Schematic examples of typical scales. Common scale counts. Accessory dorsal and anal fins: adipose fin and finlets

Transcription

1 Guide to Orders and Families 81 scales before dorsal fin (predorsal scales) 114 scales above lateral line lateral line scales outer margin smooth outer margin toothed cycloid ctenoid scales below lateral line circumpeduncular scales Schematic examples of typical scales Common scale counts adipose fin finlets spiny rays or spines (unsegmented, always unbranched) soft rays (segmented, usually branched) Example of a continuous dorsal fin of a spiny rayed fish Accessory dorsal and anal fins: adipose fin and finlets rounded truncate emarginate lunate side front soft rays (branched, segments, 2 halves) side front spines (solid) forked pointed pointed and separated from the dorsal and anal fins Construction of fin rays Most common types of caudal fins

2 82 Bony Fishes GUIDE TO ORDERS AND FAMILIES Order ELOPIFORMES Tarpons and allies Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line present; branchiostegal rays; upper jaw extending past eye; tip of snout not overhanging mouth; colour silvery. ELOPIDAE very small scales Page 121 Ladyfishes To 90 cm. Coastal marine waters and estuaries; pelagic. A single species included in the Guide to Species. underside of head gular plate large mouth MEGALOPIDAE Tarpons To 55 cm. Coastal marine waters and estuaries; pelagic. A single species included in the Guide to Species. large scales last ray long Page 121 underside of head gular plate Order ALBULIFORMES Bonefishes Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line present; 6 16 branchiostegal rays; upper jaw not extending as far as front of eye; tip of snout overhanging mouth; colour silvery. ALBULIDAE Bonefishes To 100 cm. Coastal marine waters; pelagic. A single species included in the Guide to Species. small scales last ray short Page 121 mouth subterminal Order ANGUILLIFORMES Eels Body very elongate; fin spines absent; usually scaleless. ANGUILLIDAE well developed lips scales present dorsal fin origin set well back Freshwater eels To 120 cm. Mainly freshwater, but enter estuaries; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters: Anguilla bengalensis labiata (Peters, 1852); Anguilla bicolor bicolor McClelland, 1844; Anguilla marmorata Quoy & Gaimard, 1824; Anguilla mossambica (Peters, 1852). projecting lower jaw pectoral fin present

3 Guide to Orders and Families 83 MORINGUIDAE Spaghetti eels To 50 cm. Marine; mostly inshore waters; benthic, burrowing by day, but pelagic at night. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters: Moringua ferruginea Bliss, 1883; Moringua javanica (Kaup, 1856); Moringua microchir Bleeker, projecting lower jaw pectoral fins feeble or absent dorsal and anal fins confined to tail CHLOPSIDAE False morays To about 50 cm. Marine; from shallow coastal waters to depths of at least 300 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species has been recorded in Kenya waters: Chlopsis dentatus (Seale, 1917). posterior nostril opening downwards in lip gill opening small, round pectoral fins present or absent MURAENIDAE posterior nostril in front of eye Page 122 Morays To 400 cm. Marine; mostly in shallow coastal waters to depths of 165 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Eighteen species have been recorded in Kenya waters, and are included in the Guide to Species. gill opening small dorsal and anal fins restricted to posterior end of body in some species body compressed, oval in cross section SYNAPHOBRANCHIDAE Cutthroat eels To about 100 cm. Marine; from costal waters to depths of 4000 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species is present in Kenya waters: Synaphobranchus kaupii Johnson, posterior nostril very close to front of eye gill opening ventrolateral pectoral fins present OPHICHTHIDAE posterior nostril within upper lip or inside mouth Snake eels To 100 cm. Marine and estuarine, one species entering freshwater; benthic. Of limited interest to fisheries. Six species have been recorded in Kenya waters, two of which are included in the Guide to Species. pectoral fin present or absent Page 127 caudal fin present or absent body rounded, circular in cross section

4 84 Bony Fishes CONGRIDAE lips well developed Conger eels To 80 cm. Marine, coral reefs, and mud banks; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Many species, of which two are included in the Guide to Species. pectoral fins present Page 127 MURAENESOCIDAE dorsal fin origin over or before pectoral fin origin Page 128 Pike congers To 250 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters and estuaries to a depth of 100 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species are included in the Guide to Species. large gill openings pectoral fins present large teeth in midline vomer Order CLUPEIFORMES Herrings and allies Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line absent; a row of scutes along ventral profile (except Chirocentridae, some Clupeidae and some Engraulidae); colour silvery. CLUPEIDAE Page 129 Sardines Sardinellas To 25 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries and freshwater; mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Seventeen species are included in the Guide to Species. scutes present in most species ENGRAULIDAE snout prominent Anchovies To 18 cm. Coastal marine waters, mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Nine species are included in the Guide to Species. maxilla extending well behind eye scutes present in most species Page 133 CHIROCENTRIDAE Wolf herrings To 100 cm. Coastal marine waters, mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species are included in the Guide to Species. canine teeth body compressed Page 135 dorsal fin set far back scutes absent

5 Guide to Orders and Families 85 PRISTIGASTERIDAE Page 136 Pristigasterids To 20 cm. Coastal marine waters, mainly pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. One species included in the Guide to Species. pelvic fin anterior long anal fin with at least 30 rays Order GONORHYNCHIFORMES Milkfish and allies Fin spines absent; a single dorsal fin located above middle of body; pelvic fins in abdominal position; lateral line present; 4 branchiostegal rays; mouth small, jaws toothless or teeth reduced; colour silvery. CHANIDAE Page 136 Milkfish To 180 cm. Marine and estuarine waters; pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. One species is included in the Guide to Species. scales small mouth small 4 branchiostegal rays Order SILURIFORMES Catfishes Barbels present around mouth; a strong spine usually present at front of dorsal and pectoral fins; an adipose fin often present; scales absent, but a bony head shield often present. ARIIDAE Sea catfishes To 180 cm. Coastal marine and estuarine waters; also freshwaters; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Five species are included in the Guide to Species. exposed bony head shield adipose fin Page 136 usually three pairs of barbels PLOTOSIDAE Page 138 Eel catfishes To 40 cm. Marine, entering brackish and freshwaters; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species are included in the Guide to Species. continuous fin four pairs of barbels dendritic organ

6 86 Bony Fishes Order OSMERIFORMES Argentines and allies A diverse assemblage of families characterized by the inclusion of the maxilla in the gape of mouth; fin spines absent; adipose fin often present. ARGENTINIDAE mouth small Argentines To about 40 cm. Marine, from depths of 80 m to 400 m; benthopelagic and pelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Argentina euchus Cohen, teeth absent in upper jaw adipose fin anal fin origin behind dorsal fin BATHYLAGIDAE Deepsea smelts To about 20 cm. Marine, from the surface down to below 200 m; epipelagic to bathypelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Probably two species occur in Kenya waters, even if never recorded: Dolicholagus longirostris (Maul, 1948); Melanolagus bericoides (Borodin, 1929). adipose fin anal fin origin behind dorsal fin anal fin rays ALEPOCEPHALIDAE Slickheads To about 70 cm. Marine, usually at depths of below 1000 m. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but no official records. head usually scaleless dorsal fin far back adipose fin absent anal fin origin not behind dorsal fin PLATYTROCTIDAE Tube shoulders To about 20 cm. Marine, between depths of 200 m and 4000 m; meso and bathypelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but no official records. a tube behind shoulder girdle just below lateral line leading to a large sac containing luminous fluid under skin anal fin origin not behind dorsal fin

7 Guide to Orders and Families 87 Order STOMIIFORMES Hatchetfishes Viperfishes and allies Deepsea fishes, having light organs (photophores); chin barbels present in some; premaxilla and maxilla both with teeth, and included in gape of mouth; ventral adipose fin present in some. GONOSTOMATIDAE Bristlemouths To about 25 cm. Marine, mostly deeper waters at depths below 200 m; meso and bathypelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but only three species recorded in Kenya waters: Cyclothone alba Brauer, 1906, Cyclothone pallida Brauer, 1902, Cyclothone signata Garman, branchiostegal rays STERNOPTYCHIDAE Marine hatchetfishes To 20 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below 300 m; meso and bathypelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters: Polyipnus bruuni Harold, 1994, Polyipnus matsubarai Schultz, 1961, Polyipnus meteori Kotthaus, branchiostegal rays light organs STOMIIDAE dorsal fin shortly behind head Barbeled dragonfishes To about 40 cm. Marine, deep water, often migrating to near surface at night. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. dorsal fin far back fang like teeth large pelvic fin Chauliodontinae dorsal fin ends well in front of anal fin Stomiinae barbel with light organ Astronesthinae Order ATELEOPODIFORMES Jellynose fishes Caudal fin reduced, united with the long anal fin; pelvic fin of adults with single ray on throat (young specimens and Guentherus have several rays, and the pelvics of the latter are behind the pectorals). ATELEOPODIDAE Jellynose fishes To 180 cm. Marine, from depths of about 200 m to 660 m; benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in the western Indian Ocean: Ateleopus natalensis Regan, mouth inferior dorsal fin base short. \\ anal and caudal fins fused

8 - 88 Bony Fishes Order AULOPIFORMES Greeneyes Lizardfishes and allies Premaxilla forming the gape of the mouth (maxilla excluded); upper jaw not protrusible; adipose fin present; caudal fin forked. CHLOROPHTHALMIDAE Greeneyes To 17 cm. Deep water, from depths of 150 m to 379 m; benthic. Often in great abundance and of potential interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. eyes green, pupil key hole shaped body with scales Page 138 SCOPELARCHIDAE eye tubular Pearleyes To 13 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below 2300 m; mostly below 300 m; meso and bathypelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. body with scales SYNODONTIDAE Lizardfishes To 50 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to depths of 200 m, benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Eight species included in the Guide to Species. head lizard like Page 139 needle like teeth maxilla extending far behind eye body with scales PARALEPIDIDAE Barracudinas To 13 cm. Marine, deep water, often migrating to near surface at night. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. dorsal fin origin behind middle of standard length EVERMANNELLIDAE Sabertooth fishes To 12 cm. Marine, often migrating to near surface at night; mesopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps four species occur in Kenya waters but no official records. body without scales except lateral line

9 Guide to Orders and Families 89 Order MYCTOPHIFORMES Lanternfishes and allies Fin spines absent; adipose fin present; light organs (photophores) sometimes present; deep sea fishes. NEOSCOPELIDAE Blackchins To about 30 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below 500 m; pelagic or benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya waters: Neoscopelus macrolepidotus Johnson, photophores only on body MYCTOPHIDAE Lanternfishes To 30 cm. From the surface (at night) to depths below 2000 m; mesopelagic to bathypelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Several species occur in Kenya waters. photophores on head and body Order LAMPRIFORMES Opahs and allies A diverse group of often strange looking fishes. No true spines in fins; pelvic fins under bases of pectorals. LAMPRIDAE Opahs To 180 cm. Marine, well offshore; epipelagic. Of little interest to fisheries, but flesh excellent. One species in the Indian Ocean: Lampris guttatus (Brünnich, 1788). colour red with white spots REGALECIDAE pectoral fin base horizontal Oarfishes To at least 700 cm. Marine, from the surface to a depth of 1000 m; epi to mesopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Possibly one species: Regalecus glesne Ascanius, mouth vertical pelvic fin a single elongate ray Order POLYMIXIIFORMES Beardfishes POLYMIXIIDAE 4 6 spines Beardfishes To about 35 cm. Marine, from depths of about 100 m to 650 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya waters: Polymixia berndti Gilbert, one pair of barbels 3 4 spines

10 90 Bony Fishes Order GADIFORMES Cods Hakes No sharp spines in fins (except in dorsal fin of some macrourids); pelvic fins below or anterior to pectoral fins and widely separated from each other, usually entire, but reduced to filaments in some species; barbels often present on chin. pelvic fins widely separated underside of head BREGMACEROTIDAE 1 st dorsal fin with a single ray Codlets To 10 cm, but usually smaller. Marine, from the surface to depths of 2000 m; pelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps three species occur in Kenya waters. Official record only for Bregmaceros mcclellandi Thompson, MACROURIDAE Grenadiers To 52 cm. Marine, from depths between 200 m and 1000 m; benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Numerous species in the Indian Ocean. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, three of which are included in the Guide to Species. spine in some pelvic fin Page 141 tapering tail caudal fin absent MORIDAE Morid cods To about 25 cm. Marine, in deeper waters; benthopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Numerous species in the Indian Ocean. Three species recorded in Kenya waters caudal fin always separated from dorsal and anal fin Order OPHIDIIFORMES Cusk eels Brotulas No sharp spines in fins; pelvic fins absent in some species; when present these fins are placed anterior to pectoral fins, sometimes far forward on underside of head; they are always close together and filamentous, each with not more than 2 rays; caudal fin separate or joined to dorsal and anal fins; snout without barbels. pelvic fins filamentous and close together when present underside of head OPHIDIIDAE Cusk eels To 50 cm. Marine, at depths of 650 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species occur in Kenya waters. Official records only for Neobythites kenyaensis Nielsen, 1995 and Brotula multibarbata Temminck & Schlegel, 1846, the latter included in the Guide to Species. spine on opercle pelvic fin rays filamentous dorsal fin rays usually equal or longer than opposing anal fin rays anus behind tip of pectoral fin Page 142

