Vertebrates (pdf)

	Bats in an underground water channel
	Diadema sea urchins and the Black-spot tuskfish
	More new fishes from the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve

More new fishes from the Cape d’Aguilar Marine Reserve

by Andy Cornish

The following is an update on the reef fishes at Cape d’Aguilar since the last time I wrote on them in August 2000 (Porcupine! 21). That article included 5 new records of reef associated species for Cape d’Aguilar to the 170 already known (Cornish 2000). I had spotted another new fish at that time (15 and 16 June, 2000) but was reluctant to reveal it as I was concerned about poaching, a 20 cm Napolean wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus). This globally threatened species has not been seen wild locally for decades as far as I am aware, although spearfishers occasionally shoot very large ones they believe to have been released. The fact that Cape d’Aguilar is miles away from the nearest live reef fish trade operations means there is a good chance this was a truly wild individual! Since then I also recorded a single initial phase Pastel ringwrasse (Hologymnosus doliatus) in summer 2000 (no date) which is the second record of this species from Hong Kong, the first being obtained by me from Lamma fishers on 22 May 2000. Other new records for the reserve are of individuals of Yellowstreaked snapper, Lutjanus lemniscatus (20 March, 2001), Thumbprint Emperor, Lethrinus harak, (31 May 2001, 19 March 2003) and, Longfin batfish, Platax tiera (19 March 2003). The Emperor is particularly rare and three 30 cm individuals seen at Long Ke Wan on 28 April 2000 represent a new record for Hong Kong. The total number of reef associated species from the Cape d’Aguilar Marine Reserve now stands at 180.

Fig.1. Hologymnosus doliatus Pastel ringwrasse (initial phase) a new record for Cape d’Aguilar.

Bibliography

Cornish A.S. (2000). The reef fish species of the Cape d'Aguilar Marine Reserve, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Ping Chau. In: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China V. Proceedings of the Tenth International Marine Biological Workshop: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China, Hong Kong 6-26 April 1998. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. p.369-382.