
RIGHT-EYED FLOUNDERS – PLEURONECTIDAE, SAMARIDAE

B C
D. aspilos. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm.
A large family of flatfishes with some 45 genera and about 100 species. Most species occur in sub-tropical zones, many of which
are medium sized and of commercial importance. Several sub-families are recognised and recently SAMARINAE, a group of small
Frill-mouth Sole Dexillichthys heterolepis tropical species were given the family status of SAMARIDAE. As the common name suggests, these fishes have their eyes on the
Synaptura heterolepis. Bleeker, 1856. Ambon. right-hand side of their heads, the side that forms the upper when resting on the substrate. Only few species are encountered in the
tropics by divers and these are the samarids. They are most active on dusk and dawn when hunting for small prey. Tropical pleu-
Widespread eastern Indonesia. Occurs in shel- ronectids appear to prefer the deeper waters and a few species are known from trawls or line fishing.
tered bays and lagoons on pale sandy substrates
adjacent to reef. A large species, recognised by
the shape and long frills on the front of the Three-eyed Flounder
mouth. Eye-side of body usually with some dark Samariscus triocellatus
blotches and eye-size pale spots scattered over
the body, usually more numerous along fin Samariscus triocellatus. Woods, 1966.
bases. Pectoral fin on eye side with white tips Marshall Is.
when adult. Length to 36 cm. Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on shallow
reef crests and rubble slopes in sand or fine-rub-
ble patches. Comes out at dusk and hunts on low
reef. It has a low profile and crawls along like a
flatworm, but activily waves its black pectoral fin
as it goes. Identified by the 3 ocelli mid-laterally
on the eye-side. Length to 10 cm.
A A
D. heterolepis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 30 cm. S. triocellatus. Maumere, Flores. Collecting depth 6 m. Length 45 mm.
B C B C
D. heterolepis. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 20 cm. D. heterolepis. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 9 m. Length 35 cm. S. triocellatus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 65 mm. S. triocellatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 75 mm.
Cockatoo Flounder Samaris cristata
Samaris cristata. Gray, 1831. China.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on silty sand or

mud substrates, in shallow estuaries as well as in deep
water. This species has a series of long dorsal fila-
ments on the front of the head, but normally this is out
of sight below the body. When alarmed, it flicks them
forward, looking just like the sticky threats that are pro-
duced by a holothurian or sea-cucumber when han-
dled. An interesting case of mimicry. Length to 25 cm.
A
S. cristata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm.
B
S. cristata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm. When disturbed, showing a striped body pattern and immediately producing white rays.
C D F
S. cristata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 22 cm. Mark Norman. A diver showing the sticky threats produced by a holothurian. S. cristata. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm. Camouflage colours returning as it moves slowly away, keeping the filaments visible.
LARGE-TOOTH FLOUNDERS – PARALICHTHYIDAE Cinnamon Flounder
Pseudorhombus cinnamoneus
A family of flatfishes with 5 genera and about 30 species. Most species occur in tropical to sub-tropical zones, many of which are Rhombus cinnamoneus.
medium sized and of commercial importance. The eyes are situated on the left side of the head. The head is small and the close- Temminck & Schlegel, 1846. Japan.
set eyes are well elevated. The mouth is moderately large and teeth are in a single series in each jaw, often with enlarged canines. West Pacific from southern Indonesia to Japan.
They usually bury themselves in the sand and lay in ambush for prey, such as small gobies. They are fast swimmers, usually going Coastal Bays and estuaries on sand and mud.
quickly out of sight when disturbed by divers. Identified by the pattern of small white spots
scattered over the body, one distinct at pectoral
fin base, and orange blotching. Length to 30 cm.
Twin-spot Flounder
Pseudorhombus dupliciocellatus
Rhombus dupliciocellatus. Regan, 1905.
Japan.
Widespread West Pacific, ranging from

Japan to Australia. Occurs at moderate
depths on sand flats adjacent to reefs, A B
usually in depths over 20 m. Identified by
P. cinnamoneus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
the encircled twin spots centrally placed
on the eye-side of the body, usually three
but occasionally there are four forming a
square. Length to 30 cm.
C
P. cinnamoneus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
Dwarf Large-tooth Flounder

Tarphops cf oligolepis
Tarphops oligolepis Bleeker, 1858.
Nagasaki, Japan.
ID uncertain. Fin ray count is slightly higher than

that for Tarphops oligolepis, 2 more in the dorsal
and 4 more in the anal fin. This count would fit T.
elegans but this species is more slender. It is
probably an undescribed species. The photo-
locality is an area with sheltered bays, the sub-
strate dark sand, often silty and muddy, sloping
to deep channels that are subject to strong cur-
rents. Length to about 10 cm.
B
P. dupliocellatus. Mabul. Malaysia. Depth 24 m. Length 30 cm. T. cf oligolepis. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
LEFT-EYED FLOUNDERS – BOTHIDAE Peacock Flounder Bothus mancus
Pleuronectes mancus. Brousonet, 1782. Tahiti.
A very large family of flatfishes with 15 genera and about 90 species just in the Indo-Pacific. Most species occur in tropical to sub- Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal and inner-reef habitats
tropical zones. They range in size from small to medium and the larger species are of commercial importance. The eyes are situ- on sand and rubble slopes. Hunt mostly at night, but also
ated on the left side of the head. The head is small and the close-set eyes in some and far apart in others, but usually are well ele- active during the day. Often crawling over low rocky reef. A
vated. Although many are active during the day, most usually bury themselves in the sand. Those moving about during the day are deep-bodied species and eyes are well apart. Males with
extremely well camouflaged on the eye-side that faces upwards, and are capable of quick changes to much the substrate below numerous blue spots and extended rays on the pectoral fin on
them. However, most species have diagnostic patterns that makes it possible to identify many of them in the wild. the eye-side. Length to 45 cm.
Leopard Flounder Bothus pantherinus

Rhombus pantherinus. Rüppell, 1830. Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Common on coastal sand flats and

slopes near reefs. Probably the most observed species by divers in
Indonesia. Variable patter from very busy (A) to plain (B), but some
dark spots stand out in the dorsal and anal fin, 2 in each, and mid- A
laterally on the eye-side of the body. Males have long filaments on B. mancus. Male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 40 cm.
the upper pectoral fin that are used for display. Length to 30 cm.
B
B. mancus. Male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 40 cm.
A
B. pantherinus. Female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 22 cm.
D
B. pantherinus. Female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 30 cm.
C D
B. mancus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm. B. mancus. Female. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 14 m. Length 30 cm.
B
B. pantherinus. Male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 25 cm.
C F E
B. pantherinus. Male, displaying. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 25 cm. B. pantherinus. E & F Male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 30 cm. B. mancus. Male. Sangihe I. Depth 25 m. Length 42 cm.
Tail-sots Flounder Engyprosopon xystrias Half-circles Flounder Asterorhombus intermedius Short-nose Flounder
Engyprosopon xystrias Hubbs, 1915. Japan. Platophrys (Arnoglossus) intermedius Bleeker, 1865. Sulawesi. Arnoglossus polyspilus
Anticicharus polyspilus Günther, 1880. Arafura Sea.
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs on muddy substrates in shallow estu- Widespread West Pacific. Occurs on sandy substrates in coastal bays to
aries and still bays to about 30 m depth. Identified by the dark spots on about 20 m depth. Identified by the double series of dark spots with half West Pacific, Indonesia and north-western Australia.
the caudal fins and the widely separate eyes, latter in males in particular. circles of white, following the contour of the dorsal and anal-fin bases, Occurs on sandy substrates in coastal bays to deep
Mainly active at night and usually buries itself in the sand during the day. on the eye-side of the body. First dorsal-fin ray elongated. Active during offshore. Identified by the series of dark spots along
Length to 16 cm. the day. Length to 20 cm. the dorsal and anal-fin bases and on caudal fin. Body
colouration on the eye-side is highly variable to match
substrate, but markings are in fixed places. Grey
spots may turn pure white. Length to 12 cm.
A
A. polyspilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm.
E. xystrias. Male. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 16 cm. A. intermedius. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length 12 cm.
B B
A. polyspilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 65 mm. A. polyspilus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 10 cm.
Slender Flounder
Arnoglossus elongatus
Arnoglossus elongatus Weber, 1913. Madura Sea.
E. xystrias. Female. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 12 cm. A. intermedius. Rinca, Komodo. Depth 15 m. Length 20 cm.
West Pacific, Indonesia and north-western Australia,
but probably more widespread. Occurs on sandy and
Angler Flounder Asterorhombus fijiensis algae-reef substrates in coastal bays to deep off-
Engyprosopon (Arnoglossus) fijiensis Norman, 1931. Fiji. shore. Identified by the slender body and a textile-like
pattern on the eye-side of the body. A small species.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on pale sandy substrates in clearwater coastal bays length to about 10 cm.
to outer reef lagoons and sandy gutters on reef flats. Often crawls over low stony reef.
Identified by the spaced series of dark streaky-spots along the dorsal and anal fin bases,
a small red spot at origin of lateral line and distinctive lateral line. Has perculiar modified
first dorsal fin ray, similar to that found in anglerfishes (Antennaridae) that functions as
lure to trick and ambush prey. Length to 14 cm.
A. elongatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 85 mm.
Reef-gutter Flounder
Arnoglossus sp 1
Undetermined species that is moderately common on

inner and outer reef flats where it occurs in sandy
gutters. It seems to favour coarse white sand and the
body colouration on the eye-side is a mixture of dif-
ferent sized and shades of colour the represent the
bits on the substrate. The eyes are raised and have a
dark horizontal line through it. Appears to be fully
grown at about 40 mm.
A B
A. fijiensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. A. fijiensis. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 15 m. Length 14 cm. A. sp 1. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 40 mm.
FILEFISHES – MONACANTHIDAE Flower-coral Filefish Acreichthys radiatus
Monacanthus radiatus Popta, 1900. Malay Archipelago.
A large family of small to medium sized fishes, comprising about 30 genera and over 100 species. Most species occur in sub-trop- Widespread West Pacific. A common species that associates with
ical zones where they reach moderate sizes. They feature a compressed, rounded to elongated body; a skin that is covered by tiny flower corals, a soft coral, usually of a bluish grey colour with
prickly scales, forming a tough leathery or velvet-like skin; and a prominent, separate first dorsal fin spine that is an obvious fea- large flower-like polyps. This species is extremely well camou-
ture in most species. The spine is often long or armed with downward directed barbs on its edges, and is usually followed by a flaged when amongst the corals and therefore rarely noticed. It is
second, much smaller embedded spine and membrane. The spine is usually lockable in upright position and when folded down is usually found when specifically looking for it, or as it happens to
often fits into a groove on the back. In many species only the males have bright colours and develop enlarge spines or bristles on swim away from the corals to go to another patch. It was
the caudal peduncle. They range in size from less than 10 cm fully grown to about 1 m in total length. The large species are usu- observed picking on the coral polyps and the coral tissue may be
ally referred to as leatherjackets. an important part of their diet. Easily identified byt the distinctive
colourpattern of lines on the head and body. A small species,
length to about 65 mm.
Bristle-tail Filefish Acreichthys tomentosus
Balistes tomentosus Linnaeus, 1758. America(?)
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. A common species on coastal

