EXOCOETIDAE, Risso, 1827

Smith-Vaniz, William F. & Jelks, Howard L., 2014, Marine and inland fishes of St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands: an annotated checklist, Zootaxa 3803 (1), pp. 1-120 : 31-67

EXOCOETIDAE —flyingfishes

The only flyingfish Clavijo et al. (1980) listed from St. Croix was Cheilopogon heterurus (Rafinesque 1810) , as Cypselurus heterurus . This is certainly a misidentification, probably of Cheilopogon melanurus (Valenciennes 1847) , based on current knowledge of the distribution of C. heterurus (see Parin and Belyanina, 2000). Most species of flyingfishes are epipelagic and oceanic, although adults of a few species may occasionally occur inshore. At least 11 species of flyingfishes have distributions including both the Greater and Lesser Antilles ( Parin, 2002). Because no voucher specimens are available from St. Croix, we exclude the family from this checklist.

HEMIRAMPHIDAE —halfbeaks (3 species)

* Hemiramphus balao Lesueur 1821 — Balao

Justification: St. Croix photograph of school identified as H. balao ( Randall, 1996:61) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Remarks: Voucher specimens are needed to confirm the St. Croix occurrence of this widely distributed Caribbean species.

Hemiramphus brasiliensis (Linnaeus 1758) — Ballyhoo

Listed as Hemirhamphus pleii by Cope (1871:481) and Hemiramphus brasiliensis by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 149513 (1, 247 mm BL), BIRNM; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:8); observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381) and during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49). Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, LA, nSA, sSA), EA.

* Hyporhamphus unifasciatus (Ranzani 1841) — Atlantic Silverstripe Halfbeak

Justification: ANSP 73295 (1) [identified by B. B. Collette]; MCZ 57865 (9) [identified by B. B. Collette]; MNHN B-1072 (1) [lectotype of H. richardi .]; ZMUC P. 342678 (1), ZMUC P. 342679 (1) .

Distribution: Banford and Collette (1993) WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: First described from St. Croix as the new species Hemiramphus richardi (see Table 4 ). Records of this species from Bermuda are based on misidentifications of Hyporhampus collettei , a recently described endemic ( Banford, 2010).

BELONIDAE —needlefishes (5 species)

Ablennes hians (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1846) — Flat Needlefish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:8); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:71); REEF (4/18). Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

* Platybelone argalus (Lesueur 1821) — Keeltail Needlefish

Justification: Observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (3/15). Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP).

Strongylura timucu (Walbaum 1792) — Timucu

Justification: UF 183082 (3, 79–86 mm BL), Great Pond Bay; ANSP 73292 (2) and ANSP 80622 (1). Distribution: Collette (1968) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Tylosurus acus acus (Lacepède 1803) — Atlantic Agujón

Justification: UF 180956 (1, 190 mm BL), Frederiksted Pier ; ZMUC P.342680 (1, 625 mm BL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845 .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Tylosurus acus occurs in all tropical seas except the eastern Pacific with four currently recognized subspecies; only the subspecies Tylosurus acus acus (Lacepède) occurs in the western Atlantic.

Tylosurus crocodilus (Péon and Lesueur 1821) — Houndfish (Gar)

Justification: MCZ 57864 (2, 155-258 BL), Tague Bay [identified by B. B. Collette]; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:8); REEF (14/6) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA, IWP.

POECILIIDAE —livebearers (2 species)

Clavio et al. (1980:9) reported Mosquitofish, as Gambusia spp. , as "common" and indicated that specimens were housed at the Bureau of Fish and Wildlife (BFW), St. Croix. One original BFW specimen lot (now UF 183002), collected from Caledonia Gut on 12 Aug 1980 and originally identified as Gambusia , was based on a misidentification of Poecilia mexicana (see below). This misidentification, the fact that Beatty (1944) did not record Gambusia , and our lack of observations or collections of Mosquitofish from suitable habitats in 2011-2012 despite considerable effort, strongly suggests that reports of this fish on St. Croix are attributable to misidentifications of juvenile Poecilia .

* Poecilia mexicana Steindachner 1863 — Shortfin Molly, Fig. 7A–B

Listed both as Mosquitofish, Gambusia sp. (see above) and Molly, Poecilia sp. by Clavio et al. (1980:9) and recorded as "introduced."

Justification: UF 181004 (3, 64–70 mm SL), Salt River ; UF 181028 (7, 17–47 mm SL), unnamed stream at East End road ; UF 180998 (4, 29–55 mm SL), Concordia / Mahogany Gut ; UF 180999 (5, 27–35 mm SL) and UF 183002 (6, 16–34), Caledonia Gut ; UF 183129 (21, 8–41 mm SL), Southgate Pond .

Distribution: Introduced freshwater species native to Atlantic coast from Texas to Costa Rica.

Remarks: Identification of this species is based on the distinguishing characters given in Schultz and Miller (1971) and Poeser (2003).

Poecilia reticulata Peters 1859 — Guppy, Fig. 7C–D

Justification: UF 180978 (44, 12– 27 mm SL) and UF 180980 (45, 12– 33 mm SL) Mahogany Gut ; UF 183252 (10, 21–27 mm SL), Creque Dam Gut .

Distribution: Widely introduced freshwater species and very common in aquarium trade; native to northern South America, Netherland Antilles, Venezueland Islands, Trinidad, Windward ( Barbados) and Leeward (St. Thomas and Antigua) islands ( Rosen and Bailey, 1963).

Remarks: Beatty (1944) reported the guppy as "common in all streams and reservoirs," perhaps an exaggeration as it certainly does not occur in all St. Croix streams currently.

ANOMALOPIDAE —flashlight fishes (1 species)

Kryptophanaron alfredi Silvester and Fowler 1926 — Caribbean Flashlight Fish, Fig. 7E

Justification: ANSP 144324 (2, 70.5– 96 mm SL), Salt River Canyon, 18–20 m, Sept., 1978.

Distribution: Colin et al. (1979) WA (BA, GA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: During daylight hours Kryptophanaron alfredi occurs in rugged, steep-profile habitats unsuitable for trawling and at depths too deep for Scuba diving. Although the species ascends to relatively shallow depths at night to feed, the timing and duration of the upward movement is strongly influenced by the moon phase and cloud cover. The blue-green bioluminescent lights of blinking flashlight fishes can be detected underwater from a distance of 10- 15 m. The species is very sensitive to strong illumination and rapidly seeks cover when dive lights are turned on. Collection of flashlight fishes requires night dives, with dive lights turned off, closely approaching an individual and only then blinding it with a strong light so that it can be dip-netted ( Colin et al., 1979).

The unique light source of flashlight fishes is a subocular luminous organ containing symbiotic luminescent bacteria. The bacteria continuously emit light and "turning off" the light is accomplished by partial downward rotation of the light organ and simultanously flipping a black membraneous shutter upward in front of it. Johnson and Rosenblatt (1988) describe the complex anatomical mechanisms associated with organ rotation and shutter blinks in flashlight fishes.

HOLOCENTRIDAE —squirrelfishes (8 species)

Flammeo marinus (Cuvier 1829) — Longjaw Squirrelfish Justification: UF (BIRNM, 11); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF

(273/226).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Remarks: We follow Dornburg et al. (2012) and Eschmeyer (2013) in assigning this species to Flammeo Jordan and Evermann instead of Neoniphon Castelnau.

Holocentrus adscensionis (Osbeck 1765) — Squirrelfish

Listed as Holocentrum longipinne by Cope (1871:465) and Holocentrus adscensionis by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 6); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:70); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (149/239).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA. Holocentrus rufus (Walbaum 1792) — Longspine Squirrelfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (366/341).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Myripristis jacobus Cuvier 1829 — Blackbar Soldierfish

Juveniles described as the new species Rhinoberyx chryseus (see Table 4 ) and adults listed as Myripristis jacobus by Cope (1871:464, 465).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 13); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:69); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (380/423).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Plectrypops retrospinis (Guichenot 1853) — Cardinal Soldierfish, Fig. 7F

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 15); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (8/1).

Distribution: WA (BD, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Sargocentron coruscum (Poey 1860) — Reef Squirrelfish

Listed as Adioryx coruscus and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:9).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 14); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (17/34).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Sargocentron poco (Woods 1955) — Saddle Squirrelfish

Listed as Adioryx poco and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:9).

Justification: UF 159664 (1, 87 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: WA (BD, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC).

Sargocentron vexillarium (Poey 1860) — Dusky Squirrelfish

Listed as Adioryx vexillarius and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:9).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 18); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (119/101).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

CAPROIDAE —boarfishes (1 species)

Antigonia capros Lowe 1843 — Deepbody Boarfish

Justification: UF 182987 (3, 97–128 mm SL), Lang Bank, 90 m, June 2010; SIO 76–207 (1), Frederiksted Roadsted, 17º42.5'N, 64º35.7'W .

