BULLETIN
: i . . . ' . . , . , ,
18. ~ c h t h ~ o l o & c e l : F i e l d Data of Rsroia A t o l l , Tuamotu Axhipelago
by Kobert P.. Harry
. . . I
8
Issued by
THE PACIFIC SCIENCE BOARD
National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council
?ash>~n, D.
C.
J u l y '31, 1953
It i s a pleasure +a commend t h e far-sighted policy of the Office of Naval Research, with i t s emphasis on basic research, a s a r e s u l t of which a grant has made p o s s i b l e t h e continuation of the Coral A t o l l Program of the P a c i f i c Science Board.
It i s of i n t e r e s t to note, h i s t o r i c a l l y , t h a t much of t h e fundamental information on a t o l l s of t h e P a c i f i c was gathered by the 0 . S. Navy's South P a c i f i c Exploring Expedition, over one hundred years ago, under t h e command of Captain Charles VJilkes. The continuing nature of such s c i e n t i f i c i n t e r e s t by t h e Navy i s shorn by the support f o r t h e P a c i f i c Science Board's research programs, CIMA, SIM, and ICCP, during t h e p a s t six years. The Coral A t o l l Program i s a p a r t of SIM.
The preparation and issuonce of t h i s Bulletin i s a s s i s t e d by funds from Contract No. N7onr-291, Task Order I V .
The s o l e r e s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r a l l st8tements made by authors of papers in t h e A t o l l Research B u l l e t i n r e s t s with them, and do n o t n e c e s s a r i l y represent t h e views of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board o r t h e e d i t o r s of t h e Bulletin.
E d i t o r i a l Staff F. R. Fosberg, e d i t o r
M. H. Sachet, a s s i s t a n t e d i t o r
Correspondence concerning t h e A t o l l Research Bulletin should be addressed t o t h e above
c/o P a c i f i c Science Board National Research Council 2101 Constitution Avenue, N. W.
Washington 25, D.
c.,
U. S. A.I c h t i i p l o g i c a l Field Data of Faroia A t o l l , T v m t u Archipelago
SCIaTIFIC IhiWTIGATTONS
IN
bfXCRUklESIA PaciPj c Science P a r dNational Research Council
Robert R. Harry
Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia, Pennsylvania M a y , 1953.
PREFACE
I n t h e l a s t decade, almost all zoological (and p a r t i c u l a r l y all ich- thyological) i n v e s t i g a t i o n s by t h e Office of Naval Research and P a c i f i c Science Board in t h e Tropical P a c i f i c have been i n the Trust T e r r i t o r y and neighboring i s l a n d groups, centering i n t h e Gilbert, Marshall, Caroline and Mariana Islands.
The choice of Raroia A t o l l i n t h e h e a r t of the Tumotu Archipelago f o r t h e t h i r d low i s l a n d i n t h e Coral A t o l l Program (1952 SIM P r o j e c t of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board of t h e National Research Council) provided t h e f i r s t time t h a t ichthyological research had been sponsored i n French Oceania by the U. S. Government since t h e Wilkes Expedition of 1838-1842. and the
"Albatross" w e d i t i o n s of 1899-1900 and 1904-1905. The resumption of t h i s i n t e r e s t i n a l i t t l e - h o r n region of t h e t r o p i c a l P a c i f i c should prove very worthwhile, and t h e author, who p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e Raroia program a s
i c h t h y o l o g i s t , r e s p e c t f u l l y s u b i t s t h e f o l l o w h g r e p o r t o f h i s f i e l d re- s u l t s .
Other r e p o r t s t h a t have a d i r e c t bearing on t h e f i s h study a t Raroia a r e t h e general introduction and geological r e p o r t by D r . Norman D. Newell, t h e l i s t of Raroian names f o r f i s h e s by Bengt Danielsson and t h e author, t h e r e p o r t by Bengt Danielsson on n a t i v e f i s h i n g methods and h i s general r e p o r t on t h e people of Raroia, and t h e general r e p o r t on t h e ecology of Raroia by t h e e n t i r e f i e l d team under t h e e d i t o r s h i p of D r . Maxwell S. Doty.
CONrnTS
Page
. . .
Acicnovrledgnents 6
I l l u s t r a t i o n s
. . .
7Introduction
. . .
8S c o p e o f R e p o r t
. . .
8. . .
L i s t of Equipment 9
StationRecordp
. . .
10Ecological Survey
. . . .
21Coralliferous Outer Sench
. . .
21. . .
Surge Channels 22
. . .
Coralline Ridge 23
. . .
Outer Reef Flat 23
. . .
I n t e r - i s l e t channels 2 i
. . .
Lagoon s h o r e r e e f . f l a t 25
Lagoon shore reef f a c e
. . .
25. . .
Lagoon c o r a l heads (patch . r e e f s ) 25
. . .
Systematic Account 27
. . . .
. . .
H i s t o r i c a l Introduction
. . . .
:,. . . .
27Tentative check l i s t of f i s h e s previously recorded
. . . . . .
from Tumotus
. . . .
;:
29. . .
F i e l d Data of t h e Fishes c s l l e c t e d at RaroLa
. . .
Family I s u r i d a e A7
Galeorhinidae 47
I.
. . . * * . . .
I. Orectolobidae
. . .
48. . .
I. Aetobstidae 48
. . .
I. Mohlidae 49
. . .
I. Albulidae 50
. . .
n Dussunieridae 50
. . .
Synodontidae 51
. .
I. Echidnidae
. . .
. . 51. . .
I. ~ c h e l i & e
56
I. Ophichthsdae
. . .
56. . .
I. Congridae 57
. .
. . .
I. Moringuidae 58
.
.. . .
II Belonidae 58
Hemirhmphidae 59
I.
. . .
. . .
I. Aulos+mmidae 59
II F i s t u l a r i i d a e
. . .
60CONTFXTS (contld.)
Page Family Syngnathidae
. . .
Holocentridae
. . .
'
hgilidae. . .
.
Sphyr-idw. . . : . . . . .
"F'olynemidae
Serranidae
. . .
"
Pseudochrornidae. . .
'
Lethriniilae. . .
"
Lutianidae. . .
" Kuhliidae
. . .
" Apogonidae
. . .
Kyphosidae
. . .
Siganidae
. . .
Pempheridae
. . .
C i r r h i t i d a e
. . . .
t, Chaetodontidae
. . .
Pomacentridae
I.
. . . . . .
fl
I. Labridae Scaridae. : . . . : . . .
Mullidae
. . .
.
Carangidae. . .
Thunnidae
. . .
'I Parapercidae
. . .
l1 Blenniidae
. . .
" Eleotridae
. . .
Gobiidae
"
. . .
"
Gobiesocidae. . . . . .
Brotulidae
l1 Echeneididae
. . .
l1 Acanthuridse
. . .
Zancl.idae
. . . .
It Scorpaenidae
. . .
"
Caracanthidae. . .
"
Bothidae. . .
"
B a l i s t i d a e. . .
l1 Monacanthidae
. . .
I. Tetraodontidae
. . .
CONTENTS (contld.)
Page
I. Ostraciidae
. . .
I. Antennariidae
. . .
Check l i s t of the Islands o f the Tuamotu Archipelago
. . .
Native Uses o f Fishes a t Raroia
. . .
FoodResources
. . .
Catch S t a t i e t i c s
. . .
Fishing Methods and L o c a l i t i e s
. . .
Poisonous Species
. . .
Tuna B a i t Resources
. . .
Shark Menace
. . .
Raroian Vocabulary f o r anatomical features o f f i s h
. . .
Notes on Spear Fishing Equipment
. . .
Conclusions
. . .
References
. . .
This s e c t i o n v:ould be almost endless, i f everybody were acknowledged t h a t helped with t h e f i s h study a t Raroia. The f i e l d work was made possible by t h e Coral A t o l l Program of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board of t h e National Re- search Council and was supported by funds granted t o t h e National Academy of Sciences by Mr. George Vanderbilt and t h e Office of Naval Research. The f i s h program was a l s o under t h e auspices of t h e Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and t h e California Academy of Sciences.