algae reef and seagrass patches. Variable from brown to green,
depending on habitat, often showing a white line frombehind the
eye and one from above the pectoral fin base. Dorsal fin spine
large and with large barbs on its edges. Males with bristle patch
on caudal peduncle. Length to 11 cm. A
A. radiatus. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 6 m. Length 55 mm.
A
A. tomentosus. Singapore. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
B C
A. radiatus. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 6 m. Length 55 mm. A. radiatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 mm. Miki Tonozuka.
B C
A. tomentosus. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 15 m. Length 8 cm. A. tomentosus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 45 mm.
D E D
A. tomentosus. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 12 m. Length 11 cm. A. tomentosus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 10 m. Length 9 cm. A. radiatus. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 6 m. Length 55 mm. In its typical habitat amongst flower corals (soft coral, Xeniidae).
Little Filefish Rudarius minutus Puffer Filefish Brachaluteres ulvarum
Rudarius minutus Tyler, 1970. Queensland, Australia Brachaluteres ulvarum Jordan & Snyder, 1902. Misaki, Japan.
West Pacific from northern Australia to northern Indonesia and is West Pacific from southern Japan and Marshall Islands, rang-
probably widespread. This species associates with large soft ing along Wallace’s Line to southern Indonesia. Replaced by
corals, and usually occurs in small groups. Mainly on coastal similar species in Queensland, and a sub-tropical species fur-
reefs and most often found on outcrops of coral in sheltered ther south in Australia. Secretive on deep coastal slopes, usual-
sandy bays subject to moderate tidal currents. A distinctice ly amongst soft corals. Species in this genus can inflate their
species by its colour-pattern, but because of its small size is abdomen like pufferfishes do. Length to 75 mm.
rarely noticed. Length to 50 mm.
A
R. minutus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 50 mm.
A B
B. ulvarum. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 15 mm. B. ulvarum, male. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 30 m. Length 65 mm.
Mimic Filefish Paraluteres prionurus

Alutarius prionurus Bleeker, 1851. Banda.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but some geographical varia-

tions. Mainly found on coastal reefs. Adults usually in pairs, but
sometimes seen in small aggregations. Mimics the poisonous
pufferfishes Canthigaster valentini in colour and shape, but dis-
tinguished from that by the long-based dorsal and anal fins and
the presence of the dorsal-fin spine. Males have small spines on
the sides of the caudal peduncle. Length to 10 cm.
A
B C P. prionurus, male left – female right. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 50 mm.
R. minutus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 40 mm. R. minutus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 20 mm.
Diamond Filefish Rudarius excelsius

Rudarius excelsius Hutchins, 1977. Queensland, Australia
West Pacific from northern Australia to southern Japan. It occurs

in sheltered coastal habitas, usually in areas with mixed low reef
and sparse seagrass presence.
Variable from bright green to black. Body very deep, diamond
shaped and males have long bristles on the caudal peduncle. One
of the smallest filefishes, length to 25 mm.
A B B C
R. excelsius. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 10 m. Length 20 mm. R. excelsius. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 12 m. Length 15 mm. P. prionurus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 30 mm. P. prionurus, upper two are males. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 50 mm.
Coral Filefish Oxymonacanthus longirostris Rhinoceros Filefish Pseudalutarius nasicornis
Balistes hispides var. longirostris Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Aluteres nasicornis Temminck & Schlegel, 1850. Japan.
East Indies.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging to sub-tropical zones.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on clear coastal reefs and Occurs on coastal reefs and enters estuaries. Often in silty habi-
protected outer reef habitats amongst Acropora corals. Adults tat and usually on slopes with low rubble reef and rich inverte-
usually in pairs, occasionally in small groups, whilst juveniles brate growth, ranging to moderate depths. Juveniles hide or
form small aggregations. Readily identified by shape and colour. shelter near seawhips or seapens. Readily identified by the slen-
Length to 10 cm. der body and striped pattern. The dorsal-fin spine is situated in
front of the eye and is often longer than the snout in front of it.
Males change colour during display (D). Length to 18 cm, but
usually much smaller.
A
P. nasicornis. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm.
A
O. longirostris. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 65 mm.
B C B C D
O. longirostris. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm. O. longirostris. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 70 mm. P. nasicornis. B Rinca I., Komodo. Depth 25 m. Length 40 mm. C Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 8 cm. D Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 15 cm.
D E
O. longirostris. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 10 cm. P. nasicornis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm.
Black-head Filefish Pervagor melanocephalus White-line Filefish Pervagor nigrolineatus
Monacanthus melanocephalus Bleeker, 1853. Solor. Stephanolepis nigrolineatus Herre, 1927. Philippines.
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs on clear coastal reefs and protected West Pacific, from southern Japan to Java, Indonesia, and Papua
outer reef habitats with rich invertebrate growth. Secretive and usually at New Guinea, but probably widespread. Coastal reefs, often silty
moderate depths of about 20 m. Adults are usually in pairs. Identified by conditions. Very secretive amongst corals. Sometimes seen deep
the dark head that looks almost black when seen underwater, and the insode branching corals, the distinct white line usually the part that
mostly orange body and tail. Length to 11 cm. catches the eye of the observer. Highly variable and it appears that
it represents a complex of taxa. Brown form, perhaps juvenile,
small to about 70 mm and greenish form to about 10 cm.
A A
P. melanocephalus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 85 mm. P nigrolineatus. Mabul, Borneo. Depth 8 m. Length 10 cm.
B
P nigrolineatus. Mabul, Borneo. Depth 8 m. Length 10 cm.
B C
P. melanocephalus. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 25 m. Length 11 cm. P. melanocephalus. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 25 m. Length 11 cm.
Ear-spot Filefish Pervagor janthinosoma

Monacanthus janthinosoma Bleeker, 1854. Ambon.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on clear coastal reefs and pro-

tected outer reef habitats. Secretive amongst rocks, sponges or in
crevices on the bases of large coral formations. Adults usually form
C
pairs but often only one is observed whilst the other one is hiding.
P nigrolineatus. Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Depth 8 m. Length 50 mm.
Identified by the bluish head and green to yellow body. An elongate black
spot runs from behind eye to the front of the pectoral-fin base. Length
to 13 cm.
A D
P janthinosoma. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 85 mm. P nigrolineatus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Length 60 mm.
B C E F
P janthinosoma. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. P janthinosoma. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. P nigrolineatus. Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Depth 8 m. Length 60 mm. P nigrolineatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 85 mm.
Fan-belly Leatherjacket Spotted Filefish Pseudomonacanthus macrurus
Monacanthus chinensis Monacanthus macrurus Bleeker, 1856. Nias I.
Balistes chinensis Osbeck, 1765. China.
West Pacific, Philippines to northern Australia. Occurs on shallow
West Pacific, from southern Japan to coastal algal reefs and in estuaries. Adults are often in pairs. Highly
Singapore and Bali. Separate population in variably in colour with habitat, from an almost white colour with
Australia that differs slightly in meristics numerous dark spots all over to a cream with a dark-blotched pattern.
colour-patterns and maximum size. Occurs Best distinguished from the similar Pseudomonacanthus elongatus by
on muddy or silty substrates in estuaries and the shorter snout. Length to 18 cm.
harbours on semi-open substrates. Adults
have a large ventral flap that is extended dur-
ing display (B). Length to 25 cm (larger, A
length to 40 cm, in subtropical waters of P. macrurus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 18 cm.
Australia).
A
M. chinensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm.
B C
P. macrurus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 4 m. Length 16 cm. P. macrurus. Gilimanuk, Bali. D. 7 m. L. 10 cm. Alex Steffe.
Strapweed Filefish Pseudomonacanthus elongatus

Pseudomonacanthus elongatus Fraser-Brunner, 1940. Locality?
Widespread West Pacific. Young with floating Sargussum rafts and in

shallow estuaries. Adults usually on muddy substrates with outcrops
of algal reef, or amongst broad-leaved seagrasses. Similar to
Pseudomonacanthus macrurus but its dorsal spine more forwards, sit-
uated above front-half of eye, caudal fin shorter than head, and reach-
es a larger maximum size. Highly variable from yellow to green with
few to numerous dark spots, mouth often dusky. Length to 25 cm.
B C
M. chinensis, displaying. Singapore. Depth 12 m. Length 24 cm. M. chinensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 45 mm.
Weedy Filefish
Chaetodermis penicilligera
Balistes penicilligerus Cuvier, 1816.
Widespread tropical Indo-West Pacific.

Sheltered bays and harbours on algae
reefs.Secretive in weeds and extremely well
camouflaged. Readily identified by the deep
body and numerous skin appendages.
Length to 18 cm.
A B
P. elongatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 10 cm. P. elongatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 24 cm. Miki Tonozuka.
A B C D
C. penicilligera. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 15 cm. Miki Tonozuka. P. macrurus. Gilimanuk, Bali, night. Depth 6 m. Length 15 cm. Miki Tonozuka. P. elongatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1.5 m. Length 14 cm.
Japanese Filefish Paramonacanthus japonicus Estuary Filefish Paramonacanthus tricuspis
Balistes japonicus Tilesius, 1810. Japan. Monocanthus tricuspis Hollard, 1854. Indian Ocean, Bombay?
Monacanthus curtorhynchos Bleeker, 1855. Ambon.
Indian Ocean from India to western Indonesia. Lives on muddy sub-
Widespread West Pacific from southern Japan to northern Australia, strates in estuaries and usually found near algae rubble reef. Male has
but may comprise several taxa. Occurs on open muddy substrates filament on upper corner of caudal fin and is more slender than female.
from shallow estuaries to deep offshore. Males elongate with age. Length to 10 cm.
Indonesian form has a filament on the upper corner of the caudal fin;
an oblong black blotch just below the front part of the soft dorsal fin is
usually present, but may be faded or obscured by a generally dark
back; gill opening white (yellow in true P. japonicus). Length to about
12 cm (without caudal fin filament).
A A
P. japonicus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. P. tricuspis, male. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 10 cm.
B C
P. tricuspis, female. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 10 cm. P. tricuspis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 8 cm.
B C
P. japonicus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. Akira Ogawa. P. japonicus, female. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm. Mud-bank Filefish Paramonacanthus sulcatus White-blotched Filefish Paramonacanthus choirocephalus
Monocanthus sulcatus Hollard, 1854. Macau, China. Monocanthus choirocephalus Bleeker, 1852. Java
Indian Ocean from India to western Indonesia. Lives on muddy sub- Indian Ocean from India to western Indonesia. Occurs on sheltered
strates in sheltered coastal bays. Soft dorsal and anal fins tall and coastal reefs, usually forming small aggregattions. Body greenish grey to
upper and middle rays of caudal fin extended with filaments in males. black with white markings and a black blotch midway on downward part
Snout profile straight to convex. Length to 20 cm. of the lateral line. Length to 10 cm.
D E
P. japonicus, D & E same individual. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 45 mm.
Kochi Filefish Paramonacanthus nipponensis