11 Guide to Orders and Families 91 CARAPIDAE Pearlfishes To about 20 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters; benthic. Living as commensals in holothurians, molluscs and ascidians, which they enter tail first. Of no interest to fisheries. Numerous species in the Indian Ocean. Three species recorded in Kenya waters. pelvic fins absent anus far forward, usually beneath pectorals Order BATRACHOIDIFORMES Toadfishes Head large and depressed, body compressed; two dorsal fins, the 1 st with 2 or 3 spines; pelvic fins under throat; gill openings restricted to sides of head; one to several lateral lines on body. BATRACHOIDIDAE Toadfishes To about 20 cm. Coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Five species occur in the Indian Ocean. No information for Kenya waters. 1 st dorsal fin with 2 3 spines gill opening small lateral lines Order LOPHIIFORMES Anglerfishes and allies Body globulose or depressed; 1 st spine of dorsal fin modified to form a fishing pole ; gill openings small and circular, usually located below or behind pectoral fins. LOPHIIDAE lure body depressed Page 142 Goosefishes To 45 cm. Marine, mainly deep water, at depths between 50 m and 500 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species occur in Kenya waters, and are included in the Guide to Species. barbels and flaps often present gill opening small ANTENNARIDAE lure Frogfishes To 25 cm. Marine, coastal and surface waters to a depth of 100 m; mostly benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Several species occur in Kenya waters. gill opening small pectoral fin lobe elongate

12 92 Bony Fishes CHAUNACIDAE lure body globulose Sea tods To about 45 cm. Marine, offshore waters in depths between 300 m and 1000 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species occur in Kenya waters: Chaunax penicillatus McCulloch, 1915 and Chaunax pictus Lowe, gill opening small OGCOCEPHALIDAE Batfishes To 20 cm. Marine, coastal and deep waters to at least 2000 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species occur in the Indian Ocean. Only one species recorded in Kenya waters: Malthopsis lutea Alcock, HIMANTOLOPHIDAE Footballfishes To about 60 cm. Marine, from near the surface to depths below 500 m, pelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species occur in the Indian Ocean. No records in Kenya waters. lure very short hidden below the pointed snout lure body depressed gill openings small body globulose skin with large bony scales Order GOBIESOCIFORMES Clingfishes Pectoral fins joined to form an adhesive disc on ventral surface of body at juncture of head and body; a single dorsal fin without spines. GOBIESOCIDAE no spines on dorsal fin Clingfishes To 15 cm, but most species less than 8 cm. Marine, entering also estuaries and freshwater; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters. pectoral fins join to form a sucking disc Order ATHERINIFORMES Silversides and allies Small fishes; 2 well separated dorsal fins, the 1 st spiny, but often inconspicuous; a silvery stripe on sides. ATHERINIDAE 2 4 spines silvery band Page 143 Silversides To 15 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries, coastal lagoons; pelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species occur in Kenya waters, and are included in the Guide to Species. body without keel ventrally

13 Guide to Orders and Families 93 NOTOCHEIRIDAE Surf sardines To about 9 cm. Marine, coastal surf waters. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in the western Indian Ocean: Iso natalensis Regan, spines silvery band body compressed, forming a sharp keel ventrally Order BELONIFORMES Flyingfishes and allies Either snout beak like with upper or lower jaws greatly prolonged, or with enlarged, wing like pectoral, and sometimes also pelvic fins; lateral line near ventral profile of body; a single dorsal fin consisting of soft rays; pelvic fins abdominal. BELONIDAE Page 144 Needlefishes To about 150 cm. Marine, coastal and offshore waters, some entering estuaries and even freshwater; generally pelagic, swimming near the surface. Of interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. elongate tooth studded jaws lateral line near ventral profile of body HEMIRAMPHIDAE Page 146 Halfbeaks To 44 cm. Marine, coastal and offshore waters, some entering estuaries and even freshwater; generally pelagic, swimming near the surface. Of interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. lower jaw greatly prolonged, except in Oxyporhamphus EXOCOETIDAE Page 147 Flyingfishes To 30 cm. Marine, pelagic in surface waters; capable of jumping out of the water and gliding for long distances. Of little interest to fisheries. Twelve species occur in Kenya waters, all included in the Guide to Species. lateral line near ventral profile of body pectoral fins enlarged

14 94 Bony Fishes Order BERYCIFORMES Squirrelfishes and allies Head with spines and crests well developed; fin spines well developed; scales heavy and strongly ctenoid (rough). TRACHICHTHYIDAE Slimeheads To about 60 cm. Marine, from depths of about 100 m to 1000 m, rarely below 600 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Probably several species. mucous cavities and crests 3 8 wide spaced, strong spines opercular spine ventral keel of scutes 2 3 spines ANOMALOPIDAE Lanterneye fishes To 30 cm. Marine, from shallow waters at night to depths below 100 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species in western Indian Ocean, never recorded in Kenya waters: Photoblepharon steinitzi Abe & Haneda, prominent light organ below eye DIRETMIDAE no lateral line Spinyfins To 15 cm. Marine, from depths of 500 m to 700 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya waters: Diretmus argenteus Johnson, body strongly compressed no spines in dorsal and anal fins BERYCIDAE Page 151 Alfonsinos To 70 cm. Marine, from depths of 200 m to 600 m; bathypelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species occur in the western Indian Ocean, one of which has been recorded in Kenya waters and is included in the Guide to Species. eye large 4 7 spines 1 spine and 7 11 rays 4 spines

15 Guide to Orders and Families 95 HOLOCENTRIDAE Page 151 Squirrelfishes Soldierfishes To 45 cm. Marine, from shallow coastal waters to depths below 200 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Eleven species have been recorded in Kenya waters, six species in neighboring countries, all of which are included in the Guide to Species. eye large spiny portion of dorsal fin much longer than soft portion preopercle with or without a strong spine 7 soft rays 4 spines Order ZEIFORMES Dories and allies Body usually compressed and deep; jaws greatly distensible; prominent spines in anterior part of dorsal fin. PARAZENIDAE Parazens To 30 cm. Marine, outer continental slope, from depths of 150 m to 730 m. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in neighboring countries and included in the Guide to Species. premaxillaries highly protrusible body compressed Page 157 two lateral lines fused behind soft dorsal fin ZEIDAE Page 157 Dories To 70 cm. Marine, outer continental slope, from depths of 90 m to 300 m. Of little interest to fisheries, but flesh excellent. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. body compressed midventral scutes body ridges or plates along fin bases

16 96 Bony Fishes Order GASTEROSTEIFORMES Seamoths and Sticklebacks Reduced number of branchiostegal rays (1 5); small mouth, often tubular; body covered with armor of dermal plates in most members. PEGASIDAE pectoral fins large and horizontal Seamoths To about 16 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in neighboring countries: Eurypegasus draconis (Linnaeus, 1766). mouth beneath long rostrum caudal peduncle quadrangular Order SYGNATHIFORMES Pipefishes and allies Body elongate, snout tube like, mouth small; scales sometimes modified to form series of body plates. AULOSTOMIDAE 8 12 isolated dorsal fin spines Page 157 Trumpetfishes To about 75 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. barbel caudal fin rounded FISTULARIIDAE Page 158 Cornetfishes Flutemouths To about 200 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters. Of little interest to fisheries, but flesh excellent. Two species recorded in Kenya waters both included in the Guide to Species. caudal fin with a long filament CENTRISCIDAE Snipefishes and Shrimpfishes To about 20 cm. Costal marine waters to depths of 80 m. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species occur in Kenya waters: Aeoliscus punctulatus (Bianconi, 1854); Aeoliscus strigatus (Günther, 1861). 1 st dorsal fin spine body extremely compressed 2 nd dorsal and anal fins, ventral

17 Guide to Orders and Families 97 SOLENOSTOMIDAE Ghost pipefishes To about 15 cm. Marine, coastal waters. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Solenostomus cyanopterus Bleeker, pelvic fin large SYNGNATHIDAE Pipefishes and Seahorses To about 30 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 90 m, littoral pools, lagoons, estuaries, and freshwater; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries, some species of interest of aquarium trade. Many species recorded in Kenya waters. body encased in numerous joined bony rings Syngnathus sp. Hippocampus sp. Order SCORPAENIFORMES Scorpionfishes and allies Cheeks with a bony strut (posterior extension of suborbital bone to preopercle), usually well developed spines on head and prominent spines in dorsal fin; pectoral fins usually rounded, sometimes greatly enlarged; membranes between lower rays often incised; caudal fin rarely forked. SCORPAENIDAE usually single dorsal fin Page 158 Scorpionfishes Rockfishes Velvetfishes To 40 cm. Marine, from the coastline to depths of 400 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Nineteen species occur in Kenya waters, eleven of which are included in the Guide to Species. single dorsal fin strong pungent spines body oval, laterally compressed Scorpaeninae pelvic fins inconspicuous Caracanthinae

18 98 Bony Fishes APISTIDAE Page 162 Wasp scorpionfishes To about 20 cm. Marine. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. SYNANCEIIDAE Venom glands present near base of hypodermic like dorsal fin spines Stonefish To about 40 cm. Marine, coastal waters. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species..s Page 162 no free pectoral rays DACTYLOPTERIDAE Flying gurnards To 40 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 2 free dorsal fin spines Page dorsal fins pectoral fin extremely large TRIGLIDAE 2 dorsal fins Page 163 Gurnards To about 16 cm. Marine coastal and deeper waters; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species occur in Kenya waters, three of which are included in the Guide to Species. 3 lower rays of pectoral fin, free PLATYCEPHALIDAE Spiny flatheads To 100 cm. Marine, on sand and mud bottoms down to a depth of about 70 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Five species recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. head depressed spines and bony ridges 1 st dorsal fin spine short - 1, pp II g 2 dorsal fins (1' Page 164

19 Guide to Orders and Families 99 Order PERCIFORMES: PERCOIDEI Perch like fishes Shape extremely variable; either two dorsal fins, or one dorsal fin with anterior elements being sharp spines; pelvic fins usually with one spine and five soft rays, placed well forward on ventral surface of body; maxillary bone not included in gape of mouth, but dorsal to the tooth bearing premaxilla. AMBASSIDAE Asiatic glassfishes To about 15 cm. Shallow coastal waters and estuaries, entering freshwater. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species occur in Kenya waters: Ambassis gymnocephalus (Lacepède, 1802); Ambassis natalensis Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908; Ambassis productus Guichenot, ACROPOMATIDAE Lanternbellies To 30 cm. Marine, from depths of 100 m to 600 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species occur in Kenya waters and are included in the Guide to Species. body often semitransparent double edge 2 dorsal fins 2 3 flat opercular spines single dorsal fin deeply notched 1 spine 3 spines Page 166 DINOPERCIDAE 9 11 spines Cavebasses To 65 cm. Marine, on rocky reefs to depths beyond 50 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. A single species occurs in Kenya waters: Dinoperca petersi (Day, 1875). opercle ends in 2 points SERRANIDAE 3 spines Page 167 Groupers Seabasses Rockcods Hinds Combers Coral trouts Lyretails Soapfishes To 250 cm. Marine, from the coastline to depths beyond 380 m; also estuarine; mostly benthic; a large and diverse family. Of major interest to fisheries. Fifty five species occur in Kenya waters, 47 of which are included in the Guide to Species. PSEUDOCHROMIDAE Dottybacks To about 10 cm, but most species less than 5 cm. Shallow coastal waters, especially coral reefs to depths of about 100 m; benthic. Of interest to the aquarium trade. Ten species have been recorded in Kenya waters. 2 3 flat spines 1 3 spines lateral line in two parts

20 100 Bony Fishes PLESIOPIDAE Roundheads To about 25 cm. Marine coastal waters and estuaries. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species, but only one species recorded in Kenya waters: Plesiops coeruleolineatus Rüppell, spines lateral line in two parts 1 spine and 4 soft rays, 1 st ray thickened and bifurcate 3 spines OPISTOGNATHIDAE Jawfishes To about 35 cm, but most species smaller than 11 cm. Marine, in shallow waters to depths of 200 m; benthic on sandy bottoms. Of no interest to fisheries. Ten species occur in the western Indian Ocean; one recorded in Kenya waters: Opistognathus margaretae Smith Vaniz, spines maxilla prolonged in some species 2 3 spines lateral line incomplete TERAPONTIDAE spines Page 180 Grunters To about 30 cm. Marine, coastal waters and estuaries. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. mouth small 2 opercular spines 3 spines KUHLIIDAE 10 spines Page 181 Aholeholes To 40 cm. Marine coastal waters, estuaries, and entering freshwater. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 2 opercular spines 3 spines PRIACANTHIDAE eyes large 10 spines Page 182 Bigeyes To 50 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 200 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. One species has been recorded in Kenya waters; five in neighboring countries. membrane between pelvic fin and body 3 spines

21 Guide to Orders and Families 101 APOGONIDAE eyes large 6 8 spines 2 dorsal fins Cardinalfishes To about 20 cm, but most species less than 12 cm. Shallow coastal waters, and some in brackish and freshwater; benthic and benthopelagic at night. Of interest to the aquarium trade. Several species have been recorded in Kenya waters. 1 spine SILLAGINIDAE Smelt whitings To 35 cm. Marine coastal waters and estuaries. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. mouth small often 1 opercular spine spines 2 spines //// / A / dorsal fins, ''. 1 slender spine Page weak spines MALACANTHIDAE 1 opercular spine 1 10 spines Page 185 Tilefishes To 45 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, one of which included in the Guide to Species. lips fleshy 1 2 spines LACTARIIDAE 7 8 spines 2 dorsal fins 1 spine Page 185 False trevallies To 40 cm. Marine coastal waters. Of little interest to fisheries. One species occurs in Kenya neighboring countries and is included in the Guide to Species. canine like teeth 3 spines POMATOMIDAE 1 st dorsal fin short and low with 7 8 spines Page 185 Bluefishes To 130 cm. Marine, brackish; pelagic oceanic; oceanodromous. Of major interest to fisheries. One species circumglobal and included in the Guide to Species. teeth prominent RACHYCENTRIDAE 6 9 separate spines 1 3 spines Page 186 Cobias To 200 cm. Marine, pelagic in coastal waters, occasionally in estuaries. Of interest to fisheries. One species present in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 2 3 spines

22 102 Bony Fishes ECHENEIDAE Remoras Sharksuckers To about 90 cm. Marine, pelagic; attach to larger marine animals such as sharks, turtles, and marine mammals. Of no interest to fisheries. Eight species worldwide, one of which recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 410 sucking disc Page 186 CARANGIDAE Jacks Trevallies Scads Queen fishes Runners Pompanos To about 165 cm. Marine, from coastal waters to a depth of 200 m; a few species entering brackish waters; coastal pelagic or oceanic pelagic; a large and diverse family. Of major interest to fisheries. Forty five species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. 4 8 spines, very short and embedded in some species Decapterus sp. usually 3 spines, the 1 st two detached (embedded in large carangids) scutes often present finlets present in some species Page 186 Alectis sp. Seriola sp. <<«<<<(< Caranx sp. Scomberoides sp. Trachinotus sp. CORYPHAENIDAE Page 201 Dolphinfishes To 200 cm. Marine, oceanic pelagic, but sometimes close to the coast. Of major interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. bony crest in males no spines in dorsal and anal fins

23 Guide to Orders and Families 103 MENIDAE Moonfishes To 24 cm. Marine, coastal waters, entering estuaries. Of no interest to fisheries. A single species recorded in Kenya waters. Page 202 no spines in dorsal and anal fins LEIOGNATHIDAE Ponyfishes Slipmouths Tooth ponies To 21 cm. Marine, coastal waters, to a depth of 25 m and estuaries; schooling; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Seven species recorded in Kenya waters, two in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. top of head scaleless sharp edge nucal crest mouth protrusible pelvic fin rays in adults elongate 8 9 spines Page spines BRAMIDAE Pomfrets To about 60 cm. Marine, epipelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, one of which included in the Guide to Species. single dorsal fin Page 205 mouth large, oblique anal fin base about as long as dorsal fin base LUTJANIDAE Snappers To 120 cm. Mostly marine, from the coastline to a depth of 360 m; some species enters estuaries and even rivers; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Twenty six species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. no scales between eye and mouth 9 12 spines Page 206 preopercle usually serrate 3 spines Lutjanus sp. Etelis sp. Paracaesio sp.

