DEDICATION

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

ZOOGEOGRAPHY

ECOLOGY

BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR

VALUE OF FISH RESOURCES

CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

DANGEROUS MARINE FISHES

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SPECIES INDEX

CHAMORRO NAMES

POMACENTRIDAE (DAMSELFISHES)

Amphiprion chrysopterus Cuvier
(Orange-finned Anemonefish; Fomho)
SL: to 12.5 cm (photo: 8 cm SL, Apra Harbor, 18 m)

Species of Amphiprion, commonly known as clownfishes, live in association with a number of large species of sea anemones.  Each clownfish species lives with only specific anemone species.  Usually a semipermanent monogamous pair and a number of small juveniles inhabit each anemone.  Sex and growth are socially controlled.  Females, at the top of the hierarchy, are sex-reversed males.  When a female dies or is removed, the male turns into a female, and the largest juvenile rapidly grows and matures into a male.  Juveniles are recruited from the plankton.  Spawning is year round in the tropics but is confined to the warmer months in warm-temperate areas.  Spawning usually occurs within a few days of the full moon.  Nests contain up to 700 eggs which are cared for by the male.  Hatching occurs at night, about a week after laying, and the young are ready to find a home within as little as 16 days. Amphiprion chrysopterus is moderately common in outer reef areas from the lower surge zone to at least 30 m.  It inhabits 3 species of anemones, occasionally with juvenile Dascyllus trimaculatus.  It often ventures several meters into the water column and feeds primarily on zooplankton, invertebrates, and algae.

W. PACIFIC: Palau and New Guinea to the Tuamotus, n. to the Marianas.