Distribution: WA (BD, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA), EA, IWP.

Remarks: A deep-water species with adults occurring near the bottom in about 65– 350 m.

SYNGNATHIDAE —pipefishes and seahorses (11 species)

* Acentronura dendritica (Barbour 1905) — Pipehorse, Fig. 8A

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:338).

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Dawson (1982b) assigned this species to the genus Amphelikturus Parr but subsequently ( Dawson, 1985) treated Amphelikturus as a subgenus of Acentronura Kaup.

Anarchopterus tectus (Dawson 1978) — Insular Pipefish

Justification: Listed as Micrognathus tectus and "occasional in grassbeds" by Clavijo et al. (1980:10); there are also confirmed records from the northern Lesser Antilles.

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (FL, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Voucher specimens are needed to confirm the identification and occurrence of this pipefish at St. Croix.

Bryx dunckeri (Metzelaar 1919) — Pugnose Pipefish, Fig. 8D

Listed as Syngnathus dunckeri and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 14); ZMUC P.391076–91 (16, 37–55 mm SL), Frederiksted, 1922; recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:338).

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Bryx randalli (Herald 1965) — Ocellated Pipefish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5).

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (GA, LA, WC, nSA).

* Cosmocampus albirostris ( Kaup 1856) — Whitenose Pipefish

Justification: REEF (2/0). This species is unlikely to be confused with any another species of pipefish, and the observers were positive of the identification.

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Cosmocampus brachycephalus (Poey 1868) — Crested Pipefish

Listed as Hippichthys brachycephalus by Fowler (1951:25).

Justification: UF 180905 (1, 86 mm SL), Long Point Bay ; ANSP 73287 (1); listed as "occasional' by Clavijo et al. (1980:10) .

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (BD*, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Cosmocampus elucens (Poey 1868) — Shortfin Pipefish

Justification: UF 164662 (1, 108 mm SL), UF 164664 (2, 93–105 mm SL) and (BIRNM, 2); recorded, as Syngnathus elucens , from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:338) .

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Halicampus crinitus (Jenyns 1842) — Banded Pipefish (Harlequin Pipefish), Fig. 8B

Listed as Micrognathus ensenadae and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:10).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 8).

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Hippocampus reidi Ginsburg 1933 — Longsnout Seahorse, Fig. 8C

Listed as Hippocampus punctulatus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 183051 (1, 130 mm TL), SSW of Butler Bay; ANSP 820 (1); TCWC 6184.01 (1); ZMUC P.391074-75 (2); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:66); REEF (18/34) .

Distribution: Vari (1982) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Microphis brachyurus lineatus ( Kaup 1856) — Opossum Pipefish

Listed as Oostethus brachyurus lineatus and "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:10).

Justification: MCZ 43183 (1), Christiansted, 1957; USNM 106632 (3), Fairplain Stream, 1937 [identification by C. E. Dawson] .

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Under the name Doryrhamphus lineatus Beatty (1944:178) stated "taken in Fairplain Stream, below bridge." Dawson (1985) recognized four subspecies of Microphis brachyurus (Bleeker) , two in the Indo-West Pacific and two in the Atlantic; only the subspecies Microphis brachyurus lineatus occurs in the western Atlantic. The Opossum Pipefish breeds in both estuarine and freshwater. Adults are usually found in low salinity or freshwater areas.

Syngnathus caribbaeus Dawson 1979 — Caribbean Pipefish, Fig. 8E

Justification: UF 182935 (1, 122 mm SL), Triton Bay ; UF 180904 (5, 53–117 mm SL), Long Point Bay ; UF 181021 (1, 97 mm SL), Salt River ; UF 183057 (5, 84.5– 143 mm SL), Altona Lagoon; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11) .

Distribution: Dawson (1982b) WA (GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

AULOSTOMIDAE —trumpetfishes (1 species)

Aulostomus maculatus Valenciennes 1837 — Atlantic Trumpetfish

Listed as Aulostoma coloratum by Cope (1871:480) and as Aulostomus maculatus by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 10); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:65); REEF (299/407).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

FISTULARIIDAE —cornetfishes (1 species)

Fistularia tabacaria Linnaeus 1758 — Bluespotted Cornetfish

Justification: UF 183062 (1, 89.5 mm SL), Altona Lagoon; FMNH 52840 (1); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (5/6).

Distribution: Fritzsche (1976) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

DACTYLOPTERIDAE —flying gurnards (1 species)

Dactylopterus volitans (Linnaeus 1758) — Flying Gurnard

Justification: UF 183039 (2, 298–305 mm SL); FMNH 89590 (1); FMNH 89593 (1); ZMUC P.821995 (1); ZMUC P. 821996 (1); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:80); REEF (6/11) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA.

SCORPAENIDAE —scorpionfishes (8 species)

* Pontinus castor Poey 1860 — Longsnout Scorpionfish

Justification: We examined a color photograph of a 227 mm SL specimen caught on a vertical longline in 228–238 m by Jens Skon at 17.4564'N, 64.3677'W, on 2 Feb. 2005 [identification confirmed by W. N. Eschmeyer].

Distribution: Eschmeyer (1969) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, nSA).

Remarks: Reported from depths of 73–283 m ( Eschmeyer, 1969) so we include the species in this checklist.

* Pontinus rathbuni Goode and Bean 1896 — Highfin Scorpionfish

Listed as Pontinus macrolepis and "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:29).

Justification: SIO 76‒205 (1, 210 mm SL), Lang Bank [identification confirmed by W. N. Eschmeyer]. Distribution: Eschmeyer (1969) WA (North Carolina, FL, GOM, GA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Pterois volitans (Linnaeus 1758) . — Red Lionfish (Lionfish)

Justification: UF 183076 (1, 120 mm SL), SSW Butler Bay ; UF 183068 (2, 70–138 mm SL) Molasses Pier .

Distribution: Schofield (2010) and Betancur-R, et al., (2011) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA), IWP.

Remarks: This Indo-Pacific species is believed to be the first non-native marine fish to become established in the northwestern Atlantic and Caribbean Sea ( Whitfield et al., 2002; Schofield, 2010). The first reports of lionfish from the U. S. Virgin Islands were from two sites off the north shore of St. Croix in June 2008. Lionfish are now established throughout the Virgin Islands and have been taken inside the boundaries of Buck Island Reef National Monument ( Schofield, 2010) and at many other sites around St. Croix (William Coles, pers. com.). Lionfish densities have expanded rapidly at several localities and these predators are capable of drastically reducing recruitment of juvenile fishes on small patch reefs ( Albins and Hixon, 2008). The speed with which lionfishes have spread throughout the western Atlantic Ocean is unprecedented ( Schofield, 2010; Betancur-R, et al., 2011) and many countries and Caribbean islands, including St. Croix, are involved in efforts to control their numbers. One reason eradication efforts are unlikely to be successful is because lionfish have been observed at depths of 300 m, well beyond the limits of practical scuba diving.

* Scorpaena bergii Evermann and Marsh 1900 — Goosehead Scorpionfish

Justification: UF 164872 (1, 42 mm SL) and UF 164891 (1, 34 mm SL), (BIRNM, 2); ZMUC P.791504 (1, 49 mm SL), St. Croix , 1875; recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:339) .

Distribution: Eschmeyer (1965, 1969) WA (FL, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Scorpaena grandicornis Cuvier 1829 — Plumed Scorpionfish

Listed as Scorpaena grandicornis by Cope (1871:472) and Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF 182313 (4, 35‒39 mm SL), off Great Salt Pond ; ZMUC P.791500 (1, 77 mm SL), St. Croix, 1906; ZMUC P.1791503 (1, 101 mm SL), St. Croix, 1875 .

Distribution: Eschmeyer (1969) WA (BD*, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Scorpaena inermis Cuvier 1829 — Mushroom Scorpionfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 16); recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:339).

Distribution: Eschmeyer (1965, 1969) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Scorpaena plumieri Bloch 1789 — Spotted Scorpionfish, Fig. 8F

Listed as Scorpaena albofasciata by Flower (1951:27).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); UF 183276 (3, 85–150 mm SL) and UF 183280 (1, 220 mm SL), both Coakley Bay; ANSP 73289 (1); ZMUC P.791501 (1, 123 mm SL); ZMUC P.1791502 (1, 63 mm SL), St. Croix, 1875; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:76); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (54/74).

Distribution: Eschmeyer (1965, 1969) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena.