24 104 Bony Fishes CAESIONIDAE spines Page 213 Fusiliers To about 40 cm. Marine, coastal waters, associated with reefs, to a depth of about 60 m; pelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. Twelve species have been recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. mouth small, protrusible teeth small, roof of mouth with or without teeth 3 spines dorsal and anal fins evenly sloping 1 2 finger like postmaxillary processes present LOBOTIDAE spines long rounded lobes Page 217 Tripletails To 100 cm. Marine, oceanic pelagic, drifting near the surface. Of no interest to fisheries. A single species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. serrate 3 spines GERREIDAE Silverbiddies Mojarras To 35 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 60 m; also estuaries, coastal lagoons and freshwater; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. top of head scaly large scales 9 10 spines Page 217 mouth protrusible 3 spines HAEMULIDAE scales present between eye and mouth Grunts Sweetlips Rubberlips To 90 cm. Mostly marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 200 m, and in brackish waters; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Twenty two species recorded in Kenya waters, 20 of which have been included in the Guide to Species. preopercle usually serrate 9 15 spines Page 218 teeth conical, roof of mouth toothless enlarged chin pores usually present 3 spines Pomadasys sp. Plectorhinchus sp.

25 Guide to Orders and Families 105 SPARIDAE spines Page 225 Porgies Seabreams Pinfishes To 90 cm. Marine, coastal waters, to a depth of about 150 m; occasionally entering estuaries; benthic. Of major interest to fisheries. Fourteen species have been recorded in Kenya waters, 10 of which have been included in the Guide to Species. no scales between eye and mouth 9 17 rays teeth canine like, conical or incisor like, molars often present, roof of mouth toothless,.:::,,..._ cheek scaled preopercle margin smooth 3 spines 7 15 rays LETHRINIDAE Emperors Scavengers To 100 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 185 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Sixteen species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. no scales between eye and mouth outer teeth canine like or conical, molars often present, inner teeth villiform, roof of mouth toothless 10 spines cheek and preopercle scaled in Lethrinus preopercle margin smooth 3 spines Page rays Lethrinus sp. 8 rays Gnathodentex sp. 10 rays Gymnocranius sp. Monotaxis sp. 9 rays NEMIPTERIDAE Threadfin breams Monocle breams Dwarf monocle breams To 30 cm. Coastal marine waters to depths of about 400 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Nine species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. top of head scaly large scales 10 spines 9 rays Page suborbital spine present in some species Scolopsis sp. teeth conical, enlarged canines present in some species, roof of mouth toothless 3 spines 7 rays Nemipterus sp.

26 106 Bony Fishes SCIAENIDAE Page 236 Croakers Drums Meagres Weakfishes To 80 cm. Marine, from coastal waters to a depth of about 100 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Five species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. opercular spines 6 13 spines single dorsal fin deeply notched 1 spine lateral line to tip of caudal fin barbels present in some species 1 2 spines Johnius sp. Otolithes sp. POLYNEMIDAE 8 spines 1 spine Threadfins To 45 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries and coastal lagoons; fresh river mouths; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters. mouth inferior lower pectoral fin rays filamentous 3 spines MULLIDAE 7 8 spines 2 dorsal fins Page 238 Goatfishes Red mullets To 50 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; occasionally in estuaries; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Seventeen species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. 1 spine 1 pair of barbels at tip of chin 1 spine PEMPHERIDAE Sweepers To about 17 cm. Coastal marine waters. Of no interest to fisheries. Perhaps several species in Kenya waters. eye large 4 7 spines single, short dorsal fin before middle of body body laterally compressed 3 spines

27 Guide to Orders and Families 107 KYPHOSIDAE Page 243 Seachubs Rudderfishes Stonebreams To 75 cm. Marine reef areas; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. 11 spines individual tooth lateral view upper jaw viewed from below incisor like hockey stick shaped teeth 3 spines DREPANEIDAE spines Page 244 Sicklefishes To 40 cm. Marine, mud banks, to a depth of 40 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. body laterally compressed mouth protractile long pectoral fin 3 spines MONODACTYLIDAE Moonies To 25 cm. Marine, coastal waters, estuaries and entering freshwater. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. 5 8 short spines body laterally compressed Page 245 pelvic fins absent or vestigial in some adults 3 spines

28 108 Bony Fishes CHAETODONTIDAE Butterflyfishes To about 20 cm. Marine, usually in shallow waters but occasionally to a depth of about 100 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; some species of interest of the aquarium trade. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. eye band usually present 6 16 spines body laterally compressed mouth small, protrusible POMACANTHIDAE 8 15 spines 3 5 spines Page 245 Angelfishes To 50 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 70 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; some species of interest of the aquarium trade. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. body laterally compressed preopercular spine 3 spines PENTACEROTIDAE 3 rd and 4 th spines enlarged Page 248 Armorheads To 35 cm. Marine, on the continental shelf and slope at depths of about 400 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species occurs in neighboring countries, and is included in the Guide to Species. bones of head mostly exposed OPLEGNATHIDAE Knifejaws To 30 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to depths of 150 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species occur in the western Indian Ocean. scales small teeth fused into cutting plates preopercle serrate

29 Guide to Orders and Families 109 CIRRHITIDAE cirri 10 spines Page 248 Hawkfishes Curleyfins To 30 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to depths of 120 m; benthic. Smaller species of some interest to the aquarium trade. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species occur in Kenya waters and are included in the Guide to Species. 3 spines CEPOLIDAE Bandfishes To about 52 cm. Marine, from shallow waters to a depth of about 475 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Owstonia weberi (Gilchrist, 1922). 3 spines 1 spine lateral line high on body caudal fin pointed Owstonia sp. Order PERCIFORMES: MUGILOIDEI Mullets Body elongate; head flattened; mouth small; pectoral fins high on body; 2 dorsal fins; sides silvery; no lateral line. MUGILIDAE Mullets To 90 cm. Coastal marine, estuaries and freshwater, at shallow depths (less than 20 m); mostly benthic in food habits, but usually swim near the surface. Of interest to fisheries. Nine species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. often an adipose eyelid 4 spines 1 spine Page 249 no lateral line 3 spines Order PERCIFORMES: LABROIDEI Wrasses and allies Well developed teeth, coalesced into plates in the Scaridae; scales usually large and cycloid (smooth); body compressed; usually colourful species. POMACENTRIDAE spines Damselfishes To about 25 cm, but most species smaller than 5 cm. Coastal marine waters and estuaries; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries, some species of interest of the aquarium trade. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. a single nostril 2 spines

30 110 Bony Fishes LABRIDAE jaw teeth separated lips usually prominent 8 21 spines Page 252 Wrasses Hogfishes Coris Tuskfishes To about 200 cm, but most species smaller than 25 cm. Coastal marine waters to a depth of about 160 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. A large and diverse group; 58 species have been included in the Guide to Species. mouth protrusible usually 3 spines Cheilio sp. Cheilinus sp. Coris sp. Epibulus sp. Xyrichtys sp. Nis :4"1117,0" ((<<<cc(ccc«ccc cc( (c-c((c Gomphosus sp. Halichoeres sp. SCARIDAE Parrotfishes To 120 cm. Marine, in shallow waters rarely below 60 m; benthic. Of major interest to fisheries; 21 species have been included in the Guide to Species. 9 flexible spines large scales Page 268 teeth fused - cr, teeth not fused Calotomus sp. mouth not protrusible 3 spines

31 Guide to Orders and Families 111 Order PERCIFORMES: TRACHINOIDEI Weeverfishes and allies A diverse assemblage of families difficult to characterize as a group. CHAMPSODONTIDAE lateral line system Crocodile toothfishes To about 20 cm. Marine, from surface at night to a depth of 500 m, mesopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Champsodon capensis Regan, preopercular spine pelvic fins larger than pectoral fins AMMODYTIDAE no spines Sand lances To about 30 cm. Marine, from coastline to a depth of about 50 m; benthic or pelagic. Of no interest to fisheries, used as bait. Possibly one species: Ammodytoides xanthops Randall & Heemstra, lower jaw projecting pelvic fins absent URANOSCOPIDAE eyes on top of head Stargazers To about 60 cm. Marine and estuarine; benthic to a depth of 500 m, mesopelagic. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species occur in Kenya waters. mouth large, vertical strong, often venomous spines TRICHONOTIDAE Sanddivers To about 18 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. No species recorded in Kenya waters. PERCOPHIDAE rays and spines not distinguishable preopercular spine pelvic fins larger than pectoral fins anterior ray in some males elongate Duckbills To about 25 cm. Marine, from depths of about 250 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Possibly one species in Kenya waters: Pteropsaron natalensis (Nelson, 1982). tentacle at rear end of upper jaw 6 spines no spines

32 112 Bony Fishes PINGUIPEDIDAE spine 4 5 spines Page 275 Grubfishes To about 30 cm. Marine, coastal waters; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, one species in neighboring countries, both included in the Guide to Species. mouth protractile OA w 1 spine Order PERCIFORMES: BLENNIOIDEI Blennies and allies Dorsal fin long; pelvic fins reduced, with 1 hidden spine and 2 to 4 soft rays, located ahead of pectoral fins; tentacles often present on head; 2 anal fin spines (one of them often difficult to see). TRIPTERYGIIDAE 3 dorsal fins, 1 st and 2 nd spiny Triplefins To about 6 cm. Marine, in shallow coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species occur in the western Indian Ocean; three species recorded in Kenya waters: Enneapterygius elegans (Peters, 1876); Enneapterygius fasciatus (Weber, 1909); Helcogramma fuscopinna Holleman, BLENNIIDAE fringed flap spines no scales Blennies To about 20 cm. Marine, in coastal waters, usually at depths less than 20 m; also estuaries and coastal lagoons; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; some species of interest to the aquarium trade. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. eyes on top of head 4 gill opening either restricted to sides or continuous across underside of head 2 spines Order PERCIFORMES: CALLIONYMOIDEI Dragonets A sharp preopercular spine; a small gill opening on upper part of head; size usually less than 25 cm. CALLIONYMIDAE Dragonets To about 25 cm. Marine, mainly from coastal reefs; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries; some species of interest to the aquarium trade. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, one of which included in the Guide to Species. preopercular spine gill opening restricted to a pore 4 spines Page 276

33 Guide to Orders and Families 113 Order PERCIFORMES: GOBIOIDEI Gobies and allies Usually small fishes with pelvic fins either very close together or united into a single cup like structure. ELEOTRIDAE Sleepers To about 30 cm. Adults generally in freshwater, but entering brackish and coastal marine waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters: Butis butis (Hamilton, 1822); Eleotris fusca (Forster, 1801); Ophiocara porocephala (Valenciennes, 1837). 6 branchiostegal rays pelvic fins separated or united GOBIIDAE Gobies To about 30 cm, but most species below 10 cm. Marine and brackish waters and some in freshwaters; usually in shallow waters, but a few species to a depth of below 150 m; benthic. The largest family of fishes. Of no interest to fisheries. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. 5 branchiostegal rays pelvic fins united Gobius sp. Periophthalmus sp. MICRODESMIDAE 2 dorsal fins or dorsal fin continuous Wormfishes Dartfishes To 28 cm. Marine, in shallow coastal waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Ptereleotris evides (Jordan & Hubbs, 1925). 5 branchiostegal rays pelvic fins separated Order PERCIFORMES: ACANTHUROIDEI Surgeonfishes and allies Small scales; some species have strong, moveable, forward projecting spine(s) mid laterally on caudal peduncle. EPHIPPIDAE 5 9 spines Page 276 Spadefishes Batfishes To 75 cm. Marine, shallow waters on mud banks; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Four species recorded in Kenya waters. profile convex body laterally compressed Platax sp. 3 spines Tripterodon sp.