Monacanthus (Stephanolepis) nipponensis Kamohara, 1939. Near
Kochi, Kochi Pref., Japan.
Widespread West Pacific from southern Japan to northern Australia. A A A

doubtful synonym of Monacanthus pusillus Rüppell, 1828, from the P. sulcatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm. P. choirocephalus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm.
Red Sea. Usually occurs deep in muddy substrates from about 30 m
down, but some individuals were found drifting with large Sargassum
rafts over deep water, well away from the shore. Males more slender
than females and have a filament on upper and lower corner of the
caudal fin. One of the larger species in the genus that can reach a
length of at least 15 cm.
B B
P. nipponensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 8 cm. P. sulcatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm. P. choirocephalus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm.
Bearded Leatherjacket Anacanthus barbatus Scribbled Leatherjacket Aluterus scriptus
Anacanthus barbatus Gray, 1830. Singapore. Balistes scriptus Osbeck, 1765. China Sea.
West Pacific, Indonesia to Australia and west to Andaman Sea. Occurs on open muddy Widespread, globally in tropical seas. Juveniles pelagic,
substrates in estuaries as well as deep coastal bays. Usually found lining up with ropes, usually to about 10 cm long when settling on the substrate,
seawhips and large stringy-type sponges. Un incredible mimic that may float over the but may travel with weed rafts in open ocean for a long time
open bottom like a mangrove-shoot, may ‘stand’ on its head – looking like a seapen, or and reaching a large size. This behaviour contributes to its
matches colours of sponges. Common colour is pale with a dark mid-lateral stripe from wide distribution. Adults are usually seen along deep
snout to tail, but can put on a blotched pattern and in sponges it can range to a bright coastal slopes or outer reef drop-offs in at about 20 m
orange all over. It has a long barbel on the chin that is normally held forward in line with depth or more. A large species that is easily recognised by
the head and body. Readily identified by its unusually long body. Length to 35 cm, includ- the shape and colour pattern. It can reach 1 m, but this
ing the long caudal fin. includes the caudal fin that becaomes very long in adults.
A
A. scriptus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 90 cm.
A
A. barbatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 25 cm.
B C
A. scriptus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 9 cm. A. scriptus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 0.5 m. Length 10 cm.
B
A. barbatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 30 cm.
D
A. scriptus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Lengths 25 cm.
C D
A. barbatus. C mimicking seapen. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 35 cm. Miki Tonozuka. D Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 25 cm. Akira Ogawa.
E E
A. barbatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 25 cm. A. scriptus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 75 cm.
Unicorn filefish Aluterus monoceros Honeycomb Filefish Cantherhines pardalis
Balistes monoceros Linnaeus, 1758. Asia; Monacanthus pardalis Rüppell, 1837. Red Sea.
America.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. A common species on
Widespread, globally in tropical seas. coastal reefs and harbours. Often silty habitats. Young
Juveniles and adults primarily pelagic, float with loose surface weeds and adults are often
rarely seen near reefs. Juveniles often with with large Sargassum rafts during the wet season.
large jellies and these may bring them close Variable in colour and adults usually with a more or
to reefs and adults may nest on sandflats less distinct honeycomb pattern of lines on the body. A
adjacent to reefs in deep water. At other white spot on the upper of the caudal peduncle is usu-
times the adults may form large schools ally distinct in adults. Length to 20 cm.
under weed-rafts that usually form during
the wet season. Length to 75 cm.
A
A C. pardalis. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 6 m. Length 16 cm.
A. monoceros. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 25 cm.
B C
C. pardalis. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 6 m. Length 14 cm. C. pardalis. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Length 20 cm.
Spectacled Filefish Cantherhines fronticinctus

Monacanthus fronticinctus Günther, 1867. Zanzibar.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on clear coastal

reefs and in harbours. Usually in rich coral with various
other mixed-invertebrate habitat. Identified by the
colour patterns, most obvious the dark eye, encircled
B by a thin but bright-blue line.
A. monoceros. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 25 cm.
A
C. fronticinctus. South of Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 18 cm.
C B C
A. monoceros, schooling below Sargassum raft. Offshore. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length to 60 cm. C. fronticinctus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 20 cm. C. fronticinctus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
Barred Filefish Cantherhines dumeriliii TRIPLESPINES – TRIACANTHIDAE
Monacanthus dumerilii Hollard, 1854. Possibly Mauritius.
A small Indo-Pacific family, comprising a 4 genera and about 10 species. They are mostly deep-water species that are occa-
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs on clear coastal reefs to outer reef
sionally trawled from muddy substrates. Some may be encountered in shallow, muddy estuaries. Superficially they look like
habitats. A shy species, usually retreating quickly into caves or large
crevices of the reef. Adults are usually in pairs. Identified by the grey- file- or triggerfishes, but the first dorsal fin has 5 spines, the first very robust and long, and it has 2 ventral fins, each headed
ish body with dusky bars and the yellow eyes and fins. Males have a by a strong spine with one or two small rays.
set of yellow spines on the sides of the caudal peduncle. Small juve-
niles are white-spotted. Length to 35 cm.
Golden Triplespine
Pseudotriacanthus strigilifer
Triacanthus strigilifer Cantor, 1848.
Sea of Pinang, Malaysia.
West Pacific, Malay Peninsula to Andaman Sea and

A
northern Australia. Occurs on open muddy sub-
strates in deep water as well as entering shallow
estuaries. Several other species may enter estuaries
and most are a silvery colour. Pseudotriacanthus
strigilifer is identified by the mostly golden-yellow
colour and moderately long snout. Length to 24 cm.
Also known from the area are:

Common Triplespine
Triacanthus biaculeatus (Bloch, 1786). East Indies.
Mostly silvery and has a short snout.
Black-spot Triplespine
Triacanthus nieuhofii Bleeker, 1852. Sumatra
Identified by the silver colour and an obvious black
blotch on the back and onto base of the first dorsal
fin.
Black-spot Triplespine
Trixiphichthys weberi Chaudhuri, 1910. India.
This species is long-snouted, silvery with a few
olive-coloured blotches and has a distinctive first
dorsal fin that is white with upper half black.
B
C. dumerilii. A & B Sangihe Islands. Depth 6 m. Length 35 cm.
Broom Filefish Amanses scopas A

Balistes scopas Cuvier, 1829. Mauritius. P. strigilifer. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 2 m. Length 5 cm. Michihiko Yamada.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on clear coastal to outer

reefs, usually in rich coral areas with rubble patches or gutters.
Usually seeks coverage in large corals when approached. Variable
fom cream to almost black but the white teeth show clearly. Males
have a brush-like patch of spines on the posterior side of the body
(B). Length to 20 cm.
A
A. scopas. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 20 cm.
B C B
A. scopas. Sangihe Islands. Depth 6 m. Length 16 cm. A. scopas. Maumere, Flores. Depth 22 m. Length 15 cm. P. strigilifer. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 7 m. Length 20 cm. Miki Tonozuka.
TRIGGERFISHES – BALISTIDAE Clown Triggerfish Balistoides conspicillum
Balistes conspicillum Bloch & Schneider, 1801. No locality.
A moderately large family, comprising a 12 genera and over 40 species, in tropical waters worldwide. They are big-headed fish-
Widespread Indo Pacific. Clear coastal to outer reef habitats. Adults
es with eyes placed high on head and well back from the mouth. The mouth is small, but has strong jaws with dog-like teeth
usually seen along deep drop-offs, swimming about openly and may
that are used to crush hard-shelled invertebrates. The dorsal fin features a strong spine that can be locked in upright position retreat to caves when approached. Juveniles secretive in small caves
by a smaller spine behind, used to wedge themselves in narrow crevices so they can’t be puller out by a predator. with rich invertebrate growth. Readily identified by the distinctive
colouration. Length to 35 cm.
Starry Triggerfish Abalistes stellatus
Balistes stellatus Anonymous, 1798.
Mauritius.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Usually in

silty habitats. Adults on deep coastal slopes
and usually seen swimming high above the
bottom, sometimes found in estuaries.
Juveniles in sheltered coastal bays and estu-
aries with outcrops of rubble or debris on
open substrates. Identified by the colour pat-
tern and also the thin caudal-peduncle com-
pared to similar species. Length to 60 cm.
A B
B. conspicillum. A Tulamben Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 40 mm. B Gosong Sakunchi, Sumbawa. Depth 18 m. Length 20 cm.
A
A. stellatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 35 cm. Miki Tonozuka.
B C D
A. stellatus, juvenile stages. B Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. C & D Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 5–6 cm. C
E D
A. stellatus, male, probably preparing nesting site. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 55 cm. Akira Ogawa. B. conspicillum. C & D Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 30 cm.
Titan Triggerfish Balistoides viridescens Yellow-margin Triggerfish Pseudobalistes flavimarginatus
Balistes viridescens Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Mauritius. Balistes flavimarginatus Rüppell, 1829. Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal and sheltered Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to inner reefs and estuaries,
inner reefs slopes, often adjacent to deep water. Juveniles often in silty habitats. Young form small aggregations when common
in coastal bays and estuaries. Adults easily identifed by whilst adults are usually seen solitary, except when nesting and males
colour. Juveniles distinguished from similar species by congregate on certain sand flats adjacent to reefs. Identified by the
the dark band below the eye and the stripes along the spotted pattern when young and the yellow to orange margins on the
upper lip that becomes distinct with growth. Adults often median fins when adult. Length to 60 cm.
hostile towards divers and may attack unprovoked when A
caring for eggs. Length to 60 cm. P. flavimarginatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 12 cm.
A B B
B. viridescens. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 30 cm. B. viridescens. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 9 m. Length 5 cm. P. flavimarginatus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 6 m. Length 35 mm.
C
P. flavimarginatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 20 cm.
D
P. flavimarginatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 40 mm.
C
B. viridescens. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 12 cm. D
E E F
B. viridescens. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 9 m. Length 60 cm. D feeding on urchin. P. flavimarginatus. E Menjangan I., F Tulamben, Bali. Large adults, E blowing sand and F exposing a mollusc for a meal.
Yellow-spotted Triggerfish Pseudobalistes fuscus Blue Triggerfish Odonus niger
Balistes fuscus Bloch & Schneider, 1801. No locality. Xenodon (Balistes) niger Rüppell, 1836.
Red Sea.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Adults on deep reefs or with ship-
wrecks, usually deeper than 30 m. Juveniles inshore on rubble reef Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but two dis-
or small outcrops on open substrate. Readily identified by its distinct forms between Indian and Pacific
tinct colouration. Length to 55 cm. Oceans. Various reef habitats, but particularly
common in reef channels or along slopes that
are subject to strong currents, where forming
large schools to feed on zooplankton. Adults
easily identified by their shape and colour.
Indian Ocean form has long stripe from
mouth to pectoral fin base, that is short in
Pacific form. Teeth are red in adults. Length
to 40 cm, including long caudal-fin lobes.
A B A
P. fuscus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 45 mm. P. fuscus. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. D. 15 m. L. 30 mm. Miki Tonozuka. O. niger. (Pacific form) Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 40 cm.
B C
O. niger. (Indian form) Sunda Strait, Java. Depth 20 m. Lengths: B 60 mm, C 40 cm.
C D
P. fuscus. Pulabuhan Ratu, Java. Depth 22 m. Length 16 cm.
D E
O. niger. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 40 mm.
E F G
P. fuscus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 50 cm. O. niger. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 60 mm. O. niger. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 12 cm.
Indian Triggerfish Melichthys indicus Paddle-fin Triggerfish Melichthys vidua
Melichthys indicus Randal & Klausewitz, 1973. Similan Is., Thailand. Balistes vidua Richardson, 1854. Tahiti.
Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Java. Occurs on reef crests and Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs mainly along clear coastal to
slopes with mixed coral and rubble habitat. Digs holes below coral bases for outer-reef drop-offs or slopes with rich invertebrate growth.
shelter. Identified by the generally black colouration and white lines along Usually at moderate depths in small loose groups. Identified by
bases of the dorsal and anal fins. Distinguished from the similar Melichthys the white-looking tail, black margin on dorsal and anal fins, and
niger by the rounded versus truncate to lunate caudal fin and has a distinct small yellow round pectoral fin. Length to 35 cm.
white margin when adult. Length to 24 cm.
A
M. vidua. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 30 cm.
A B
M. indicus. Sunda Strait, Java. Depth 20 m. Length 22 cm. M. indicus. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 9 m. Length 24 cm.
Black Triggerfish Melichthys niger

