Term
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Definition
Family: Ginglymostomatidae
Genius/Species: Ginglymostoma cirratum
Common name: Nurse shark
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Orectolobiformes
Sex: lays eggs in horny capsul
Diag. character of order: two barbels on upper lip, two dorsal fins of nearly equal size and set far back, small mouth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Dasyatidae
Genius/Species: Dasyatis americana
Common name: southern stingray
Activity:
Order: Myliobatiformes
Sex: bear live young
Diag. character of order: snout and tips of wings pointed |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Urotrygonidae
Genius/Species: Urobatis jamaicensis
Common name: yellow stingray
Activity: piscivore on schooling fish, nocturnal feeder
Order: Myliobatiformes
Sex: bear live young
Diag. character of order: numerous spots, snout and tips of wings rounded |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Megalopidae
Genius/Species: Megalops alanticus
Common name: tarpon
Activity: carnivores
Order: Elopiformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: large upturned mouth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Elopidae
Genius/Species: Elops saurus
Common name: Ladyfish
Activity: carnivore
Order: Elopiformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: long upturned mouth extends past eye. ventral fins directly below dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Albulidae
Genius/Species: Albula vulpes
Common name: bonefish
Activity: inverts
Order: Albuliformes
Sex: leptocephalus larvae*
Diag. character of order: short underslung mouth ends before eye, single dorsal fin, deeply forked tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Muraenidae
Genius/Species: Gymnothorax funebris
Common name: Green moray
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic
Diag. character of order: uniform green to brown |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Muraenidae
Genius/Species: Gymnothorax moringa
Common name: Spotted moray
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic
Diag. character of order: body covered by speckling of dark spots and blotches |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Muraenidae
Genius/Species: Gymnothorax vicinus
Common name: purplemouth moray
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic
Diag. character of order: brilliant yellow-gold eyes, dark stripe/edge on dorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Muraenidae
Genius/Species: Gymnothorax nigromarginatus
Common name: Blackedge moray
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic
Diag. character of order: - |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Muraenidae
Genius/Species: Gymnothorax miliaris
Common name: Goldentail moray
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic
Diag. character of order: shades of brown covered in yellow spots |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Congridae
Genius/Species: Heteroconger longissimus
Common name: Brown garden eel
Activity: -
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic - eggs and larva
Diag. character of order: brown to grey head and upper body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Congridae
Genius/Species: Heteroconger luteolus
Common name: yellow garden eel
Activity: -
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic - eggs and larva
Diag. character of order: yellow back |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ophichthidae
Genius/Species: Myrichthys breviceps
Common name: sharptail eel
Activity: crabs
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic - offshore spawning migration
Diag. character of order: small yellow spots on head, large diffuse pale spots on body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ophichthidae
Genius/Species: Myrichthys ocellatus
Common name: goldspotted eel
Activity: crabs
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic - offshore spawning migration
Diag. character of order: bright yellow gold spots with diffues black borders on body and head |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ophichthidae
Genius/Species: Ophichthus ophis
Common name: spotted snake eel
Activity: fishes
Order: Anguilliformes
Sex: some sequential hermaphrodites, at least one protandrous, pelagic*
Diag. character of order: broad dark bar across top of head, may extend down onto cheeks |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Clupeidae
Genius/Species: NA
Common name: herring
Activity: copepods fish larvae crab shrimp larvae
Order: Clupeiformes
Sex: planktivores
Diag. character of order: tiny silver forked tailed schooling fish |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Engraulidae
Genius/Species: NA
Common name: anchovie
Activity: planktivores
Order: Clupeiformes
Sex: planktivores
Diag. character of order: tiny silver forked tailed schooling fish |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Synodontidae
Genius/Species: Synodus intermedius
Common name: sand diver
Activity: bottom-dwellers, fish
Order: Aulopiformes
Sex: monomorphic, courtship throughout day, vertically spawn at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: dark spot on upper end of gill cover, diamond (blobs) markings on side often join bars on back |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Synodontidae
Genius/Species: Synodus foetens
Common name: inshore lizardfish
Activity: bottom-dwellers, fishes
Order: Aulopiformes
Sex: monomorphic, courtship throughout day, vertically spawn at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: eight diamond to round markings with pale ceners on sides separated from other markings (faded crosses) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Synodontidae
Genius/Species: Synodus saurus
Common name: bluestriped lizardfish
Activity: bottom-dwellers
Order: Aulopiformes
Sex: monomorphic, courtship throughout day, vertically spawn at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: thin blue/turqiose stripe down upper body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Regalecidae
Genius/Species: Regalecus glesne
Common name: oarfish
Activity: crustaceans, small fishes.squids
Order: Lampriformes
Sex: -
Diag. character of order: scaleless, toothless |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Batrachoididae
Genius/Species: Opsanus beta
Common name: Gulf toadfish
Activity: carnivores, nocturnal?
Order: Batrachoidiformes
Sex: demersal guarded eggs
Diag. character of order: brown diagnonal bands on dorsal/anal fins, pale areas on bod form rosettes, markings on pec fins distinguish from leopard toadfish |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Batrachoididae
Genius/Species: Opsanus tau
Common name: leopard toadfish
Activity: carnivores, nocturnal?