Scorpaenodes caribbaeus Meek and Hildebrand 1928 — Reef Scorpionfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 23).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

TRIGLIDAE —searobins (1 species)

* Prionotus ophryas Jordan and Swain 1885 — Bandtail Searobin, Fig. 9A Justification: St. Croix color photograph ( Randall, 1996:82), here reproduced with permission; Clavijo et al.

(1980:30) presumably identified this species as Prionotus sp. , listing it as rare and occuring in 1–15 meters. Distribution: Ginsburg (1950) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA). Remarks: The best references for identification of western Atlantic species of Prionotus are Ginsburg (1950) and Russell et al. (1992).

CENTROPOMIDAE —snooks (2 species)

* Centropomus ensiferus Poey 1860 ) — Swordspine Snook, Fig. 9B

Justification: UF 180893 (2, 127–295 mm SL), Salt River , Sugar Bay .

Distribution: WA (FL, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Centropomus undecimalis ( Bloch 1792) — Common Snook, Fig. 9C

Justification: UF 180887 (1, 209 mm SL), Salt River , Sugar Bay; ZMUC P.47421–22 (2), Frederiksted, Jan. 1906 .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Beatty (1944:178) stated for this species "common in the waters of Fairplain Stream."

SERRANIDAE —groupers and sea basses (41 species)

We do not follow Smith and Craig (2007), Craig et al. (2011) and Page et al. (2013) in classifying the groupers in a separate family Epinephelidae because the most recent molecular evidence supports a monophyletic Serranidae with groupers included (C.C. Baldwin and G. D. Johnson, pers. comm).

Alphestes afer (Bloch 1793) — Mutton Hamlet

Listed as Alphestes chloropterus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); observed in Tague Bay ( Mateo and Tobias, 2001:214); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008).

Distribution: Smith (1971) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Cephalopholis cruentata (Lacepéde 1802) — Graysby

Listed as Serranus coronatus by Cope (1871:466), and as Petrometopon cruentatum by Fowler (1919:144) and Clavijo et al. (1980:12).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 30); REEF (398/418).

Distribution: Smith (1971) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Described from St. Croix as new species Bodianus stellatus (see Table 4 ).

Cephalopholis fulva (Linnaeus 1758) — Coney

Listed as Serranus ouatalibi by Cope (1871:466) and as Cephalopholis fulva by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 15); REEF (405/409).

Distribution: Smith (1971) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Dermatolepis inermis (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1833) — Marbled Grouper

Justification : FMNH 89600 (1) "St. Croix," before Sept. 1911 [identification confirmed by P. Willink]. Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randal (1993) WA ( FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA) .

* Diplectrum formosum (Linnaeus 1766) — Sand Perch

Justification: REEF 4/0.

Distribution: Bortone (1977) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Shulman et al. (1983:1510) recorded juveniles of Diplectrum sp. , probably this species, colonizing small artifical reefs at Salt River Canyon. In his revision of the genus, Bortone (1977) reported one collection of D. formosum from "W. of Anegada Island," and we have examined a 165 mm SL specimen (ZMUC P.43771) from St. Thomas. In contrast, D. bivittatum (Valenciennes) is widely distributed in the northern Virgin Islands and we have examined one collection from St. Thomas (UF 207110), and the University of Puerto Rico collection (UPR) has additional holdings of the species from the British Virgin Is., St. John and St. Thomas. We assume that REEF observations of Diplectrum formosum (see above) are correctly identified because the color patterns of these two species are very different. In the absence of voucher specimens or good photographic documentation, identification of this species is provisional.

Epinephelus adscensionis (Osbeck 1765) — Rock Hind

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:24); (REEF (17/51).

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randall (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Epinephelus guttatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Red Hind

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 7); ZMUC P.43774 (1, 295 mm SL), Christiansted, 1906; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:88); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (102/158).

Distribution: Smith (1971) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein 1822) — Goliath Grouper (Jewfish)

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); one individual observed at Salt River Canyon ( Kaufman and Ebersole (1984:258).

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randall (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Remarks: Randall (1968:89) includes a photograph of a 340-pound fish caught at St. John. Since 1990 it has been illegal to harvest this grouper in U. S. waters. The Goliath Grouper shows no signs of recovery except in Florida and is currently listed as Critically Endangered ( Sadovy de Mitcheson et al., 2013). Records of this species from the eastern Pacific are based on misidentifications of the closely related Epinephelus quinquefasciatus Bocourt ( Craig et al., 2008) .

Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes 1828) — Red Grouper

Justification: Occasional landings reported by St. Croix fisherman ( Brownell and Rainey, 1971:52) and listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); REEF (1/4).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Epinephelus striatus ( Bloch 1792) — Nassau Grouper

Listed as Epinephalus striatus by Cope (1871:466) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: ZMUC P.43775 (1, 175 mm SL) St. Croix, July 1863; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:24); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (20/29).

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randal (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Gonioplectrus hispanus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Spanish Flag

Justification: AMNH 20856 (1, 197 mm SL); SIO 76‒205 (1, 192 mm SL), Lang Bank.

Distribution: Bullock and Smith (1991) WA (FL, GOM, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: We examined a color image of a 215 mm SL specimen (not retained) of this beautiful grouper caught in deep water NE of Horse Reef.

Hypoplectrus aberrans Poey 1868 — Yellowbelly Hamlet

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); REEF (1/3).

Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA). Hypoplectrus chlorurus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Yellowtail Hamlet

Listed as Plectropoma chlorurum by Cope (1871:466).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); spawning observed ( Lobel and Neudecker, 1985:80); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); color photograph of St. Croix fish ( Lobel, 2011:fig. 11); REEF (147/109).

Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Hypoplectrus guttavarius (Poey 1851) — Shy Hamlet

Listed as Plectropoma guttavarium by Cope (1871:466) and Hypoplectrus unicolor guttavarius by Fowler (1951:144).

Justification: UF 206972 (1), BIRNM; spawning studied ( Lobel and Neudecker, 1985); observed in East and West Wall censuses ( Toller, 2002: Appendix 1); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (32/44).

Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Hypoplectrus indigo (Poey, 1851) — Indigo Hamlet

Justification: Observed in Tague Bay ( Mateo and Tobias, 2001:214); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (5/5). Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Hypoplectrus nigricans (Poey 1852) — Black Hamlet

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); spawning observed ( Lobel and Neudecker, 1985:80); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (32/26).

Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Hypoplectrus puella (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Barred Hamlet

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); spawning observed ( Lobel and Neudecker, 1985:80); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (106/119).

Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Hypoplectrus unicolor (Walbaum 1792) — Butter Hamlet

Listed as Hypoplectrus unicolor by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 206971 (1); ANSP 13293 (1); spawning observed ( Lobel and Neudecker, 1985:80); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (110/113).

Distribution: Aguilar-Perera and González-Salas (2009) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Hyporthodus mystacinus (Poey 1852) — Misty Grouper (Johnpow)

Justification: Listed as Epinephelus mystacinus and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:24).

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randall (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BD, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: We follow Craig and Hastings (2007) and Craig et al. (2011) in assiging this grouper to the genus Hyporthodus Gill rather than its traditional placement in Epinephelus Bloch.

Liopropoma carmabi ( Randall 1963) — Candy Basslet

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:12); REEF (3/3).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Liopropoma mowbrayi Woods and Kanazawa 1951 — Cave Basslet

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:11); submersible observations in 40–200 m (García Sais, 2005:94); REEF (1/0).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Liopropoma rubre Poey 1861 — Peppermint Basslet

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); REEF (91/46).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Kotthaus (1970:20) described Flagelloserranus danae as a new genus and species from the vicinity of St. Croix (17º43'N, 64º56'W) where it was collected by trawl in 35 m. Like another Indo-Pacific species of Flagelloserranus described in the same paper, Randall and Taylor (1988) determined that the 14.2 mm SL holotype (ZMUC P.43208) is based on the postlarva of Liopropoma sp. Although species identification of the tiny holotype may be impossible, we provisionally identify it as Liopropoma rubre because it is by far the most common species of Liopropoma known from St. Croix.

* Mycteroperca acutirostris (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Western Comb Grouper

Listed as Trisotropis undulosus by Cope (1871:465) and as Mycteroperca ruber by Fowler (1919:144); Smith (1971:206) was less certain that these two synonymies apply to Mycteroperca acutirostris .

Justification: Clavijo et al. (1980) did not record this species and although there are no extant museum voucher specimens from St. Croix, the species has been reliably recorded from the northern Virgin Islands and St. Martin in the Leeward Islands.