Balistes niger Bloch, 1786. China.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on inner and outer reef
crests, usually near the slope or drop-off to deeper water, where in
small but loose aggregations. Sometimes swims high above sub-
strate feeding on zooplankton. Looks black underwater with just
white lines along the bases of the dorsal and anal fins. Caudal fin
becomes lunate in large adults. A shy species in most locations,
but in the Maldives some individuals were more amicable (B).
Length to 30 cm, including caudal fin lobes.
B C
A M. vidua. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 20 cm.
M. niger with Labroides dimidiatus. Sangihe Islands. Depth 12 m. Length 15 cm.
B D
M. niger. Maldives. Depth 8 m. Length 30 cm. M. vidua. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 30 cm.
Gilded Triggerfish Striped Triggerfish Balistapus undulatus
Xanthichthys auromarginatus Balistes undulatus Park, 1793. Sumatra.
Balistes auromarginatus Bennett, 1831. Mauritius. Widespread Indo-West Pacific, but two distinct forms
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs mainly along between Indian and Pacific Oceans. Occurs on shallow
outer-reef drop-offs or slopes, current-prone and with coastal to deep outer reef habitats, usually in rich coral habi-
rich invertebrate growth such as seawhips. Usually found tats. Easily identified by the lined pattern on the head and
at moderate depths over 20 m and occurring in small body. Male lacks stripes over the top of the snout. Females
loose groups. Males identified by the blue patch covering have stripes in Pacific, but is mainly spotted on top of the
the mouth and lower half of cheek, and the boad yellow snout in the Indian Ocean. Pacific form has large black pedun-
margins on the median fins. Female plain in comparison cular spot. Length to 30 cm.
and usually found near male. Length to 25 cm.
A
A
X. auromarginatus, male. Manado, Sulawesi. Depth 30 m. Lenth 24 cm.
B. undulatus, male, Pacific form. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 30 cm.
B C
B. undulatus, female, Pacific form. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 20 cm.
B
X. auromarginatus, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Lenth 18 cm.
D E
B. undulatus, male, Pacific form. Maumere, Flores. D. 15 m. L. 30 cm. B. undulatus, female, Pacific form. Tulamben, Bali. D. 15 m. L. 20 cm.
C F G
X. auromarginatus, male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Lenth 22 cm. B. undulatus, juvenile, Indian form. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. D. 25 m. L. 6 cm. B. undulatus, female, Indian form. Maldives. D. 15 m. L. 25 cm.
Picasso Triggerfish Rhinecanthus aculeatus Black-blotch Triggerfish
Balistes aculeatus Linnaeus, 1758. India. Rhinecanthus verrucosus
Balistes verrucosus Linnaeus, 1758. India.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs on very shallow coastal
reef flats and in lagoons, often intertidal zones. Juveniles Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging from southern
secretive with rubble patches, adults swim about openly but Japan to northern Australia and west to Seychelles.
are usually shy in Indonesia. Easily identified by the distinc- Shallow coastal reef flats, mainly rubble-algal habitat
tive colour pattern. Length to 25 cm. and usually in loose aggregations. A shy species, usu-
ally swimming away or when small, diving into holes.
Readily identified by the large black blotch on the sides.
Length to 22 cm.
A B
R. aculeatus. Sydney, Australia. Depth 0.5 m. Length 45 mm. R aculeatus. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 1 m. Lenth 35 mm.
A
R. verrucosus. Tomini Bay, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 22 cm.
B
R. verrucosus. Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 35 mm.
C D
R. aculeatus. Guam, Micronesia. Depth 2 m. Length 25 cm.
Wedge-tail Triggerfish Rhinecanthus rectangulus

Balistes rectangulus Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Ind.Ocean.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs on shallow exposed reef
slopes in gutters or on rocky substrates. Juveniles on algae
reef. Easily identified by the distinctive colour pattern.
Length to 25 cm.
D
R. verrucosus. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 3 m. Length 20 cm.
C
A R. verrucosus. Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 45 mm.
R. rectangulus. Sangihe I. Depth 10 m. Lenth 20 cm.
C
R. rectangulus. NSW, Australia. D. 5 m. L. 35 mm.
B D E F
R. rectangulus. Sangihe I. Depth 10 m. Lenth 20 cm. R. rectangulus. Postlarval. Sydney, Australia. L. 22 mm. R. verrucosus. Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 55 mm. R. verrucosus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 16 mm.
Half-moon Triggerfish Sufflamen chrysopterus Boomerang Triggerfish Sufflamen bursa
Balistes chrysopterus Bloch & Schneider, 1801. East Indies. Balistes bursa Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Indian Ocean.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to outer reefs. Various habi- Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Clear inner and outer reef
tats from silty lagoons to pristine outer reef walls. Adults with habitats from exposed algae reef flats to deep along drop-
wistinctive caudal fin but body colours highly variable with mood. A offs. Identified by the pale body colouration and the black
vertical line from eye to pectoral fin base that can be yellow, black or to ocre band, shapes like a boomerand behind the eye and
white. Juveniles with yellow back. Length to 30 cm. a shorter straight one above the pectoral fin base. Length
to 24 cm.
A
S. chrysopterus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 28 cm.
C
S. chrysopterus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 45 mm.
A B
S. bursa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 5 m. Length 35 mm. S. bursa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 15 cm.
B D
S. chrysopterus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 22 cm. S. chrysopterus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 15 cm.
Bridled Triggerfish Sufflamen fraenatus

Balistes fraenatus Latreille, 1804. No locality.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal rocky reefs, often silty habi-
tats, and in lagoons on open sand and rubble substrates. Females
plain brownish grey; males have a stripe from mouth to pectoral fin
base and juveniles are pale with dark backs and thin longitudinal
dusky lines on their sides. Length to 35 cm.
C D
S. bursa. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm. S. bursa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 8 m. Length 18 cm.
A
S. fraenatus, male. Aquarium, Japan. Length 30 cm.
C
S. fraenatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 45 mm.
B D E
S. fraenatus, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 24 cm. S. fraenatus. NSW, Australia. Depth 5 m. Length 8 cm. S. bursa. Kerama, Japan. Depth 25 m. Length 22 cm.
Oceanic Triggerfish BOXFISHES – OSTRACIIDAE
Canthidermis maculatus
Balistes maculatus Bloch, 1786. A tropical family, comprising 6 genera and 20 species. Few species are commonly encountered in Indonesian waters. These
American Seas. fishes have a hard external skin made of fused scales, forming a box-like enclosure with holes for the movable parts that are
Widespread Indo Pacific. A schooling open sealed with tough skin. Several species develop spines at certain parts, on body ridges, above the eye like horns, or on the back,
water species. Juveniles usually with floating that are often referred to in their common names, such as cowfishes for those with horns above the eyes.
weeds and commonly found under Sargassum
rafts in Indonesia. Adults spawn on sand flats
adjacent to reefs, usually in depths over 30 m. Yellow Boxfish Ostracion cubicus
Adults a blue-grey colour in open water, some- Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus, 1758. India.
times showing white flecks all over when on
the bottom. Length to at least 50 cm. Widespread Indo Pacific, juveniles expatriating to subtropical
zone from the pelagic larval stage. The most common boxfish
found in various reef habitats from inshore estuaries to outer
reefs, at various stages. Small juveniles secretive in narrow
crevices, often with long-spined urchins. Readily identified by the
colouration. Length to 45 cm.
A
C. maculatus. Maumere, Flores. Offshore below Sargassum raft, depth 2 m. Length 25 cm.
A B
O. cubicus. Menjangan I., Bali. D. 7 m. L. 15 mm. S. cubicus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 14 cm.
B
C D C D
C. maculatus. Maumere, Flores. Offshore below Sargassum raft, depth 1–2 m. B length 10 cm. C length 20 cm. D length 15 cm. O. cubicus. Tulamben, Bali. D. 20 m. L. 40 mm. O. cubicus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 30 mm.
E E
C. maculatus, oceanic colouration. Milne Bay, PNG. Depth 30 m. Length 50 cm. O. cubicus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 45 mm.
Rhino Boxfish Ostracion rhinorhynchos Solor Boxfish Ostracion solorensis
Ostracion rhinorhynchos Bleeker, 1852. Java. Ostracion solorensis Bleeker, 1853. Solor.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on rubble substrates in channels West Pacific, Indonesia, PNG and northern Great Barrier Reef.
between sheltered inner reefs or in deep sandy lagoons around coral Geographical variation or different species in Sumatra and
patches. A flighty species that is not often seen. Large adults develop a Andaman Sea (G & H). Occurs on clear coastal reefs in rich inver-
forward protruding hump on the snout. Length to 31 cm. tebrate habitat on shallow crests or upper zone of slopes to about
15 m depth. Length to 12 cm, but larger in Andaman Sea.
A
A
O. solorensis, male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
B
O. solorensis, juvenile. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 45 mm.
B
O. rhinorhynchos. Aquarium, Jakarta. Length 25 cm.
C D
Black Boxfish Ostracion meleagris O. solorensis, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm. O. solorensis, male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm.
Ostracion meleagris Shaw, 1796. Southern Ocean.