34 114 Bony Fishes SCATOPHAGIDAE Scats To about 30 cm. Marine and estuarine. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, and included in the Guide to Species. 10 spines single dorsal fin deeply notched Page spine body laterally compressed 4 spines SIGANIDAE Page 278 Rabbitfishes To 45 cm. Marine, coastal waters around reefs. Of major interest to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. each pelvic fin with 3 soft rays between an inner and an outer spine ZANCLIDAE spine Moorish idol To about 20 cm. Marine, coral reefs waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters: Zanclus cornutus (Linnaeus, 1758). ACANTHURIDAE Surgeonfishes Tangs Unicornfishes To about 70 cm. Marine, in shallow waters associated with reefs, usually at a depth of less than 50 m; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Twenty one species recorded in Kenya waters, four in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. 4 9 spines Page spines spines of bony plate

35 ./ , Guide to Orders and Families 115 Order PERCIFORMES: SPHYRAENOIDEI Barracudas Body elongate, generally silvery on sides; head and snout both very long; teeth strong; two dorsal fins. SPHYRAENIDAE Barracudas To 180 cm. Marine, from coastal waters to a depth of about 100 m; pelagic neritic. Of interest to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. large mouth with sharp teeth lower jaw projecting 5 spines 1 spine 2 spines Page 288 Order PERCIFORMES: SCOMBROIDEI Tunas and allies Finlets usually present at posterior ends of dorsal and anal fins; 1 to 3 keels on either side of caudal peduncle (except in most species of Gempylidae). GEMPYLIDAE strong teeth often fang like 2 nostrils 2 separated dorsal fins Page 291 Snake mackerels Barracoutas Escolars Oilfishes To about 200 cm. Marine, from the surface (at night) to depths below 600 m; pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, 1 in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. lower jaw projecting 2 spines Gempylus sp. Rexea sp. Lepidocybium sp. Neoepinnula sp. TRICHIURIDAE Page 293 Cutlassfishes Hairtailfishes Frostfishes Scabbardfishes To 120 cm. Marine, from the surface (mainly at night) to depths below 1000 m; benthic and pelagic. Of interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters. fang like teeth 1 nostril single continuous dorsal fin or separated by shallow notch caudal fin small or absent

36 116 Bony Fishes SCOMBRIDAE Page 293 Albacores Bonitos Kawakawas Mackerels Seerfishes Tunas Wahoos To 250 cm. Marine, from surface waters to depths below 200 m; pelagic. Of major interest to fisheries. Twelve species recorded in Kenya waters, two in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. Acanthocybium sp. _ 11 ;, 1 1 \ 3 keels Scomberomorus sp. scaly corselet Auxis sp. Thunnus sp. Order PERCIFORMES: XIPHIOIDEI Billfishes Characterized by the prolongation of the upper jaw, much beyond the lower jaw into a long rostrum which is flat and swordlike (swordfish) or rounded and spearlike (sailfishes, spearfishes and marlins). XIPHIIDAE bill flat in cross section Swordfishes To 445 cm. Marine, from the surface to depths below 800 m; pelagic. Of major interest to fisheries. A single species worldwide, included in the Guide to Species. 1 keel Page 298 pelvic fins absent ISTIOPHORIDAE Marlins Sailfishes Spearfishes To 460 cm. Marine, pelagic oceanic, usually above the thermocline. Of major interest to fisheries. Five species recorded in Kenya waters, included in the Guide to Species. bill round in cross section bill round in cross section bill round in cross section pelvic fins elongate 2 keels Istiophorus Page 298 Makaira Tetrapturus

37 Guide to Orders and Families 117 Order PERCIFORMES: STROMATEOIDEI Harvestfishes and allies Shape variable; snout blunt and thick; toothed saccular outgrowths (pharyngeal sacs) present in the gullet immediately behind the last gill arch; teeth small, approximately uniserial. CENTROLOPHIDAE Ruffs To 20 cm. Marine, between depths of 250 m and 300 m; mesopelagic to demersal. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters. two flat spines single dorsal fin NOMEIDAE Man of war fishes To 18 cm. Marine, deeper waters of the continental slope; epi and mesopelagic. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring countries, both included in the Guide to Species. 2 dorsal fins Page 300 pectoral fin long and wing like ARIOMMATIDAE 2 dorsal fins Page 300 Ariommas Driftfishes To 250 cm. Marine, continental waters, to a depth of 300 m. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters, and included in the Guide to Species. low fleshy keels mouth small Order PERCIFORMES: CAPROIDEI Boarfishes CAPROIDAE Boarfishes To 22 cm. Marine, from depths of 65 m to 600 m. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters. sagittal crest 7 9 spines Page 301 small mouth body laterally compressed 2 3 spines

38 118 Bony Fishes Order PLEURONECTIFORMES Flatfishes Flattened body shape; eyes present on one side of body only. PSETTODIDAE eyes on left or right side of body dorsal fin origin posterior to position of eye Page 301 Spiny turbot To 60 cm. Marine, coastal waters to depths of 100 m. Of interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters and included in the Guide to Species. PARALICHTHYIDAE eyes on left side of body Page 301 Short pelvic flounders To about 35 cm. Marine, coastal waters to depths of 200 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, and included in the Guide to Species pelvic fin bases nearly symmetrical margin of preopercle free BOTHIDAE eyes on left side of body Page 302 Lefteye flounders To about 40 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 600 m; benthic. Of little interest to fisheries. Eight species recorded in Kenya waters, six of which are included in the Guide to Species. pelvic fin base on eyed side longer margin of preopercle free PLEURONECTIDAE eyes on right side of body Righteye flounders To 17 cm. Marine, continental waters, to a depth of 300 m. Of little interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters. lateral line well developed on both sides of body margin of preopercle free SAMARIDAE Crested flounders To 22 cm. Marine, primarily in deep waters; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. One species recorded in Kenya waters; one in neighboring countries. lateral line well developed or rudimentary dorsal fin origin in front of eyes Page 304 pelvic fins symmetrical

39 Guide to Orders and Families 119 SOLEIDAE Soles To 32 cm. Marine, shallow coastal waters; some species in estuaries; benthic. Of interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters, one in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. eyes on right side of body pectoral fins sometimes absent Page 304 no free preopercular margin CYNOGLOSSIDAE Tonguesoles To 46 cm. Marine, from shallow coastal waters to depths of about 200 m. Of little interest to fisheries. Six species recorded in Kenya waters, five of which are included in the Guide to Species. eyes on left side of body Page 305 no free preopercular margin pectoral fins absent Order TETRAODONTIFORMES Pufferfishes and allies Pelvic fins absent or strongly reduced; a small mouth with strong teeth, frequently coalesced into a biting plate; a small gill opening; skin thick or rough, sometimes with prickles, spines or scaly plates. TRIACANTHODIDAE 6 spines (posterior spines sometimes not visible) Spikefishes To 25 cm. Marine, between depths of 30 m and 300 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Two species recorded in Kenya waters: Bathyphylax bombifrons Myers, 1934; Macrorhamphosodes uradoi (Kamohara, 1933). caudal fin rounded BALISTIDAE 3 visible spines Page 307 Triggerfishes and Durgons To about 70 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; mostly benthic, a few benthopelagic. Of interest to fisheries. Fourteen species recorded in Kenya waters; three in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. skin thick, with conspicuous plate like scales

40 120 Bony Fishes MONACANTHIDAE 2 nd spine minute Page 312 Filefishes Leatherjackets To 100 cm, but most smaller than 10 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Seven species recorded in Kenya waters, four of which included in the Guide of Species; four species in neighboring countries. 1 st spine prominent skin rough, with minute scales OSTRACIIDAE Boxfishes Cowfishes To 50 cm. Marine, from the coast to a depth of about 100 m; benthic. Of no interest to fisheries, but of interest of the aquarium trade. Five species recorded in Kenya waters. rigid shell with scale plates TETRAODONTIDAE Puffers To about 100 cm. Coastal marine waters, estuaries, brackish lagoons, and occasionally freshwater; from the coastline to a depth of about 180 m; benthic. Poisonous and not eaten. Several species recorded in Kenya waters. 2 tooth plates in each jaw inflatable belly no typical scales, but often spiny prickles DIODONTIDAE Porcupinefishes To 60 cm. Marine, from the coastline to a depth of about 100 m; mostly benthic. Of no interest to fisheries. Three species recorded in Kenya waters, three in neighboring countries, all included in the Guide to Species. a single tooth plate in each jaw MOLIDAE large spines on head and body ka -4-ig-,, \--,P-0'- ---='-----_.2-_ ,_-_-,-- --,-, _-:_-----, _ -, =---L ==,_-- inflatable belly Page 315 Page 317 Molas Ocean sunfishes Headfishes To 300 cm or more. Marine, from the surface to a depth of about 360 m; pelagic oceanic. Of little interest to fisheries. Three species worldwide. caudal fin remarkably truncate, rudder like, without visible rays

41 Guide to Species Elopidae - Megalopidae - Albulidae ELOPIDAE Ladyfishes Tenpounders Elops machnata (Forsskål, 1775) Local name(s): N: Ipawa; S: Makamekuzia (M), Kopani (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters entering lagoons and estuaries. Fisheries: Trolling lines, Gillnets, Handlines, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Teeth on jaws villiform; no spines in fins; single dorsal fin with rays, its origin a little behind mid point of body; anal fin short, with rays, its origin well behind dorsal fin base; pelvic fin little, in front of dorsal fin origin. Colour: Back blue grey, sides silvery with a yellow tinge; fins faint yellow. Mouth large, upper jaw reaching well beyond eye FAO names: Tenpounder (En) Gular plate underside of head Size: To 100 cm, common 50 cm Megalops cyprinoides (Broussonet, 1782) Local name(s): N: Ipawa; S: Makamekuzia (M), Kopani (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters entering lagoons and estuaries. Fisheries: Trolling lines, Seines, Gillnets, Handlines, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Lower jaw projecting; fins lacking spines; dorsal fin origin at about midpoint of body; anal fin origin a little behind end of dorsal fin base; branchiostegal rays; large scales, on lateral line. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery. MEGALOPIDAE Tarpons (Plate I, 1) FAO names: Indo Pacific tarpon (En) Tarpon Indo Pacifique (Fr) Gular plate underside of head Last dorsal fin ray filamentous Size: To 100 cm, common 30 cm ALBULIDAE Bonefishes Albula vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758) Local name(s): N: Nyimbwi; S: Nyimbi (M), Mkizi mume (K). Habitat: Inshore, shallow waters on sandy and muddy bottoms. Fisheries: Gillnets, Hooks and Line, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: Upper jaw short, in head length; lower jaw angular, with a pointed symphysis; a single long scale on each side of membrane between each ray of dorsal and anal fins; scales in lateral line. Colour: Sides bright silvery; back blue green to olive; belly pale whitish. Dorsal fin with soft rays FAO names: Bonefish (En) Banane de mer (Fr) Size: To 104 cm, common 35 cm

42 122 - Muraenidae Bony Fishes MURAENIDAE Morays Echidna nebulosa (Ahl, 1789) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Mkunga samaki (K). Habitat: Shallow reef areas from 2 m to 48 m. Fisheries: Lines, Traps, Gillnets, Seines. Distinctive Characters: Pectoral and pelvic fins absent; teeth conical and granular in 2 rows on jaws, but all teeth more conical in young; no obvious lateral line, reduced to two pores above and before gill opening which is a difficult mid lateral hole or slit. Colour: Variable, but typically yellowish with 2 or 3 longitudinal series of darker, star shaped blotches along the body, each with a yellow centre; the spots variably combined to form vertical bands; smaller spots and mottling between the starry blotches. Echidna polyzona (Richardson, 1845) Dorsal fin originating over gill openings Pavement like molars on vomer FAO names: Snowflake moray(en) Size: To 100 cm, common 50 cm FAO names: Barred moray (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga wimbi; S: Mkunga wimbi (M), Mkunga nyono (K). Habitat: Benthic in shallow waters among rocks and coral heads. Fisheries: Lines, Traps, Gillnets, Seines. Distinctive Characters: No canines; 5 irregular rows of conical teeth at front of upper jaw; lower jaw with 2 4 rows of teeth, anterior ones conical, posterior molariform; all teeth much smaller than vomerine teeth. Colour: Body with contrasting dark and pale bars, conspicuous in young, becoming mottled dark and indistinct with age, remaining most distinct near end of tail. Pavement like molars on vomer Size: To 70 cm Gymnomuraena zebra (Shaw, 1797) Local name(s): N: Mkunga ndovu; S: Mkunga ndovu (M), Mkunga nyoka (K). Habitat: Benthic in shallow creeks from 10 m to 50 m. Fisheries: Lines, Traps, Gillnets, Seines. Distinctive Characters: Anus well behind midpoint of body; pectoral and pelvic fins absent; no obvious lateral line, reduced to 2 pores above and before gill opening; teeth molariform in 2 3 rows on jaws, 5 6 on palate. Colour: Body velvety, blackish brown, with 25 (young individuals) to 100 (adults) narrow white to yellowish bars. Pavement like molars on vomer FAO names: Zebra moray (En) Size: To 150 cm, common 50 cm