Generous cooperation was received from t h e e n t h u s i a s t i c team of scien- tists on t h e Raroia p r o j e c t , from t h e administrative o f f i c i a l s of French Oceania, from Miss Ernestine Akers, Mrs. Lenore Smith, and M r . Harold J.
Coolidge of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board, from Dr. Earl S. Herald of t h e Cali- f o r n i a Academy of Sciences, from Miss Odette Vernaudon of ~ o c i 6 t 6 Franco- ocdanienne, Papeete, T a h i t i , from Miss Aurore Natua of t h e Polynesian Museum in Papeete, from M r . Edwin H. Bryan, Jr. of t h e Sernice P. Bishop Museum, from D r .
m.
A. Gosline and h i s students a t t h e University of Hawaii, and from t h e Office of Naval Research.Words cannot express my g r a t i t u d e t o t h e people of Ramia. They were generous and cooperative beyond all expectations. And t o Huri and Rago, who spent many days p a t i e n t l y teaching me what they know a b u t t h e i r f i s h e s ,
I
am deeply thankful. A l l t h e publications on f i s h e s together could n o t give t h e i n s i g h t they imparted t o me of t h e f i s h l i f e on c o r a l r e e f s .
Special c r e d i t should be given t o Mr. George Vanderbilt, who generously made t h e f i s h study possible a s a contribution t o h i s over-all program of research on P a c i f i c f i s h e s . Mr. Vanderbilt provided almost all t h e f i s h equipment a s well a s a d d i t i o n a l funds necessary. And none t h e l e s s important has been h i s sincere personal i n t e r e s t and i n s p i r a t i o n to t h e author i n h i s f i s h research.
Grateful thanks a r e a l s o given t o Miss Albertine T a l i s and Mrs. Aldona Mosinski f o r extensive a i d in assembling t h i s r e p o r t , and t o Miss Florence
Sprague f o r preparing t h e i l l u s t r a t i o n s . To a l l t h e remaining people who helped i n t h e f i s h study I w i s h t o express my g r a t i t u d e and appreciation.
ILLDSTRATXONS
Figures 1. F i e l d s t a t i o n s of t h e ichthpological survey.
2. Raroian names f o r the p a r t s of a f i s h .
3. Ecological zonation of f i s h e s on outside reefs.
4. Ecological zonation of f i s h e s on shore r e e f face west s i d e of Raroia A t o l l .
5. Ecological zonation of f i s h e s around i s l e t s of Raroia Atoll.
6. Daytime ecological zonation of f i s h e s I n surge channels, Raroia Atoll.
7. Ecological zonation of f i s h e s on small lagoon c o r a l heads, Raroia Atoll.
Tables
1&2. Tentative check l i s t of f i s h e s previously recorded from t h e Tuamotus.
3. Index to families of f i s h e s c o l l e c t e d a t Raroia.
INTRODUCTION
Scope of Report
The purpose of this r e p g r t is t o present t h e ichthyological f i e l d d a t a prepared a t Raroia A t o l l and subsequently assembled a t t h e Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. It has been prepared to show t h e type and scope of information gathered, t h e general extent and s i z e of t h e c o l l e c t i o n s , and the f i e l d r e s u l t s obtained. It i s hoped t h a t t h i s contribution w i l l a i d fu- t u r e Coral A t o l l teams t o c o r r e l a t e f u r t h e r t h e f i s h research program of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board and t o p r o f i t from the information gained on t h e Raroia study. While t h i s paper should prove of some value t o o t h e r ichthyologists, it i s recommended t h a t it n o t be c i t e d u n t i l the f i n a l r e p o r t s a r e published.
The aim of t h i s contribution i s e n t i r e l y f o r t h e b e n e f i t of t h e c o r a l a t o l l s t u d i e s of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board, and d e f i n i t e l y i s n o t a formal system- a t i c account, o r a d e f i n i t i v e study.
The s t u d i e s of f i s h e s have formed an important p a r t of t h e Coral A t o l l P r o j e c t s of t h e P a c i f i c Science Board. Large ichthyological c o l l e c t i o n s and considerable d a t a were obtained a t Arno Atoll, Marshall I s l a n d s and Onotoa A t o l l , G i l b e r t I s l a n d s i n 1950 and 1951, respectively. A s o r i g i n a l l y planned, t h e f i s h program was n o t t o have received a s much a t t e n t i o n i n t h e Raroia in- vestigations. D r . Morrison and D r . Doty were t o have glven p a r t of t h e i r time t o prepare a f i s h c o l l e c t i o n , and t o assemble d a t a p e r t a i n i n g t o t h e team study. I t was a l s o intended t h a t t h e George Vanderbilt P a c i f i c Equa- t o r i a l Expedition, which was t o have collected f i s h e s i n t h e Tuamotu I s l a n d s a t t h e same time the Coral Atoll P r o j e c t was being c a r r i e d o u t a t Raroia, would come t o Raroia and a i d t h e a t o l l team a s much as possible. When i t was learned t h a t t h e Vanderbilt Expedition was postponed, it mas suggested t o M r . Vanderbilt t h a t one of t h e ichthyologists, who mould have gone on h i s expedition, should be s e n t on the Coral Atoll Project. M r . Vanderbilt whole- heartedly agreed and generously provided t h e funds f o r t h e author to c a r r y out t h e ichthyologj c a l survey.
The aims of t h e ichthyological research a t Raroia were dual: (1) to contribute t o t h e Raroia team survey by studying t h e ecology and economic r e l a t i o n s h i p s of t h e f i s h e s ; and ( 2 ) to contribute t o t h e Vanderbilt program i n Polynesia by making a s extensive observations and c o l l e c t i o n s of t,he f i s h e s a s possible. 'Jnfort7mately n e i t h e r program could be c a r r i e d o u t a s successfully a s anticipated. P r a c t i c a l l y none of t h e ichthyological e q u i p ment was received because of t h e P a c i f i c c o a s t shipping s t r i k e . Some of t h e most important gear rafi repurchased i n Honolulu, but it did n o t reach Raroia u n t i l t h e l a s t two weeks available f o r collecting. A s a r e s u l t , the team was heavily dependent on t h e cooperation of t h e n a t i v e s f o r t r e n s p o r t a t i o n , a s s i s t a n c e and f i s h i n g equipment.
A t various times s a i l i n g canoes, outrigger canoes, outboard motor boats, an outboard motor, and a small c u t t e r were made a v a i l a b l e by t h e n a t i v e s f o r
transportation. Generally, t h r e e n a t i v e a s s i s t a n t s helped with t h e handling of the boats and t h e collecting. D r . Newel1 made a v a i l a b l e h i s shallow water diving equipment f o r four s t a t i o n s i n 20 t o LO f e e t of water. Many types of hooks and l i n e s were t r i e d and the n a t i v e s were most h e l p f u l in providing t h i s type of f i s h i n g gear. About three-fourths of t h e time a t Raroia was spent i n t h e f i e l d by t h e f i s h crew, and t h e remainder was used i n p r e s e w i n g and packing t h e f i s h e s and taking notes.
L i s t of Basic Fish Equipment
The gear t h a t was a c t u a l l y a v a i l a b l e f o r f i s h c o l l e c t i n g i s l i s t e d be- low. The items received during t h e l a s t weeks of t h e survey a r e preceded by a s t e r i s k s . The equipment t h a t was strike-bound on t h e Matson ship
"Sierran i s n o t l i s t e d .
Transportation: 35 horse outboard motor; anchors.
Spear
fish in^:
B: *Champion rubber, s l i n g gun; *Hawaiian s l i n g s ( 2 ) ;*spear s h a f t s with simple hinged barbs ( 6 ) ; simple spear loaned by n a t i v e . Swimming
m:
Depth gauges ( 2 ) ; Swim f i n s ( 2 pr.) ; Snorkels (1) ; Tabe shoes ( 2 pr.); Squale face masks ( 2 ) ; *Diving underwear (1 pr.).Ichthyocide
m:
Rotenone-powdered (app. ?85 lbs. ) ; Cloth sacks (6) ;*Inner tube f l o a t s ( 2 ) ; Galvanized buckets (3) ; Dipnets--small (6) ; Dipnets- l a r g e (6) ; Shark r e p e l l e n t (20 pkgs.)