Distribution: Heemstra and Randall (1993) WA (GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Randall and Heemstra (1993:262) discuss past taxonomic confusion associated with the name Mycteroperca rubra (Bloch) , which is based on an eastern Atlantic species. All literature references to " M. rubra " (or ruber ) from the western Atlantic actually apply to the closely related M. acutirostris . A color photograph of a small specimen (as M. rubra ) from St. John is given in Randall (1968:67) and Randall (1996:91) gives a color photograph of an adult from Bonaire. Voucher specimens or photographs are needed to confirm the St. Croix occurrence of this grouper.

* Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey 1860) — Black Grouper

Justification: Unmistakable photographic image in "Scuba Bob Klemow's Nekton St. Croix 2009" under King's Cross slide series http://www.scubadadreefpix.com/sc/pier.htm [30 May 2013].

Distribution: Heemstra and Randal (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Mycteroperca interstitalis (Poey 1860) — Yellowmouth Grouper

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:12); REEF (1/1).

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randall (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Mycteroperca tigris (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1833) — Tiger Grouper

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:12); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:24); observed by us at BIRNM; observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (10/ 35).

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randal (1993) WA (BA, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Mycteroperca venenosa (Linnaeus 1758) — Yellowfin Grouper

Justification: UF 206749 (1, 520 mm SL), obtained from St. Croix fisherman, Aug. 1960 (specimen can not be located but catalog ledger includes color notes taken by J. E. Randall that confirm the identification); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); REEF (6/8) .

Distribution: Smith (1971) and Heemstra and Randal (1993) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Paranthias furcifer (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Atlantic Creolefish

Listed as Brachryhinus creolus by Cope (1871:465), and as Paranthias furcifer by Fowler (1919:144) and Clavijo et al. (1980:12).

Justification: ZMUC P.43772–73 (2, 165–180 mm SL), Christiansted, 1906; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980); REEF (71/82).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA.

Remarks: In a recent molecular phylogeny of groupers, Craig and Hastings (2007) indicated that Paranthias furcifer and the eastern Pacific P. colonus (Valenciennes) are both nested within Cephalopholis . In a subsequent major publication on groupers of the world, Craig et al. (2011) retained the traditional Paranthias furcifer classification, "pending additional study." Unlike other Cephalopholis , the two species of Paranthias typically feed in the water column above the reef. Their reduced dentition, relatively small mouth and forked tail are adaptions associated with planktonic feeding that has occurred independently in other families of fishes with similar trophic ecology.

Parasphyraenops incisus ( Colin 1978) — Bantam Bass

Listed as Serranus incisus by Clavijo et al. (1980:12).

Justification: Listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980) with voucher specimens [identified by P. L. Colin] in UPR collection; REEF (9/0).

Distribution: WA (North Carolina, BA, GA, nSA).

Remarks: We follow Johnson and Smith-Vaniz (1987) in assigning this species to Parasphyraenops Bean. In addition to St. Croix, this diminutive planktivore (maximum size 55 mm SL) is known from Mona Island and Jamaica ( Colin, 1978), off North Carolina, the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos ( Quattrini et al., 2004) and Venezuela.

Pseudogramma gregoryi (Breder 1927) — Reef Bass, Fig. 9D

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 18).

Distribution: Randall and Baldwin (1997) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA), Ascension Island.

Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill 1818) — Freckled Soapfish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:13); REEF (16/29).

Distribution: Guimarães (1999) WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Voucher specimens are needed to unequivocally substantiate the occurrence of this small species of soapfish at St. Croix.

* Rypticus carpenteri Baldwin and Weigt 2012 — Slope Soapfish, Fig. 10A

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 13) [identified by Carole Baldwin]; UF 183074 (9, 36–62.5 mm SL), SSW of Butler Bay.

Distribution: Baldwin and Weight (2012) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: This recently described species can be easily confused with Rypticus subbifrenatus . According to Baldwin and Weight (2012), R. carpenteri differs in having the pectoral fin, outer portions of the soft dorsal, caudal and anal fins pale yellow to yellow (versus fins tan, straw colored or brown, and the same or darker than background trunk coloration); interorbital region usually with pair of dark spots at posterior end set slightly apart from orbital rim (interorbital region usually with two pairs of dark spots, one set on or abutting orbital rim and the other pair close behind and sometimes joined to form a stripe; and caudal fin usually with at least a few, sometimes tiny spots (caudal fin usually without spots but one or two spots sometimes present on base of fin).

Rypticus saponaceus ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Greater Soapfish

Listed as Rhypticus [sic] saponaceus by Cope (1871:467) and as Rypticus saponaceus by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 9); REEF (80/121).

Distribution: Guimarães (1999) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Rypticus subbifrenatus Gill 1927 — Spotted Soapfish, Fig. 10B

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 4) [identified by Carole Baldwin].

Distribution: Baldwin and Weight (2012) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Schultzea beta (Hildebrand 1940) — School Bass

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:12); REEF (5/0).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Serranus baldwini (Evermann and Marsh 1899) — Lantern Bass

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 10); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (49/26).

Distribution: WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Serranus chionaraia Robins and Starck 1961 — Snow Bass

Justification: ANSP 144373 (1, 42.8 mm SL), N. of Frederiksted, 34 m, March 1977.

Distribution: WA (FL, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Serranus luciopercanus Poey 1852 — Crosshatch Bass

Justification: USNM 289633 (1, 130 mm SL), shelf edge NW of BIRNM, Oct. 1970; one specimen caught on on shelf edge of St. Croix , NW of Buck Island in 73 m ( Brownell and Rainey, 1971:54) .

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Serranus tabacarius (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1829) — Tobaccofish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (140/153).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Serranus tigrinus ( Bloch 1790) — Harlequin Bass, Fig. 10C

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 10); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (390/403).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Serranus tortugarum Longley 1935 — Chalk Bass

Justification: UF 183138 (1, 18.6 mm SL), SSW of Butler Bay; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:13); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (4/2).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

GRAMMATIDAE —basslets (2 species)

Gramma linki Stark and Colin 1978 — Yellowcheek Basslet

Justification: ANSP 144645 (1, 35 mm SL), Cane Bay, 55 m, March 1977.

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, WC).

Gramma loreto Poey 1868 — Fairy Basslet

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); REEF (375/433).

Distribution: Böhlke and Randall (1963) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

OPISTOGNATHIDAE —jawfishes (4 species)

Opistognathus aurifrons (Jordan and Thompson 1905) — Yellowhead Jawfish Justification: UF 158566 (2, 29.4–35.4 mm SL), BIRNM; UF 183029 (1, 47.5 mm SL), Frederiksted Pier ;

ANSP 138139 (1); REEF (114/85). Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Opistognathus gilberti Böhlke 1967 — Yellow Jawfish

Justification: ANSP 138136 (1, 35.5 mm SL), Cane Bay, 42 m, May 1977.

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, WC).

Opistognathus maxillosus Poey 1860 ) — Mottled Jawfish, Fig. 10D

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 6); UF 183104 (1, 68.5 mm SL), Coakley Bay ; UF 231167 (4, 40–62 mm SL), Tague Bay; listed as "common" by Clavijo (1980:24) .

Distribution: Smith-Vaniz (1997) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Undocumented visual reports (REEF) of Opistognathus magrognathus Poey from St. Croix are assumed to have been based on misidentifications of O. maxillosus .

* Opistognathus whitehursti (Longley 1927) — Dusky Jawfish, Fig. 10E

Justification: UF 158565 (1, 10.6 mm SL) and UF 160639 (1, 53 mm SL), (BIRNM, 2); UF 183105 (2, 42.7–46.4 mm SL), Coakley Bay ; recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:339) .

Distribution: Smith-Vaniz (1997) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, SA).

CENTRARCHIDAE —sunfishes (3 species)

Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque 1819 — Bluegill

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo (1980:13).

Distribution: Widely introduced freshwater species, native to North America.

Lepomis microlophus (Günther 1859) — Redear Sunfish (Shellcracker)

Justification: UF 183035 (2, 145–173 mm SL), freshwater pond at Lower Love Estate , July 1977; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo (1980:13) .

Distribution: Widely introduced freshwater species, native to North America.

Micropterus salmoides (Lacepède 1802) — Largemouth Bass

Justification: UF 183035 (1, 268 mm SL), freshwater pond at Lower Love Estate , July 1977; listed as "rare" by Clavijo (1980:13) .

Distribution: Widely introduced freshwater species, native to North America.

PRIACANTHIDAE —bigeyes (4 species)

* Cookeolus japonicus (Cuvier 8219)— Bulleye

Justification: We examined a color photograph of adult caught on a vertical longline in 240–300 m off Baron's Bluff, July 2005 (see remarks).

Distribution: Circumtropical, Starnes (1988) WA (BD, BA, GA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, IWP, EA.

Remarks: Reported to be relatively common in 165–260 m; Cookeolus japonicus also has been taken as shallow as 60 m ( Starnes, 1988) and thus is included here.