Order: Batrachoidiformes
Sex: demersal guarded eggs
Diag. character of order: well-developed fleshy tabs below lips on lower jaw, distinguish from gulf toadfish by pect. fin markings |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Antennariidae
Genius/Species: Histrio histrio
Common name: sargassumfish
Activity: voracious carnivores
Order: Lophiiformes
Sex: monomorphic, day courtship, evening/night spawning, large gelatinous egg rafts
Diag. character of order: resembles sargassum weed |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Antennariidae
Genius/Species: Antennarius multiocellatus
Common name: Longlure frogfish
Activity: voracious carnivores
Order: Lophiiformes
Sex: monomorphic, day courtship, evening/night spawning, large gelatinous egg rafts
Diag. character of order: three spots on tail, numerous dark spots over body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ogcocephalidae
Genius/Species: Ogcocephalus radiatus
Common name: Polka-dot batfish
Activity: -
Order: Lophiiformes
Sex: gelatinous egg mats
Diag. character of order: light colored body, fins covered with dark dots - protrusible mouth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ogcocephalidae
Genius/Species: Ogcocephalus nasutus
Common name: shortnose batfish
Activity: crabs
Order: Lophiiformes
Sex: gelatinous egg mats
Diag. character of order: unicorn projection between eyes, two dark bands border pale band on tail - protrusible mouth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Mugilidae
Genius/Species: Mugil curema
Common name: white mullet
Activity: travel in schools - algae
Order: Perciformes
Sex: -
Diag. character of order: large dusky semicircular spot on base of pect. fin, dusky margin on top of rear dorsal fin and tail (hard to tell from striped mullet) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Mugilidae
Genius/Species: Mugil cephallus
Common name: striped mullet
Activity: travel in schools - algae
Order: Perciformes
Sex: -
Diag. character of order: dark spots on base of scales form stripes on body, dark base of pect. fin (hard to tell from white mullet) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Atherinidae
Genius/Species: Menidia menidia, M. Beyllina, Hypoatherina heringtonensis
Common name: silversides
Activity: schooling fish, zooplanktivores
Order: Atheriniformes
Sex: -
Diag. character of order: tiny silver, fork-tailed schooling fish - very small, very hard to distinguish |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Exocoetidae
Genius/Species: Cheilopogon melanurus
Common name: atlantic flyingfish
Activity: offshore species
Order: Beloniformes
Sex: 4-wing have benthic egss, 2-wing have buoyan eggs
Diag. character of order: dark body bands, narrower than spaces between |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Exocoetidae
Genius/Species: Hirundichthys speculiger
Common name: mirrorwing flyingfish
Activity: offshore species
Order: Beloniformes
Sex: 4-wing have benthic egss, 2-wing have buoyan eggs
Diag. character of order: wide white border on trailing edge of pect fins, blunt snout |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Hemiramphidae
Genius/Species: Hemiramphus brasiliensis
Common name: ballyhoo
Activity:
Order: Beloniformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: upper lobe of tail yellow/orange, upper jaw short, lower jaw long (w/yellow-orange-red tip) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Belonidae
Genius/Species: Tylosurus crocodilus
Common name: Houndfish
Activity: surface dwelling
Order: Beloniformes
Sex: eggs in adhesive filaments stick to floating objects
Diag. character of order: black lateral keel on eash side of tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Belonidae
Genius/Species: strongylura notata
Common name: Redfin needlefish
Activity: surface dwelling
Order: Beloniformes
Sex: both gonads developed, eggs in adhesive filaments stick to floating objects
Diag. character of order: black bar across opercula, red dorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Belonidae
Genius/Species: strongylura marina
Common name: Atlantic needlefish
Activity: surface dwelling
Order: Beloniformes
Sex: only right gonad developed, eggs in adhesive filaments stick to floating objects
Diag. character of order: |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Holocentridae
Genius/Species: Holocentrus adscensionis
Common name: Squirrelfish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Beryciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, 1:1 sex ratio, sexes similar sizes, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: yellowish front dorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Holocentridae
Genius/Species: Holocentrus rufus
Common name: longspine squirrelfish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Beryciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, 1:1 sex ratio, sexes similar sizes, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: white tipped dorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Holocentridae
Genius/Species: Neoniphone marianus
Common name: Longjaw squirrelfish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Beryciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, 1:1 sex ratio, sexes similar sizes, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: long anal fin spine, orangish/gold body stripes |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Holocentridae
Genius/Species: Sargocentron vexillarium
Common name: Dusky Squirrelfish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Beryciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, 1:1 sex ratio, sexes similar sizes, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: wide silver stripes alternating with dusky stripes and dark borders, reddish tipped dorsal fins |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Holocentridae
Genius/Species: Sargocentron coruscum
Common name: Reef squirrelfish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Beryciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, 1:1 sex ratio, sexes similar sizes, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black blotch on first dorsal fins from 1st-4th spine |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Holocentridae
Genius/Species: Myripristis jacobus
Common name: Blackbar soldierfish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Beryciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, 1:1 sex ratio, sexes similar sizes, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black bar "chopping its head off" |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Syngnathidae
Genius/Species: Hippocampus erectus
Common name: Lined seahorse
Activity:
Order: Gasterosteiformes
Sex: males brood
Diag. character of order: numerous lines on head, down neck and back |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Syngnathidae
Genius/Species: Hippocampus reidi
Common name: Longsnout seahorse
Activity:
Order: Gasterosteiformes
Sex: males brood
Diag. character of order: long snout, small black dots over head/body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Aulostomidae
Genius/Species: Aulostomus maculatus
Common name: Trumpetfish
Activity:
Order: Gasterosteiformes
Sex: spawn at dusk (several attempts)
Diag. character of order: trumpet-like mouth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Fistulariidae
Genius/Species: Fistularia tabacaria
Common name: bluespotted cornetfish
Activity:
Order: Gasterosteiformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: long tail filaments |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Dactylopteridae
Genius/Species: Dactylopterus volitans
Common name: flying gurnard
Activity: solitary, benthic, sluggish
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: huge fanlike pec fins (with brilliant blue lines and dot markings) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Scorpaenidae
Genius/Species: Scorpaena plumieri
Common name: spotted scorpionfish
Activity: diurnal, nocturnal, solitary
Order: Scorpaeniformes
Sex: egg layers, large masses
Diag. character of order: three dark bars on til, back sife of pec fin black with white spots |
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Term
Order Name for Searobins
Activity: |
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Definition
Scorpaeniformes
Activity: bottom-dwelling |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Epinephelus itajara
Common name: Goliath grouper
Activity: demersal, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: largest fish on reef, small dark spots over body/fins, tail fin rounded |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Epinephelus striatus
Common name: Nassau grouper
Activity: demersal, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs, lunar spawning
Diag. character of order: black saddle spot on tail base, dorsal fin notched between forward spines |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Ephinephelus morio
Common name: Red grouper
Activity: demersal, day or night feeder
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: foredorsal fin smooth straight edge (not notched) - no spot on tail base. JUVENILE: pale bluish border on rear dorsal/anal/tail fins |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Epinephelus guttatus
Common name: Red Hind
Activity: demersal, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: tail/rear fins have black margin edged in white (no black saddle like rock hind) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Epinephelus adscensionis
Common name: Rock Hind
Activity: demersal, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black saddle blotch on tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Epinephelus niveatus
Common name: Snowy grouper
Activity: demersal, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: large black circular saddle over tail base, rows of bold white spots on body (sometimes not there) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca venenosa
Common name: Yellowfin grouper
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: outer thirs pec fin yellow, ends of rectandular blotches rounded, tail has thing dark irregular margin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca bonaci
Common name: black grouper
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: thin pale yellow margin on pac fins, square blotches, wide black margin on tail with thin white edge |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca interstitialis
Common name: Yellowmouth grouper
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: distinct yellow around mouth corners, pec fins pale at base/margin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca interstitialis
Common name: Yellowmouth grouper JUVENILE
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: yellow spinous dorsal, bicolored black back white belly |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca rubra