.
Fishinp Tackle: Navy survival f i s h i n g k i t ; Assorted nylon l i n e s ; As- sorted hooks loaned by natives.
Preservation: Formaldehyde (35 gals.); Nashtubs (3); Porcelain and p l a s t i c t r a y s ( 3 ) ; Museum j a r s S oz. (24); Screw t o p v i a l s (50); Canning machine and 50 cans; cone s o f t s t r i n g ; Sodium borate ( 2 q t s . ) ; Cheese c l o t h 50 yard b o l t s ( 4 ) ; Burlap sacking 3
x
100' ; Numbered tin tags.S t e e l Crums: 54 gal. ( 5 ) ; *35 gal. (4).
--
Records: Collection r e s i s t a l l l a b e l s (GOO) ; F i e l d d a t a s h e e t s (100) ; Record Books ( 3 ) ; Higgins Eternal ink and pens.
Fish Books: ~ i i k e r : Hawaiian f i s h e s (1914); Schulte: Fishes of t h e Phoenix and Samoan I s l a n d s (1943); Fowler: Fishes of Oceania (1928).
--
Photoaraphic Ruipment: 35 mm. Kodak Signet, accessories, ar.d film;
4 x
5 Speed Graphic, accessories, and film.During t h e two month survey a t W o i a from June t o August, appmximate- l y 60 d i f f e r e n t f i s h s t a t i o n s were studied. The most i n t e r e s t i n g c o l l e c t i o n s and observations were made (1) in surge channels and on t h e o u t e r r e e f f l a t on t h e leeward (west) s i d e of t h e atoll; (2) on t h e windvard lagoon shore r e e f s ; 3 in i n t e r - i s l e t channels and t h e s h i p (Game) Pass; and (4) on t h e southeastern and southwestern lagoon c o r a l heads.
Approximately, 9,000 f i s h e s of 400 species were c o l l e c t e d a t Raroia.
A l l o f them were preserved in 10% formalin and packed i n f i v e 5 1 gallon and four
35
gallon s t e e l drums, and i n 50 saall tin cans and j a r s . A t eachsta-
t i o n a United S t a t e s National Museum Fish Division e c o l o g i c a l d a t a s h e e t was f i l l e d o u t and a d d i t i o n a l n o t e s were taken when possible. A section of t h i s d a t a i s presented below with each s t a t i o n o u t l i n e . Notes on t h e f i s h e s a r e n o t given, but can be t r a c e d back from s t a t i o n s l i s t e d f o r each species i n t h e
/"
ystematic account. Fig. 1 shows t h e l o c a t i o n of each f i e l d s t a t i o n on a c h a r t of Raroia kindly supplied by D r . Norman D. Newell. The l o c a l i t y names a r e c l a r i f i e d in t h e r e p o r t of D r . Newell. A t t h e suggestion o f Bengt Daniel-sson all n a t i y e l*NGtl sounds a r e s p e l l e d with only a "G" (e.g. t h e word pro- nounced "Nengo Nengo" i s s p e l l e d "Nego nego1I)
.
During t h e r e t u r n f r o n Raroia t o T a h i t i , t h e n a t i v e s a t Takume pre- sented me with a small l o c a l c o l l e c t i o n of reef f i s h e s . This m a t e r i a l was n o t examined i n t h e f i e l d and i s n o t incorporated in t h e present report. The
same i s t r u e o f s e v e r a l c o l l e c t i o n s of market f i s h e s obtained i n the Papeete market, T a h i t i , i n e a r l y September.
S t a t i o n 1.--Tahiti I., Society Islands; Shore r e e f s st Punaauia i n Taapunals pass area;
%
kilometers west o f Papeete, June 18. Vegetation: encrust- i n g algae on l i v e and dead coral. Time: 3-4:00 P.M. Bottom: sand and coral. Shore: c o r a l sand. Current: app. 2 knots. Distance from shore: 1 0 ' . Tide: between high and low. Depth of capture: 8'. Depth of water: 8 ' . Method of capture: Tarzan spear gun. Collected by:John Vernaudon and R. Harry. One specimen of one species.
S t a t i o n 2.--Tahiti; 6 kilometers west of Papeete; c o r a l r e e f s bordering "Les Tropiques" ~ o t e l , next t o lagoon, June 20. Vegetation: e n ~ r u s ' t i n g al- gae. Time: 10-11 P.M. Eottom: c o r a l A d 'coral rubble. Shore: beach-
rock. Distance from shore: 0-100 yards. Tide: high. Depth of capture: ,.:,!:
0-2'. ~ e p t h of water: 0-2'. Method o f capture: dipnets. Collected :by: . :
John B y n e and R. Harry. 45 specimens o f 10 species.
S t a t i o n 3.--Tahiti; shore r e e f s a t Punaaiua i n Taapunals pass area,
%
kilometers west of Papeete, June 20. Vegetation: encrusting algae on l i v e and dead coral. Time: 9-12 A.M. Bottom: c o r a l sand, l i v e and dead coral. Shore: c o r a l sand. Current: app. 2 knots. Distance from shore: app. 300 yards. Tide: between low and high. Depth of capture:
0-61. Depth of water: 0-6'. Method of capture: rotenone (app. 8 l b s . ) and dipnets. Collected by: John Vernaudon and H. Harry. 250 speci- mens of 47 species.
Station 4.--Tahiti; e n c i r c l b g r e e f s of Motu Uta I s l e t i n Papeete Harbor, June 21. Vegetation: encrusting a g a e on l i v e and dead coral. Time:
8:30-11 A.M. Bottom: coral sand, l f v e and dead coral. Shore: coral.
Current: very s l i g h t . Distance from shore: app. 50 yards. Tibe: be- tween low and high. Depth of capture: 0-15'. Depth of water: 0-15'.
Method of capture: rotenone (app. 8 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by:
J. Vernaudon and R. Harry. App. 125 specimens of 25 species.
Station 5.--Tahiti; shore r e e f s a t h n a a u i a i n Taapunals Pass area. @j kilometers west of Papeete, June 22. Vegetation: encrusting algae on l i v e and dead coral. Time: 7:30-11 A.M. Bottom: coral sand and coral.
Shore: c o r a l sand. Current: app. 1 knot. Dietance from shore: app.
100 yard?. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 0 - l i l . Depth of water: 0-12'.
Method of capture: rctenone (app. 8 lbs.) and dipnetc. Collected by: J.
and 0. Vernaudon, R. Harry. App. 150 specimens of 30 species.
Station 6.--Tahiti; purchased in Papeete Central Market, June 22. Time:
6 A.M. Obtained by R. Harry. 50 specimens of 1 5 species.
Station 7.--Raroia Island, Tuamotu Archipelago (app. 1 6 O 1' S. 142' 26' 1., H. 0. Chart 2004); c o r a l head o f f Garvmaoa Village !etty, livest s i d e of lagoon, June 30. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 2-5 P.M. Bot- tom: c o r a l sand and 1001 wide flat-topped c o r d heas r i s i n g s t r a i g h t from f l a t sand bottom 20-25'. Shore: c o r a l sand. Current: p r a c t i c a l l y none. Distance from shore: app. 250 yards. Tide: high. Depth of cap- ture: 0-20'. Depth of water: 0-20'. Method of capture: rotenone (app.
15 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by M. Doty, B. Danielsson, Tetohu, R.
H a r r y . App. 300 specimens of 60 species.
Station 8.--Raroia; Channel between Kumekume and Garumaoa (Korere) I s l e t s , near Garumaoa Village, J u l y 1. Vegetation: encrusting a l g a e on dead
coral and beach rock. Time: 9-11:40 A.M. Bottom: Coral sand, gravel, beach rock, dead coral. Shore: beach rock, dead coral. Current:
0 4 knot. Distance from shore: 0-25'. Tide: between low and high.
