First record of the seagrass wrasse, Novaculoides macrolepidotus (Bloch, 1791) (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Labridae), from Reunion Island, south-western Indian Ocean, with a brief description of its colour pattern variation, escape and reproductive behaviour

P Bourjon

doi:10.3750/aip2016.46.2.06

Abstract

First record of the seagrass wrasse, Novaculoides macrolepidotus (Bloch, 1791) (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Labridae), from Reunion Island, south-western Indian Ocean, with a brief description of its colour pattern variation, escape and reproductive behaviour

Highlights

Little is known about the seagrass wrasse, Novaculoides macrolepidotus
As its population increased over the years, field observations were made on colour pattern variation, escape and reproductive behaviour
The aim of the present paper was to present this first record with associated field observations and to increase interest of ichthyologists in this species

Summary

Background

In January 2012 it was recorded for the first time from Reunion Island. As its population increased over the years, field observations were made on colour pattern variation, escape and reproductive behaviour. The aim of the present paper was to present this first record with associated field observations and to increase interest of ichthyologists in this species. The first specimen was observed on 28 January 2012 in a monospecific seagrass bed of Syringodium isoetifolium. Colour pattern and body proportions of the first observed specimen well agree with N. macrolepidotus as described by Randall and Earle (2004). Observed specimens expressed a previously undescribed colour pattern variation. The present field observations of the behaviour of this species should be followed by more detailed ethological studies

INTRODUCTION

Bourjon and Fricke

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Reunion is a French overseas department located about

DISCUSSION