Common name: comb grouper
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca tigris
Common name: Tiger grouper
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: tiger stripe bars |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca tigris
Common name: Tiger grouper JUVENILE
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: yellow, dusky midbody streak |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Mycteroperca microlepis
Common name: Gag
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: lines radiate from eye, dusky tail with thing blue margin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Cephalopholis cruentata
Common name: Graysby
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: 3-5 spots along dorsal base, tail more rounded |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Cephalopholis cruentata
Common name: Graysby JUVENILE
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: white band runs between eyes from nape to lower lip |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Epinephelinae (Groupers)
Genius/Species: Cephalopholis fulva
Common name: Coney
Activity: piscivorous, smaller serranids are diurnal, larger feed day and night
Order: Perciformes
Sex: protogynous hermaphrodites (reasons for sex change unclear), spawn spring-summer, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: 2 black dots on lower lip, 2 black dots behind dorsal on tail base, JUVENILE: 4 spots on lower lip, 2 white spots on dorsal base, white spot on middorsal fin/back |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Hypoplectrus unicolor
Common name: Butter Hamlet
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: large black saddle blotch on tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Serranus tortugarum
Common name: Chalk Bass
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: pale/dark bars across back |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Serranus tigrinus
Common name: Harlequin bass
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: dark, tigerlike bars |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Serranus tabacarius
Common name: Tobaccofish
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: midbody orange/brown, dark u-shape tail border |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Liopropoma rubre
Common name: Peppermint bass
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: dark spots on rear dorsal/anal, 2 blotches on tail joined |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Serranus baldwini
Common name: Lantern bass
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: rows of dark/rectangular blotches on lower side, band of 4 black dots on tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Parasphyraenops incises
Common name: Bantam bass
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: dark spot on upper foredorsal, pair white markings on rear tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Alphestes afer
Common name: Mutton hamlet
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: eyes set close to snout tip, several bands on pec formed from spots on rays, 3 faint wide bands radiate from eye(top longest.most obvious) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Paranthias furcifer
Common name: Creole fish
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: bright red spot on pec base, 3 light/dark spots along back |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Serraninae (Hamlets, Small Seabasses)
Genius/Species: Diplectrum formosum
Common name: Sand perch
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: pale blue line markings on head, thin blue-white body stripes |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Serranidae
Subfamily: Grammistinae (Soapfish)
Genius/Species: Rypticus saponaceus
Common name: Greater soapfish
Activity: dominant small predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex: simulatneous hermaphrodites, spawn year round, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: mottled, covered with pale indistinct blotches/spots |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Grammatidae
Genius/Species: Gramma loreta
Common name: Fairy basslets
Activity: feed mainly on plantonic crustaceans, hover off bottom
Order: Perciformes
Sex: hermaphroditic, mouth brooding (male)
Diag. character of order: bicolored-purple front, yellow back. Dark spot on dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Grammatidae
Genius/Species: Gramma melacara
Common name: blackcap basslet
Activity: feed mainly on plantonic crustaceans, hover off bottom
Order: Perciformes
Sex: hermaphroditic, mouth brooding (male)
Diag. character of order: black cap frmo lip to fordorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Opistognathidae
Genius/Species: Opistognathus aurifrons
Common name: yellowhead jawfish
Activity: benthic predators, hover over home, covers with rock in mouth
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, promiscuous.monogamous, yr round spawning-lunar/semilunar, oral incubators (male)
Diag. character of order: yellowish head |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Opistognathidae
Genius/Species: Opistognathus whitehursti
Common name: dusky jawfish
Activity: benthic predators, don't hover-hide in hole
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, promiscuous.monogamous, yr round spawning-lunar/semilunar, oral incubators (male)
Diag. character of order: yellowish head |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Priacanthidae (bigeyes)
Genius/Species: Heteropriacanthus cruentatus
Common name: Glasseye snapper
Activity: nocturnal, bottom-dwellers
Order: Perciformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: silver bars on back (could be faint) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Priacanthidae (bigeyes)
Genius/Species: Priacanthus arenatus
Common name: Bigeye
Activity: nocturnal, bottom-dwellers
Order: Perciformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: uniform red color |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Priacanthidae (bigeyes)
Genius/Species: pristigenys alta
Common name: short bigeye
Activity: nocturnal, bottom-dwellers
Order: Perciformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: wide dark border on large ventral fins, orange markings on dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon townsendi
Common name: belted cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: dark bar from rear dorsal to anal, two bars at tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon binotatus
Common name: Barred cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: black from from rear dorsal to anal, single black bar at tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon phenax
Common name: Mimic cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: dark triangular bar below rear end of second dorsal (only one that is triangular), broad bar on tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon planifrons
Common name: Pale cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: dark bar below rear dorsal to belly, dusky bar at tail base (wider than barred cardinal) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon robinsi
Common name: Roughlip cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: darkish red areas along base of rear dorsal.anal fins.tail borders, dusky bar rear dorsal to belly, dusky bar at base of tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon maculatus
Common name: Flamefish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: 2 white lines across eye, dark spot behind eye |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon lachneri
Common name: whitestar cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: brilliant white spot just behind small dark blotch on back at rear dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon affinis
Common name: Bigtooth cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (M&F mouth brood)
Diag. character of order: dusky stripe across eye, lower jaw juts out beyond upper jaw |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon pseudomaculatus
Common name: twospot cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: dark spot on back under rear dorsal, 2nd dark spot at tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Apogon quadrisquamatus
Common name: sawcheek cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: dusky band at tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Phaeoptyx pigmentaria
Common name: dusky cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: single dark bar at tail base, covered w/dark even speckles |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Astrapogon stellatus
Common name: conchfish
Activity: lives in mantel of conch, nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: no distinguishing marks, mottled.pale.grayish bronze-black |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Astrapogon alutus
Common name: bronze cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: lighter bronze color and short ventral fin not darkened |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Apogonidae (cardinalfish)
Genius/Species: Astrapogon punticulatus
Common name: blackfin cardinalfish
Activity: nocturnal, zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn at night, demersal eggs (found in male mouth)
Diag. character of order: dramatic lrg ventral fin (reaches beyond start of anal when folded back), usually w/dark leading edge |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Malacanthidae
Genius/Species: Malancanthus plumieri
Common name: Sand Tilefish
Activity: carnivorous benthic animals as well as plankton
Order: Perciformes
Sex: pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: crescent tail, dark area on upper centrail tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Coryphaenidae
Genius/Species: Coryphaena hippurus
Common name: Dolphinfish
Activity: pelagic.coastal environments, schools, carnivore/planktivore
Order: Perciformes
Sex: spawns in open sea - juveniles in sargassum, gonochoristic, M has bony crest on head (F torpedo head)
Diag. character of order: long continuous dorsal fin from above eye to tail base, pec fin long (head length), |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Rachycentridae
Genius/Species: Rachycentron canadum
Common name: Cobia
Activity: carnivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monotypic
Diag. character of order: long torpedo-shaped body with flattened forehead. Juveniles look like remoras/shark suckers |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Echeneidae
Genius/Species: Echeneis naucrates
Common name: Sharksucker
Activity: carnivore, feeds on ectoparasites
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: thin white borders on dark tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Echeneidae