Depth of capture: 0-2*'. Depth of water: 0-2*'. Method of capture:
rotenone (app. 8 l b s . ) and dipnets. Collected by: M. Doty, T. Newhouse, R. Harry. App. 450 specimens of 35 species.
Station 9.--Raroia; c o r a l shelf near j e t t y next t o lagoon shore between Ohue coral head and Garumaoa Village, J u l y 1. Vegetation: encrusting algae on l i v e and dead coral. Time: 2:15-5:15 P.M. Bcttom: c o r a l sand and dead coral. Shore: c o r a l sand. Current: s l i g h t toward shore. Dis- tance from shore: app. 100 yards. Tide: between high and lorn. Depth of capture: 0-20'. Depth of water: 0-20'. Method of capture: rotenone (app. 12 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by: M. Doty, pJ. Newhouse, R.
Harry. App. 450 specimens of 60 species.
Station 10.-Raroia; o u t e r reef near Garumaoa v i l l a g e on west s i d e of a t o l l on shallow t i d a l f l a t next t o shore, July 3. Vegetation: s p a r s e
c o r a l l i n e algae. Time: 3-5:40 P.M. Bottom: c o r a l sand, l i v e and dead
coral. Shore: beach rock. Current: app. knot along shore. Cistance from shore: 0-100 yards. Tide: extreme iow. Depth of capture: 0-6".
Depth of water: 6". Method of capture: r o t e c m e ( 4 lbs.) and dipnets.
Collected by: M. Doty, V4. Newhouse, R. Harry. App. 325 specimens of 35 species. Aug. 25. Collected by: J; Morrison. 2 specimens of 2 species.
Station 11.--Raroia; channel between Takeke and Temari I s l e t s , near Game North Passage, west s i d e of atoll, J u l y I. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 8-11:15 A.M. Bottom: c o r a l sand, dead c o r a l , some l i v e coral.
Shore: dead c o r a l and beach rock. Current: app. 1 knot. Distance from shore: 0-100'. Tide: j u s t a f t e r low t i d e . Method of capture: rotenone (6 l b s . ) and dipnets. Collected by: R. Harry. App. 220 specimens of 35 species.
S t a t i o n 12.--Raroia; in lagoon o f f p i e r a t Garumaoa Village on top of r e e f s , west s i d e of a t o l l , j u l y
5.
Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 8:30- 9130 A.M. Bottom: c o r a l sand, dead and l i v e coral. Shore: c o r a l sand.Current: none. Distance from shore: 0-1CO yards. Depth of capture:
0-3'. Depth of water: 3'. Method of capture: rotenone (app. 1 0 l b s . ) and dipnets. Collected by: J. Morrison, Raroian n a t i v e s , R. Harry. 40 specimens of 1 8 species.
S t a t i o n 13.--Raroia; ItOhavan c o r a l head in lagoon o f f Garumaoa Village, n e s t s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 5. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 2:30-
4:15 P.M. Bottom: c o r a l sand, l i v e and aead coral. Shore: c o r d sand.
Current: very s l i g h t . Distance from shore: about
3/4
mile. Tide:between low a d high. Depth of capture: 0-20'. Depth of water: 1-20'.
Method of capture: rotenone ( 7 l b s . ) and dipnets. Collected by: M.
Doty, N . Nerell, natives, R. Harry. 100 specimens of 35 species.
S t a t i o n 14.--Raroia; channel b e h e e n Ceogeo and Kukina I s l e t s , near Garumaoa Village, west side of a t o l l , J u l y 6. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 7:30-11:30 A.M. Bottom: c o r a l sand, l i v e and dead coral. Shore:
gravel, beach rock. Current: none t o 1 knot. Distance from shore: 0- 100'. Tide: extreme low. Depth of capture: 0-l*'
.
Depth of water:6"-I*'. Method o f capture: rotenone (app.
6
l b s . ) and dipnets. Col- l e c t e d by: R. Harry. 200 specimens of 28 species.S t a t i o n 15.--Raroia; North Pass, n e a r Garumaoa Village on west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 7. Vegetation: encrusting and low 'green algae. Time: afternoon.
Bottom: sand, coral. Shore: beach rock. Current: various, u s u a l l y up to 5 knots. Distance' from shore: 100-400'. Tide: various. Depth o f capture: 10-35'. Depth of water: 25-40'. Method of capture: hook and l i n e . Collected by: n a t i v e f o r R. Harry. 2 specimens of 2 species.
S t a t i o n 16.--Raroia; near Garumaoa Village on o u t e r r e e f f l a t , J u l y 8, Aug.
20, Sept. 2. Vegetation: encrusting algae, lithothamnion ridge. Bot- tom: coral, beach rock, sand. Shore: beach rock. Current: 0-3 knots.
Distance from shore: 0-150 yards. Depth of capture: 0-1'. Depth of water: 6"-1'. Method of capture: dipnets, spears. Collected by: J.
Morrison, R. Harry. 1 3 specimens of 10 species.
Station 17.-Raroia; f i r s t t r a n s e c t in open channels on edge of outer r e e f , near Gsnnnaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 9. Vegetation: encrust- i n g algae, l i t h o t h a m i o n ridge. Time: 9-12 A.M. Bottom: coral, beach- rock, algae. Shore: beachrock. Current: strong surge. Distance from shore: App. 200 yards. Tide: extreme low, Depth of capture: 0-15'.
Depth of water: 1-15'. Method of capture: rotenone (8 l b ~ . ) and dipnets.
I
Coilected by: Tetohu, R. Harry. 506specimens of 55 species.Station 18.--Raroia; f i r s t t r a n s e c t on outer open reef f l a t near Garumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 10. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 2-3 P.M. Bottom: beachrock, coral, algae. Shore: beachrock.
Current: surging. Distance from shore: app. 50-100 yards. Tide: be- tween low and hjgh. Depth of capture: 6". Depth of water: 6". Method of capture: dipnet. Collected bg: R. Harry. One specimen, one species.
Station 19.--Raroia; channel and leeward outer reef north of Game Pass be- tween Kahogi and Fakatomo I s l e t s , J u l y ll. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 8: 30-11: 30 A.M. Bottom: algae, c o r a l , beachrock. Shore: beach- rock. Current: strong with surge. Distance from shore: 100-200 yards.
Tide: between high and low. Depth of capture: 0-5'. Depth of water:
1-5'.
Method of capture: s i n g l e and t h r e e pronged spears. Collected by: n a t i v e s and R. Harry.5
specimens of5
species.Station 20.--Ramia; f i r s t t r a n s e c t on outer open reef f l a t n e a r Garumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 11. Vegetation:: encrusting algae.
Time: 1-3 P.M. Bottom: sand, coral, algae. Shore: beachrock. Current:
0-4
knots. Distance from shore: 0-100 yards. Tide: j u s t a f t e r low.Depth of capture: 0-1'. Depth of water: 1'. Method of capture: rote- none (app. 6 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by: R. Harry. 50 specimens of 23 species.
Station 21.--Raroia; T a h i t i i s l e t app. 2 miles south of Garumaoa Village, west side of a t o l l , J u l y 12. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 8:30- 11 A.M. Bottom: sand, gravel, beachrock. Shore: beachrock. Current:
1-5
knots and surge. Distance from shore: 50-100 yards. Tide: between high and low. Depth of capture: 0-4'. Depth of water:4'.
Method of capture: 1 and 3 pronged spears. Collected by: B. Danielsson, n a t i v e s , R. Harry. 3 specimens of 3 species.Station 22.--Raroia; Mataira I s l e t , n o r t h of Game Pass, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 17. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 6:30 A.M.-11 P.M. Bot- t o m : beachrock, c o r a l sand, coral. Shore: beachrock. Current: 0-4 h o t s . Distance from shore: 0-200 yards. Depth of capture: 0-3'.