Widespread Indo-West Pacific, juveniles to subtropical zones. Occurs on
clear-water reefs. Juveniles amongst rocky boulders, often with long-
spined urchins and adults on reef crests and slopes. Males swim about
more openly than females that are often in close vicinity to the males.
Easily identified by their colour patterns. Length to 20 cm.
A E F
O. meleagris, male. Sangihe Islands. Depth 8 m. Length 12 cm. O. solorensis, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 85 mm. O. solorensis, male. Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 11 cm.
B
O. meleagris, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
C D G H
O. meleagris, male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 18 cm. O. meleagris, female. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 15 cm. O. cf solorensis, B female, B male. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 8–10 m. Length 12–14 cm.
Long-horn Cowfish Lactoria cornuta Round-belly Cowfish Lactoria diaphana
Ostracion cornutus Linnaeus, 1758. India. Ostracion cornutus Linnaeus, 1758. India.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Inshore on coastal muddy or Widespread Indo Pacific. Occasionally seen on deep coastal
sandy habitats in still bays, and commonly found in har- slopes in Indonesia, but is apparently common on offshore
bours and estuaries. Small juveniles on protected shal- sand and mudflats. A large number of juveniles were found in
low mudflats. Large adults shy, but quickly become the stomachs of flatheads (Platycephalidae), caught of NSW,
accustomed to divers near dive-resorts. Adults readily Australia in 60 m depth. Adults have short horns and a small
identified by the horns that point forward in front of the spine on the middle of the back. The belly is very rounded in
eyes and the large caudal fin. Small juveniles are cube- sub-adults. Length to 30 cm.
shaped. Length to 45 cm, including the long caudal fin.
A
L. diaphana. Izu Pen., Japan. Depth 8 m. Length 15 cm.
A
L. cornuta. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 10 cm.
B C
B C D
L. diaphana. Gilimanuk, Bali. Postlarval, length 15 mm. L. diaphana. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 24 cm.
L. cornuta. B Sydney, Australia. Depth 6 m. Length 40 mm. C & D Maumere, Flores. Depth 3 m. Length 20 mm.
Thorny-back Cowfish Lactoria pentacantha

Ostracion pentacanthus Bleeker, 1857. Ambon.
Widespread Western Pacific, ranging to subtropical

zones. Occurs on sandy and rocky substrates, usually in
sponge or soft-coral habitats that are subject to moderate
currents. Usually in depth over 20 m in Indonesia, but
may occur very shallow elsewhere. Identified by the
prominent horn in the middly of the back and the bright
blue spots and scribble markings. Length to 20 cm.
Not the same as Lactoria fornasini (west Indian Ocean).
E
L. cornuta. Mabul, Malaysia. Depth 15 m. Length 45 cm. A
L. pentacantha. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 26 m. Length 12 cm.
B
L. pentacantha. Rinca I., Komodo. Depth 25 m. Length 15 cm.
F C D
L. cornuta. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 35 cm. L. pentacantha. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. D. 15 m. L. 18 cm. L. pentacantha. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 18 cm.
Humpback Turretfish Tetrosomus gibbosus PUFFERFISHES – TETRAODONTIDAE
Ostracion gibbosus Linnaeus, 1757. India.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs on deep coastal slopes and sheltered A large family with about 20 genera and over 100 species. Two distinctivily different groups, often treated as subfamilies: CANTHI-
muddy substrates, usually in deep water offshore, but occasionally shal- GASTERINAE, the long-snouted species that are mostly small, and the TETRAODONTINAE, the short-snouted species that often
low near seagrass beds with silty rubble substrates. Identified by the grow large. Pufferfishes have a soft but tough skin and are capable of inflating themselves into a ballon-like shape to deter preda-
large triagular spine on the back. Length to 25 cm. tors. The skin often bare small spines that normally lay back, but stand up when fish is inflated. They also are poisonous and pow-
erfull toxins are present in various parts of the body, including the skin, but high concentrations are mainly in the internal organs.
Some species have bright colours, advertising their unpleasant properties, and are mimicked by other fishes that bluff their way
around by looking just like them. Pufferfishes are commonly found on coral reefs but some live in muddy estuaries or can tolerate
freshwater. A few species live permanently in freshwater, and some species prefer open ocean habitat. Diet includes a great variety
of invertebrates, algaes, and some are scavengers.
Saddled Pufferfish Canthigaster valentini

Tetraodon valentini Bleeker, 1853. Ambon.
A Widespread Indo-Pacific. Common on coastal reefs at various
T. gibbosus. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 24 m. Length 22 cm. depths. Easily identified by colour but almost identical mimic
filefish (p. 801) is only distinguished by close inspection, best
by the differences in the length of the dorsal and anal fin bases.
Males are territorial and are often seen fighting. They are dis-
tinguished from females by the short blue lines behind the
B eyes. Length to 10 cm.
T. gibbosus. Padangbai, Bali. Postlarval, length 15 mm.
A
C. valentini, male. Pelabuhan Ratu, Java. Depth 20 m. Length 10 cm.
C D
T. gibbosus. Singapore. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm. T. gibbosus. Aquarium, Jakarta. Length 16 cm.
B C
C. valentini, male. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 10 cm. C. valentini, female. Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 65 mm.
Turretfish Tetrosomus tritropis
Lactophrys tritropis Snyder, 1911. Misaki, Japan.
Lactophrys reipublicae Ogilby, 1913. Moreton Bay, Qld. Australia.
Western Pacific from southern Japan to Australia, ranging to subtropical
zones. Mainly known from traws in Indonesia, but enters muddy bays or
estuaries. Usually found with large remote sponges. Body triangular in
cross-section and ridges with small spines. Variable in colour from yel-
low when young to grey when adult. Caudal-peduncle with bright blue
spots, the spots often extending over the posterior part and back of the
body. Length to 22 cm. D E
C. valentini. Tulamben, Bali. D small juvenile, about 14 mm. E males fighting. Depth 6 m. Lengths 8 cm.
A B F
T. tritropis. Sydney, Australia. Depth 25 m. Length 20 cm. T. tritropis. Sydney, Australia. Depth 10 m. Length 15 cm. C. valentini, males fighting. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Lengths 9 cm.
Crowned Pufferfish Canthigaster coronata Circle-barred Pufferfish Canthigaster ocellicincta
Tetraodon (Anosmius) coronatus Valiant &Sauvage, Canthigaster ocellicincta Allen & Randall, 1977.
1875. Solomon Islands.
Hawaiian Islands.
West Pacific, probably widespread and known from the
Widespread Indo-Pacific, but comprises several geo- Celebes Sea to Solomon Islands and eastern Australia.
graphical forms that appear to represent different Occurs on invertebrate-rich inshore reef to outer reef walls
species. Occurs on clear coastal reefs, usually along where usually in caves in depths of about 25 m or more.
deep slopes or on soft bottom. Similarly to Occurs singly or in pairs and on one occasion a small
Canthigaster valentini, but with orange margins or groups was observed amongst plate-corals on soft bottom.
spots on black saddles (West Pacific form) or with Length to 75 mm.
blue spots scattered over pale area of the body
(Indian Ocean form). Hawaiian form has yellow scat-
A tered spots. Length to 10 cm. A
C. coronata, Western Pacific form. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 10 cm. C. ocellicincta, Derawan, Kalimantan, Depth 24 m. Length 45 mm.
B C B C
C. coronata. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 10 cm. C. coronata. Sydney, Australia. Depth 3 m. Length 25 mm. C. ocellicincta, Mabul, Malaysia, Depth 35 m. Length 60 mm. C. ocellicincta. Maumere, Flores. D. 30 m. L. 75 mm (largest in a group, numbering about 6).
Bennett’s Pufferfish Canthigaster bennetti

Tropidichthys bennetti Bleeker, 1854. Ambon.
Widespread Indo-Pacific, A common inshore species, often
on algal or silty reefs and amongst attached Sargassum on
shallow rubble flats. Variable in colour according to habitat,
from pink to green above, finely spotted and elongate black
spot on the back at base of dorsal fin. Length to 9 cm.
D E
C. coronata , Indian Ocena form. Pelabuhan Ratu, Java. Depth 20 m. D Length 10 cm. D Length 65 mm.
A
Tail-barred Pufferfish C. bennetti, Tulamben, Bali, Depth 6 m. Length 9 cm.
Canthigaster caudofasciata
Tetraodon caudofasciatus Günther, 1870. No locality.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. This species was
placed in error in the synonymy of Canthigaster rivu-
lata (Schlegel, 1850) by Allen & Randall, 1977. A
deep water species that is mainly known from trawls
and rarely seen by diving. Occasionally visits deep
sandy slopes where upwellings occur. Readily identi-
fied by its colouration. The horizontal stripes that
show a curve in the photographs are usually straight
and the blue barring shown in the caudal fin becaome
more obvious when fully grown. Length to 12 cm.
B C
A. caudofasciata. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length 8 cm. C. bennetti, Tulamben, Bali, Depth 6 m. Length 55 mm. C. bennetti, Tulamben, Bali, Depth 6 m. Length 75 mm.
Leopard Pufferfish Canthigaster leoparda Smith’s Pufferfish Canthigaster smithae Flase-eyed Pufferfish Canthigaster papua
Canthigaster leoparda Lubbock & Allen, 1979. Philippines. Canthigaster smithae Allen & Randall, 1977. Mauritius. Psilonotus papua Bleeker, 1865. Sumbawa.
West Pacific, Philippines and Indonesia to eastern Micronesia. Similar Widespread tropical Indian Ocean, ranging east to Sumatra. Occurs on West Pacific, maybe restricted to Indonesia. Similar
Canthigaster tyleri its Indian Ocean sibling, can be expected in Sumatra. clear inner reefs, often on slopes near bases of steep walls with mixed species in Indian Ocean, Canthigaster petersii (Bianconi,
Deep water habitats, usually along deep drop-offs in caves at 30+ m rubble and boulders in depths of about 30 m.Identified by the contrast- 1855, Mozambique) that may occur in Sumatra, and Red
depth. Identified by the black spots that are smaller and more numerous ing dark back and the rest pale below with a longitudinal dark stripe. Sea, C. margaritata (Rüppell, 1828). Coastal to outer reef
in C. tyleri. Length to 75 mm. Grows quite large, length to 13 cm. habitats from silty to pristine reefs. Adults often in pairs
along deep drop-offs whilst juveniles can be found in shal-
low estuaries. Identified by the blue lines or numerous blue
spots, depending on size. Length to 10 cm.
A
C. papua. Maumere, Flores. Depth 20 m. Length 75 mm.
C. leoparda. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 35 m. Length 65 mm. C. smithae. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. Depth 28 m. Length 75 mm.
B
Grey-top Pufferfish Canthigaster cf epilampra C. papua. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 24 mm.
Tropidichthys epilamprus Jenkins, 1903. Hawaiian Islands.
Widespread West Pacific. Closely related to Canthigaster epilampra, but
differs considerably in colour and appears to undescribed. Clear coastal
reef slopes on rubbly with rich invertebrate growth, usually in depths of
about 20–30 m. Identified by the grey back, yellow caudal fin and blue C
lines radiating from around the eyes. Length to 10 cm. C. papua. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 55 mm.
A
C. cf epilampra. Derawan, Kalimantan. Depth 20 m. Length 65 mm.
D E
B C C. papua. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 60 mm. C. papua. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 45 mm.
C. cf epilampra. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 85 mm. C. cf epilampra. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 45 mm.
Netted Pufferfish Canthigaster solandri
Tetraodon solandri Richardson, 1844. Polynesia.
Ambon Pufferfish Canthigaster amboinensis
Psilonotus amboinensis Bleeker, 1865. Ambon. Widespread central to western Pacific, but replaced by C.
papua in most of Indonesia from Halmahere south, rang-
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Adults on shallow reef flats in high ener- ing to subtropical zones. Occurs on sheltered rocky reefs,
gy zones to about 10 m depth. Juveniles amongst small boulders. Adults adults in pairs. Identified by the blue spots and short lines
dark looking with small blue spots. Length to 12 cm. radiating from the eyes. Length to 9 cm.
A B
C. amboinensis. Sangihe Islands. Depth 1 m. Length 10 cm. C. amboinensis. Aquarium, Sydney. Collected from 2 m depth. Length 20 mm. C. amboinensis. Aquarium, Sydney. Collected from 2 m depth. Length 20 mm.
Fine-spotted Pufferfish Canthigaster compressa Yellow-stripe Toadfish Torquigener brevipinnis
Tetraodon compressus Marion de Procé, 1822. Philippines. Tetraodon brevipinnis Regan, 1903. Sulawesi.
West Pacific, Philippines, Indonesia, PNG and Solomon Widespread southern Indonesia to northern Sulawesi. Deep
Islands. Occurs on shallow coastal reef flats and in estuaries. sandy coastal slopes, usually at depths of 20 m or more.
Adults usually in pairs and identified by the fine lines and tiny Identified by the pearly spots over the back, yellow above the
spots. Length to 12 cm. eye, a yellow to orange stripe along the sides and barring on the
head below eye-level. Length to 10 cm.
A
T. brevipinnis. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 22 m. Length 10 cm.
A
C. compressa. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 9 cm.
B
C. compressa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 20 mm.
B C
T. brevipinnis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 8 mm. T. brevipinnis. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 10 cm.
C C
C. compressa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 10 cm. C. compressa. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 10 cm.
Cheek-barred Toadfish Torquigener hypselogeneion
Tetraodon hypselogeneion Bleeker, 1852. Ambon and Ceram.
White-spotted Pufferfish Canthigaster janthinoptera
Tropidichthys janthinopterus Bleeker, 1855. Ambon. Widespread Indo-West Pacific, ranging from eastern Africa to
Samoa. Occurs in small loose groups on shallow coastal sand
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on coastal reefs, usual- flats and in estuaries. Often sleeps during the day by burrying
ly with sponges at various depths. Identified by the white spots itself under the sand with just eyes exposed. Variable pale to
on the sides of the body that become small in adults, often dark over the back depending on colour of substrate. Several
green over the back. Length to 8 cm. dark bars on the cheek below the eye-level. A small species,
length to about 65 mm .
T. hypselogeneion. Maumere, Flores. Depth 2 m. Length 50 mm.
Multi-spotted Toadfish Torquigener pallimaculatus