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus (Lacepéde 1801) — Glasseye Snapper

Listed as Priacanthus macrophthalmus by Cope (1871:468) and as P. cruentatus by Clavijo et al. (1980:14).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5); UF 182991 (1, 185 mm SL), Butler Bay; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:117); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (180/200).

Distribution: Circumtropical, Starnes (1988) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Priacanthus arenatus Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1829 — Bigeye

Listed as Priacanthus arenatus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:13); observed during Frederiksted reef system ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (2/6).

Distribution: Starnes (1988) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Pristigenys alta (Gill 1862) — Short Bigeye

Justification: Listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:14).

Distribution: Starnes (1988) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

APOGONIDAE —cardinalfishes (17 species)

Apogon affinis (Poey 1875) — Bigtooth Cardinalfish, Fig. 11A

Listed as Cheilodipterus affinis and "occasional" by Clavijo et al., (1980:14).

Justification: UF 159357 (1, 36 mm SL), BIRNM; REEF (2/0).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA), EA.

* Apogon aurolineatus (Mowbray in Breder 1927) — Bridle Cardinalfish

Justification: Recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:342); REEF (6/2).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Although not listed by Clavijo et al. (1980), we tentatively accept the above records as reliable because the species has a broad Caribbean distribution and there are confirmed collections from St. John, St. Thomas and Tortola. Voucher specimens are needed to confirm the occurrence of this cardinalfish in St. Croix.

Apogon binotatus (Poey 1867) — Barred Cardinalfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 28); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (126/70).

Distribution: WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, LA, nSA).

Apogon lachneri Böhlke 1959 — Whitestar Cardinalfish, Fig. 11B

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 6); REEF (58/14).

Distribution: WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Apogon maculatus (Poey 1860) — Flamefish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 51); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:121); REEF (92/58).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Apogon pillionatus Böhlke and Randall 1968 — Broadsaddle Cardinalfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 6); REEF (3/0).

Distribution: Böhlke and Randall (1968) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Apogon planifrons Longley and Hildebrand 1940 — Pale Cardinalfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 10); REEF (10/5).

Distribution: Böhlke and Randall (1968) WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Apogon pseudomaculatus Longley 1932 — Twospot Cardinalfish Justification: Clavijo et al. (1980) did not record this species from St. Croix and we did not collect it. This

cardinalfish has a very distinctive color pattern and because misidentification would be unlikely we accept the following visual records: REEF (16/6).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Apogon quadrisquamatus Longley 1934 — Sawcheek Cardinalfish, Fig. 11C

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); UF 183141 (1, 27.8 mm SL), SSW Butler Bay .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Apogon robinsi Böhlke and Randall 1968 — Roughlip Cardinalfish

Justification: Observed at Salt River Canyon ( Bortone et al., 1986:7); REEF (2/0).

Distribution: WA (BD*, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Voucher specimens are required to confirm the identification and independently substantiate the above occurrence records; sight records of this species could have been misidentifications.

Apogon townsendi (Breder 1927) — Belted Cardinalfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 44); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:126); REEF (123/65).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Astrapogon alutus (Jordan and Gilbert 1882) — Bronze Cardinalfish

Justification: Listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:14).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Voucher specimens are required to confirm the identification and better document the St. Croix occurrence record. We accept the prior listing as reliable because Clavijo et al. recorded the other two species of Astrapogon as "occasional."

Astrapogon puncticulatus (Poey 1867) — Blackfin Cardinalfish, Fig. 11D

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 45).

Distribution: WA (BD, GOM, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Astrapogon stellatus (Cope 1867) — Conchfish, Fig. 11E

Justification: UF 180910 (1) and UF 181014 (1), both from off Long Reef and taken from conch shells; ANSP 80581 (1); ZMUC P.44321–22 (2, 35–45), St. Croix, Jan. 1872 .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: First described from St. Croix as the new species Apogonichthys melampodus (see Table 4 ).

Phaeoptyx conklini (Silvester 1915) — Freckled Cardinalfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 49).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Phaeoptyx pigmentaria (Poey 1860) — Dusky Cardinalfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 42).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA.

Phaeoptyx xenus ( Böhlke and Randall 1968) — Sponge Cardinalfish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:14); REEF (61/4).

Distribution: Böhlke and Randall (1968) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Voucher specimens are required to confirm the occurrence of this cardinalfish in St. Croix.

MALACANTHIDAE —tilefishes (2 species)

* Caulolatilus williamsi Dooley and Berry 1977 — Yellowbar Tilefish Justification: SIO 76–205 (1), Lang Bank [identification confirmed by H. J. Walker]; two specimens (not

saved) caught off St. Croix in depths between 126–180 m were also reported in Dooley and Berry's (1977) original description of the species; listed as Caulolatilus cyanops Poey , and as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15) based on a misidentification of the SIO specimen.

Distribution: WA (Cay Sal Bank, Mona Island, and St. Croix), but almost certainly more widely distributed.

Malacanthus plumieri (Bloch 1786) — Sand Tilefish

Listed as Malacanthus plumieri by Cope (1871:464).

Justification: FMNH 52813 (1); ZMUC P.45559 (1, 400 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1848; ZMUC P.45560 (1, 385 mm SL), St. Croix, June 1846; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:129); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (179/181). Distribution: Dooley (1978) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, SA), Ascension.

CARANGIDAE —jacks (19 species)

Alectis ciliaris (Bloch 1778) — African Pompano

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15); observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (2/0).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

Caranx bartholomaei Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1833 — Yellow Jack

Justification: UF 180972 (2); UF 182875 (1); ZMUC P.461595 (1, 101 mm FL), Christiansted, 1906; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); caught in fish traps in Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 10); REEF (6/13).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Caranx crysos (Mitchill 1815) — Blue Runner, Fig. 12A

Justification: UF 183277 (1, 173 mm FL), Frederiksted Pier; ZMUC P.461603 (1, 138 mm FL), Christiansted, 1906; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (34/26).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Caranx hippos (Linnaeus 1766) — Crevalle Jack, Fig. 12B

Listed as Caranx hippus [sic] by Cope (1871:472) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 180892 (3, 220–240 mm FL), Salt River; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15); observed in Salt River Canyon ( Arneson, 1979:4).

Distribution: Smith-Vaniz and Carpenter (2007) WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Caranx latus Agassiz 1831 — Horse-eye Jack

Justification: UF 180908 (3, 97–128 mm FL), Salt River; UF 1830701 (1, 137 mm FL), Rod Bay; FMNH 52804 (2); ZMUC P.461602 (1); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); REEF (48/78).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, EA.

Caranx lugubris Poey 1860 — Black Jack

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15); observed at Frederiksted fish market by G. D. Dennis (pers. comm.); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); REEF (2/2).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Caranx ruber (Bloch 1793) — Bar Jack

Listed as Selar ruber by Cope (1871:472) and as Caranx ruber by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 183281 (14, 150–174 mm FL), Frederiksted Pier; FMNH 52805 (2); ZMUC P.461651 (1, 416 mm FL), St. Croix, Sept. 1844; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (336/407).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena.

Remarks: Described from St. Croix as new species Scomber ruber (see Table 4 ).

* Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Linnaeus 1766) — Atlantic Bumper, Fig. 12C

Justification : ZMUC P.461594 (1, 245 mm FL, dry mount), St. Croix, 21 Dec. 1842; REEF (3/0). Distribution: WA ( BD *, FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA .

Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1833) — Mackerel Scad [Sea Robin]

Justification: UF 160672 (1, 210 mm FL), BIRNM; UF 181009 (10, 157–188 mm FL), Frederiksted fish market; FMNH 52806 (2); predominent pelagic species at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381, 384); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:71); REEF (69/31).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

* Decapterus punctatus (Cuvier 1829) — Round Scad

Justification: ANSP 169407 (2), Frederiksted, July 1957.

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA.

* Decapterus tabl Berry 1967 — Redtail Scad

Justification: color photograph (see remarks); REEF 4/3.

Distribution: Smith-Vaniz (2003) WA (BD, FL, GOM, nSA), Ascension and St. Helena, IWP; probably more widely distributed in Caribbean Sea.

Remarks: Lad Akin (pers. comm.) who is familar with this scad in Florida, especially its red caudal fin, reported seeing Decapterus tabl at St. Croix in 2013. A color photograph in Grace-McCaskey (2012, Fig. 12 ) of a fresh Decapterus in the left hand of a commercial fisher selling his catch at La Reine fish market, St. Croix, also appears to be D. tabl . Unfortunately, the image of the fish is very small in the photograph but there is no mistaking its red caudal fin. Voucher specimens or better photographs are needed to unequivocally document the St. Croix occurrence of this carangid.