Depth of water: 3-61. Method of capture: rotenone (8 lbs.) spears, dipnets. Collected by: n a t i v e s , R. Harry. 44C specimens of 65 species Station 23.--Raroia; f i r s t t r a n s e c t on outer open r e e f f l a t near Garumaoa
Village, west qide of a t o l l , J u l y 18. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 9:30-12:30 P.M., 1:30-4:00 P.M. Battom: coral, coral sand. Shore:
gravel, beachrock. Current: 0-1 knot. Distance from shore: 50-100
yards. Tide: mid-low t o high t o mid-low. Depth of capture: 0-25'.
Depth of water: 2-25'. Method of capture: rotenone (app. 12 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by: Tetohu, Peni, R. Harry. WO specimens of 63 species.
S t a t i o n 24.--Raroia; Tetou I s l e t , l a r g e s t i s l e t on e a s t s i d e of a t o l l , chan- n e l on lagoon s i d e , J u l y 19. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time:
9 3 0 1 P.M. Bottom: sand, coral. Shore: sand, gravel, beachrock.
Current: 5-8 knots. Distance from shore: 50-100 yards. Tide: low to high. Depth of capture: 0-10'. Depth of water: 8-10'. Method of cap- ture: hook and l i n e . Collected by: n a t i v e s , R. Harry. 5 specimens of 4 species.
S t a t i o n 25.--Raroia; channel between Temari and Kumekume I s l e t s , immediately south of Game Pass, J u l y 20. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time:
9-11:30 A.M. Bottom: beachrock, sand, c o r a l . Shore: beachrock. Dis- tance from shore: 0-20'. Current: none. Depth of capture: app. 6".
Depth of water: app. 6". l e t h o d of capture: by hand. Collected by:
J. Morrison f o r R. Harry. 1 2 specimens of 3 species.
S t a t i o n 26.--Raroia; f i r s t t r a n s e c t a t excurrent channel, and ridge channels of t h e lithothamnion ridge, J u l y 21. Vegetation: encrusting algae, lithothamnion ridge. Time: 9:/+5 -12A.M. Bottom: beachrock, gravel.
Shore: beachrock. Current: surf and t u r b u l e n t surge. Distance from shore: app. 200 yards. Tide: extreme low. Depth of capture: 0-25'.
Depth of water: 5-25', Method of capture: rotenone (app.
1 5
lbs.) dip- n e t s , spears. Collected by: Peni, Tetohu, R. Harry. 840 specimens of 56 species.S t a t i o n 27.--Raroia; o u t e r reef surge channels a t lithothamnion r i d g e a t Garumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 22. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M., 8-11 P.M. Bottom: coral. Shore:
Beachrock. Current: s u r f . Distance from shore: 150-200 yards. Tide:
low. Depth of capture: 0-3'. Depth of water: 1-3'. Method of capture:
dipnets, spears, l a n t e r n s . Collected by: Tetahu, Peni, Paulo, R. Harry..
136 specimens of 19 species.
S t a t i o n 28.--Raroia; vOhavall c o r a l head in lagoon mile e a s t of Carumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 23. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 8:30-11 A.M., 2:30-4 P.M. Bottom: c o r a l , sand. Shore: sand.
Current: app. 1 knot. Distance from shore:
4
mile. Tide: between low and high. Depth of capture: 0-50'. Depth of water: 2-50'. Method of capture: rotenone (40 l b s . ) and dipnets, spears. Collected by: Tetohu, Peni, Paulo, Kehea, Vaia, R. Harry, Approx. 500 specimens, 65 species.S t a t i o n 29.--Raroia; sand channel, v i c i n i t y of Tetou I s l e t , e a s t s i d e of atoll, J u l y 23. Vegetation: none. Time: morning. Bottom: sand.
Shore: sand. Current: app. 1 knot. Distance from shore: 50 yards.
Depth of capture:
4' .
Depth of water: 6 '.
Method of capture: spears, Collected by: expedition party. One Caranx armatus..-Raroia; o u t e r reef f l a t a t Kon-Tiki I s l e t , e a s t s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 23. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: morning. Bottom: beach- rock, coral. Shore: beachrock, gravel. Current: app. 2 knots. D!.s- tance from shore: app. 75 yards. I)epA& of capture: 2 ' . Ueptin of water: 1'. Method of capture: spear. Collected by: expedition party.
One Eulamia inelanoptera,
S t a t i o n 30.--Raroia; i n lagoon near j e t t y of Garumaoa Village, west s i d e o f a t o l l , J u l y 23. Time:
4-5
P.M. Bottom: sand, coral. Shore: sand..Current: ap?. 2 knots. Distance from shore: app. 200'. Tide: high.
Depth of capture: 4'. Depth of yater: 4'. Method of capture: spears.
Collected by: n a t i v e s , R. Harry. 2 specimens, 2 species.
S t a t i o n 31.--Raroia; Garue Pass, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 24. Time: 9 A.M.- 'j P.M. Bottom: c o r a l , gravel, sand. Shore: beachrock. Distance from shore:
a
m i l e . Depth of capture: 20-40'. Depth o f water: 30-40'.Method of capture: hook and l i n e , spears. Collected by: Paulo, R.
Harry. 29 specimens of 1 0 species.
S t a t i o n 32.--Raroia; i n lagoon a t end of p i e r , Garumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 22-24. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: continuous 2 days. Bottom: sand. Shore: sand. Current: none. Distance from shore: App. 200'. Depth of capture:
1 5 ' .
Depth of water:15'.
Method of capture: p l a s t i c screen t r a p . Collected by: R. Harry. 2 Aulostomus chinensis.Station 33.-Raroia; Garue Pass and immediate v i c i n i t y , west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 25, Aug. 1, Aug. 14, Aug.
15.
Bottom: c o r a l , gravel, sand. Shore:beachrock. Current: 1-8 knots. Distance from shore:
i-*
mile. Depth of capture: 10-45'. Depth of water: 10-100'. Method of capture: hook and l i n e , spears. Collected by: n a t i v e s , R. Harry. 100 specimens o f 48 species.Station 34.--Raroia$ o u t e r r e e f s of Namunamukona I s l e t on northwest s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 26. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 12-1 P.M. Bot- tom: beachrock. Shore: beachrock. Current: 0-10 knots. Distance from shore: 50-100'. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 0-2'. Depth o f water: 2 ' . Method of capture: spears and hands. Collected by: Hure, Rago, R. Harry. 3 specimensof 3 species.
Station 35.-Raroia; lagoon and o u t e r r e e f s of Hava I s l e t , n o r t h e a s t s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 27. Vegetation: encrusting and f r e e groming algae.
Time: 10-12 A.M. Bottom: rock, gravel, coral. Shore: gravel. Cur- r e n t : none. Distance from shore: 15-30'. Tide: between low and high.
Depth of capture: 0-15'. Depth of water: 5-15'. Method of capture:
rotenone (app. 16 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by: Huri, Rago, R a i r a i , Kore, R. Harry. 52 specimens of 14 species.
Station 36.-Raroia; c o r a l head i n lagoon channel of Tapoki I s l e t , n o r t h e a s t s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 28. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 1-2:30 P.M. Bottom: gravel. Shore: gravel. Current: app. 2 knots. Distance
from shore: 100'. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 4'. Depth of water:
7 ' . Method of ca2ture: dipnets. Collected by: Hure, Rairai, Kore, R.
Harry. One Ostracion lentipinosum.
S t a t i o n 37.--Raroia; l a r g e submerged c o r a l head 15' across i n lagoon bay of Teuriamote I s l e t , n o r t h end of a t o l l , J u l y 23. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 2:30-4:30 P.M. Bottom: gravel, coral. Shore: gravel, sand. Current: very s l i g h t . Distance from shore: 0-20'. Tide: high.
Depth of capture: 0-18'. Depth of water: 10-18'. Method of capture:
rotenone (10 l b s . ) and dipnets. Collected by: H u r i , R a i r a i , Kore, R.