Torquigener pallimaculatus Hardy, 1983. Queensland, Australia.
A B Southern Indonesia and tropical Australian waters. Coastal bays and estuaries on sandy and
C. janthinoptera. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 8 cm. C. janthinoptera. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 20 mm. muddy substrates to 20 m depth. Pale creamy dorsally and upper sides with numerous dark
spots grouped together in blotches and bands. Length to 18 cm.
C D A B
C. janthinoptera, night. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 55 mm. C. janthinoptera. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 18 m. Length 6 cm. T. pallimaculatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 15 cm. B at night.
Milk-spotted Pufferfish Black-spotted Pufferfish
Chelonodon patoca Arothron nigropunctatus
Tetrodon patoca Hamilton, 1822. India. Tetrodon nigropunctatus Bloch & Schneider, 1801. India.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on coastal to outer
coastal sand and mud flats, usually in estuar- reef crest and slopes with rich invertebrate growth. Adults
ies. Often in schools and sometimes swims often in pairs, the male usually with bright orange on head
up freshwater streams. Juveniles with 3 or belly. Variable with few or many black spots scattered
borad dusky bands. Aduls have bright yellow over the body. Usually a white band across the snout.
area vertrally below head and abdomen. Length to 30 cm.
Length reported to 38 cm, but usually 25 cm.
C. patoca. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 4 m. Length 9 cm. A

A. nigropunctatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 22 cm.
Silver Pufferfish
Lagocephalus scleratus
Lagocephalus scleratus Forster, 1778.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Mainly an oceanic
and pelagis species. Juveniles are sometimes
found in bays or estuaries on muddy sub-
strates. Identified by the slender body and
lunate caudal fin. Length to 80 cm.
Usually spelled sceleratus, based on Tetrodon

sceleratus Gmelin, 1789.
A B C
L. scleratus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 26 cm. Akira Ogawa. A. nigropunctatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 6 cm. A. nigropunctatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 15 m. Length 25 cm.
D E
A. nigropunctatus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 5 m. Length 12 cm. A. nigropunctatus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 30 cm.
B
L. scleratus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 20 cm.
C F G
L. scleratus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 26 cm. Akira Ogawa. A. nigropunctatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 20 cm. A. nigropunctatus, inflated. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 22 cm.
Narrow-lined Pufferfish Arothron manilensis
Tetrodon manilensis de Procé, 1822. Philippines.
Widespread West Pacific. Occurs on muddy sub-
strates, usually shallow coastal slopes to about 20 m
depth, and in shallow estuaries. Juveniles may enter
freshwater. Juveniles have thick longitudinal lines,
which fade in adults and some individuals show no
trace of lines, especially when large. Length to 30 cm.
Individuals lacking longitudinal lines are ofte referred