Genius/Species: Echeneis naucratoides
Common name: Whitefin Sharksucker
Activity: carnivore, feeds on ectoparasites
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: wife white borders on dark tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Caranx ruber
Common name: Bar jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: bright blue-black border on back runs along dorsal and to lower tailfin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Caranx crysos
Common name: Blue runner
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: tips of tail fin dark |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Caranx bartholomaei
Common name: yellow jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: yellow lower tail fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Caranx latus
Common name: Horse-eye jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: large eyes, usually bright yellow tail, dark.black scutes |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Caranx hippos
Common name: Crevalle jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: blackish blotch on pec fin, black spot near top of gill cover |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Caranx lugubris
Common name: black jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: steep forehead, dark dorsal/anal fins long, small black spot on upper start of gill cover |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Seriola rivoliana
Common name: Almaco jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: dark diagonal band runs from lip-across eye-to beginning of dorsal. Foredorsal fin unusually long |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Seriola dumerili
Common name: Greater Amberjack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: diagonal band runs from lip-eye-nape. Foredorsal fin short |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Elagatis bipinnulata
Common name: Rainbow runner
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: two blue stripes run length of body with pale/brilliant yellow or gold stripe between. Dorsal/anal finletkjj |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Trachinotus falcatus
Common name: Permit
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: high back profile, orangish at anal fit start |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Trachinotus carolinus
Common name: Florida Pompano
Activity: piscivores, shallows, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Trachinotus goodei
Common name: Palometa
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: four narrow bars on body, long dorsal/anal/tail fin edges black |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Alectis ciliaris
Common name: African Pompano
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: steep, blunt forehead |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Alectis ciliaris
Common name: African pompano JUVENILE
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: steep blunt forehead |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Chloroscombrus chrysurus
Common name: Atlantic bumper
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: black saddle on tail base, upper tail lobe longer than lower |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Uraspis secunda
Common name: Cottonmouth Jack
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: none. |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Selene vomer
Common name: Lookdown
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: extremely blunt head |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Selar crumenophthalmus
Common name: Bigeye scad
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: large eye, scutes only on rear lateral line |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Decapterus punctatus
Common name: Round scad
Activity: nocturnal, piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: series of widely spaced black dots along forward half of lat line. Substantially enlarged scutes on tail base |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Decapterus macarellus
Common name: Mackerel Scad
Activity: nocturnal, piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: black spot at upper edge of gill plate, slightly enlarged scutes on rear lat line |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Carangidae
Genius/Species: Oligoplites saurus
Common name: Leatherjacket
Activity: piscivores, nectonic predators, schools, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawning offshore, gonochoristic,
Diag. character of order: yellowish tail, no spot on tail base, straight lat line (other than that similar to atlantic bumper) |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus apodus
Common name: schoolmaster
Activity: day and night feeders
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: yellow fins, JUVENILE: bars on back |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus mahogoni
Common name: Mahogony snapper
Activity: nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have nice big teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: reddish tail margin |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus jocu
Common name: Dog Snapper
Activity: day and night carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: "tear drop" under eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus cyanopterus
Common name: Cubera Snapper
Activity: largest nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: thick lips, pale bars on back, not much distinguishing it |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus analis
Common name: Mutton snapper
Activity: day and night carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: fine blue lines below eye, pointed anal fin, black spot on midbody below rear dorsal |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus synagris
Common name: lane snapper
Activity: nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: several faint yellow to pink body stripes - also has a spot it can turn off and on |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Ocyurus chrysurus
Common name: Yellowtail snapper
Activity: day and night carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: yellow tail and stripe along body |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Rhomboplites aurorubens
Common name: Vermilion snapper
Activity: nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: protruding lower jaw, shallow forked tail |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus buccanella
Common name: Blackfin snapper
Activity: nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: dark blotch at base of pec, iris orange/bronze |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus buccanella
Common name: Blackfin snapper JUVENILE
Activity: nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: yellow below rear dorsal and onto tail |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lutjanidae
Genius/Species: Lutjanus griseus
Common name: Grey (mangrove) snapper
Activity: nocturnal carnivores, (carnivores have bigger teeth)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, lunar spawning year round at highest water temp, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: darkish band from lip across eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Lobotidae
Genius/Species: Lobotes surinamensis
Common name: Tripletail
Activity: circumtropical, juves in sargassum
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: rear dorsal/anal fins large (looks like 3 fins), nape profile concave |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Gerreidae
Genius/Species: NA
Common name: Mojarras
Activity: omnivores mainly benthic inverts, sandy shallow water
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: mouth highly protrusible |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon sciurus
Common name: Bluestriped grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: dark/black tail and dorsal, yellow w/blue stripes |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon macrostomum
Common name: Spanish grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: black stripes on upper body, yellow-green dorsal hump, yellow saddle/spot on tail base |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon chrysargyreum
Common name: Smallmouth grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: 5-6 yellow body stripes, yellow fins |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon striatus
Common name: striped grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: 5 yellow-brown stripes on upper body, short snout/eyes near mouth |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon plunierii
Common name: White grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: blue stripes on head only (A&J) |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon carbonarium
Common name: Caesar grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: silver, yellow stripes, dusky rear dorsal/anal/tail fins |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon melanurum
Common name: Cottonwick
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: black solid line from dorsal to tail (makes V), black stripe across eye and runs to tail (turns yellow behind eye) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon flavolineatum
Common name: French grunt
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: yellow (blue) lines below lat line are diagonal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon aurolineatum
Common name: Tomtate
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: yellow/bronze stripe form snout through eye to tail base, thinner stripe on back, pale fins, black spot on tail base (sometimes) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon parra
Common name: Sailor's choice
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: black spots on scales form oblique stripes on body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Haemulon album
Common name: White margate
Activity: circumtropical, day/night feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: high back profile, small eye w/white iris (can turn on black stripe to look like cottonwick |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Anisotremus surinamensis
Common name: Black margate
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: high back profile, dark patch behind pec fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Anisotremus virginicus
Common name: Porkfish
Activity: circumtropical, nocturnal feeders (benthic inverts small fish), juves are zooplanktivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: 2 black diagonal bands on head, high back profile, yellow head, JUVE: black stripe on back.midbody, spot on tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Juvenile Grunts
Haemulon spp.