43 Guide to Species Muraenidae Gymnothorax favagineus Bloch & Schneider, 1801 FAO names: Laced moray (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga chui; S: Mkunga chui (M/K). Habitat: Benthic in shallow waters on coral and rocky reefs from 5 m to 40 m. Fisheries: Hooks and Line, Spears, Traps. Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin origin on head; front of jaws usually with 4 large canines on each side, the more posterior much smaller. Colour: Basically white with black blotches and interspaces forming a honeycomb pattern; some individuals have a near black overall appearance; blotches variable between individuals and size, often in relation to habitat: those in clear coral reefs usually have proportionally less black than those found in turbid waters. Intermaxillary teeth in 1 row Size: To 300 cm Gymnothorax flavimarginatus (Rüppell, 1830) Local name(s): N: Mkungu; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Coral and rock reefs, from 3 m to 150 m. Fisheries: Hooks and Line, Spears, Traps. Distinctive Characters: One row of 1 3 canines at the front center of upper jaw; sides of top jaw with 2 rows of teeth, the outer one larger at front of upper jaw. Colour: Reddish eyes; body yellowish, densely mottled with dark brown; front of head purplish grey; posterior margins of fins yellow green. (Plate I, 2) FAO names: Yellow edged moray (En) Gill opening in a black blotch Size: To at least 125 cm Gymnothorax griseus (Lacepède, 1803) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic in shallow waters, on coral and rocky reefs. Maximum depth 40 m. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Distinctive Characters: Teeth on roof of mouth sharp, fang like in 2 rows. Colour: Body whitish, densely mottled with light brown spots; black pores on head forming lines. FAO names: Geometric moray (En) Size: To 65 cm

44 124 - Muraenidae Bony Fishes Gymnothorax javanicus (Bleeker, 1859) (Plate I, 3) FAO names: Giant moray (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga chui mweupe; S: Mkunga chui mweupe (M/K). Habitat: Coral and rocky reefs from 10 m to 50 m. Fisheries: Hooks and Line, Spears, Traps. Distinctive Characters: Teeth uniserial, on each side of jaws; premaxillary with 2 inner median fang like teeth; vomerine band of teeth short and bifurcated anteriorly. Colour: Juveniles are tan with numerous large black spots; adults have black specks that grade into leopard-like spots behind the head and a black area surrounding the gill opening. Gill opening in a black blotch Size: To 300 cm Gymnothorax meleagris (Shaw, 1795) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic, on coral reefs and rocks. Maximum depth 36 m. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears Distinctive Characters: Usually two rows of teeth, the ones on vomer sharp, fang like, in one row; gill opening black. Colour: Body orangish brown with small round yellow spots, less than eye diameter in size. Inside of mouth and tip of tail white FAO names: Turkey moray (En) Size: To 120 cm, common 80 cm Gymnothorax monochrous (Bleeker, 1856) Local name(s): N: Mukunga nyoka maji; S: Mkunga maji (M/K). Habitat: Benthic, in shallow coastal reefs. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Distinctive Characters: A single series of conical teeth in upper jaw and 2 3 fangs on each side; a row of 3 larger canines on intermaxillary; mandibles with a single series of teeth; vomerine teeth uniserial. Colour: Body uniformly light brown, without darker markings. FAO names: Drab moray (En) Size: To 80 cm Gymnothorax nudivomer (Günther, 1867) * FAO names: Yellowmouth moray (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga nitakate; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Coastal areas from 4 m to 270 m. Fisheries: Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Lines. Distinctive Characters: One row of compressed and triangular teeth; no canines; no teeth on vomer in adults; one possible front middle tooth in upper jaw. Colour: Body dark yellow brown; numerous spots smaller than pupil, that become small and numerous anteriorly, but large and widely spaced posteriorly; inside of mouth yellow. Distinct yellow spots on tail Size: To 180 cm

45 Guide to Species Muraenidae Gymnothorax pictus (Ahl, 1789) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic, in shallow coastal waters on rock and corals. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Distinctive Characters: Teeth on roof of mouth sharp, fang like in 2 rows; no obvious lateral line, reduced to two pores above and before gill opening. Colour: Adults greyish or whitish, with irregular dark spots; juveniles yellow with dark blotches. FAO names: Peppered moray (En) Size: To 140 cm Gymnothorax rueppellii (McClelland, 1844) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic in shallow coastal reefs down to 40 m. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Distinctive Characters: Teeth anteriorly in jaws in one row, with long canines alternating to 2 3 small teeth; median row of 3 canines at front of upper jaw considerably long; side of upper jaw with 1 3 slender canines. Colour: Body light greyish brown with darker bars; dark spot at corner of mouth. Top of head yellow FAO names: Banded moray (En) Size: To 80 cm Gymnothorax undulatus (Lacepède, 1803) Local name(s): N: Mkunga chui; S: Mkunga chui (M/K). Habitat: Corals reefs and rocks down to 110 m. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Distinctive Characters: Long canine teeth anteriorly in jaws, some alternating with very small teeth, the longest in 1 row of 3 teeth at front of upper jaw. Colour: Body yellow or orange, with irregular red brown blotches in rows separated by pale yellowish ground colour; top of head may be greenish yellow. FAO names: Undulated moray (En) Size: To 150 cm Pseudechidna brummeri (Bleeker, 1858) * FAO names: White ribbon eel (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic, in shallow coastal waters. Fisheries: Gillnets, Traps, Spears. Distinctive Characters: Body ribbon like, extremely slender, its depth 3 times in head length; fins wide. Colour: Body pale dirty white, with hyaline fins. Size: To 103 cm

46 126 - Muraenidae Bony Fishes Scuticaria tigrina (Lesson, 1828) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Reefs in shallow waters. Fisheries: Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Dorsal and anal fins barely visible reduced to rudiments on tip of tail; teeth conical, sharp, in 2 rows along jaws; 1 row of 4 5 teeth on roof of mouth. Colour: Yellowish to russet brown, with yellow edged black spots and jaw speckled with black. FAO names: Tiger reef eel (En) Size: To 105 cm Strophidon sathete (Hamilton, 1822) FAO names: Slender giant moray (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic, in shallow coastal waters, muddy areas, estuaries and river mouths. Fisheries: Traps, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin originating on head before gill opening; scales absent; two rows of compressed canines at sides of upper jaw and front of lower jaw; four longest depressible canines medially on intermaxilla. Colour: Body brownish grey above, lighter below. Mouth large, extending to well beyond eye Size: To 400 cm, common 70 cm Uropterygius concolor Rüppell, 1838 FAO names: Unicolor snake moray (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Reefs and shallow waters. Fisheries: Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Inner row of teeth on the lower jaw extending only about 2/3 of the way back along the outer row; vomerine teeth present. Colour: Drab brown in colour; tip of tail yellow. Dorsal and anal fins reduced to rudiments on tip of the tail Size: To 50 cm Uropterygius marmoratus (Lacepède, 1803) FAO names: Marbled reef eel (En) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Occurs on reefs in shallow waters. Fisheries: Traps, Spears, Gillnets, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Teeth in jaws in 3 rows, the marginal series of numerous small close set teeth, the two inner series with fewer, longer and depressible teeth; the maxillary encloses numerous longer and depressible teeth; vomerine teeth long, biserial anteriorly, uniserial posteriorly. Colour: Body yellowish or brownish, lighter below and finely or coarsely marbled with darker brown spots. Dorsal and anal fins reduced to rudiments on tip of the tail Size: To 62 cm

47 Guide to Species Ophichthidae - Congridae OPHICHTHIDAE Snake eels Worm eels Lamnostoma orientalis (McClelland, 1844) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Benthic in estuaries and inshore areas with turbid waters. Fisheries: Caught mainly with nets and by hand; used as fresh bait. Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin origin just behind gill opening; both dorsal and anal fins poorly developed. Colour: Dark grey to blue black above to below lateral line, lighter below; a series of prominent light spots on head and along lateral line; pores lighter than surrounding skin. * FAO names: Oriental worm eel (En) Serpenton oriental (Fr) No pectoral fins; gill opening a ventral slit Head indented behind eyes Tip of tail finless Size: To 36 cm Pisodonophis boro (Hamilton, 1822) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M/K). Habitat: Lagoons and estuaries, enters freshwater and paddy fields. Fisheries: Caught incidentally in bag nets; used as bait. Distinctive Characters: Teeth on roof of mouth granular to molariform; tip of tail finless; eye relatively small; dorsal fin originating behind pectoral fins. Colour: Uniformly brownish olive above, lighter below; dorsal fin with a narrow black edge. CONGRIDAE Conger eels Pectoral fins present FAO names: Rice paddy eel (En) Serpenton des rizières (Fr) Size: To 100 cm Conger cinereus Rüppell, 1830 Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Mkunga samaki (K). Habitat: Benthic on reefs and active at night. Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Teeth on outer row longer, close set and compressed to form a cutting edge; 6 th infraorbital pore located close and slightly above posterior angle of jaw. Colour: Grey to brown with a broad black margin on median fins; a black spot on pectoral fins (absent on juveniles) and a black bar under the eye; in life with dark crossbars. Flanges on lips well developed FAO names: Longfin African conger (En) Dorsal fin originating over middle of pectoral fin Size: To 130 cm, common 50 cm

48 128 - Congridae - Muraenesocidae Bony Fishes Uroconger lepturus (Richardson, 1845) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Mkunga samaki (K). Habitat: Offshore on soft sand mud bottoms. Fisheries: Fine meshed shrimp trawls. Distinctive Characters: Poorly developed lips; teeth multiserial, forming a band, but no cutting edge; vomerine teeth in a single row extending far back on roof of mouth; pectoral fins small and delicate. Colour: Light greyish brown, darker on opercle, the lower surface of head and trunk white; lateral line pores white; posterior part of dorsal and anal fins black. Dorsal fin originating over base of pectoral fin Thin and delicate tail with pointed tip FAO names: Slender conger (En) Size: To 52 cm, common 30 cm MURAENESOCIDAE Pike congers Muraenesox bagio (Hamilton, 1822) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Mkunga samaki (K). Habitat: Benthic on soft bottoms in deeper waters down to 100 m. Fisheries: Longlines, Bottom trawls, Driftnets, Bag nets. Distinctive Characters: Body robust and eelshaped; snout long; eye diameter 3 times in snout length; posterior nostrils only slightly nearer to eye than to anterior nostrils; teeth on vomer triangular, blade like; 33 to 39 lateral line pores before level of anus. Colour: Light greyish brown with olive bronze above, lighter below; dorsal and anal fins with narrow black edges. FAO names: Common pike conger (En) Morénésoce commun (Fr) Interorbital width about 10.7 times in head length Size: To 200 cm, common 150 cm Muraenesox cinereus (Forsskål, 1775) Local name(s): N: Mkunga; S: Mkunga (M), Mkunga samaki (K). Habitat: Benthic, on soft bottoms, in estuaries, lagoons and shallow coastal inlets down to 100 m. Fisheries: Longlines, Bottom trawls, Driftnets, Bag nets. Distinctive Characters: Teeth in upper and lower jaws in three series; principal teeth in lower jaw triangular; large median vomerine teeth triangular in lateral view; lateral line pores before level of anus. Colour: Light to dark greyish brown above, lighter below; dorsal and anal fins with narrow black edges. FAO names: Daggertooth pike conger (En) Murénésoce dague (Fr) Dorsal fin originating over gill openings Interorbital width about 8 times in head length Size: To 80 cm, common 50 cm

49 Guide to Species Clupeidae CLUPEIDAE Herrings Shads Gizzard shads Sardines Sardinellas Amblygaster leiogaster (Valenciennes, 1847) Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu koko (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic coastal schooling species. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly rounded with weak scutes; dorsal fin origin at midpoint of body; 8 pelvic fin rays; anal fin origin well behind dorsal fin base; gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st arch. Colour: Back blue green; flanks silvery without spots; dorsal fin black or dusky when fully extended fronto parietal striae FAO names: Smoothbelly sardinella (En) Sardinelle daniva (Fr) Single median row of predorsal scales Size: To 23 cm, common 18 cm Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum, 1792) Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu koko (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic coastal schooling species. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly rounded, with weak scutes; anal fin origin well behind dorsal fin base; 33 to 43 gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st arch. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery with a series of 10 to 12 golden green spots fronto parietal striae FAO names: Spotted sardinella (En) Sardinelle tachetée (Fr) Single median row of predorsal scales Size: To 27 cm, common 20 cm Dussumieria acuta Valenciennes, 1847 Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu koko (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in inshore waters. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly rounded, without scutes; dorsal fin origin behind mid point of body; pelvic fins below dorsal fin base; gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st arch. Colour: Back iridescent blue with a shiny golden brass line below; flanks silvery; caudal fin with a dark hind margin. Dussumieria elopsoides Bleeker, 1849 Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu koko (M/K). Habitat: A Pelagic inshore species. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets. Distinctive Characters: Body slender; belly rounded without scutes; no striae on posterior part of scales; pelvic fins more advanced; 21 to 32 gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st arch. Colour: Back blue, flanks silvery; all fins dark. Hind portion of scales with fine horizontal striae branchiostegal rays FAO names: Rainbow sardine (En) Sardine arc en ciel (Fr) Size: To 20 cm, common 15 cm FAO names: Slender rainbow sardine (En) Sardine arc en ciel gracile (Fr) Size: To 23 cm, common 20 cm

50 130 - Clupeidae Bony Fishes Etrumeus teres (DeKay, 1842) Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu uzio (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic inshore species. Fisheries: Purse seines. Distinctive Characters: Body fairly elongate sub cylindrical in cross section; gill rakers 30 to 35 on lower limb of 1 st arch; pelvic fin origin below last dorsal fin ray; anal fin with soft rays. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery branchiostegal rays FAO names: Red eye round herring (En) Shadine ronde (Fr) Belly rounded with no scutes Size: To 33 cm Herklotsichthys punctatus (Rüppell, 1837) Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu uzio (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Bottom trawls, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: Belly with a distinct keel of scutes. Colour: Back blue green with small scattered dark spots, flanks silvery; no dark blotch on dorsal fin. 3 8 fronto parietal striae FAO names: Spotted herring (En) Hareng tacheté (Fr) A median row of predorsal normal round scales Size: To 9.5 cm Herklotsichthys quadrimaculatus (Rüppell, 1837) Local name(s): N: Simu/Kerenge; S: Simu uzio (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets, Shallow trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly with a distinct keel of scutes. Colour: Back blue green; flanks silvery with 2 orange spots behind gill opening in life and a blue midlateral band. 3 8 fronto parietal striae FAO names: Bluestripe herring (En) Hareng à bande bleue (Fr) Median row of predorsal hidden wing like scales Size: To 9.5 cm Herklotsichthys spilurus (Guichenot, 1863) FAO names: Reunion herring (En) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets, Shallow trawls. Distinctive Characters: Body moderately deep; belly sharp with a keel of scutes. Colour: Flame silvery without dark spots on flanks; a bright yellow or orange patch behind gill opening; dark blotch on tip of dorsal fin. Remarks: Overlaps range of H. quadrimaculatus, which has elongate wing-like scales underneath the normal paired pre-dorsal scales. 3 8 fronto parietal striae Size: To 9 cm (SL)