to Arothron immaculatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801).
However, A. immaculatus lacks lines at all stages and F G
A is probably the Indian Ocean sibbling of A. manilen- A. manilensis. F Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 10 cm. G together, one with and one without lines. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 22–23 cm.
A. manilensis. Sanur, Bali. Depth 2 m. Length 20 cm. sis. Observations in Flores, where individuals with
lines and without lines are both common, indicated
that these represented asingle species. They behaved
as a single taxon and some individuals were in the
process of loosing the lines. A. immaculatus may
occur in Sumatra. J may represent this species.
B C
A. manilensis. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 20 cm. A. manilensis. Flores, freshwater. Length 5 cm.
H
A. manilensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 24–25 cm. Pair with fading lines, only traces left on the individual on the right.
D I
A. manilensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 24 cm. In this indivudual the lines are fading. A. manilensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 22 cm. A fully grown individual, without lines.
E J
A. manilensis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 7 m. Length 30 cm. A fully grown indivudual, still showing lines. A. immaculatus? Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 7 m. Length 30 cm. This individual appears to represent the Indian Ocean species.
Starry Pufferfish Arothron stellatus
Tetrodon lagocephalus var.stellatus
Bloch & Schneider, 1801. Mauritius.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Juveniles inshore, usual-
ly on muddy substrates and often estuarine. Adults
on deep slopes and range to outer reefs,
sometines swimming high above the substrate or
jusy below the surface. Pelagic larvae may dis-
perse over great distance and juveniles occur in
subtropical zones. Adults identified by the pale
colour and numerous small dark spots. Small
juveniles have a zebra-like patters of black and yel-
low lines, the black lines breaking into spots with
A
growth. Length to 1 m.
A. stellatus. Nusa Penida, Bali. Depth 16 m. Length 80 cm.
G
A. stellatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 12 m. Length 50 cm.
B
A. stellatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 6 cm. Akira Ogawa.
C
A. stellatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 6 m. Length 12 cm. Miki Tonozuka.
I
A. stellatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 70 cm.
D
A. stellatus (top) together with Canthigaster compressus (bottom).
Maumere, Flores. Depth 6 m. Length 15 mm.
E
A. stellatus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 14 cm.
F G J
A. stellatus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 15 m. Length 20 cm. A. stellatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 1 m. Length 6 cm. Miki Tonozuka. A. stellatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 75 cm. Cleaner wrasse Labroides bicolor in front and L. dimidiatus on the snout.
Stars-and-Stripes Pufferfish Arothron hispidus Guinea-fowl Pufferfish Arothron meleagris
Tetraodon hispidus Linnaeus, 1758. India. Tetrodon meleagris Lacepède, 1798. Asia.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs in coastal bays and estu- Widespread Indo Pacific, but appears to be rare in
aries, usually near rocky reef or on sand-stretches between Indonesia. Occurs on clear coastal reef slopes and drop-
reefs with low algae-rubble reef to about 20 m depth, or offs with caves or rich coral areas at moderate depths.
shallow with sparse seagrass growth. Variable from black Appears to prefer oceanic localities. Usually black with
to grey or greenish with white spots on back and sides, numerous tiny white spots, but occasionally yellow with
adults usually white white lines ventrally on abdomen. A black blotches, latter showing the tiny white spots.
distinct black blotch around the pectoral-fin base with Juveniles with fewer spots that are yellow. Length to 45 cm.
some yellow spots or lines, surrounded by white or yellow
when young. Lenght to 50 cm.
A
A. hispidus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 45 cm.
A B
A. meleagris. A Maumere, Flores. Depth 10 m. Length 20 mm. B Maldives. Depth 15 m. Length 40 cm.
B C
A. hispidus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 3 m. Length 25 cm. A. hispidus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 35 mm. Reticulated Pufferfish Arothron reticularis
Tetrodon reticularis Bloch & Schneider, 1801. India.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs in coastal bays and estu-
aries, usually on muddy substrates. Adults at moderate
depths, often laying on the mud during the day, whilst
juveniles ate mostly in estuaries and may enter freshwater.
Small juveniles have lines and are very similar to Arothron
manilensis and are best distinguished at this stage in hav-
ing white spots in the caudal fin. Adults are similar to A.
hispidus but have more numerous white spots and the
cheeks are lined rather than spotted. Length to 45 cm.
D E
A. hispidus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 6 cm. A. hispidus. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 10 m. Length 40 cm.
F
A. hispidus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 40 cm. A. reticularis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 40 cm.
Scribbled Pufferfish Arothron mappa
Tetrodon reticularis Bloch & Schneider, 1801. India.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Occurs on clear
coastal to outer reef habitats. Adults usually along
deep drop-offs. An extremely variable species that can
have almost straight lines, scribbled patters, spot or a
blotch pattern, often a combination. Usually shows
lines radiating around eye-pupil but at some stage this
changes to a circular pattern. The circle-pattern
around the eye shows in very large adults but starts at
various stages of growth. The individual in A shows a
circle pattern developing around the eye and the large
individual in J shows remains of the radiating pattern
in the eye. Length to 60 cm. H I
A. mappa. Nusa Penida, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 45 cm. A. mappa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 4 m. Length 15 cm.
A
A. mappa. Rinka I., Komodo. Depth 15 m. Length 45 cm.
J
A. mappa. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 50 cm. A suckerfish Echeneis naucrates on its back.
B C
A. mappa. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 10 m. Length 30 cm. A. mappa. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 25 mm.
K
D E A. mappa. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 20 m. Length 45 cm.
A. mappa. Pulau Putri, Java. Depth 6 m. Length 40 cm. A. mappa. Qld, Australia. Depth 10 m. Length 10 cm.
F G L
A. mappa. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 16 cm. A. mappa. Bali. D. 6 m. L. 14 cm. Taketomo Shiratori. A. mappa. Maumere, Flores. Depth 24 m. Length 60 cm. With several Labroides cleaner wrasses and Meiacanthus blennies.
PORCUPINEFISHES – DIODONTIDAE Black-spotted Porcupinefish
Diodon hystrix
A small family with 6 or 7 genera and about 20 species. Like the closely related pufferfishes, they quickly inflate themselves when Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758. India.
handled in defense. The spines that normall lay flat against there skin project outwards than and the whole fish becomes like a prick- Widespread, circumtropical, ranging to
ly ball. Most species are active at night and shelter in caves or large crevices during the day. Young are often with floating weeds sub-tropical zones. Occurs on deep
and one species is mainly pelagic. They feed on a variety of invertebrates, often on jellies. coastal slopes and on outer reefs, usual-
ly in depths over 25 m. It lacks distinct
bands over the back and has numerous
Pelagic Porcupinefish Diodon eydouxii small black spots all over, including the
Diodon eydouxii Brissout de Barneville, 1846. fins. Length to 60 cm.
Eastern Pacific.
Widespread, circumtropical, but most specimens were
collected in the eastern Pacific. This species is a pelag-
ic, oceanic, and rarely seen by divers. As the photo-
graph shows, they can form large schools for some A
protection form the larger hunters such as kingfishes D. hystrix. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 45 cm.
(Seriola spp). They feed on zooplankton, including
crustaceans and small fishes. Length to 25 cm.
B
D. hystrix. Maumere, Flores. Depth 30 m. Length 60 cm.
Black-blotched Porcupinefish
Diodon liturosus
Diodon liturosus Shaw, 1804.
Indian Seas.
Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal
to outer reef slopes, usually in caves or
below plate-corals during the day and
often deep, ranging to at least 40 m
depth. Juveniles occur in lagoons and
estuaries. Easily identified by the white-
edged black blotches over the back and
spines on the head that are rather short.
Length to 50 cm. A
D. liturosus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 45 cm.
B C
D. eydouxii. Manado, Sulawesi. Surface waters Length to 12 cm. William Tan. D. liturosus. B Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Inflated adult, length about 30 cm. C Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 10 m. Length 40 cm.
Fine-spotted Porcupinefish Diodon holocanthus Few-spined Porcupinefish
Diodon holocanthus Linnaeus, 1758. India. Chilomycterus reticulatus
Widespread, circumtropical. Shallow coastal habitats to deep Diodon reticulatus Linnaeus, 1758. India.
offshore. Found on open muddy substrates as well as on rich Widespread, circumtropical. Adults occur on deep
soft-bottom and coral reefs. Juveniles often with floating coastal slopes, usually seen in depths over 20 m,
Sargassum rafts. Young and sub-adults may form small but sometimes in shallow coastal bays or estuaries.
groups. Identified by the long spine and usually brown to grey Appears to be active during the day. Juveniles often
blotches with dark edges over the back, but sometimes the with floating weeds and may be pelagic to about 20
blotches are completely black. Sometimes the pale areas pep- cm length. Identified by the few spines it has on the
pered with tiny dark spots. Length to 30 cm. body and dark blotches that form indistinct bands
A over the back and sides. Length to 55 cm.
D. holocanthus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 5 m. Length 25 cm.
A
C. reticulatus. Gilimanuk, Bali. Depth 8 m. Length 50 cm.
B C
D. holocanthus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 3 m. Length 20 cm. D. holocanthus. Maumere, Flores. Depth 1 m. Length 10 cm.
B
C. reticulatus. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 50 cm.
Yellow-spotted Porcupinefish
Cyclichthys spilostylus
Cyclichthys spilostylus Leis & Randall, 1982.
Red Sea.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Occurs in seagrass habi-
tats and coastal slopes with sponges. Uncommon
in Indonesia. Variable grey or brownish to black
over the back and pale below. Spines on back high-
lighted by a distinct yellow spot and pale area
below with dark spots. Active during the night.
Length to 34 cm.
D
D. holocanthus. Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi. Depth 3 m. Length 20 cm. C. spilostylus. Padangbai, Bali. Depth 25 m. Length 30 cm.
Rounded Porcupinefish
Cyclichthys orbicularis
Cyclichthys orbicularis Bloch, 1785.
Widespread Indo Pacific. Clear protected reefs with
sponge and algal habitats. Often in large sponges
during the day. Active at night, feeding on inverte-
brates amongst reef. Identified by its normally spiny
appearance and large eyes. Length to 20 cm.
E A B
D. holocanthus. Bitung, Sulawesi. Depth 6 m. Length 30 cm. C. orbicularis. Tulamben, Bali. D. 9 m. L. 15 cm. C. orbicularis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 25 m. Length 20 cm.
OCEAN SUNFISHES – MOLIDAE Ocean Sunfish
Mola mola
A small family with 3 genera and 4 or 5 species. Open ocean fishes that are usually seen from boats when swimming near the sur- Tetraodon mola Linnaeus, 1758. Mediterranean.
face, but one species is regularily seen near reefs in Indonesia, especially Bali. They grow quite large and have a rounded com- Widespread, circumtropical, ranging to subtropical
pressed body with a tall dorsal and similar mirrowing anal fin. Adults lack a caudal fin and have a rudder-like structure instead. To zones. A great fish that is occasionally seen on
propel themselves, they flap the dorsal and anal fins from side to side and they can swim surprisingly fast. slopes adjacent to deep water where coming in for
shelter or seeking cleaner fish. They feed primarily
on jellyfish and salps. They are generally shy but
may become accustomed to divers in certain loca-
tions. If not harashed they become quite tame. They
can reach a length of 3 m and a weight of 2000 kg.
B
M. mola. Nusa Lembongan, Bali. Depth 35 m. Length about 1.5 m.
A C
M. mola. Nusa Lembongan, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length about 2 m. M. mola. Nusa Lembongan, Bali. Depth 30 m. Length about 2.5 m.
EXTERNAL FEATURES OF FISHES COLOURS & PATTERNS
Most fishes are camouflaged in one way or another; small fishes to escape detection by predators, and the predators to get close
to prey. Open water fishes are usually silvery, shaded with bluish or greenish backs that reflect their surroundings whilst reef fish-
es are coloured to suit their surroundings and habits. Slow fishes that live in direct contact with the bottom are best camouflaged,
those on sand matching the texture and colour, and those on reef the various features combining colour and shape. A flounder on
EXTERNAL FEATURES the sand is rarely seen unless it moves, like the stonefish on the reef that is almost impossible to detect. Fishes that are more mobile
make use of coverage of reefs and use camouflage to lesser extent, but some of the colours we see in photographs that are bright
ANTERIOR POSTERIOR can be for camouflage. Bright red fishes that live deep or active at night are actually camouflaged because red light doesn’t travel
far, red is like having no colour at all in natural light at depth.
SPINOUS PART DORSAL FIN
(FIRST PART)
SOFT-RAYED PART
DORSAL
(SECOND PART)
LATERAL LINE
CAUDAL PEDUNCLE
EYE
NOSTRILS
SIDE VIEW FILAMENTOUS RAY
MOUTH
CHEEK
CAUDAL FIN
VENTRAL
(TAIL FIN)
GILL COVER
(OPERCULUM) ANAL FIN
VENTRAL FIN ANAL SPINES
PECTORAL FIN
(PELVIC FIN) (SIDE FIN) Pseudanthias pleurotaenia, photographed with dual flash at 25 m depth. On the left: the results with the full colour spectrum,
red the dominating colour. On the right: by reducing the red and increasing the blue it shows some of the obscured patterns
LATERAL GILL OPENING and is very similar to as one would observe at depth in natural light.
LOWER JAW ANUS (VENT)
TAIL BASE
BOTTOM VIEW
LOWER LIP TAIL FIN

CHIN
TAIL
BELLY
CHEST
LATERAL LATERAL
SHADED VERTICAL OBLIQUE HORIZONTAL MID-LATERAL
NAPE BACK STRIPES

SNOUT
TOP VIEW
UPPER LIP
BARRED BLOTCHED
MOSAIC
NOSTRILS BANDED
SADDLED SPOTTED
LATERAL PATTERNS
ANTERIOR POSTERIOR
eyebar false eye

(ocellus)
CHEVRONED LINES
(angled accross body)
LINES
(longitudinal, along top; marginal submarginal
radiating, from eye; oblique,
FALSE-EYES (OCELLI) lower side; vertically, tail.) FIN PATTERNS
MEASUREMENTS
MEASUREMENTS VARIATIONS OF FEATURES OF FISHES
FIN HEIGHT
EXTERNAL FEATURES - 3
BODY DEPTH
SUBTERMINAL SUPERIOR ELONGATED TUBULAR
FIN
LENGTH WITH BARBELS
HEAD LENGTH BASE LENGTH TYPES OF MOUTH (GOATFISH)
TERMINAL INFERIOR INCISED MEMBRANES