Family: Haemulidae
Order: Perciformes |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Haemulidae
Genius/Species: Inermia vittata
Common name: Boga
Activity: circumtropical, zooplanktivores, fast moving
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, gonochoristic, peak spawning early-late spring
Diag. character of order: base of first dorsal connects with base of second dorsal, highly protrusible jaws |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus calamus
Common name: Saucereye porgy
Activity: diurnal - carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: bluish saucer line below eye, small bluish blotch at upper pec fin base, mouth corners yellow |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus pennatula
Common name: Pluma
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: blue rectangle behind eye, blue lines/markings below eye |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus bajonado
Common name: Jolthead
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: large eye/mouth, thick lip, long sloping snout |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus penna
Common name: Sheapshead porgy
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: black spot on upper base of pec, upper jaw overbite |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus leucosteus
Common name: Whitebone porgy
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: blue line above/below eye, small blotches |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus proridens
Common name: Littlehead porgy
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: blue stripe behind eye, blue lines over yellow on cheek (only in bahamas/caribbean) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Calamus nodosus
Common name: Knobbed porgy
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: yellow spots (short lines) on cheeks/face |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Diplodus argenteus
Common name: Silver porgy
Activity: diurnal, omnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: black spot on upper base of tail, ventral fins bluish/silver |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Diplodus holbrookii
Common name: Spottail porgy
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: large black band/spot encircles tail base, all fins dusky/siler |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Lagodon rhomboides
Common name: Pinfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: dusky spot behind gill cover on lat line, narrow yellow and blue stripes on body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Archosargus probatocephalus
Common name: Sheepshead
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: 5-6 dark body bars |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sparidae
Genius/Species: Archosargus rhomboidalis
Common name: Sea Bream
Activity: diurnal, carnivorous
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic-protogynous/protandrous (seq. herms), pelagic/demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: dusky spot behind gill cover below lat line, narrow yellow stripes on body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Equetus punctatus
Common name: Spotted drum
Activity: nocturnal, carnivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: rear dorsal/tail fins black w/white spots |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Equetus punctatus
Common name: Spotted drum JUVENILE
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: Black spot on nose, xtremely long dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Equetus lanceolatus
Common name: Jackknife fish
Activity: nocturnal, carnivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: fins white with no spots, single black band from top of front dorsal and along midbody to tail tip |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Equetus lanceolatus
Common name: Jackknife fish
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: vertical black dash on nose, single black band form top of front dorsal along midbody line to tip of tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Pareques acuminatus
Common name: Highhate
Activity: nocturnal, carnivore
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black.white striped body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Paraques acuminatus
Common name: Highat JUVENILE
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black curving band from nape around foredorsal, band between eyes |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Pareques umbrosus
Common name: Cubbyu
Activity: nocturnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: uniform dark grey/black |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sciaenidae
Genius/Species: Odontoscion dentex
Common name: Reef Croaker
Activity: nocturnal, canine teeth
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black spot at base of pec |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Mullidae
Genius/Species: Mulloidichthys martinicus
Common name: Yellow goatfish
Activity: nocturnal (also feed during day), feed on soft-boddied critters
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: yellow tail and midbody stripe, two barbels under chin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Mullidae
Genius/Species: Pseudupeneus maculatus
Common name: Spotted goatfish
Activity: diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: 3 dark rectangular body blotches, two barbels under chin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pempheridae
Genius/Species: Pempheris schomburgkii
Common name: Glassy sweeper
Activity: nocturnal zooplankton feeder
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: dark band at base of anal fin (JUVES are clear - bronze as they mature) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Kyphosidae
Genius/Species: Kyphosus sectatrix
Common name: Bermuda chub
Activity: diurnal, herbivores (sometimes takes bait from hook)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, spawning year round
Diag. character of order: grey/silver football shape |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon ocellatus
Common name: Spotfin butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: fins bright yellow, black dot on outer edge of rear dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon ocellatus
Common name: spotfin butterflyfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black spot on rear dorsal, anal, base tail fins join to form body bar |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Prognathodes aya
Common name: Bank butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: dark band from middorsal fin to rear anal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon capistratus
Common name: Foureyed butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal, eats corals and polychaete tentacles
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black spot ringed in white |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon capistratus
Common name: Foureyed butterflyfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: Two wide body bars, second smaller black spot surrounded in white above larger spot |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon striatus
Common name: Banded Butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: two wide black midbody bands |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon striatus
Common name: Banded butterflyfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black spot ringed in white on rear dorsal (no yellowish fins) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon sedentarius
Common name: Reef butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal, eats corals and polycheate tentacles
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: broad dark area on rear body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Chaetodon sedentarius
Common name: Reef butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: black bar on rear anal fin and tail base, small black spot on rear dorsal if very young |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Chaetodontidae
Genius/Species: Prognathodes aculeatus
Common name: Longsnout butterflyfish
Activity: diurnal, polycheate tentacles and enchinoderms/seaurchins
Order: Perciformes
Sex: gonochoristic, monogamous, lunar spawning at dusk, pelagic eggs
Diag. character of order: long pointed snout, yellow bar runs from upper head across eye (not below eye) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on preopercle
Genius/Species: Holacanthus tricolor
Common name: Rock beauty
Activity: diurnally active, eat sponges
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: yellow body/tail, black mid and rear body (young has black spot ringed in blue), black lipstick |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Holacanthus ciliaris
Common name: Queen anglefish
Activity: diurnally active, eats sponges
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: blue "crown" on forehead, yellow tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Holacanthus ciliaris
Common name: Queen angelfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnally active, eats sponges
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: bent/curved middle body bars |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Holacanthus bermudensis
Common name: Blue angelfish
Activity: diurnally active, omnivores crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: tail/pec fin bordered in yellow |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Holacanthus bermudensis
Common name: Blue angelfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnally active, omnivores crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: middle body bars straight |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Pomacanthus paru
Common name: French anglefish
Activity: diurnally active, eats sponges/algae
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important), monogamous
Diag. character of order: tail rounded |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Pomacanthus paru
Common name: French angelfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnally active, eats sponges/algae
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: rounded tail w/yellow border forms oval |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Pomacanthus arcuatus
Common name: Grey angelfish
Activity: diurnally active, sponges/algae
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: yellow inner face of pec fin, square-cut tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Pomacanthus arcuatus
Common name: Grey angelfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnally active, eats sponges/algae
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: square-cut tail w/white/transparent margin (no yellow bordering it |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: NA
Common name: Townsend angelfish
Activity: diurnally active, omnivores crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: blue crown, no central specs, and/or half yellow tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Holacanthus tricolor
Common name: Rock beauty JUVENILE
Activity: diurnally active, omnivores crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: black spot ringed in blue |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacanthidae - spine on pre-opercle
Genius/Species: Centropyge argi
Common name: Cherubfish
Activity: diurnally active, eats algae/detritus/sand
Order: Perciformes
Sex: seq. herms, spawn at dusk (lunar not important)
Diag. character of order: yellow/orange face and chest |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Cirrhitidae
Genius/Species: Amblycirrhitus pinos
Common name: Redspotted hawkfish
Activity: eats small inverts/fishes
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, protogynous herms
Diag. character of order: red spots over head.upperbody.dorsal, "tassels" on tops of dorsal fin spines |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Microspathodon chrysurus
