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ohnpei's
reefs are some of the most biologically diverse places in all
the world's oceans. Thousands of species in scores of
different fish families are found in the shallow lagoon waters
around Pohnpei island, at the barrier reef passes which lead
to open ocean, and nearby the state's many islets and
atolls. Below, for purposes of identification, are 17 of
the most commonly-seen reef fish species in Pohnpei State.
| Raccoon
Butterfly Fish (Chaetodon lunula) Feeds on sponges, algae, trunicates and coral polyps. These fish are usually seen in small schools of 8-10 in shallow reef areas in the lagoon and near seaward reef-walls. 4-6 inches avg.
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| Threadfin
Butterfly Fish (Chaetodon auriga) Similar habits as C. lunula and found in the same areas. 4-6 inches avg.
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| Lined
Butterfly Fish (Chaetodon lineolatus) Feeds on coral polyps, anemones, algae and small invertebrates. This species is found in pairs or small groups in similar areas as other Chaetodon species. 4-6 inches avg.
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| Regal
Angelfish
(Pygoplites diacanthus) Feeds on sponges and trunicates. This species is either solitary or seen in pairs in coral-rich, shallow reef areas in the lagoon and around seaward reefs. 4-6 inches avg.
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| Emperor
Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) This colorful species is found as an adult around rich coral reefs in the lagoon, and near channels or seaward reefs, where it feeds mainly on sponges and other small organisms. Juveniles often take refuge in crevices or under coral ledges. 4-6 inches avg. Juvenile coloration shown.
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| Moorish
Idol
(Zanclus cornutus) Feeds on small organisms in coral. The graceful fish are usually seen in pairs around inner lagoons, reef flats and seaward reef-walls. 5-7 inches avg.
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| Wimple
Fish / Pennant Coralfish
(Heniochus acuminatus) Feeds on algae or extracts parasites from other fishes' skin (as juveniles). Wimple fish are found in pairs around deep lagoons and channels or near reef-walls. Not to be confused with the Moorish Idol, which has a similar shape. 5-7 inches avg.
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| Forsten's
Rainbow Parrotfish (Scarus forsteni) Meaty, blunted-head fish with characteristic beak-like mouth, which it uses to snap off pieces of coral to get at algae (one of the main producers of coral sand in the lagoon). The solitary fish sleeps in a mucous bubble in rock crevices at night when inactive. It is found widely in outer lagoon and near seaward reef-walls. Coloration varies greatly with age. 6-10 inches avg. Highly sought-after by spear fishermen.
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| Sidespot
Goat Fish (Parupeneus pleurostigma) Uses feelers below its mouth to find food on the bottom. This species is solitary and found near shallow reef, particularly in sandy areas or where seagrass beds are present. 8-10 inches avg. Highly sought-after by spear fishermen.
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| Yellow-Striped
Goat Fish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) Feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, worms and urchins. This species is found in schools in shallow sandy lagoon areas and near seaward reefs. 8-10 inches avg. Highly sought-after by spear fishermen.
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| Soldier
Fish (Myripristis murdjan) Feeds primarily on plankton and crab larvae. Soldiers are seen mainly at night when most active around shallow reef flats, lagoon and seaward reefs. The spiked dorsal fin can cause puncture wounds if handled carelessly. 5-7 inches avg. A popular fish with spear fishermen.
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| Forceps
Fish (Forcipiger flavissimus) Uses snout to pick small shrimp and crustaceans out of crevices in the coral. Forceps fish are found in calm, shallow reef areas. 4-5 inches avg.
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| Yellow
Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) Mainly feeds on algae around shallow seaward reefs. 5-6 inches avg.
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| Tomato
Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus) Rarely leaves the protection of the anemone tentacles it resides within, particularly the species Entacmaea quadricolor. An unusual quality of the fish's skin mucus keeps the anemone's nematocysts from firing, protecting the clownfish from predators that normally avoid the cnidarian's stinging tentacles. Found in shallow lagoon reef environments in pairs (i.e. Lenger). 3-5 inches avg.
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| Sand
Lizardfish (Synodus dermatogenys) A small, but ambitious predator found around sandy or rocky lagoon areas and shallow seaward reefs. The fish rests on the bottom on its pectoral fins or partially buries itself under the sand to wait for passing prey, which it ambushes. Though not aggressive toward humans, the solitary lizardfish sometimes darts in and attacks recently-speared fish and can accidentally inflict a toothy bite on the fisherman in the process. 6-8 inches avg.
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| Blue
Chromis
(Chromis cyanea) Small, brilliant blue fish that hovers in large schools just inches above small coral heads on reef-walls and in the lagoon. Chromis feed on plankton, small fish eggs and shrimp larvae. 2-3 inches avg.
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