Elagatis bipinnulata (Quoy and Gaimard 1825) — Rainbow Runner

Justification: UF 180973 (2); listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16); REEF (2/1).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Selar crumenophthalmus (Bloch 1793) — Bigeye Scad (Jackfish)

Listed as Selar crumenophthalmus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: ANSP 11283 (4); ZMUC P.461659 (1, 187 mm FL), St. Croix, Sept. 1844; ZMUC P.4623–24 (2, 160–170 mm FL), St. Croix, 1896; seasonal abundance in St. Croix shelf waters ( Tobias, 1991:82); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:71).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

* Selene brownii Cuvier 1831 ) — Full Moonfish, Fig. 12D

Listed as Vomer setapinnis by Cope (1871:472) and Vomer spixii by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification : ZMUC P.461 (1, 101 mm FL), St. Croix , 1896; ZMUC P.461591 (1, 165 mm FL), St. Croix Sept. 1848; ZMUC P.461592 (1, 185 mm FL), St. Croix, no date; ZMUC P.461667 (1, 155 mm FL), Christiansted, 1906 .

Distribution: WA (GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Selene brownii is superficially very similar to S. setapinnis (Mitchill) , but differs in having a more rounded head profile in adults and fewer total gill rakers (usually 31‒34 versus 34‒44).

Selene vomer (Linnaeus 1758) — Lookdown Justification: FMNH 90999 (1); MCZ 65049 (1); ZMUC P.461649 (1, 250 mm FL), St. Croix, no date; ZMUC

P.461650 (1, 165 mm FL), St. Croix , Jan. 1846. Distribution: WA ( FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA) .

Seriola dumerili (Risso 1810) — Greater Amberjack

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16); caught on Lang Bank (W. Tobias, pers. comm. to Jed Brown, 27 Aug. 2012).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP.

Seriola rivoliana Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1833 — Almaco Jack

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16); we also have seen a color photograph of an angler caught St. Croix fish; REEF (2/3).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Permit

Listed as Trachynotus rhomboides by Cope (1871:472) and as Trachinotus falcatus by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF 183071 (1, 103 mm FL) and UF 183088 (1, 84.5 mm FL), both Rod Bay; ANSP 149253 (1); MCZ 65047 (1); ZMUC P.461660 (1); ZMUC P.461665 (1), St. Croix, Sept. 1845.

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Trachinotus goodei Jordan and Evermann 1896 — Palometa

Listed as Trachynotus [sic] glaucus by Cope (1871:472) and as Trachinotus glaucus by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 4); ZMUC P.461661‒63 (3, 76‒145 mm FL); ZMUC P.461664 (1, 180 mm FL), St. Croix, April 1848.

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

RACHYCENTRIDAE —cobias (1 species)

Rachycentron canadum (Linnaeus 1766) — Cobia

Justification: Listed as "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Cobia apparently occur in St. Croix only as very rare waifs. William Tobias, who has worked as a fishery biologist in St. Croix for over 30 years, has never seen a locally caught Cobia, although there are reports of them from St. Thomas (Tobias, pers. comm. to Jed Brown, 27 Aug., 2012). Bunkley-Williams and Williams (2006) discuss the rarity of insular Caribbean records of Cobia, including Puerto Rico.

CORYPHAENIDAE —dolphinfishes (2 species)

Coryphaena equiselis Linnaeus 1758 — Pompano Dolphinfish

Justification: See remarks; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16).

Distribution: Circumtropical, Gibbs and Collette (1959) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Remarks: Epipelagic in tropical and subtropical seas worldwide, but precise western Atlantic range unknown because of past confusion with Coryphaena hippurus .

Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus 1758 — Dolphinfish (Mahi Mahi)

Justification: Dolphinfish (widely marketed as Mahi Mahi) is a priority pelagic fish caught by St. Croix anglers.

Distribution: Circumtropical, Gibbs and Collette (1959) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

ECHENEIDAE —remoras (4 species)

Although no voucher specimens are available for any species of remora, and two listed below have not previously been recorded from St. Croix, this is likely a collecting artifact. All four species have commensal or mutualistic relationships associated with removal of parasitic copepods from host species (see remarks) that are relatively common around St. Croix, and E. naucrates is a frequently sighted inshore remora associated with a wide variety of coral-reef fishes.

Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus 1758 — Sharksucker

Justification: Relatively common species with several photographs available from St. Croix; REEF (5/10). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension, St. Helena, EA, IWP.

* Remora brachyptera (Lowe 1839) — Spearfish Remora

Justification: Usually found on body or inside gill chamber of billfishes and sharks ( O'Toole, 2002:618) that occur off St. Croix.

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (FL, GOM, GA, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP, EP.

* Remora osteochir (Cuvier 1829) — Marlinsucker

Justification: This remora has a mutualistic relationship with billfishes ( O'Toole, 2002:618) that occur off St. Croix.

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Remora remora (Linnaeus 1758) — Remora

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:15); this remora has a mutualistic relationship, primarily with sharks ( O'Toole, 2002:618); (REEF (6/3).

Distribution: Circumtropical, WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP. Remarks: Several on-line photographs of fish identified as R. remora from St. Croix, including those of Pittman et al. (2008), are actually based on misidentifications of unusually large individuals of Echeneis naucrates .

LUTJANIDAE —snappers (15 species)

Apsilus dentatus Guichenot 1853 — Black Snapper (Black silk)

Listed as Lutjanus arnillus by Cope (1871:470) and as Apsilus dentatus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16); caught in traps on Lang Bank ( Brownell and Rainey, 1971:59); caught on deep-water vertical set lines ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:6).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Etelis oculatus (Valenciennes 1832) — Queen Snapper

Justification: ZMUC P.47423 (1, 195 mm SL), Frederiksted, 1906; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25).

Distribution: WA (BD, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lutjanus analis (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Mutton Snapper

Justification: ZMUC P.47425 (1, 115 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; ZMUC P.47426 (1, 160 mm SL), St. Croix, July 1863; listed catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:159); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (55/95).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lutjanus apodus (Walbaum 1792) — Schoolmaster

Justification: UF 180961 (9, 25‒94 mm SL), Salt River; UF 183278 (4, 100‒165 mm SL), Rod Bay; ZMUC P. 47428‒29 (2, 123‒225 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; ZMUC P.47430 (1, 105 mm SL) St. Croix, July 1863; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); caught in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (274/299).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA), EA.

Remarks: Moura and Lindeman (2007) have determined that literature reports of this species from southeastern Brazil are based on misidentifications of the Brazilian endemic Lutjanus alexandrei Moura and Lindeman.

Lutjanus buccanella (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Blackfin Snapper

Justification: UF 182975 (19, 32–48 mm SL), Frederiksted Pier; ZMUC P.47431-33 (3, 100–187 mm SL), Frederiksted, 1906; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:25); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:161); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (10/1).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lutjanus campechanus (Poey 1860) — Red Snapper

Listed as Lutjanus purpureus and "rare" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17).

Justification: UF 183006 (1, 139 SL), Butler Bay; three specimens of " Lutjanus purpureus ," identification confirmed by L. R. Rivas, caught in 64–73 m W. off Sandy Point ( Brownell and Rainey (1971:64).

Distribution: Rivas (1966) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Lutjanus campechanus and L. purpureus (Poey) have generally been considered to be closely related, essentially allopatric species ( Anderson, 2003) or subspecies but a genetic study ( Gomes et al. 2012) suggests that there is only a single species of red snapper. This change in taxonomic rank or species concept has been adopted by Eschmeyer (2013).

Lutjanus cyanopterus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Cubera Snapper

Justification: USNM 198837 (2); listed as part of Bigeye Scad by-catch ( Tobias, 1991:91); observed in Salt River Canyon ( Arneson, 1979:4); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:26); REEF (10/1).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lutjanus griseus (Linnaeus 1758) — Gray Snapper

Listed as Lutjanus griseus by Cope (1871:470) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: ZMUC P.47434‒38 (4, 108–113 mm SL) St. Croix, Sept. 1845; caught in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (18/41).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Remarks: Moura and Lindeman (2007) have determined that literature reports of this species from southeastern Brazil are based on misidentifications of the Brazilian endemic Lutjanus alexandrei .

Lutjanus jocu ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Dog Snapper

Justification: UF 182994 (1, 135 mm SL), Manning Bay Lagoon; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17); observed in Salt River Canyon ( Arneson, 1979:4); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:26); caught in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); submersible observations in 60-120 m (García Sais, 2005:93); REEF (5/9).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension Island.

Lutjanus mahogoni (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Mahogany Snapper

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 6); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (359/361).