Common name: Yellowtail damselfish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: yellow tail, brilliant blue dots |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Microspathodon chrysurus
Common name: Yellowtail damselfish JUVENILE
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: Brilliant blue dots on dark blue body, translucent tail (turns yellow with maturity) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes adustus
Common name: Dusky damselfish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: dorsal/anal extend to tail fin base, narrow dark edge on anal |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes adustus
Common name: Dusky damselfish JUVENILE
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: orange from snout across nape to near end of dorsal, oscellated spot on dorsal back (blue around black) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes diencaeus
Common name: Longfin damsel
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: dorsal/anal fins extend past tail base, thin blue line on anal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes diencaeus
Common name: Longfin damselfish JUVENILE
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: yellow-gold, blue lines from snout to back (spot on dorsal back) |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes variabilis
Common name: Cocoa damselfish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: black spot on tail base, diagonal lines following scales, smoothly pointed snout, JUVE- black spot ringed in blue on dorsal fin/back |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes leucostictus
Common name: Beaugregory
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: black spot on dorsal/back, diagonal dark lines on side soft, blunt snout concave above lips, blue spots centered on scales |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes leucostictus
Common name: Beaugregory JUVENILE
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: black spot ringed in blue on dorsal fin |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes partitus
Common name: Bicolor damselfish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: forebody black, tail white |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes planifrons
Common name: Threespot damselfish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: yellow/gold crescent above eyes, dark spot on pec base, black saddle on tail base |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Stegastes planifrons
Common name: Threespot damselfish JUVENILE
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: black saddle on tail base, larger dot on back/dorsal fin |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Abudefduf saxatilis
Common name: Sergeant major
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: 5 black body bars, upper lip doesnt overhang |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Abudefduf taurus
Common name: Night sergeant
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: 5 dark brown body bars, upper lip slightly overhangs lower |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Chromis cyanea
Common name: Blue chromis
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: slender deeply forked tail w/dark borders |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Chromis multilineata
Common name: Brown chromis
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: border of dorsal and tail tips yellow, dark spot at pec base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Chromis insolata
Common name: Sunshinefish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: yellow/transparent rear dorsal adn wide margin on tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Chromis insolata
Common name: Sunshinefish JUVENILE
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: yellow upperbody, blue/purple/olive below |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Chromis scotti
Common name: Purple reeffish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: bright blue crescent around upper eye, JUVE - brilliant blue |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Pomacentridae
Genius/Species: Chromis enchrysura
Common name: Yellowtail reeffish
Activity: omnivores (except chromis - zooplankton)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, possibly sequential herms, spawn early morning, demersal eggs.adhesive,
Diag. character of order: yellow/clear tail, bright blue "V" on snout across upper eye |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Lachnolaimus maximus
Common name: hogfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: long first 3 spines, dark bar on tail, black blotch near end of dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Bodianus rufus
Common name: Spanish Hogfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: purple upper forebody, yellow belly/tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Bodianus pulchellus
Common name: Spotfin hogfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: bright yellow rear dorsal and upper tail base/tail, dark area at out pec tip |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Bodianus pulchellus
Common name: Spotfin hogfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: bright yellow, black blotch on foredorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Bodianus pulchellus
Common name: Spotfin hogfish INTERMEDIATE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: bright yellow from rear dorsal to tail, white stripe under mouth across pec onto black body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Clepticus parrae
Common name: Creole wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: black spot on tip of pec fin, snout dark purple, yellowish/red lower rear body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Clepticus parrae
Common name: Creole wrasse JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: series of spots/short bands along back of dark/light dots |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres radiatus
Common name: Puddingwife
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: pale/bright yellow margin on tail, dark dot at base of pec. IP/JP - 5 white bars/dots across upper back |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres radiatus
Common name: Puddingwife JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: 2 yellow stripes down midbody with white stripes between. Nave-blue spot on midback and dorsal fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres garnoti
Common name: Yellowhead wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: yellow head and forebody, dark midbody bar. two wavy lines radiate from rear upper eye. IP - dark/dusky back shaded with blue |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres garnoti
Common name: Yellowhead wrasse JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: Yellow body with blue midbody stripe |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres bivittatus
Common name: Slippery dick
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: small green yellow bicolored spot above pec fins, darkish midbody stripe, second lower stripe less distinct, dark triangular corners on tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres bivittatus
Common name: Slippery dick JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: white body, black midbody bar from nose across eye to tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres cyanocephalus
Common name: Yellowcheek wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: yellow runs from mouth across nape to foredorsal, brilliant blue below, two wave lines from upper rear eye |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres cyanocephalus
Common name: Yellowcheek wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: deep blue spot on middorsal and base of tail, purple body yellow top |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres maculipinna
Common name: Clown wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: three red line markings acoss top of head and 2 u-shaped lines on snout, dark midbody blotch, IP - 2 dark spots on foredorsal merge to make blotch in TP |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres maculipinna
Common name: Clown wrasse JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: thin yellow stripe from snout above eye to tail, wider black stripe below |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres poeyi
Common name: Blackear wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: small orange/purpleish red spot adjacent to upper rear of eye, black spot at rear dorsal base, purplish red diagonal band froms "V" in tail, w/stripe center |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres pictus
Common name: Rainbow wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: black blotch on tail base, orange streak on tail center, blue stripes above eyes, |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Halichoeres pictus
Common name: Rainbow wrasse JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: pale brown stripe below dorsal, dark brown/black stripe from snout through eye to tail |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Thalassoma bifasciatum
Common name: Bluehead wrasse
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: blue head, two dark bars behind head separated by white bar |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Thalassoma bifasciatum
Common name: Bluehead wrasse JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: yellow body, black spot behind 2nd dorsal ray, dark midbody stripe from snout through eye to tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Thalassoma bifasciatum
Common name: Bluehead wrasse TP
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Thalassoma bifasciatum
Common name: Bluehead wrasse JUVENILE/IP
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Xyrichtys martinicensis
Common name: Rosy Razorfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: straight tail margin, MALE:dark area at pec base, FEMALE:white belly patch, redding line markings, dark bar on gill cover |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Xyrichtys splendens
Common name: Green razorfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: rounded tail margin, dark spot (M), colors vary greatly |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Xyrichtys splendens
Common name: Green razorfish JUVENILE
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: first 2 dorsal spines long, clear dorsal w/2-3 pigmented bars, rear two match up with bars on anal fin (and across body) |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Labridae
Genius/Species: Xyrichtys novacula
Common name: Pearly razorfish
Activity: diurnal, carnivores on hard shelled inverts,
Order: Perciformes
Sex: Protogynous herms and gonochoristic males, migrate to spawn
Diag. character of order: steep snout (=square head), small eyes set highm M:wide diag. band on side, F:pearly white area on upper belly |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus vetula
Common name: Queen parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: blue/green markings around mouth, light bar on pec fin |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus vetula
Common name: Queen parrotfish IP
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: broad white stripe down midbody |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus guacamaia
Common name: Rainbow parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: orange-brown head, green rear body |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus gaucamaia
Common name: Rainbow parrotfish IP
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: tail is squared |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus taeniopterus