Harry. 118 specimens of 43 species.
S t a t i o n 38.--%roia; l a r g e enclosed pool 100 x 40' on h g o o n sand f l a t of Tikamiti I s l e t , nortn end of a t o l l , J u l y 28. Lcfe+;:-[,ion: encrusting algae. Time: 6 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Bottom: thic1.c 1 s : i c ; : o f f i n c s d i m e n t . Shore: gravel, beachrock. Current: none. Di;;'ar~cc from sQo-o; 0-20'.
Depth of capture: 10-151. Depth of water: 10-1St.: Method of capture:
rotenone ( 5 l b s . ) an3 dipnets. Collected by: Kore, Rairai, R. Harry.
82 specijnens of 19 s p c i e s .
S t a t i o n 39.--Rrrola; o u t e r r e e f f l . a t between lithothnan!.m rii;ge and shore of Teurisr:;tt .Islet, nir.Lh en3 of ;?.toll, Z11::i 253. Ucgr?t?.:;ic;n: encrust- i n g algsz. lime: 8:3iJ-11 P.M. Eottom: beachrcck, bc~rs.'. Shore:
beachrozic, gravel. Current: 2-6 knots. Dist'ance f!wn shore: 50-100 yards. Tide: between low and high. Ce?th of i;aptu.rc: 1-2'. Depth of water: 1-2%'. Method of capture: dipnets and Coleman l a n t e r n s . Col- l e c t e d by: Kore, Rairai, R. Harry. 30 specimens of 2 species.
S t a t i o n 40.--Raroi~; enclosed t r a c k i s h pond 100' diameter, lagoon s i d e of Tikaheru I s l e t , ncrtii end of a t o l l , J u l y 29. Time: 9-10:70 A.M. Water:
murky, witn marked thermal l a f a r i n g . Bottom: thick l a y e r o f f i n e sediment. Shore: beachrock, graval. Current: none. Distance from shore: 0-50'. Depth of capture: 10-20'. Deptn of water: 20'.
Method of capture: spears. Collected by: Hure, R. Harry. 4 specimens o f 1 species.
S t a t i o n 4l.--Raroia; 'lTomogorutl c o r a l head, 75' across
i t s
f l a t top 1' below t h e surface, near Tomogoru Chminei, nor-Lh end of atol.1, Ju1.y 29.Vegetation: encrusting and ahmdant f m e groling algae. Time: 10-12 A.M. Bcttom: coral, sand. Shors: s z c i , bea.3:rock. Cimrent: none.
Distance from shore: app. 1 mile. Depth of ccpture: app. 2-4'. Depth o f w a t e ~ : 2-25;. Method of capture: dipnets. Collected bf: R. Harry.
150 Bpratelloides spp.
S t a t i o n 42.--Raroia; Geog.0 lagoon r e e f s a t inner edge, south of Gsru~aoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , J u l y 31. Vegetation: encrustin:: a-d f r e e growing algae. Time: 3-4 P.M. Bottom: sand coral. Shore: sand. Cur- r e n t : very s l i g h t . Distance from shore: app. 3/4 mile. Depth of cap- ture: 5-25'. Depth of water: 25'. Uethod of capt,ure: rotenone ( 2 1 lbs.) dipnets, diving gear. Collected by: Rago, Rairai, Kore, J. Byrne, R.
Harry. 140 specimens of 4.2 species.
S t a t i o n 43.-Raroia; ~'Motoko~~ c o r a l head i n lagoon 1% miles e a s t of Tetataga I s l e t , west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 2. Vegetation: dense f r e e growing al- g a l growth. Time: 12-?:30 P.M. Bottom: coral, sand. Current: app. 1 knot. Distance f r m shore: app. 1; miles. Tide: high. Depth of cap- ture: 12-30'. Depth of water: 2-40'.. Method of capture: hook and l i n e , spears. Collected by: Hure, Rago, R. Harry. 11 specimens of 3 species.
S t a t i o n &.--Raroia; o u t e r reef f l a t near Oneroa Village, southwest s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 2. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 9:30-11:& A.M.
Bottom: rock, gravel, coral. Shore: beachrock. Current: surge, strong.
Distance from shore: 10-20'. Tide: high. Depth of capture: 0-2'.
Depth of water: 21. Method of capture: spears. Collected by: Rago, R.
Harry. 6 specimens, 6 species.
S t a t i o n 45.-Raroia; outer r e e f f l a t end surge channels near Onema Village, southwest side of a t o l l , Aug. 4-8. Vegetation: encrusting and some f r e e growing algae. Time: day and n i g h t , app.
6
hours per day. Bottom:c o r a l , beachrock. Shore: beachrock. Current: 0-strong surge. Distance from shore: app. 100 yards. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 10-30'. Depth of r a t e r : 10-30'. Method of capture: rotenone (app. 75 i b s . ) , 2ipnet8, spears, diving gear. Collected by: expedition personnel. App. 1000 specimens of 75 species.
S t a t i o n I,6.--Raroia; l a r g e c o r a l head app. 2 kilometers from the e a s t and south s i d e s of the a t o l l , Aug. 5. Vegetation: abundant encrusting and g r e a t clumps of f r e e growing algae. Tixe: 9-10 A.M. Bottom: coral.
Shore: sand, coral. Current: app. knot. Distance from shore: 2 kilometers. Tide: high. Depth of capture: 1-15'. Depth of water:
2-301. Method of capture: spears. Collected ky: H u r i , Rago, R. Harry.
6 specimens of
3
species.S t a t i o n L7.--Raroia; gravel and sand channels a t extreme southern end of a t o l l , Aug. 5. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 11 A.M.-3 P.M.
Bottom: coral, sand, gravel, beachrock. Shore: gravel. Current:
0-8 knots. Distance from shore: 1-4 kilometers. Depth of capture:
5-10!. Depth of water: 10-15'. Method o f capture: spears. Collected by: H u r i , Rago, Kore, R. Harry. 39 specimens of 1 7 species.
S t a t i o n L8.-Raroia; shore r e e f s i n lagoon on submerged c o r a l heads, i n region of Rotava Korerelca I s l e t , north end of a t o l l , Aug. 5-7. Vege- t a t i o n : p r a c t i c a l l y none. Time: day and night, app. 1 5 hours. Bot- tom: sand, coral. Shore: sand. Current: none. Distance from shore:
50-100 yards. Depth of capture: 5-20'. Depth of water: 10-20'.
Method of capture: rotenone (app. 20 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by:
Kore, Rairai, H u r i ,
R.
Harry. 160 specimens, 30 species.S t a t i o n 49.--Raroia; "Vera Vera" c o r a l head i n lagoon app. 3 kilometers e a s t of Oneroa Village, south west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 8. Vegetation:
abundant encrusting and f r e e g r o ~ d n g algae. Time: 9:30-11:30 A.M.
Bottom: coral, sand. Shore: sand, gravel. Current: none. Distance
from shore: app. 3 kilometers. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 5-10'.
Depth of water: 2-40'. Method of capture: rotenone (app.
1 5
l b s . ) and dipnet,s. Collected by: Kore, Rago, R. Harry. 68 specimens of 23 species.S t a t i o n 50.-Raroia; lagoon r e e f s a t Oneroa Village, southwest s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 9. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 9:N-10:30 A.M. B o t t o m : coral. Shore: sand. Current: app.
$
knot. Distance from shore: app.) mile. TiZe: low. Depth of capture: 0-4'. Depth of water: 3-4'.
Method of c a p t w e : rotenone (app. 1 0 1bs.j and dipnets. Collected by:
R a i r a i , Kore, fi. Harry. 1 7 specimens of 7 species.
S t a t i o n 51.--Raroia; lagoon r e e f s , T e p u t a i t i I s l e t , south of Garumaoa V i l - l a g e , west of a t o l l , Aug. 9. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time:
ll:30-1:?0. Ecttom: coral, sand. Shore: sand. C u r r e n t : none. D i s - tance from shore: 0-100 yards. Depth of capture: 6-10'. Method of capture: spears. Collected by: Etienne f o r R. Harry. 2 specimens of 2 species.