Distribution: WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus 1758) — Lane Snapper

Justification: ZMUC P.47439 (1, 125 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; ZMUC P.47440–44 (5, 112–155 mm SL); caught in fish traps in Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996:Table 10); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:165); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (34/39).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Lutjanus vivanus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1828) — Silk Snapper

Listed as Lutjanus vivanus by Cope (1871:468) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:26). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Ocyurus chrysurus ( Bloch 1791) — Yellowtail Snapper

Listed as Ocyurus chrysurus by Cope (1871:468) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); UF 182874 (4, 54–77 mm SL), Frederkisted Pier; FMNH 52812 (3); ZMUC P.47445 (1, 240 mm SL) St. Croix, Sept. 1845; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:166); observed during Frederiksted reef system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (286/388).

Distribution: WA (BD, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Pristipomoides macrophthalmus (Müller and Troschel in Schomburgk 1848) — Cardinal Snapper

Justification: ZMUC P.47424 (1, 210 mm SL) Frederiksted, 1906; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Pristipomoides aquilonaris (Good and Bean) and P. macrophthalmus are very similar morphologically and co-occur in the Greater Antilles and probably other islands of the Antilles; see Anderson (1966) for distinguishing characters of both species.

Rhomboplites aurorubens (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1829) — Vermilion Snapper

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:26). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

LOBOTIDAE —tripletails (1 species)

Lobotes surinamensis ( Bloch 1790) — Atlantic Tripletail

Justification: UF 180976 (1); listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA), EA, IWP.

GERREIDAE —mojarras (8 species)

* Diapterus auratus Ranzani 1842 — Irish Pompano, Fig. 13A

Justification: UF 180902 (2, 50–57.5 mm SL), Salt River ; UF 182925 (3, 94–114 mm SL), Triton Bay; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49) .

Remarks: Tobias (2001) reported Diapterus olisthostomus (Goode and Bean, 1882) , a synonym of D. auratus (see Deckert and Greenfield, 1987), from Great Pond.

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Eucinostomus argenteus Baird and Girard 1855 — Spotfin Mojarra

Justification: Listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17); caught in fish traps in Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 10); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Eucinostomus gula (Quoy and Gaimard 1824) — Silver Jenny

Listed as Gerres gula by Cope (1871:461) and as Eucinostomus gula by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 180907 (1, 52 mm SL), Salt River; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:17). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Eucinostomus harengulus Goode and Bean 1879 — Tidewater Mojarra, Fig. 13B

Justification: UF (BIRNM 1); UF 182923 (3, 57–58 mm SL), Triton Bay ; UF 183146 (5, 36–65 mm SL), Great Pond Bay ; UF 183172 (5, 42–63 mm SL), Molasses Pier; ANSP 9222 (1, 52 mm SL) and ANSP 80626 (1) [identified by R. E. Matheson]; ZMUC P. 48386 (1, 120 mm SL), Frederiksted, Jan. 1906 .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Eucinostomus havana (Nichols 1912) — Bigeye Mojarra, Fig. 13C

Justification: UF 183091 (1, 94 mm SL), Rod Bay .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Eucinostomus jonesii (Günther 1879) — Slender Mojarra

Listed as Eucinostomus pseudogula (Fowler, 1930:646) .

Justification: UF 183159 (2, 52–55 mm SL), Altona Lagoon; FMNH 52818 (10); MCZ 65014 (4); abundant in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); observed in back-reef and lagoon censuses ( Adams and Ebersole, 2002:223).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Eucinostomus lefroyi Goode1874 ) — Mottled Mojarra

Justification: UF 181039 (4, 22–38 mm SL), Salt River; UF 183003 (6, 11–34 mm SL), Manning Bay Lagoon; ANSP 73286 (4) and ANSP 80621 (8); listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Gerres cinereus (Walbaum 1792) — Yellowfin Mojarra, Fig. 13D

Listed as Eucinostomus cinereus by Clavijo et al. (1980:18)

Justification: UF 183090 (7, 41–75 mm SL), Great Pond Bay; UF 183176 (3, 108–145 mm SL), Altona Lagoon; ZMUC P.48418 (1, 133 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1916; ZMUC P.48419–35 (17, 50–61 mm SL), St. Croix, Oct. 1917; abundant in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); observed in back-reef and lagoon censuses ( Adams and Ebersole, 2002:223); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (115/148).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA,VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

HAEMULIDAE —grunts (16 species)

Anisotremus surinamensis ( Bloch 1791) — Black Margate

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (43/ 50).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus 1758) — Porkfish

Listed as Anisotremus virginicus by Cope (1871:470) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 183004 (2, 55–134 mm SL); ANSP 11546 (1, 185 mm SL); ZMUC P.48447 (1, 111 mm SL) St. Croix, 1882; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (16/31).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Emmelichthyops atlanticus Schultz 1945 — Bonnetmouth

Justification: Observed at Salt River Canyon ( Bortone et al., 1986:7); REEF (6/1).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Emmelichthyops has traditionally been recognized as one of two monotypic genera, together with Inermia , comprising the family Inermiidae which collectively are commonly referred to as bonnetmouths. Characters shared by both genera such as highly protrusible jaw systems are modifications associated with planktivory and not a reflection of common ancestory. Following Sanciangco et al. (2011), E. atlanticus , together with Inermia (see following account of Haemulon vittatum ), are both assigned to the family Haemulidae based on a molecular phylogeny using mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The family Inermiidae is no longer recognized. Voucher specimens are needed due to possible misidentification with Haemulon vittatum .

Haemulon album Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830 — Margate

Justification: Catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:26); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (8/17).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA and Fernando de Noronha).

Haemulon aurolineatum Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830 — Tomtate

Justification: UF 182996 (1, 161 mm SL), Butler Bay; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:171); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (93/103).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Haemulon carbonarium Poey 1860 — Caesar Grunt

Justification: UF 182984 (39 mm SL), Manning Bay Lagoon; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (258/203).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, CW, nSA).

Haemulon chrysargyreum Günther 1859 — Smallmouth Grunt

Justification: UF 182967 (1, 148 mm SL), Butler Bay; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photograph available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (275/247).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, Atoll Rocas and Fernando de Noronha).

Haemulon flavolineatum (Desmarest 1832) — French Grunt

Listed as Haemulum xanthopterum by Cope (1871:471) and as Haemulon flavolineatum by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 20); ZMUC P.48449 (1, 135 mm SL) St. Croix, Sept. 1845; ZMUC P.48450 (1, 155 mm SL) St. Croix, Oct. 1863; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:167); observed during Frederiksted reefsystem censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (433/526).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Haemulon macrostomum Günther 1859 — Spanish Grunt

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27); caught in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (19/63).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Haemulon melanurum (Linnaeus 1758) — Cottonwick

Listed as Haemulum melanurum by Cope (1871:471) and as Haemulon melanurum by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 160119 (1, 63.5 mm SL), BIRNM; ZMUC P.48442 (1, 200 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (8/16).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Haemulon parra (Desmarest 1832) — Sailors Choice

Justification: UF 182970 (1, 176 mm SL), Frederiksted Harbor; UF 182312 (4, 43–68 mm SL); ZMUC P.48443 (1, 198 mm SL), St. Croix, Nov., 1842; caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (12/33).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Haemulon plumierii (Lacepéde 1801) — White Grunt

Listed as Haemulum formosum by Cope (1871:470) and as Haemulon plumieri by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5); ZMUC P.48451‒52 (2, 135–175 mm SL) St. Croix, Oct. 1863; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (258/203).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Haemulon sciurus (Shaw 1803) — Bluestriped Grunt

Listed as Haemulum elegans by Cope (1871:471) and as H. sciurus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 182976 (1, 146 mm SL), Frederiksted Harbor; ZMUC P.48445–46 (23, 131–193 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1842; catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27); caught in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (288/310).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Described from St. Croix as new species Anthias formosus (see Table 4 ).

* Haemulon striatum (Linnaeus 1758) — Striped Grunt

Listed as Haemulon quadrilineatum by Cope (1871:471) and as Bathystoma striatum by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: ZMUC P.48437–38 (2, 145–148 mm SL); ZMUC P.48439 (1, 140 mm SL), St. Croix, April 1847; ZMUC P.48440–41 (2, 115–133 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1844; observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:72); REEF (2/7).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Haemulon vittatum (Poey 1960) — Boga

Listed as Inermia vittata and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:16).

Justification: UF 159763 (11, 16.5–30.5 mm SL), BIRNM; observed, as Inermia vittata , at Salt River Canyon ( Bortone et al. 1986:8) and during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (34/22).

Distribution: WA (BD, North Carolina, FL, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Until recently Inermia vittat a, together with Emmelichthyops atlanticus Schultz , was placed in a separate family Inermiidae . A recent study ( Rocha et al., 2008) based on molecular sequence data utilizing four genes conclusively supports placement of the Boga within the genus Haemulon .