Common name: Princess parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: tail bordered w/yellow orange pink, yellow.orange stripe down midbody |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus taeniopterus
Common name: Princess parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: borders of tail dark, yellow.orange stripe down midbody |
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Term
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Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Scarus coelestinus
Common name: Midnight parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (teeth completely fused), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: blue markings on head |
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Term
|
Definition
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma aurofrenatum
Common name: Redband parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: small yellow blotch w/2 more small black spots on upper forebody, usually salmon.orange.yellow band from corner of mouth to below eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma aurofrenatum
Common name: Redband parrotfish IP
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: small yellow blotch w/2 more small black spots on upper forebody, usually salmon.orange.yellow band from corner of mouth to below eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma chrysopterum
Common name: Redtail parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: turqoise.blue area behind pec fin and belly, white crescent bordered w/red on rear half of tail, pec fins clear with black blotch at base |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma aurofrenatum
Common name: Redband parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: small yellow blotch w/2 more small black spots on upper forebody, usually salmon.orange.yellow band from corner of mouth to below eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma rubripinne
Common name: Yellowtail parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: tail margin straight (when fully extended), basal 2/3rds of pec fin dusky blotch at base, central tail yellow/white with translucent margin |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma rubripinne
Common name: Yellowtail parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: tail and tail base pale-bright yellow, ventral and anal fins red |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma atomarium
Common name: Greenblotch parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: yellow-red iris, blotch above pec |
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Term
|
Definition
|
Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Sparisoma radians
Common name: Bucktooth parrotfish
Activity: grazers, parrot-like beak (gap tooth, underbite), algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: bluish pec fin base |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Scaridae
Genius/Species: Nicholsina usta
Common name: Emerald parrotfish
Activity: grazers, no fused teeth/beak, algal grazers, herbivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, spawn year round, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: narrow reddish stripe from corner of mouth to eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Uranoscopidae
Genius/Species: Astroscopus y-graecum
Common name: Southern stargazer
Activity: bottom dwellers - sitandwait predators
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: 3 dark strips on tail, center stripe fades towards body |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Tripterygiidae
Genius/Species: Enneanectes altivelis
Common name: Lofty triplefin
Activity: (not true blenny)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, spawning year round, sneaky male
Diag. character of order: first dorsal fin taller than beginning of second dorsal |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Blenniidae
Genius/Species: Hypleurochilus bermudensis
Common name: Barred blenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, algae/detritus eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: M larger than F, demersal eggs, diurnal year round spawners
Diag. character of order: 6 solid dark bars across back to midline, continue onto body in lighter shade, smaller orangish spots on head, tail lightly barred |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Blenniidae
Genius/Species: Parablennius marmoreus
Common name: Seaweed blenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, algae/detritus eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: M larger than F, demersal eggs, diurnal year round spawners
Diag. character of order: pale blue vertical line markings down snout, obscure spot behind eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Blenniidae
Genius/Species: Ophioblennius atlanticus
Common name: Redlip blenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, algae/detritus eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: M larger than F, demersal eggs, diurnal year round spawners
Diag. character of order: blunt red/brown head, large lips (color of body varies) |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Chaenopsidae (tube blennies)
Genius/Species: Chaenopsis ocellata
Common name: Bluethroat pikeblenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, small crustacean eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic
Diag. character of order: black curving mark between two spines w/white rear edge, often w/orange patch above |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Chaenopsidae (tube blennies)
Genius/Species: Chaenopsis limbaughi
Common name: Yellowface pikeblenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, small crustacean eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic
Diag. character of order: black spot btwn first two spines encircled in white, often orange patch above |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Chaenopsidae (tube blennies)
Genius/Species: Emblemaria pandionis
Common name: Sailfin blenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, small crustacean eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic
Diag. character of order: blunt head, short snout, small blue spot on first dorsal spine (usually), foredorsal extremely tall |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Chaenopsidae (tube blennies)
Genius/Species: Acanthemblemaria aspera
Common name: Roughhead blenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, small crustacean eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic
Diag. character of order: densely branched cirri above eye, small spines on top of head = rough appearance, forms a "V" from above, orange iris |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Chaenopsidae (tube blennies)
Genius/Species: Hemiemblemaria simulus
Common name: Wrasse blenny
Activity: benthic diurnal, small crustacean eaters
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic
Diag. character of order: black dot on foredorsal fin behind 3rd ray, mouth corners extend to below eye |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labrisomidae (scaly blennies)
Genius/Species: Malacoctenus triangulates
Common name: Saddled blenny
Activity: benthic carnivores of small crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, little known about spawning - maybe diurnal
Diag. character of order: black curving mark between two spines w/white rear edge, often w/orange patch above |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labrisomidae (scaly blennies)
Genius/Species: Malacoctenus macropus
Common name: Rosy blenny
Activity: benthic carnivores of small crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, little known about spawning - maybe diurnal
Diag. character of order: pair of cirri above eye, sharply pointed snout, M-red spots underside of head/cheeks F-none |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Labrisomidae (scaly blennies)
Genius/Species: Labrisomus nuchipinnis
Common name: hairy blenny
Activity: benthic carnivores of small crustaceans
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexually dimorphic, little known about spawning - maybe diurnal
Diag. character of order: dark spot on upper gill cover, bluntish head w/thick lips large eyes |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Gobiidae
Genius/Species: Elacatinus oceanops
Common name: Neon goby
Activity: benthic
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism - mainly monomorphic, some protogynous, spawning period unknown, demersal adhesive eggs
Diag. character of order: electric blue stripe runs from front of each eye to tail base |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Gobiidae
Genius/Species: Gnatholepis thompsoni
Common name: Goldspot goby
Activity: benthic
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism - mainly monomorphic, some protogynous, spawning period unknown, demersal adhesive eggs
Diag. character of order: dark bar over top of head, across eyes down cheeks, gold spot outlined in black above pec fin (not always obvious) |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Gobiidae
Genius/Species: Coryphopterus glaucofraenum
Common name: Bridled goby
Activity: benthic, algae/detritus
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism - mainly monomorphic, some protogynous, spawning period unknown, demersal adhesive eggs
Diag. character of order: white bridle runs from rear of mouth to edge of gill cover |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Gobiidae
Genius/Species: Coryphopterus personatus
Common name: masked goby
Activity: benthic
Order: Perciformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism - mainly monomorphic, some protogynous, spawning period unknown, demersal adhesive eggs
Diag. character of order: series of small white rectangles on lat line |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Ptereleotridae (dartfishes)
Genius/Species: Ptereleotris helenae
Common name: Hovering goby
Activity:
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: rounded tail |
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Term
|
Definition
Family: Ptereleotridae (dartfishes)
Genius/Species: Ptereleotris calliura
Common name: Blue goby
Activity:
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: long pointed tail, narrow black.red submarginal stripe on dorsal fin edge |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ptereleotridae (dartfishes)
Genius/Species: Microgobius carri
Common name: Seminole goby
Activity:
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: bright yellow body stripe goes to tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ephippidae (spadefish)
Genius/Species: Chaetodipterus faber
Common name: Atlantic spadefish
Activity: generalized feeders
Order: Perciformes
Sex: spawn in summer, buoyant eggs
Diag. character of order: several dark bars |
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Definition
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Term
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Definition
Family: Acanthuridae - surgeonfish
Genius/Species: Acanthurus chirurgus
Common name: Doctorfish
Activity: herbivores, diurnal (thick walled gizzard)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: possibly seq. herms, spawn year round, pelagic aggs
Diag. character of order: scalpel, body bars, dark area extends from base of pec outward along leading edge |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Acanthuridae - surgeonfish
Genius/Species: Acanthurus coeruleus
Common name: Blue tang
Activity: herbivores, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: possibly seq. herms, spawn year round, pelagic aggs
Diag. character of order: scalpel, white.yellow spine on tail base, JUVE:bright yellow overall, INTERM:blue body yellow tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Acanthuridae - surgeonfish
Genius/Species: Acanthurus randalli
Common name: Gulf surgeonfish - color morph of ocean surgeon?