S t a t i o n 52.--Raroia; o u t e r reef channels of Kahogi I s l e t , n o r t h of Garue Pass, west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 10. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 3:30-5 P.M. Bottom: beachrock, coral. Shore: beachrock. Cur- r e n t : 1-4 knots. Distance from shore: 50-100 yards. Depth of capture:
5-15'. Depth of water: 10-18'. Method of capture: spears, hook and l i n e . Collected by: R a i r a i , Kore, R. Harry. 13 specimens of 1 0 spe- c i e s .
S t a t i o n 53.--Raroia; v i c i n i t y of "Oreti" c o r a l head, app. 3/4 mile n o r t h e a s t of Garumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 12. Time: morning. Bot- tom: sand, coral. Shore: sand, gravel. Current: none. Distance from shore: app. 3/4 mile. Depth of capture: app. 40'. Depth of water: app.
40'. Method of capture: deeper water dredging i n lagoon. Collected by: J . Newhouse f o r R. Harry. Gne specimen of Eviota sp. 2.
S t a t i o n 54.--Raroia; shore r e e f s i n lagoon a t Takeke I s l e t next t o Garue Pass, west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 12. Vegetation: encrusting algae.
Time: 8-12 A.M., 1:30-5 P.M. Bottom: c o r a l , sand. Shore: gravel.
Current: none. Distance from shore: 5-100'. Depth o f capture: 2-40'.
Depth of water: 4-40'. Method of capture: spears, dipnets. Collected by: R a i r a i , Kore, Kehea, Vaia,
R.
Harry. 75 specimens of 6 species.S t a t i o n 55.--Raroia; lagoon and o u t e r shore r e e f s a t Tenukuhaupapatea
(Fakatomo) I s l e t , immediately n o r t h of Garue Pass, west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 12. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M.
Bottom: c o r a l , beachrock. Shore: beachrock, gravel. Current: 0-3 knots. Distance from shore: 10-100 yards. Depth of capture: 3-10'.
Depth of water: 3-15'. Method of capture: spears, dipnets. Collected by: R a i r a i and Kore f o r R. Harry. 1 8 specimens of 10 species.
Station 56.--Raroia; Garue Pass, west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 13. Vegetation:
abundant encrusting and f r e e groning algae. Time: 5~30-7:30 P.M.
Bottom: coral, sand. Shore: beachrock. Current: 2-10 knots. Distance from shore: 300 yards. Depth of capture: 10-20'. Depth of water:
30-40'. Method of capture: hook and l i n e , t r o l l i n g . Collected by:
Kore f o r R. Harry. 2 specimens of 2 species.
Station 57.-Raroia; lagoon r e e f channels of Kumekume I s l e t south of Game Pass, west s i d e of atoll, Aug. 13. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time:
9:30 A.M.-3 P.M. Bottom: c o r a l , sand. Shore: beachrock, gravel. Cur- rent: s l i g h t . Distance from shore: 50-100 yards. Depth of capture:
2-6'.
Depth of water, 2-61, Method of capture: rotenone (app. 10 lbs.) Collected by Kore and Aeirai f o r R. Harry. 70 specimens of 35 species.S t a t i o n 58. --Raroia; o u t e r reef channels next to lithothamnion ridge next t o Garumaoa Village, west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 15. Vegetation: encrust- ing algae. Time: 9:20-11:45 A.M., 1:30-6 P.M. Bottom: beachrock, gravel. Shore: beachrock. Current: surge. Distance from shore: 100 yards. Depth of capture: 0-20'. Depth of water: 4-20'. Method of capture: rotenone (20 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by: Kore, Rairai, Tetohu, H. Harry. 600 specimens of 75 species.
S t a t i o n 59.-Raroia; f i r s t t r a n s e c t , outer reef surge channels a t l i t h o - tharkion ridgo, immediately south of excurrent channel, Aug. 17.
Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time:
9-U.:
30 A.M. Bottom: beachrock, gravel. Shore: beachrock. Current: surge, turbulent breakers. D i s - tance from shore: app. 150 yards. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 0-20'.Depth of water: 4-20', Method of capture: rotenone (22 l b s . ) and dipnets. collected by: Tetohu, Rairai, Kore, R. Harry. 350 specimens of LO species.
S t a t i o n 60.--Raroia; lagoon r e e f s and channels of Teremu I s l e t , e a s t s i d e of a t o l l , Aue. 20-22. Vegetation: barren encrusting algae. Time:
app. 18 hours. Bottom: sand, beachrock, coral. Shore: sand, beach- rock. Current: 0-1 knot. Distance from shore: 0-* mile. Depth of capture: 3-35'. Depth of water: 0-35'. Method of capture: hook and l i n e . Collected by: Rairai, Kore, H u r i , R. Harry. 9 1 specimens of 32 species.
S t a t i o n 61.--Raroia; c o r a l head
4
mile o f f Teremu i n lagoon, e a s t s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 21. Vegetation: barren encrusting algae. Time:1-4
P.M.Bottom: sand, c o r a l , staghorn prominent. Shore: sand. Current: none.
Distance from shore:
fr
mile. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 0-25'.Depth of water: 2-25'. Yethod of capture: rotenone (30 lbs.) and dip- n e t s . Collected by: Kore, Rairai, H u r i , R. Harry. 448 specimens of
5L species.
S t a t i o n 62.--Ramia; app.
)
mile o f f o u t e r west coast o f a t o l l betveen Garue Pass and Garumaoa Village, Aug. 25, 27. Time: 8:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. each day. Bottom: coral. Shore: beachrock. Current: s l i g h t .Distance from shore: app. mile. Depth of capture: 2-40'. Depth of water: LO-100'. Method of capture: hook and l i n e s , t m l l i n g , hand- l i n e s . Collected by: Kore, Rairai, f o r R. Harry. 24 specimens of 11 species.
Station 63.-Raroia; inner lagoon reef next ta Knhuruna I s l e t , southeast s i d e of a t o l l , Bug. 26. Vegetation: sparse encrusting algae. Time:
3:30 P.M. Bottom: sand, coral. Shore: gravel. Distance from shore:
100'. Depth of capture: 8 ' . Depth of water: 10'. Method of capture:
spear. Collected by: Kehea f o r R. Harry. One specimen of Lutjanus b h a r
-'
Station 64.--Raroia; lagoon shore r e e f of Rare I s l e t , . w e s t s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 27. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Time: 11 A.M. Bottom: coral, Shore: gravel. Current: none. Distance from shore: 50'. Depth of capture: 10'. Depth of water: 1 2 ' . Method of capture: spear.Gollected by: Huri f o r R. Harry. One specimen of Siaanus sp.
S t a t i o n 65.--Raroia; channels a t south end of a t o l l , Aug. 28. Vegetation:
sparse encrusting algae. Time: 1-3:30 P.M. Bottom: sand, coral.
Shore: sand, gravel. Current: app. 1-2 h o t s . Distance from shore:
app. 100 yards. Depth of capture: 0-101. Depth of water: 10'. Method o f capture: rotenone (app. 10 lbs.) and dipnets. Collected by: Kore f o r R. Harry. 150 specimens, 45 species.
Station 66.-Raroia; r e e f s in Garue Pass next t o Takeke I s l e t , west s i d e of a t o l l , Sept. 1. Vegetation: considerable encrusting and f r e e growing algae. Time: 10 A.M.-1:30 P.M. Bottom: coral. Shore: gravel. Cur- r e n t : s l i g h t . Distance from shore: app. 100 yards. Tide: low. Depth of capture: 1-25'. Depth of water: 1-25'. Method of capture: rotenone
(40 l b s . ) , dipnets and spears. Collected by: Kore, Rairai, Huri, Rago, and
R.