51 Guide to Species Clupeidae Hilsa kelee (Cuvier, 1829) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters, enters estuaries. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Cast nets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly with a distinct keel of scutes; top of head with numerous fronto parietal striae; upper jaw with a distinct median notch; a series of small triangular scales above axil of pectoral fins; hind part of body scales perforated. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery with 4 10 dark spots. FAO names: Kelee shad (En) Alose palli (Fr) Size: To 35 cm, common 16.5 cm Sardinella albella (Valenciennes, 1847) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Body fusiform, moderately compressed, belly with a sharp keel of scutes; predorsal scales paired and overlapping. Colour: Back blue/green, flanks silvery; a dark spot at dorsal fin origin. Discontinuous striae 7 14 fronto parietal striae r I YrYyl y CrYI'Y crtyyy1,yr (11 1,,j 0'1 FAO names: White sardinella (En) Sardinelle blanche (Fr) y,r Many perforations H " Scale Size: To 14 cm, common 10 cm Sardinella gibbosa (Bleeker, 1849) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Body moderately compressed, belly with a sharp keel of scutes; predorsal scales paired and overlapping. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery; tip of dorsal fin and margin of caudal fin dusky, remainder of caudal faintly yellow, other fins clear; a small black spot at dorsal fin origin. Discontinuous striae 7 14 fronto parietal striae FAO names: Goldstripe sardinella (En) Sardinelle dorée (Fr) Many perforations dorsal fin rays z. Scale Size: To 17 cm, common 15 cm Sardinella longiceps Valenciennes, 1847 Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Boat seines, Gillnets, Shore seines. Distinctive Characters: Belly rounded with a low keel of scutes; pelvic fin with 1 branched and 8 unbranched rays; predorsal scales paired and overlapping. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery; a black spot on hind edge of gill cover. Remarks: Often misidentified as Sardinella neglecta Wongratana, fronto parietal striae lower gill rakers (at 8 15 cm SL) FAO names: Indian oil sardine (En) Sardinelle indienne (Fr) dorsal fin rays anal fin rays Size: To 23 cm, common 20 cm

52 , I I Clupeidae Bony Fishes Sardinella melanura (Cuvier, 1829) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly with a sharp keel, with scutes; predorsal scales paired and overlapping; no perforations on posterior part of scales; lower limb gill rakers Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery; tips of caudal fin black (character retained in preserved specimens) distinguish this species from all other Sardinella species in the area fronto parietal striae Maxilla nearly reaching a vertical at front edge of the eye FAO names: Blacktip sardinella (En) Sardinelle queue noire (Fr) 1,, r v dorsal fin rays s,`' anal fin rays (usually 18) Size: To 15 cm (SL), common 10 cm Sardinella neglecta Wongratana, 1983 FAO names: East African sardinella (En) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Coastal pelagic, schooling in bays and over shallow banks from 1 m to 60 m. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Predorsal scales paired and overlapping; lower gill rakers (at 9 13 cm SL). Colour: A faint golden spot behind gill opening, followed by a faint golden mid lateral line. Remarks: Often misidentified as Sardinella longiceps Valenciennes, fronto parietal striae )7 r Yr, 1,,HtY Pelvic fin with 1 branched and 8 unbranched rays 7/1 Size: To 13 cm Spratelloides delicatulus (Bennett, 1832) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in shallow waters. Fisheries: Beach seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: No pre pelvic or post pelvic scutes, except for a W shaped pelvic scute; usually 7 branchiostegal rays below mouth; lower limb gill rakers. Colour: No bright silver band along flanks; two prominent dark streaks on caudal fin base. FAO names: Delicate round herring (En) Hareng ronde (Fr) dorsal fin rays Vertical striae across scales continuous 11) 71/ anal fin rays (usually 10) Size: To 8.5 cm, common 6 cm Spratelloides gracilis (Temminck & Schlegel, 1846) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in shallow waters. Fisheries: Beach seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: No pre pelvic or post pelvic scutes, except for a W shaped pelvic scute; usually 7 branchiostegal rays below mouth; dorsal fin at about mid point of body; anal fin very short and far behind dorsal fin base. Colour: Back blue green, flanks with a distinct silvery stripe. FAO names: Silver stripe round herring (En) Hareng gracile (Fr) dorsal fin rays Vertical striae across scales discontinuous anal fin rays (usually 12 13) Size: To 10.5 cm

53 Guide to Species Clupeidae - Engraulidae Spratellomorpha bianalis (Bertin, 1940) FAO names: Two finned round herring (En) Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Coastal pelagic in marine and brackish waters. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Body a little compressed, belly rounded, without pre pelvic scutes, but a pelvic present with slender vertical arms; snout pointed, lower jaw projecting slightly. Colour: No information. Last two anal rays separate Size: To 4.5 cm Encrasicholina devisi (Whitley, 1940) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters down to 200 m. Fisheries: Seines, Stake traps. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla tip pointed reaching into preopercle; anal fin origin behind base of last dorsal fin ray. Colour: Light transparent fleshy brown, with a pink tinge, and a broad silver stripe with a thin blue line above. ENGRAULIDAE Anchovies * Dorsal and anal fins with 1 st three rays unbranched 3 6 small needle like scutes between pectoral and pelvic fin bases (usually 5) FAO names: Devis anchovy (En) Anchois devis (Fr) No post pelvic scutes Size: To 8 cm, common 7 cm Encrasicholina heteroloba (Rüppell, 1837) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Stake traps. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla tip pointed, reaching onto preopercle; anal fin origin behind base of last dorsal fin ray. Colour: Light transparent fleshy brown, with a silvery stripe down flanks. Dorsal and anal fins with 1 st two rays unbranched 4 6 small needle like scutes between pectoral and pelvic fin bases (usually 5) FAO names: Shorthead anchovy (En) Anchois douanier (Fr) / No post pelvic scutes Size: To 12 cm Encrasicholina punctifer Fowler, 1938 Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Stake traps. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla short and bluntly rounded at the tip; dorsal fin with rays; anal fin with rays; anal fin origin clearly posterior to rear base of dorsal fin. Colour: Light transparent fleshy brown, with a silvery stripe down flanks. Dorsal and anal fins with 1 st two rays unbranched 3 6 small needle like scutes between pectoral and pelvic fin bases (usually 4 or 5) FAO names: Buccaneer anchovy (En) Anchois boucanier (Fr) No post pelvic scutes Size: To 9 cm

54 134 - Engraulidae Bony Fishes Stolephorus commersonnii Lacepède, 1803 Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa;S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla long reaching to gill opening; pelvic fin tips reaching beyond dorsal fin origin. Colour: Body light transparent fleshy brown, with silvery band down flanks; back with 2 pigmented areas behind head; a double pigmented line before dorsal fin origin. Stolephorus indicus (van Hasselt, 1823) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Bottom trawls, Stake traps. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla tip short, not reaching gill opening; pelvic fin tips not reaching to dorsal fin origin; anal fin origin below dorsal fin base. Colour: Light transparent fleshy brown, with a silver band down flanks; no dark pigment lines on back between head and dorsal fin origin. Stolephorus insularis Hardenberg, small needle like scutes between pectoral and pelvic fin bases 2 6 small needle like scutes between pectoral and pelvic fins bases (usually 4) FAO names: Commerson s anchovy (En) Anchois bombra (Fr) No post pelvic scutes Size: To 10 cm, common 8 cm FAO names: Indian anchovy (En) Anchois indien (Fr) No post pelvic scutes Size: To 15.5 cm (SL), common 12 cm (SL) FAO names: Hardenberg s anchovy (En) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic schooling in coastal waters. Fisheries: Seines, Bottom trawls, Stake traps. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla tip pointed, reaching to or beyond hind boarder of preopercle; anal fin short, usually with rays, its origin below about middle of dorsal fin base. Colour: A double pigmented line on back behind dorsal fin; tail deep yellow. 4 8 small needle like scutes between pectoral and pelvic fin bases (usually 6 7) No post pelvic scutes Size: To 8 cm (SL) Thryssa baelama (Forsskål, 1775) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic mostly in inshore waters, bays, lagoon, harbours, mangroves pools and estuaries. Fisheries: Seines, Shallow trawls. Distinctive Characters: Maxilla short, not reaching to edge of gill cover; anal fin moderately long, usually with branched rays. Colour: Back blue green or brown, flanks silvery; a dark venulose area behind gill opening. No scutes anterior to pectoral fin origin FAO names: Baelama anchovy (En) Anchois moustache sardin (Fr) 4 9 sharply pointed scutes anterior to pelvic fins Size: To 16 cm (SL)

55 Guide to Species Engraulidae - Chirocentridae Thryssa setirostris (Broussonet, 1782) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic, mostly inshore, enters bays and estuaries. Fisheries: Boat seines, Gillnets, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Belly with a sharp keel of scutes; tip of snout at level of eye centre; scutes present before and behind pelvic fin base. Colour: Back blue green or brown, flanks silvery; a dark venulose area behind gill opening; dorsal and caudal fins faint yellow. Maxilla very long, reaching at least to tip of pectoral fin FAO names: Longjaw thryssa (En) Anchois moustache cornu (Fr) Anal fin long, usually with branched rays Size: To 18 cm (SL) Thryssa vitrirostris (Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908) Local name(s): N: Dangaa/Dagaa; S: Mwatiko (K). Habitat: Pelagic in inshore areas, enters estuaries and lagoons. Fisheries: Boat seines, Gillnets, Shallow trawls. Distinctive Characters: Body fusiform; belly with a sharp keel of scutes before and behind pelvic fin base; tip of snout at level of eye centre. Colour: Back blue green, flanks silvery; a dark blotch behind upper part of gill opening; inside of gill cavity bright orange. Maxilla long, reaching beyond base of 1 st pectoral fin ray CHIROCENTRIDAE Wolf herrings FAO names: Orangemouth anchovy (En) Anchois moustache cristal (Fr) Anal fin long, usually with branched rays Size: To 20 cm Chirocentrus dorab (Forsskål, 1775) Local name(s): N: Panga; S: Panga (M), Mkonje (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters down to 120 m. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Traps, Bottom trawls; used as bait for large scombroids in trolling. Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with rays; anal fin with rays. Colour: Back with bands of green and blue; tip of dorsal fin and front of anal fin black. FAO names: Dorab wolf herring (En) Chirocentre dorab (Fr) Pectoral fins shorter than distance between eye centre and behind border of gill cover Size: To 100 cm (SL), common 60 cm Chirocentrus nudus Swainson, 1839 (Plate I, 4) Local name(s): N: Panga; S: Panga (M), Mkonje (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters down to 150 m. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Shallow water trawls; used as bait for large scombroids in trolling. Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with rays; anal fin with rays. Colour: Dorsal and anal fins colourless; back with bands of green and blue. Pectoral fins longer than distance between eye centre and behind border of gill cover FAO names: Whitefin wolf herring (En) Chirocentre sabre (Fr) Size: To 100 cm (SL), common 60 cm

56 r I Pristigasteridae - Chanidae - Ariidae Bony Fishes PRISTIGASTERIDAE Pristigasterids Pellona ditchela Valenciennes, 1847 Local name(s): N & S: Simu/Kerenge (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters, in estuaries, lagoons and rivers. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: Body moderately deep, compressed; eye very large, lower jaw projecting; upper jaw toothed; dorsal fin origin near midpoint of body; scales with upper and lower vertical striae slightly overlapping each other at center of scales. Colour: Back blue green or grey, flanks silvery. Belly with scutes 7 r"r-,yrs J, r11 FAO names: Indian pellona (En) Alose écaille indienne (Fr) ' " anal fin rays Size: To 16 cm (SL), common 13 cm CHANIDAE Milkfish Chanos chanos (Forsskål, 1775) (Plate I, 5) Local name(s): N: Borodi/Fupefupe; S: Mwatiko (M/K). Habitat: Coastal pelagic, entering rivers. Fisheries: Scoop nets, Seines, Gillnets, Traps, Hooks and Line; important to fisheries for culture in fresh and brackish waters. Distinctive Characters: Lower jaw with a small tubercle at tip; dorsal fin with 2 spines and rays; anal fin with 2 spines and 8 10 rays; scales small; lateral line present. Colour: Back olive green, flanks silvery; dorsal, anal and caudal fins with dark margins. Mouth small with no teeth No scutes along belly FAO names: Milkfish (En) Chano (Fr) Dorsal fin at about midpoint of body Size: To 180 cm, common 100 cm ARIIDAE Sea catfishes Arius africanus Günther, 1867 Local name(s): N: Fumi/Yahudhi; S: Fumi (M/K). Habitat: Estuaries but mainly freshwater. Fisheries: Gillnets, Stake traps, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Three pairs of barbels around mouth, the maxillary pair extending to slightly beyond pectoral fin base; median longitudinal groove on head shallow, extending to just behind posterior margin of orbit anteriorly, not reaching supraoccipital process posteriorly; 1 st dorsal and pectoral fins each with a strong spine; 19 to 21 total anal fin rays. Colour: Back brownish, sides silvery, belly white. FAO names: African sea catfish (En) Mâchoiron africain (Fr) Size: To 45 cm