Activity: herbivores, diurnal
Order: Perciformes
Sex: possibly seq. herms, spawn year round, pelagic aggs
Diag. character of order: scalpel |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sphyraenidae
Genius/Species: Sphyraena barracuda
Common name: great barracuda
Activity: top level carnivore, diurnal (fish squid)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn over warm months,
Diag. character of order: large underslung jaw, pointed teeth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Sphyraenidae
Genius/Species: Sphyraena picudilla
Common name: southern sennet
Activity: top level carnivore, diurnal (fish squid)
Order: Perciformes
Sex: monomorphic, spawn over warm months,
Diag. character of order: no obvious markings, long slender silver |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Scombridae - Mackerel
Genius/Species: Scomberomorus regalis
Common name: Cero
Activity: pelagic carnivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: series of gold streaks along midline from pec to tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Scombridae - Mackerel
Genius/Species: Scomberomorus maculatus
Common name: Spanish mackerel
Activity: pelagic carnivores, highly migratory
Order: Perciformes
Sex: spawn in april
Diag. character of order: yellow-gold spots on sides |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Scombridae - Mackerel
Genius/Species: Scomberomorus cavalla
Common name: King Mackerel
Activity: pelagic carnivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: lateral line drops abruptly below second dorsal |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Scombridae - Mackerel
Genius/Species: Acanthocybium solandri
Common name: Wahoo
Activity: pelagic carnivores
Order: Perciformes
Sex:
Diag. character of order: sharply pointed snout |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Bothidae - Flounder
Genius/Species: Bothus lunatus
Common name: Peacock flounder
Activity: benthic
Order: Pleuronectiformes
Sex: dimorphic - males larger pec/dorsay ray
Diag. character of order: notch in upper head profile above lips, numerous blue rosettes over body and blue spots on fins/head |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Bothidae - Flounder
Genius/Species: Bothus ocellatus
Common name: Eyed flounder
Activity: benthic
Order: Pleuronectiformes
Sex: dimorphic - males larger pec/dorsay ray
Diag. character of order: body covered w/brown rosettes/spots, widely spaced eyes at diagonal, 2 dark.faint spots near tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Paralichthyidae - Sand Flounder
Genius/Species: Paralichthys albigutta
Common name: Gulf flounder
Activity: benthic
Order: Pleuronectiformes
Sex: dimorphic - males larger pec/dorsay ray
Diag. character of order: 3 prominant spots (trangular shape) among other less prominant spots |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Balistidae - Triggerfish
Genius/Species: Balistes vetula
Common name: Queen triggerfish
Activity: diurnal
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall dawn, demersal eggs (ext. maternal care)
Diag. character of order: streaming tips on rear dorsal/tail, 2 blue stripes on face, small lines radiate from around eye, |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Balistidae - Triggerfish
Genius/Species: Balistes capriscus
Common name: Gray triggerfish
Activity: diurnal
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall dawn, demersal eggs (ext. maternal care)
Diag. character of order: blue spots/line markings on upper body/fins |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Balistidae - Triggerfish
Genius/Species: Canthidermis sufflamen
Common name: Ocean triggerfish
Activity: diurnal
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall dawn, demersal eggs (ext. maternal care)
Diag. character of order: black blotch at base of pec fin |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Balistidae - Triggerfish
Genius/Species:
Common name:
Activity: diurnal
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall dawn, demersal eggs (ext. maternal care)
Diag. character of order: |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Balistidae - Triggerfish
Genius/Species: Xanthichthys ringens
Common name: Sargassum triggerfish
Activity: diurnal
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall dawn, demersal eggs (ext. maternal care)
Diag. character of order: 3 dark lines on cheek, series of dashes form thin stripes on body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Balistidae - Triggerfish
Genius/Species: Melichthys niger
Common name: Black durgon
Activity: diurnal - algae
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: sexual dimorphism, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall dawn, demersal eggs (ext. maternal care)
Diag. character of order: pale blue lines along base of dorsal/anal fins |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Aluterus scriptus
Common name: Scrawled filefish
Activity: omnivores - hydrozoans
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: blue/green spots, irregular lines, black dots, elongated body with long broom tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Aluterus schoepfii
Common name: Orange Filefish
Activity: omnivores - seagrasses
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: body covered w/orange dots, long tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Cantherhines pullus
Common name: Orangespotted filefish
Activity: omnivores - algae
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: white spot on upper tail base, sometimes second smaller underneath, orangish spots cover body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Cantherhines macrocerus
Common name: Whitespotted filefish
Activity: omnivores - sponges
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: extended belly, orange spines at tail base |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Monocanthus ciliatus
Common name: Fringed filefish
Activity: omnivores - algae
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: base of dorsal has steep hump |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Monacanthus tuckeri
Common name: Slender filefish
Activity: omnivores
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: usually white reticulated pattern over body |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Monacanthidae - Filefish
Genius/Species: Stephanolepis hispidus
Common name: Planehead filefish
Activity: omnivores
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: dimorphism uncommon, gonochoristic, spawning in spring/fall, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: snout/nape profile nearly straight ~45 deg angle |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ostraciidae - Boxfish
Genius/Species: Acanthostracion polygonius
Common name: Honeycomb cowfish
Activity: tunicates
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: gonochoristic, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: Honeycomb pattern, sharp spine above each eye |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ostraciidae - Boxfish
Genius/Species: Acanthostracion quadricornis
Common name: Scrawled cowfish
Activity: sponges
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: gonochoristic, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: scrawled pattern of bluish markings, blue line runs from snout to anal, shark spine above each eye |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ostraciidae - boxfish
Genius/Species: Rhinesomus triqueter
Common name: Smooth trunkfish
Activity: polycheates
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: gonochoristic, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: dark body covered in white specs, aread of pale honecomb on central midbody |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Ostraciidae - boxfish
Genius/Species: Lactophrys bicaudalis
Common name: Spotted trunkfish
Activity: tunicates
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: gonochoristic, pelagic eggs,
Diag. character of order: white covered w/black spots including tail, white around mouth |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Tetraodontidae - Puffers
Genius/Species: Sphoeroides spengleri
Common name: Bandtail puffer
Activity: omnivores - crabs
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn in morning, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: 2 dark bands on tail, row of dark blotches from mouth to tail |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Tetraodontidae - Puffers
Genius/Species: Canthigaster rostrata
Common name: Sharpnose puffer
Activity: omnivores - spermatophytes
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn in morning, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: white to pale.yellowish.gold tail dark borders |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Diodontidae - Spiny Puffers (burrfish cannot lay down spines)
Genius/Species: Chilomycterus antillarum
Common name: Web burrfish
Activity: crustacean crushing jaws
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn dusk/dawn late spring, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: black spots on body, no fins, dark patch above pec fins and other centered on rear body
reticulated pattern on back/sides,
beak-like jaws, can inflate with water/air |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Diodontidae - Spiny Puffers (burrfish cannot lay down spines)
Genius/Species: Chilomycterus anennatus
Common name: Bridled burrfish
Activity: crustacean crushing jaws
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn dusk/dawn late spring, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: beak-like jaws, can inflate with water/air |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Diodontidae - Spiny Puffers (burrfish cannot lay down spines)
Genius/Species: Chilomycterus schoepfii
Common name: Striped burrfish
Activity: crustacean crushing jaws
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn dusk/dawn late spring, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: irregular pattern of dark brown, ~parrallel stripes on back/sides
beak-like jaws, can inflate with water/air |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Diodontidae - Spiny Puffers (burrfish cannot lay down spines)
Genius/Species: Chilomycterus reticulatus
Common name: Spotfin burrfish
Activity: crustacean crushing jaws
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn dusk/dawn late spring, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: beak-like jaws, can inflate with water/air |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Diodontidae - Spiny Puffers
Genius/Species: Diodon holocanthus
Common name: Balloonfish
Activity: crustacean crushing jaws - gastropods
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn dusk/dawn late spring, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: long spines on head, small dark spots on body - none on fins
beak-like jaws, can inflate with water/air |
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Term
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Definition
Family: Diodontidae - Spiny Puffers (cannot lay down spines)
Genius/Species:
Common name:
Activity: crustacean crushing jaws
Order: Tetraodontiformes
Sex: spawn dusk/dawn late spring, demersal eggs
Diag. character of order: beak-like jaws, can inflate with water/air |
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