TOTAL LENGTH
SEPARATE SPINE
1ST PART 2ND PART

NOTCHED
SOFT RAY
1ST SPINE
BODY WIDTH
1ST 2ND
DIVIDED
1ST 2ND 3RD TYPES OF DORSAL FINS
SHAPES OF FISHES
Most people are familiar with fishes caught on a line and know the shape of an eel. The seahorse is not often recognised as a fish horizontal
and represents one of the more unusually shaped types. Fish fill every niche of the aquatic habitat, like birds on the land, that require
colour, size and shape to suit. Reef or sand dwellers, the pelagics, hunters and graziers have different needs and adapted accord- FORKED TRUNCATE EEL-LIKE
ingly, readily noticed by shape. Fast fishes need to be streamlined, those living on the bottom and don’t need to move can be shaped (rounded)
vertical
diagonal
like a rock or a stick. Most fishes we see swimming around the reef, the groupers, damsels, fusiliers snappers etc, are perch-like in SCALE ROWS
shape and fin features, however each group varies in varies ways. Some are short, other long, thick or thin, as shown above with EEL-LIKE exposed
part
the appropriate terms that are generally used. Some fishes have adapted to living in a different way to most, like the flatfishes that (pointed)
lay on their sides, or seahorses, ghostpipefishes and shrimpfishes have a vertical composure. So flatfishes are compressed and not LUNATE ROUNDED
depressed, and those fishes swimming vertical are slender and not deep bodied. smooth rough or spiny
LANCEOLATE
(cycloid) (ctenoid)
TAIL SHAPES SCALE TYPES
BODY SHAPES
SCALES
side view KEEL
DORSAL
view
EEL SHAPED RIGID SPINE
FINLETS
DEPRESSED CYLINDRICAL BOX-LIKE
LATERAL
OVAL SHAPED view
SCUTES
RETRACTABLE SPINE
(side view, surgeonfish)
TAIL FEATURES
DEEP BODIED SLENDER
side-orientated
normal
COMPRESSED ELONGATED
GLOSSARY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Abdomen. Belly, contains the digestive and reproductive organs. and anal fins.
Acute. Sharply pointed. Meristics. Countable features. We thank the numerous people who have been instrumental in making this book a reality. The preparation took many years and it
Adipose. Fatty tissue, usually refers to small second dorsal fin in Mimicry. The act of an organism purposely resembling another. would be impossible to name all those who have helped. We are grateful to many dive organistions and resorts throughout Indonesia
fish. Molariform. Bluntly rounded, gringing shaped (teeth). that gave us logistic support, namely those in Bali, Java, Karimunjawa, Pulau Putri, Sumatra, Pulau Weh, Sulawesi, Kalimantan,
Allopatric. Living in separate geographical areas. Monotypic. Containing a single species. Derawan, Flores, Maumere.
Anal. Behind the anus. Nape. Upper part of head, over and behind the eyes.
Anterior. Towards front or head. Nocturnal. Active at night. Special Acknowledgements are due to those that provided complimentary diving and accomodation:
Antrorse. Turned forward. Ocellus. A marking simulating the image of an eye. Blue Banter Dive Center, Manado, northern Sulawesi / Mr Ir Handojo Indrapujiono, MBA
Anus. External opening of intestine. Omnivore. Consumer of both animal and vegetable matter. Derawan Dive Resort, Derawan Is., northern Kalimantan / Mr Nawawi Chandra
Axil. Inner base of pectoral fin. Opercle. Upper bony edge of the gill cover.
Grand Komodo Tours & Travel, Komodo Is. & Rinca Is. / Mrs Reno Kirtya
Barbel. Fleshy tentacle-like extension, usually near the mouth. Operculum. Gill cover, containing opercle and preopercle bones.
Indonesia Underwater Expedition / all Members
Benthic. Living close to or on the bottom. Origin. Starting point, beginning of a longitudinal part at the
Kungkungan Bay Resort, Lembeh Strait, northern Sulawesi / Mr Mark Eckenbarger
Bucklers. Bony plates along fin bases or belly, usually forming head-end.
series. Oviparous. Egg producing, hatching externally from female after- Kura-Kura Resort, Karimunjawa Is, central-north Java / Mr Soren Lax
Canine. Long conical tooth. wards. M.V. Baruna Adventurer, Sumbawa Is. Komodo Is. Rinca Is. Flores Is. Sumba Is. / Mr John Bagus Sujayana
Carapace. Hard outer shell covering body. Ovoviviparous. Egg producing, hatching inside female or at birth. M.V. Empress, Jawa, Madra, Kangean Is. / Mr. Vidar Skoglie
Carnivore. Consumer of animal matter. Paired fins. Pectoral and ventral fins, usually opposite and mir- Reef Seen Aquatics, Pemuteran, Bali / Mr Chris Brawn
Caudal. Of or pertaining to the tail. roring each other. Saowisata Resort, Maumere, Flores / Mr Frans Seda
Cirri. Tiny barbels or spines. Palate. Roof of the mouth. Secret Bay Dive Center, Gilimanuk, Bali / all Staff
Compressed. Flattened laterally, from sides. Palatine. Bone in each side of the palate. Stingray Dive Center, Weh Is. northern Sumatra / Mr Dodent Mahyiddin
Corselet. A densely scaled area in tuna-like fishes. Papilla. A fleshy projection. Wakatobi Dive Resort, Tukang Besi National Marine Park, Banda Sea / Mr Lorens Mader
Crenulate. Edges scalloped. Pectoral fin. Uppermost of paired fins, usually on sides, immedi-
Cryptic. Pertaining to concealment by colour and behaviour. ately following gill openings. We also thank scientific workers who have assisted in various ways to identify fishes, colleagues at LIPI (Indonesian Institute of
Ctenoid. Term used for scales with spine edges or rough surface. Peduncle. Body part from end of anal fin to caudal fin base. Sciences), Martin Gomon (Museum Victoria), Jerry Allen (Conservation International), Helen Larson (Northern Teritory Museum),
Cuspidate. Teeth with projecting points. Pelagic. Oceanic, belonging to open sea. Jeff Johnson, (Queensland Museum), Kendall Clements (University of Auckland), Howard Choat (James Cook University) .
Cycloid. Term used for scales which are generally smooth. Phytoplankton. Plant life in plankton.
Deciduous. Loosely attached, usually scales. Planktivore. Consumer of plankton. Thank you to all the photographers who generously contributed their work. Each are credited in the captions with their photographs,
Demersal. Living on the bottom. Plankton. Organisms drifting freely in currents. but a special mention is due to Roger Steene, Jerry Allen and Akira Ogawa who provided many images of rarely-seen species.
Denticles. Tooth-like structures. Posterior. Towards rear or tail.
Depressed. Flattened dorsally, from above. Postlarva. Larva after absorption of yolk.
List of contributing photographers:
Detritus. Organic matter, usually containing high concentrations Prehensile: adaption for holding on by wrapping, body or tail.
Jerry Allen
of simple unicelular algae. Preopercle. Front part of the operculum, an angled bone distantly
Roger Steene
Diurnal. Active during day. below and behind the eye.
Dorsal. Pertaining to the back. Principal rays. Branched or segmented rays, elements used for Gary Bell
Emarginate. Margin slightly hollowed (fins). fin counts, excluding procurrent or simple rays. Neville Coleman
Esca. Bait-like portion of a luring apparatus (anglerfish). Protrusible. Greatly expandable, usually the jaws. Akira Ogawa
Finlet. Small fin-like structure, usually in series in scombroids, Radii. Grooves in scales, crossing growth rings. Miki Tonozuka
following dorsal fins. Retrorse. Curving backwards. Alison Kuiter
Fusiform. Spindle-shaped and tapering to both ends. Rostrum. Bony projecting snout. Stephen Wong
Gill arch. Bony parts supporting filamentous respiratory parts. Rudimentary. Reduced part without an obvious function. Helmut Debelius
Gills. Lung function or respiration chambers. Scute. Bony scale with a keel-like ridge or spine. Alex Steffe
Gill opening. Exhaust for water flow through gills. Segmented ray. Fin ray showing cross striations. Scott Michael
Gill rakers. Series of bony projections on inner curves of gill Serrate. Edged in saw-like spines or notches. Koji Ozaki
arches, often functioning as filters (plankton). Sympatric. Living in the same area. Michihiko Yamada
Herbivore. Consumer of vegetable matter. Synonymy. Different names given to the same species. Clay Brice
Illicium. Rod-like portion of a luring apparatus (anglerfishes). Thermocline. Zone of rapidly changing temperature. Tony Wu
Incisiform. Applies to teeth with flattened cutting edges. Tholichthys. Pelagic stage of a butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae). Bill Boyle
Interorbital. Between eyes on top of head. Thoratic. Of orpertaining to the chest region. Ukkrit Satapoomin
Jugular. Position of ventral fins in the throat region. Thorax. Chest. Masaya Takahashi
Keel. Reinforced ridge on body, often on caudal peduncle or Tricuspid. Having three cups or points (teeth).
Phil Woodhead
head. Truncate. Used for the caudal fin with mostly straight vertical
Taketomo Shirotori
Lanceolate. Spear-shaped or broadly pointed (caudal fin). edge.
Takahisa Ichihara
Larva. Immature stage, usually differing greatly from adult. Tubercle. Short blunt pimple-like spine.
Lateral. Pertaining to the sides. Truncate: used for caudal fin with mostly straight vertical edge. Glen Barrall
Lateral line. Sensory canal system, ranging from simple tubes to Ventral. Of or pertaining to the underside. Toshikazu Kozawa
complicated pressure cells in series along sides, often pene- Ventral fins: lower-most paired fins along underside, also called Mark Norman
trating through scales in tubes or cut-outs (notched). pelvic fins. William Tan
Leptocephalus. Larval stage of smoe fishes (Eg. eels). Villiform. Numerous small slender projections, brush-like, often
Lunate. Shaped like crescent moon (usually referring to caudal used for teeth. Finally we thank Mark Chettle (ZOONETICS), who’s expertise is pre-press, for his contributing role in the production of the works,
fin shape). Viviparous: giving birth to live young, usually free swimming. from setting-up the computer system to the final printing stage.
Medial. In the middle, usually along dorsal- and ventral-most Vomer. Front bone in the roof of the mouth.
regions. Zooplankton: animal organisms in plankton.
Median fins. Fins along median extremes, thus dorsal, caudal

Indonesian Reef Fishes - Part 3 - Rajabnadia

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PICTORIAL GUIDE TO:

PTERELOTRIDIDAE 712 MICRODESMIDAE 721 ACANTHURIDAE 722 NASINAE 741

PRIONURINAE 750 ZANCLIDAE 751 SIGANIDAE 752 SCATOPHAGIDAE 763

EPHIPPIDAE 764 SPHYRAENIDAE 774 SCOMBRIDAE 776 NOMEIDAE 779

RUDIE H. KUITER & TAKAMASA TONOZUKA

PARALICHTHYIDAE 792 BOTHIDAE 794 MONACANTHIDAE 798 BALISTIDAE 816

OSTRACIIDAE 831 TETRAODONTIDAE 837 DIODONTIDAE 854 MOLIDAE 858

First published in 2001 by A

Kuiter, R.H. & T. Tonozuka

Copyright ©2001 Zoonetics

O. castelnaui. Pulau Weh, Sumatra. D. 20 m. Roger C. STEENE.

Ring-eye Jawfish Opistognathus sp1

Widespread throughout Indonesia and probably more widespread in

West Pacific, ranging from Java and Bali to

West Pacific, southern Japan to Moluccen

Side-spot Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus strigilliceps

Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Common species in coastal waters, near

White-spotted Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus leucostictus

West to Central Pacific. Shy species, usually found on sheltered pro-

Black-nape Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus inexplicatus

Yellow Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus cinctus Singapore Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus leptocephalus

Only known from Indonesia, Java, Bali and southern Sulawesi,

Short Shrimp-goby Cryptocentrus sp 2

West Pacific, throughout Indonesia to southern Japan.

Widespread Indonesia to Philippines. Coastal to outer reef sand slopes,

A. yanoi. Tulamben, Bali. Depth 15 m. Length 12 cm.

Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal to

A. diagonalis. Maumere, Flores. Depth 12 m. Length 11 cm.

Widespread northern Indian Ocean. Coastal,

Eye-brow Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris sp 2

Indonesia. Coastal bays and estuaries to about 20 m depth. A B

Steinitz’s Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris steinitzi

Seven-spine Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris sp 3

Indonesia. Only known from Gilimanuk, Bali, an large estuary A

Burgundy Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris wheeleri

Widespread Indo-West Pacific. Coastal sand slopes and deep lagoons,

Broad-banded Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris periophthalma

Widespread West Pacific. Coastal to outer reef sand slopes to 35 m

Gold-barred Shrimp-goby Amblyeleotris randalli

White-rayed Shrimp-goby Stonogobiops sp

C D Girdled Blue Shrimp-goby

Widespread Indonesia. Coastal waters, usually on

Black-mast Shrimp-goby Myersina lachneri Saffron Shrimp-goby Ctenogobiops crocineus

F. latruncularius. Karimunjawa. Depth 23 m. Length 10 cm.

Fancy-foot Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 5

Split-fin Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 3

Only known from Maumere Bay, Flores. Coastal silty sand

Blue-shine Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 6

Both individuals are males, seemingly in a territorial dis-

Mottled Shrimp-goby Tomiyamichthys oni

Yellow-pepper Shrimp-goby Vanderhorstia sp 7

Widespread West Pacific. Shallow estuaries to deep fine-sand habi-

Widespread Indo-West Pacific, showing no signifi-

Widespread West Pacific and Andaman Sea. Clear coastal and

A V. sp 1. Menjangan I., Bali. Depth 32 m. Length 65 mm.

Only known from Indonesia and Thailand. Was con-

Ni’s Sleeper-goby Valenciennea immaculata

West Pacific, China seas, Malaysia to Singapore and east to

Black-chin Sleeper-goby Valenciennea cf puellaris

Widespread Indian Ocean, ranging east to Sumatra. Previously

Six-spot Sleeper-goby Valenciennea sexguttata

Cheek-spot Goby Amblygobius sp 1