Harry.3LO
specimens of 50 species.Station 67.--Raroia; lagoon reef a t Teputaiti I s l e t , south of Garumaoa V i l - l a g e , west s i d e of a t o l l , Aug. 25. Vegetation: encrusting algae. Bot- tom: coral, sand. Shore: gravel. Currents: none. Distance from shore:
50 yards. Depth of capture: 12'. Depth o f water: 15'. Method of capture: spear. Collected by: H u r i f o r R. Harry. One specimen of annulatus.
ECOLOGICAL SJRVEP Figures
3-7
W i l e t h e general r e p o r t of t h e Raroia team w i l l consider t h e marine ecology of t h i s a t o l l on a broad biological basis, s p e c i f i c notes on the wnation of f i s h e s +re included in this section. A l a r g e proportion of t h e f i e l d time was involved in preparing the collection of f i s h e s , taking koda- chrome s l i d e s , and compiling notes on the colors of l i v i n g f i s h . To a l e s s e r e x t e n t h a b i t a t d a t a were a l s o recorded a t the end of the time in Raroia and p a r t of these notes a r e given i n t h e systematic account. The present section was a l s o prepared a t the end of the Raroia study and is an attempt t o give a general view of f i s h d i s t r i b u t i o n on Raroia A t o l l . Far more notes were taken than included here. So much was observed t h a t was n o t understood t h a t t h e confusing observations were deleted. I t i s hoped t h a t more of t h e f i e l d d a t a can be incorporated i n t o the r e p o r t of t h e next c o r a l a t o l l project.
For convenience the marine environment of the atoll has been divided
' into e i g h t major zones which a r e a s c l e a r l y delimited ecologically a s they a r e physically. These zones can be considerably subdivided on t h e b a s i s of f i s h associations and h a b i t a t s and most of t h i s phase w i l l be considered in t h e general ecological report.
Coralliferous Outer Bench: This region i s defined by Cloud (1952). It ex- tends from t h e steep outer slope t o the surge channel buttresses. The g r e a t e s t growth of c o r a l a t Raroia i s i n t h i s region and a l a r g e percentage of the t o t a l f i s h fauna l i v e s on t h i s shelf. Sharks constantly p a t r o l t h i s area, apparently continually c i r c l i n g the a t o l l looking f o r food. Tuna, bar- racuda and jacks a l s o scout these waters, but normally keep nearer t h e sur- face. Larger sea basses a r e in g r e a t e r abundance in t h i s zone ( a s a r e a l s o t h e previous f i s h e s mentioned) than anywhere e l s e om the a t o l l and seem t o hide in every hole
in
the coral. and Balistes a r e evident immediately above t h e c o r a l and various species of the demoiselles t h a t penetrate todeeper water (e.g. Dascvllus) form clouds around the coral. The e x t e n t of the f i s h fauna can b e s t be seen by dropping b a l l s of rotenone mud onto t h e coral.
About twice as many f i s h e s a s would be seen around a lagoon c o r a l head b o i l out of h o l e s i n the c o r a l when rotenone takes e f f e c t . Several times I talked myself i n t o chancing encounters with sharks t o c o l l e c t i n t h i s region, but t h e n a t i v e s f o r c i b l y refused to l e t me go i n t h e water, t a l k i n g as if it would be sure death. Without a doubt the f i n e s t f i s h c o l l e c t i o n s a t Raroia
could be taken on t h i s s h e l f , and very e a s i l y on the west s i d e of the a t o l l , i f it were n o t f o r t h e sharks. W i l e t h i s zone seemed t o be r e l a t i v e l y the
same on the e a s t and west s i d e of %he a t o l l , it seemed d e f i n i t e l y s h o r t e r on t h e e a s t side. P r a c t i c a l l y all observations were made on the west side.
This region has a very c h a r a c t e r i s t i c fauna, t y p i f i e d by several sharks and carangids not observed elsewhere around the a t o l l . A t the surface are p a r t i c u l a r l y S~hy-raena, thunnids, and schools of Hemirhamphus. A t mid-depths
a r e small schools of carangids. Immediately above the coral sharks wander about, passing from one surge channel t o t h e next; none l a r g e r than 12 f e e t were seen and they would average about 5-6 f e e t i n length. Remaining rela-
t i v e l y motionless above the c o r a l a r e mostly B a l i s t e s ,
* N
and oftena-
thurus. Only very small f i s h e s , such a s Dascyllus, Labroides and Halichoeres, would be seen about the coral. Then t h i s region was poisoned g r e a t numbers of small c o r a l reef f i s h e s l e s s than f i v e inches long (such a s blennies, gobies, a few c i r r h i t i d s and a l a r g e number of wrasses) came o u t of hiding, along with l a r g e sea basses one to t h r e e f e e t long. Conspicuous by t h e i r complete absence were chaetodontids, and holocentrids. P a r r o t f i s h e s were a l s o uncommon i n t h i s region.
Channels: This term i s defined by Cloud (1952), and comprises the next region inward toward the shore between t h e c o r a l l i f e r o u s outer bench and the c o r a l l i n e ridge. This zone c o n s i s t s of deeply grooved troughs t h a t have wide outer mouths approximately 25-35' deep and narrow dead ends a t the ridge. It i s continuous around the a t o l l and i s complexly developed on t h e southeastern s i d e i n the region of Oneroa. The e n t i r e lengths of these troughs were col- l e c t e d a t several l o c a l i t i e s on t h e west s i d e of t h e a t o l l . Since it was dangerous c o l l e c t i n g i n t h e open mouths because of the sharks, l e s s is known of t h i s o u t e r area. M c e I was rushed by sharks i n t h e outer zone and the Raroians completely refused to dive there.
The surge channels contain the most d i s t i n c t i v e f i s h fauna of any zone a t Raroia. Many species a r e completely l i m i t e d t o them and many f i s h e s found j u s t about everywhere e l s e on the a t o l l do n o t occur i n these surge channels.
The zone i s completely dolhinated by c i r r h i t i d s and blennies ( e s p e c i a l l y the genus
m,
although none can be seen when casually observing the channels. I n f a c t during the day they look p r e c t i c a l l y barren except f o r sharks, s c a r i d s and carangids schooling in the outer mouths. However, when rotenone i s thrown i n t o t h e troughs, t h e waves s a i r l it quickly from one end t o the o t h e r and the f i s h e s immediately succumb and a r e swept out of t h e i r hiding places from under rocks and from cracks i n t h e b u t t r e s s w a l l s . Thef i s h e s in t h i s region apparently have a high r e s p i r a t o r y r a t e because of the heavy surf action with high oxygen concentration. A s a r e s u l t the e n t i r e f i s h
fauna of t h e troughs completely succumb to rotenone laden waves in a few m i n - u t e s . No where e l s e did we obtain such complete c o l l e c t i o n s of a p a r t i c u l a r h a b i t a t . Also, wave action tended t o sweep f i s h e s o u t i n t o the open and into pockets on t h e b o t t o m , making observations on r e l a t i v e abundance and collect- ing much e a s i e r . Sharks were constantly a t t r a c t e d to c o l l e c t i n g stations, although they never paid any a t t e n t i o n to t h e f i s h e s , l i v i n g o r dead. They were, however, q u i t e i n t e r e s t e d i n t h e swimmers.
Aside from t h e blennies and c i r r h i t i d s , t h e narrow end of the channels have a l a r g e population of small echidnid eels, most of which a r e limited to this region and the sea urchin holes on the c o r a l l i n e ridge. Two pomacentrids a r e confined e n t i r e l y to t h e channels, several scorpaenids a r e moderately abundant i n the surge channels and in the sea urchin holes on t h e c o r a l l i n e ridge, and b r o t u l i d s a r e prominent under the rocks and i n t h e holes. The broader, deeper section next t o the outer mouth supports a good sized popula- t i o n of l a r g e r f i s h e s , consisting primarily of surgeon f i s h e s , c i r r h i t i d s , carangids, scarids, and to a l e s s e r extent l a b r i d s , none of which a r e con- f i n e d to t h e surge channel zone. Few smaller f i s h e s a r e found in t h i s dis- t i n c t i v e subzone.
