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

SERRANIDAE
Subfamily GRAMMISTINAE (SOAPFISHES)

       Grammistinae are small, grouper-like fishes that produce a toxic skin secretion which renders them unpalatable to other fishes.  When stressed, enough toxin may be produced to kill all fishes in an aquarium.  Four species occur in the Marianas, but only Grammistes sexlineatus is common.

Grammistes sexlineatus (Thünberg)
(Skunkfish, Six-lined Grouper; Sali)
SL: to 27 cm, usually under 12 cm (photo: 9 cm SL, Piti, 3 m)

The Skunkfish inhabits shallow lagoon reefs, reef flats, and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 12 m.  Despite its protective toxicity, it is secretive, usually occurring in holes and under ledges.  It is moderately common and appears to be most active at night.  It is a hardy aquarium fish, but it has a voracious appetite and often ends up by itself.  It will devour any fish or crustacean it is able to catch, even those nearly as large as itself, and may eat to the point of becoming bloated and unable to swim.

INDO-PACIFIC: Red Sea to Mangareva and the Marquesas, n. to s. Japan, s. to New Caledonia.