57 , Guide to Species Ariidae Arius madagascariensis Vaillant, 1894 Local name(s): N: Fumi/Yahudhi; S: Fumi (M/K). Habitat: Estuaries but mainly freshwater. Fisheries: Stake traps, Hooks and Line, Gillnets. Distinctive Characters: Three pairs of barbels around mouth, the maxillary pair extending to pectoral fin base; head shield granulated behind orbit with a blunt conical protuberance above eye; median longitudinal groove shallow; dorsal and pectoral fins outermost ray prolonged. Colour: Steel blue above, silvery on sides, pinkish yellow on belly; dorsal and caudal fins greyish. * FAO names: Madagascar sea catfish (En) Mâchoiron malgache (Fr) 1 st dorsal and pectoral fins each with a strong spine Size: To 70 cm (SL), common 20 cm Arius venosus Valenciennes, 1840 * FAO names: Veined catfish (En) Local name(s): N: Fumi/Yahudhi; S: Fumi (M/K). Habitat: Coastal waters. Maximum depth 100 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Gillnets, Stake traps, Beach seines, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Head shield nearly smooth with few rugosities bordering the median longitudinal groove. Colour: Dark reddish brown, or dark grey blue above, white below; all fins generally hyaline, unpaired fins darker terminally; paired fins grey or black above; upper half of adipose fin spotted with black. Plicofollis dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1840) Three pairs of barbles 1 st dorsal and pectoral fins each with a strong spine Anal fin with rays Size: To 30 cm, common 20 cm FAO names: Blacktip sea catfish (En) Local name(s): N: Fumi/Yahudhi; S: Fumi (M/K). Habitat: Purely marine waters down to 100 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Gillnets, Stake traps, Beach seines, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Three pairs of barbels around mouth; head shield not very granulated or rugose, except at occiput and occipital process; predorsal plate V shaped; anal fin with rays. Colour: Bluish black on dorsal surface and sides, dull white below; fin tips edged with black. 1 st dorsal and pectoral fins each with a strong spine Size: To 62 cm (SL) Plicofollis polystaphylodon (Bleeker, 1846) Local name(s): N: Fumi/Yahudhi; S: Fumi (M/K). Habitat: Coastal marine waters and estuaries. Fisheries: Stake traps, Beach seines, Gillnets, Hooks and Line, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Three pairs of barbels around mouth, maxillary pair extending slightly to beyond orbit, relatively longer in small specimens; head shield rugose and granulated in the hind part near the occipital region; anal fin with rays. Colour: Greyish brown above, silvery below; fins dusky. * FAO names: Mozambique sea catfish (En) Mâchoiron barbarin (Fr) 1 st dorsal and pectoral fins each with a strong spine Size: To 35 cm (SL)

58 138 - Plotosidae - Chlorophthalmidae Bony Fishes PLOTOSIDAE Eel catfishes Plotosus limbatus Valenciennes, 1840 FAO names: Darkfin eel catfish (En) Local name(s): N: Tondi; S: Ngogo/Mtozi (M), Msilimu (K). Habitat: Open coastal waters and estuaries. Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Seines, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Head moderately large, arched from snout tip to dorsal fin origin; pectoral fins with soft rays; pelvic fins with rays; dorsal procurrent; caudal fin (2 nd dorsal fin) with rays; anal fin with soft rays. Colour: Body reddish brown to dark brown, sometimes fading to a lighter brown ventrally; fins often blackish brown, usually with a black border. Remarks: Dorsal and pelvic spines are venomous and may be fatal. (0 4 pairs of barbels One spine and 4 6 soft rays Size: To 41 cm (SL) Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787) FAO names: Striped eel catfish (En) Local name(s): N: Tondi; S: Ngogo/Mtozi (M), Ngogo (K). Habitat: Reefs, estuaries and tidal pools in schools. Fisheries: Bottom trawls, Seines, Hooks and Line. Distinctive Characters: Head moderately large, profile slightly arched from tip of snout to dorsal fin origin; dorsal procurrent caudal fin (or second dorsal fin) with 69 to 115 rays; pectoral fins with 9 13 soft rays; pelvic fins with rays. Colour: Brown or black above, whitish below, with 2 3 stripes (white or yellow in life); 2 of the stripes from snout to near caudal peduncle. Remarks: Dorsal and pelvic spines are venomous and may be fatal. 4 pairs of barbels One spine and 4 soft rays Size: To 32 cm, common 25 cm CHLOROPHTHALMIDAE Greeneyes Chlorophthalmus agassizi Bonaparte, 1840 Local name(s): N & S: No information. Habitat: Benthic, inhabits shelf and offshore waters from 150 m to 980 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Origin of dorsal fin much closer to tip of snout than to adipose fin. Colour: Brownish or yellowish, covered with large dark blotches, especially the dorsal half; eyes green; ventral surface of body around anus, pharyngeal and peritonical lining black; gill cover black with metallic luster; inner pelvic fin rays blackish. Snout shorter than eye diameter No projecting denticulate plate on lower jaw FAO names: Shortnose greeneye (En) Eperlan du large (Fr) Adipose fin Size: To 40 cm

59 Guide to Species Synodontidae SYNODONTIDAE Lizardfishes Saurida gracilis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Shallow waters, sandy areas near coral reefs. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: A vertical from tip of pectoral fins passes through 2 nd or 3 rd predorsal scale; anal fin with 9 10 soft rays. Colour: White or pale yellow, with dark brown and black spots on back and sides; darker crossbars on back; all fins with dark bars and spots. (Plate I, 6) 13 (rarely 12 14) pectoral fin rays FAO names: Gracile lizardfish (En) Anoli grêle (Fr) 11 (rarely 12) dorsal fin rays Size: To 30 cm Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Muddy bottoms from 20 m to 60 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Head and caudal peduncle somewhat depressed; several rows of teeth visible in both jaws even when mouth is closed. Colour: Back and sides brown, belly pale or silvery; distal parts of dorsal, pectoral and particularly caudal fins, dusky; otherwise, no markings. Pectoral fin not reaching dorsal fin origin FAO names: Greater lizardfish (En) Anoli tumbil (Fr) 12 (rarely 11 13) dorsal fin rays pectoral fin rays Size: To 60 cm Saurida undosquamis (Richardson, 1848) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Muddy bottoms from 20 m to 350 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Cigar-shaped, rounded or slightly compressed; the head pointed and depressed; the snout rounded; longest pectoral ray extending to about dorsal fin origin; 9 pelvic fin rays, inner barely longer than outer. Colour: Back and sides brown, belly pale or silvery; 8 10 bars often visible along lateral line; 2 nd dorsal fin ray and upper caudal ray with dark spots dorsal fin rays pectoral fin rays FAO names: Brushtooth lizardfish (En) Anoli à grandes écailles (Fr) Size: To 50 cm

60 ( Synodontidae Bony Fishes Synodus binotatus Schultz, 1953 * (Plate I, 7) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Shallow waters down to 10 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Cheek behind mouth scaled; palatine teeth in a single band on each side (characteristic of the genus); pectoral fins reaching well beyond a line connecting origin of dorsal and pelvic fins; 8 10 anal fin rays. Colour: Two black spots on snout; a series of 4 dark brown dorsal saddle like bands on tan background; all fins barred. Nasal flap long and broad outer FAO names: Two spot lizardfish (En) Anoli à deux taches (Fr) inner 8 pelvic fin rays, inner much longer than outer dorsal fin rays Size: To 18 cm Synodus dermatogenys Fowler, 1912 Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Shallow waters down to 20 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Cheek behind mouth scaled; palatine teeth in a single band on each side (characteristic of the genus); pectoral fins short not reaching the line between origins of dorsal and pelvic fins; 8 10 anal fin rays. Colour: Background tan; a series of 8 9 dark brown squared blotches with pale centers along lateral line; peritoneum pale. (Plate I, 8) Nasal flap long and slender 8 pelvic fin rays, inner much longer than outer outer FAO names: Banded lizardfish (En) Anoli bigarré (Fr) inner dorsal fin rays Size: To 40 cm Synodus indicus (Day, 1873) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Coastal waters from 20 m to 100 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Anterior palatine teeth short, not forming a discrete group; 8 11 anal fin rays; posterior pelvic process wide. Colour: Body dusky pink above, with pale bluegrey blotches and stripes; two small pigmented spots at upper distal corner of operculum; 9 11 peritoneal spots. Nasal flap long, triangular, often notched distally 8 pelvic fin rays, inner much longer than outer outer FAO names: Indian lizardfish (En) Anoli indien (Fr) inner dorsal fin rays Size: To 20 cm, common 12 cm Synodus variegatus (Lacepède, 1803) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Shallow waters down to 10 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Anterior palatine teeth long and forming a discrete group; 8 10 anal fin rays; posterior pelvic process wide. Colour: Adults variable from grey to red; on some individuals, the saddle shaped markings along the sides may be obliterated by an almost solid dark red band. (Plate I, 9) Nasal flap short and triangular outer FAO names: Variegated lizardfish (En) inner 8 pelvic fin rays, inner much longer than outer dorsal fin rays Size: To 40 cm

61 Guide to Species Synodontidae - Macrouridae Trachinocephalus myops (Forster, 1801) FAO names: Snakefish (En) Local name(s): N: Goromwe; S: Spika (K). Habitat: Sand, shell, rock or mud bottoms from the shoreline down to 400 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Mouth oblique with a single row of teeth on upper jaw visible even when mouth is closed; anal fin rays. Colour: A series of longitudinal blue and yellow stripes cover back and sides; belly pale yellow or gold; a large, dark, oblique spot at upper corner of gill cover. Eyes small, near tip of mouth outer 8 pelvic fin rays, inner much longer than outer inner Anal fin base much longer than dorsal fin base Size: To 40 cm, common 25 cm MACROURIDAE Grenadiers Coelorinchus denticulatus Regan, 1921 Local name(s): N: Tondi; S: No information. Habitat: Benthopelagic, occurs in waters between 64 m and 335 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Light organ a dark streak extending forward from anus to chest, streak broadened at either end but anterior fossa not broadly naked; spinules on scales slender, conical, recurved, in irregular subparallel rows to somewhat quincunx pattern. Colour: Body light brownish to grey brown with faint diagonal bands in some individuals; 1 st dorsal fin with a dark band across the middle; pelvic fins black tipped, their base blackish. FAO names: Filesnout grenadier (En) Size: To 28 cm Malacocephalus laevis (Lowe, 1843) FAO names: Softhead grenadier (En) Local name(s): N: Tondi; S: No information. Habitat: Benthopelagic on the continental slope between 200 m and 1000 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Upper jaw teeth in 1 row, outer series enlarged and widely spaced; dorsal fin with 2 spines and 9 13 rays, plus more than 220 soft rays; anal fin with more than 210 soft rays; pectoral fins with soft rays. Colour: Body brown; 1 st dorsal fin, pectoral fins, ventral fins and belly, blackish. Edge of spine smooth Scales on gular membrane and lower branchiostegal rays Size: To 60 cm, common 40 cm

62 142 - Macrouridae - Ophidiidae - Lophiidae Bony Fishes Ventrifossa petersonii (Alcock, 1891) FAO names: Peterson s grenadier (En) Local name(s): N: Tondi; S: No information. Habitat: Benthopelagic, occurs in deep waters between 300 m and 1000 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Teeth small; mandibular teeth in 2 or 3 rows; no scales on branchiostegal rays; scales rather large, with short, slender, conical spinules, many with broadened bases, arranged in widely divergent V rows or quincunx pattern. Colour: Snout with a black margin along leading edge; 1 st dorsal fin with a prominent black blotch across middle to lower portions. Dorsal fin with 2 spines (the 2 nd one serrated) and 8 10 soft rays Size: To 42 cm OPHIDIIDAE Cusk eels Brotulas Brotula multibarbata Temminck & Schlegel, 1846 Local name(s): N: Tondi; S: No information. Habitat: Benthic on continental shelf and slope in deeper waters. Maximum depth 650 m. Fisheries: Hooks and Line, Traps, Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Body elongate with a tapering caudal fin; fine teeth present on jaws and on palate; fins spineless; dorsal and anal fins long, continuous with caudal fin; body completely covered with small, cycloid (smooth) scales. Colour: Uniform silvery, dusky to brown. 12 barbels present on snout and chin FAO names: Goatsbeard brotula (En) Brotula barbe de boue (Fr) Pelvic fins with 2 rays each Size: To 100 cm LOPHIIDAE Goosefishes Lophiodes mutilus (Alcock, 1894) Local name(s): N: Shinda dovu/guguye; S: Bocho (M). Habitat: Inshore benthic on muddy to rocky bottoms, coral and rocky reefs; meso and bathypelagic between 300 m and 500 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Head with numerous sharp spines on dorsal and lateral surfaces; 2 nd cephalic dorsal fin spine scarcely longer than 1 st ; 2 nd (soft) dorsal fin with 8 rays; anal fin with 6 rays. Colour: Uniformly light to dark brown above, lighter below; pectoral fins darker distally; all fin rays with pale tips. Frontal ridges smooth FAO names: Smooth angler (En) Baudroie marache (Fr) 1 st dorsal fin spine modified into a lure and bearing a fleshy bait Gill openings extending in front of pectoral fin base 1 Size: To 45 cm, common 30 cm

63 , Guide to Species Lophiidae - Atherinidae Lophiomus setigerus (Vahl, 1797) * FAO names: Blackmouth angler (En) Local name(s): N: Shinda dovu/guguye; S: Bocho (M). Habitat: Inshore benthic on muddy to rocky bottoms, coral and rocky reefs to meso and bathypelagic at depths from 30 m to 800 m. Fisheries: Bottom trawls. Distinctive Characters: Floor of mouth with a distinct reticulate pattern; 2 nd cephalic dorsal fin spine stout and darkly pigmented; 2 nd (soft) dorsal fin with 8 rays; anal fin with 6 rays. Colour: Light to dark brown above, lighter below; dorsal surface frequently mottled; all fin rays with pale tips; 2 nd cephalic dorsal fin spine darkly pigmented. Frontal ridges rough 1 st dorsal fin spine modified into a lure and bearing a fleshy bait Gill opening below and behind pectoral fin base Size: To 40 cm, common 30 cm ATHERINIDAE Silversides Atherinomorus duodecimalis (Valenciennes, 1835) Local name(s): N: Makame kuoza; S: Hanithi/ Mambangumu (M), Mambangumu (K). Habitat: Restricted to coastal waters and harbours. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: The distal end of upper jaw extending slightly backward beyond vertical through anterior border of orbit; the anus is 2 to 4 scales in front of the pelvic fin tips, rarely more than 3 scales. Colour: Scales above the midlateral stripe heavily pigmented with edges outlined by chromatophores; midlateral stripe narrow. ' / 7 _,L - FAO names: Tropical silverside (En) Athérine tropicale (Fr) 5 7 spines on 1 st dorsal fin 1 spine and 8 10 soft rays on 2 nd dorsal fin 1 spine soft rays on anal fin Size: To 11 cm (SL) Atherinomorus lacunosus (Forster, 1801) Local name(s): N: Makame kuoza; S: Hanithi/ Mambangumu (M), Mambangumu (K). Habitat: Schooling along shores sometimes with sardines. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: Head and eyes moderately large; posterior edge of preopercle straight, anterior edge with a distinct notch; gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st gill arch; body scales large. Colour: Greenish grey with a broad silvery stripe on side of body, its upper edge with an iridescent blue line; a dark blotch on pectoral fins. FAO names: Hardyhead silverside (En) Athérine têtue (Fr) 4 7 spines on 1 st dorsal fin 1 spine and 8 11 soft rays on 2 nd dorsal fin 1 spine and soft rays on anal fin Size: To 25 cm

64 144 - Atherinidae - Belonidae Bony Fishes Hypoatherina barnesi Schultz, 1953 FAO names: Barnes silverside (En) Local name(s): N: Makame kuoza; S: Hanithi/ Mambangumu (M), Mambangumu (K). Habitat: Coastal waters and lagoons. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: Body slender; body scales large; pectoral fins with rays. Colour: A black mid dorsal line running from head to end of caudal peduncle; midlateral stripe wide, broadest between anus and anal fin extending onto caudal fin forming a triangular blotch on upper half of fin base; rows of spots on lower sides occasionally present. 5 7 spines on 1 st dorsal fin gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st gill arch 1 spine and 8 11 soft rays on 2 nd dorsal fin 1 spine and soft rays on anal fin Size: To 10 cm, common 4 cm Hypoatherina temminckii (Bleeker, 1854) FAO names: Samoan silverside (En) Local name(s): N: Makame kuoza; S: Hanithi/ Mambangumu (M), Mambangumu (K). Habitat: Restricted to coastal waters and harbours. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets. Distinctive Characters: Body slender; anus always behind pelvic fin tips. Colour: Transparent and blue green in colour; silvery narrow midlateral stripe; scales above it heavily pigmented with edges outlined by chromatophores gill rakers on lower limb of 1 st gill arch 5 7 spines on 1 st dorsal fin 1 spine soft rays on 2 nd dorsal fin 1 spine and soft rays on anal fin Size: To 11 cm, common 5 cm BELONIDAE Needlefishes Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846) Local name(s): N: Mtumbuudau/Mgendi/Mgezi; S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare (K). Habitat: Pelagic, inhabiting offshore surface waters, abundant around islands. Fisheries: Seines, Cast nets, Trolling gears, Gillnets, Handlines. Distinctive Character: Dorsal fin with 23 26, usually rays; anal fin with 24 28, usually rays; pectoral fins falcate with rays; caudal peduncle without lateral keels. Colour: Bluish green above, silvery white below blotches on body FAO names: Flat needlefish (En) Orphie plate (Fr) Anterior part of dorsal and anal fins with high falcate lobes Size: To 140 cm, common 70 cm

65 Guide to Species Belonidae Platybelone platyura (Bennett, 1832) Local name(s): N: Mtumbuudau/Mgendi/Mgezi; S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare (K). Habitat: Pelagic in off shore waters. Fisheries: Castnets, Trolling gears, Lured hooks, Seines, Handlines. Distinctive Character: Dorsal fin with rays; anal fin with rays; pectoral fins not falcate. Colour: Bluish green above, silvery below; a dark blue stripe along sides; scales and bones green. * FAO names: Keeltail needlefish (En) Orphie carénée (Fr) No prominent lobes on fins Caudal peduncle strongly depressed with large lateral keels Cross section through caudal peduncle Size: To 40 cm, common 30 cm Strongylura leiura (Bleeker, 1850) FAO names: Banded needlefish (En) Local name(s): N: Mtumbuudau/Mgendi/Mgezi; S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare (K). Habitat: In coastal areas, also enters estuaries. Fisheries: Drift nets, Seines, Lines. Distinctive Character: Body almost rectangular in cross section; origin of dorsal fin over 7 th to 10 th ray of anal fin. Colour: Back greenish, sides silvery, white ventrally; a black bar on cheek between opercle and preopercle; pectoral fins dark distally, the tip yellow. Pectoral fin with soft rays Anal fin with soft rays Dorsal fin with soft rays No lateral keel Size: To 75 cm Tylosurus acus melanotus (Bleeker, 1850) Local name(s): N: Mtumbuudau/Mgendi/Mgezi; S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare (K). Habitat: Pelagic in off shore waters, also found in coastal waters. Fisheries: Cast nets, Trolling gears, Lured hooks, Gillnets, Seines. Distinctive Characters: Caudal fin deeply forked, lower lobe much longer than upper; longer jaws with more numerous teeth and narrower caudal lobe than T. crocodilus. Colour: Dark bluish above, silvery white below. FAO names: Agujon needlefish (En) Aiguille voyeuse (Fr) Anal fin with soft rays Dorsal fin with soft rays A small black lateral keel on caudal peduncle Size: To 90 cm Tylosurus crocodilus crocodilus (Péron & Lesueur, 1821) Local name(s): N: Mtumbuudau/Mgendi/Mgezi; S: Mtumbuudau (M), Tsatsarika/Ngarengare (K). Habitat: Pelagic in coastal waters, but also off shore. Fisheries: Castnets, Trolling gears, Purse seines, Drift nets, Gillnets, Lines. Distinctive Character: Caudal fin deeply forked, lower lobe much longer than upper; a small black lateral keel on caudal peduncle. Colour: Dark bluish green above, silvery below; a dark blue stripe along sides; a distinct black lateral keel on caudal peduncle. (Plate I, 10) FAO names: Hound needlefish (En) Aiguille crocodile (Fr) Anal fin with soft rays Dorsal fin with soft rays Size: To 150 cm

66 146 - Hemiramphidae Bony Fishes HEMIRAMPHIDAE Halfbeaks Euleptorhamphus viridis (van Hasselt, 1823) Local name(s): N: Chuchungi/Mkeke/Mgezi S: Chuchungi (M), Kidau (K). Habitat: Off shore waters. Fisheries: Gillnets, Shore seines; common in catches particularly in the south coast. Distinctive Characters: Lower jaw very prolonged; upper jaw short, triangular, and scaly; pectoral fins long. Colour: Fins unpigmented; fold of skin at edges of lower jaw, grey with transverse black bands. FAO names: Ribbon halfbeak (En) Demi bec allongé (Fr) Dorsal fin with rays Anal fin with rays Size: To 50 cm Hemiramphus far (Forsskål, 1775) (Plate II, 11) FAO names: Black barred halfbeak (En) Local name(s): N: Chuchungi/Mkeke/Kule S: Chuchungi (M), Kidau (K). Habitat: Common in off shore waters rich in submerged vegetation. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines. Distinctive Characters: Lower jaw very prolonged; upper jaw short triangular and scaleless; pectoral fins short; total number of gillrakers on first gill arch 25 to 36, usually 29 to 33. Colour: Dark bluish above, silvery white below. Hemiramphus lutkei Valenciennes, 1847 Local name(s): N: Chuchungi /Mkeke/Kiroho S: Chuchungi (M), Kidau (K). Habitat: Off shore waters. Fisheries: Shore seines, Gillnets, Lines. Distinctive Characters: Prolonged lower jaw; upper jaw short, triangular and scaleless; total number of gillrakers on first gill arch 33 to 46; pectoral fins long, reaching beyond anterior margin of nasal pit when folded forward. Colour: Dark bluish above, silvery white below. Hyporhamphus affinis (Günther, 1866) * 3 9 (usually 4 6) vertical blotches on the sides Dorsal fin with rays Anal fin with rays, usually 11 Size: To about 45 cm, common to 27 cm FAO names: Lutke s halfbeak (En) Demi bec de Lutke (Fr) No spots or vertical bars on sides Dorsal fin with rays Anal fin with rays Size: To 40 cm, common 25 cm FAO names: Tropical halfbeak (En) Local name(s): N: Chuchungi/Mkeke/Mgezi S: Chuchungi (M), Kidau (K). Habitat: Clear waters particularly around reefs. Fisheries: Shore seines, Purse seines, Gillnets. Distinctive Characters: Lower jaw very prolonged; upper jaw short; front part of dorsal fin and entire anal fin covered with scales. Colour: Body deep blue above, silvery white below; silvery stripe on side; caudal fin bluish, other fins unpigmented; tip and distal half of underside of lower jaw bright carmine red. Scales present on snout Anal fin with rays Dorsal fin with rays Size: To 38 cm

67 Guide to Species Hemiramphidae - Exocoetidae Hyporhamphus dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1847) Local name(s): N: Chuchungi/Mkeke; S: Chuchungi (M), Kidau (K). Habitat: Occurs around islands and coral reefs. Fisheries: Shore seines, Gillnets, Lines. Distinctive Characters: Greatly prolonged beak like lower jaw; upper jaw short, triangular and scaly; caudal fin forked with lower lobe longer than upper. Colour: Greenish above, silvery white below; fleshy tip of beak red. Pectoral fins with rays FAO names: Dussumier s halfbeak (En) Demi bec de Dussumier (Fr) Dorsal fin with rays Anal fin with rays Size: To 38 cm, common 20 cm EXOCOETIDAE Flyingfishes Cheilopogon atrisignis (Jenkins, 1903) Local name(s): N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in surface waters of both oceanic and neritic areas. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. Distinctive Characters: Head shorter than distance between dorsal fin origin and origin of upper caudal fin lobe; dorsal fin rays at anterior end, the longest; pelvic fins abdominal, large, reaching well beyond anal fin origin. Colour: Dark above, pale below; pectoral fins brownish with numerously scattered spots. * 1 st pectoral fin ray unbranched FAO names: Glider flyingfish (En) Exocet planeur (Fr) Dorsal fin low with rays Anal fin (9 11 rays) origin, 4 6 rays or more behind dorsal fin origin Size: To 35 cm Cheilopogon cyanopterus (Valenciennes, 1847) Local name(s): N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in surface waters in both oceanic an neritic areas. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. Distinctive Characters: Head approximately equal to distance between dorsal fin origin and origin of upper caudal fin lobe; dorsal fin rays at anterior end the longest; pelvic fins abdominal, large, reaching well beyond anal fin origin. Colour: Dark above, pale below; dorsal with a prominent black spot; pectoral fins blue in life; without stripes or spots. * 1 st pectoral fin ray unbranched FAO names: Margined flyingfish (En) Exocet cadène (Fr) Dorsal fin low with rays Anal fin (9 11 rays) origin, 3 rays or more behind dorsal fin origin Size: To 40 cm

68 148 - Exocoetidae Bony Fishes Cheilopogon furcatus (Mitchill, 1815) * FAO names: Spotfin flyingfish (En) Local name(s): N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in oceanic surface waters. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. Distinctive Characters: Head considerably shorter than distance between dorsal fin origin and origin of upper caudal fin lobe; dorsal rays at anterior end the longest; caudal fin forked with lower lobe much longer than upper. Colour: Body dark iridescent blue above, silvery white below; pectoral fins dark grey, with a broad pale margin crossed by a pale stripe becoming narrower toward anterior fin margin; pelvic fins pale. 1 st pectoral fin ray unbranched Dorsal fin low with rays Anal fin (9 11 rays) origin, 5 7 rays behind dorsal fin origin Size: To 35 cm Cheilopogon nigricans (Bennett, 1840) * FAO names: Blacksail flyingfish (En) Local name(s): N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in oceanic surface waters. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. By catch in various types of gears. Distinctive Characters: Head shorter than distance between dorsal fin origin and origin of upper caudal fin lobe; pelvic fins abdominal, large, reaching well beyond anal fin origin. Colour: Dorsal fin with a prominent black spot; pectoral fins black with a central portion crossed by a yellow or greenish yellow transverse stripe becoming narrow towards fin margin; pelvic fins with prominent black spot. 1 st pectoral fin ray unbranched Dorsal fin high with rays Anal fin (8 11 rays) origin, 5 7 rays behind dorsal fin origin Size: To 28 cm Cypselurus naresii (Günther, 1889) Local name(s): N: Pandi mai (maji); S: Panzi (M/K). Habitat: Pelagic in oceanic surface waters. Fisheries: Gillnets, Seines, Hand nets. Distinctive Characters: Head approximately equal to the distance between dorsal fin origin and origin of upper caudal fin lobe; insertion of pelvic fins closer to anal fin origin than to pectoral fin insertion. Colour: Dorsal fin greyish; pectoral fins brownish, unpigmented below the 9 th ray. * 1 st pectoral fin ray unbranched FAO names: Pharao flyingfish (En) Exocet pharaon (Fr) Dorsal fin low with rays Anal fin (7 9 rays) origin, 4 7 rays behind dorsal fin origin Size: To 21 cm