* Pomadasys crocro (Cuvier 1830) — Burro Grunt

Justification: Catch statistics for 1990 ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: This species typically occurs in brackish-water habitats. Voucher specimens or high quality photographs should be obtained to confirm and document the occurrence record.

INERMIIDAE —bonnetmouths (see Haemulidae )

SPARIDAE —porgies (4 species)

Archosargus rhomboidalis (Linnaeus 1758) — Sea Bream, Fig. 13E

Justification: UF 182922 (1, 172 mm SL), Triton Bay; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); caught in fish traps in Salt River and Altona Lagoon ( Tobias et al., 1996: Tables 1 & 10); caught in fish traps in Salt River Bay ( Adams and Tobias, 1999:27).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Calamus bajonado ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Jolthead Porgy

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:18); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:27); observed in Eagle Ray census ( Toller, 2002: Appendix 2E); REEF (5/5).

Distribution: Randall and Caldwell (1966) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Calamus penna (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1830) — Sheepshead Porgy

Justification: UF 183015 (1, 194 mm SL), Butler Bay; UF 183073 (2, 77–78 mm SL), Great Pond Bay. Distribution: Randall and Caldwell (1966) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Calamus pennatula Guichenot 1868 — Pluma porgy

Listed as Chrysophrys calamus Cope (1871:470) and as Calamus calamus by Fowler (1919:144); these records are based on specimens that could not be found at ANSP and the synonymies are based on our redeterminations of Cope and Fowler specimens, originally identified as C. calamus , from non-St. Croix localities.

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:19).

Distribution: Randall and Caldwell (1966) WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, CW, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Clavijo et al. (1980) did not record the Saucereye Porgy, Calamus calamus (Valenciennes 1830) , but listed as "occasional" the same three Calamus species we accept as being present in St. Croix. Presumably they would have been familiar with the important Randall and Caldwell (1966) review of Calamus and have based their identifications on specimens obtained from fishers rather than on underwater sightings. There are a number of diver census records of C. calamus from St. Croix, but we doubt the accuracy of these identifications as there are few or no sightings of other Calamus species.

POLYNEMIDAE —threadfins (2 species)

Polydactylus oligodon (Günther 1860) — Littlescale Threadfin

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:24).

Distribution: Randall (1966a) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Polydactylus oligodon is very similar superficially to P. virginicus but differs in having more lateralline scales 67–73 (vs. 54–63) and anal-fin rays 13–15 (mean =14), vs. 12–14 (mean =13). Randall (1966) noted differences in pigmentation and shape of the posterior margin of the maxilla between Polydactylus oligodon and P. virginicus but Feltes (2002:1581) found too much variation in these characters to clearly distinguish the two species. Voucher specimens are needed to confirm the occurrence of this species in St. Croix.

Polydactylus virginicus (Linnaeus 1758) — Barbu

Justification: UF 180888 (1, 210 mm SL), Salt River , Sugar Bay; FMNH 89594 (1); ZMUC P.7221–22 (2), Great Pond, Feb. 1906 .

Distribution: Randall (1966) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

SCIAENIDAE —drums (7 species)

Corvula sanctaeluciae Jordan 1889 — Striped Croaker, Fig. 14A

Listed as Bairdiella sanctaeluciae and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:19).

Justification: UF 180911 (1, 36 mm SL), Long Point Bay ; Yntema (1972) first reported this species from St. Croix based on a trap-sampling survey in Manning Bay Lagoon .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Allocation of this species to the genus Corvula follows Chao (2003), who stated that this species is common over muddy and sandy bottom throughout the Antilles.

Equetus lanceolatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Jackknife-fish

Listed as Eques lanceolatus by Cope (1871:471) and as Equetus lanceolatus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 183010 (1, 154 mm SL), Frederiksted Harbor; ANSP 11562 (1, 135 mm SL); FMNH 89589 (1); St. Croix photograph of juvenile ( Randall, 1996:191); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (5/15).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Equetus punctatus ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Spotted Drum, Fig. 14B

Listed as Eques punctatus by Cope (1871:471) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF 160684 (1, 194 mm SL), BIRNM; caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available and observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:74); REEF (124/136).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest 1823) — Whitemouth Croaker, Fig. 14C

Justification: UF 180891 (1, 355 mm SL), Salt River , Sugar Bay .

Distribution: WA (FL, GA, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Odontoscion dentex (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830) — Reef Croaker

Justification: UF 182974 (7, 57‒94 mm SL), Long Point; listed as "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:19); small juveniles colonizing artifical reefs ( Shulman et al., 1983:1510); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); REEF (15/1).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Pareques acuminatus ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — High-hat

Listed as Eques acuminatus by Cope (1871:471) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM,7); ANSP 11566 (1, 136 mm SL); ZMUC P.49694 (1), Christiansted, March 1906; caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (36/47).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Umbrina coroides Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830 — Sand Drum, Fig. 14D

Justification: We examined photographs of a 170 mm SL specimen collected by Wes Toller with a pole spear at Dorsch Beach, near Sandy Point on 10 Feb. 2007; this species was also observed during Frederiksted reefsystem censuses ( Toller, 2007:50).

Distribution: Gilbert (1966) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

MULLIDAE —goatfishes (2 species)

Mulloidichthys martinicus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1829) — Yellow Goatfish. Justification: UF 183011 (1, 171 mm SL), Butler Bay ; UF 183089 (1, 93 mm SL), Great Pond Bay; FMNH

7363 (1) and FMNH 52803 (4); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:194); REEF (370/390). Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch 1793) — Spotted Goatfish

Listed as Upeneus maculatus by Cope (1871:471) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 4); FMNH 89597 (1); REEF (318/338).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

PEMPHERIDAE —sweepers (1 species)

Pempheris schomburgkii Müller and Troschel in Schomburgk 1848 — Glassy Sweeper

Justification: UF 160087 (21, 26–59 mm SL), BIRNM; UF 180985 (1, 117 mm SL), Frederiksted Pier; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); REEF (29/29).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

KYPHOSIDAE —sea chubs (3 species)

While this monograph was in press, Sakai & Nakabo's (2014) review of Atlantic Kyphosus was published. Their nomenclature, used herein, differs substantially from that adopted by Knudsen and Clements (2013). Reconciling the two opposing classifications will require additional study.

* Kyphosus bigibbus (Lacepéde 1801) — Darkfin Chub

Justification: ZMUC jour. (62 mm SL) [identified by Knudsen and Clements (2013:23)].

Distribution: Knudsen and Clements (2013) WA (BD, LA, WC, sSA), EA, IWP.

Remarks: Kyphosus bigibbus differs from K. sectatrix primarily in having fewer total gill rakers 19–22 (versus 22–25) and more vertebrae 10+16 (versus 10+15).

Kyphosus sectatrix (Linnaeus 1758) — Bermuda Chub

Justification: UF 181027 (1); ZMUC P.51124 (1), St. Croix , March , 1851; observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); we observed schools of Bermuda Chub around riprap near the shore at Frederiksted Pier in January 2012 .

Distribution: Circumtropical, Knudsen and Clements (2013) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Remarks: Sakai and Nakabo (2014) regard K. sectatrix as a nomina dubia (unavailable name) and, according to their study, the above specimens would be identified as K. atlanticus Sakai and Nakabo.

* Kyphosus vaigiensis (Quoy and Gaimard 1825) — Yellow Chub

Justification: UF 180974 (1, 40 mm SL), Bethlehem Middle Works .

Distribution: Circumtropical, Knudsen and Clements (2013) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, WC, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA, IWP, EP.

Remarks: This species was previously identified as Kyphosus incisor (Cuvier 1831) and considered to be restricted to the Atlantic Ocean. Knudsen and Clements (2013) have concluded that it actually occurs in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions and was first described from Indonesia. Kyphosus vaigiensis differs from the other two St. Croix species of Kyphosus in having more segmented dorsal-fin rays 13–14 (versus 11–12) and anal-fin rays 12–14 (versus 10–12, usually 11). In life, adults have distinct brassy stripes (versus pale yellow in K. sectatrix ). Following Sakai and Nakabo (2014), the above specimen would retain the name K. incisor .

CICHLIDAE —cichlids (2 species)

Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters 1852) — Mozambique Tilapia, Figs. 14 E-F

Listed as Sarotherodon mossambica and as "introduced, occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:20); reported from Great Pond ( Tobias, 2001).

Justification: UF 182973 (1, 175 mm SL), freshwater pond at Lower Love Estate , July 1977 ; UF 182981 (4, 51–63 mm SL), South Gate Pond , Aug. 1980 ; UF 182882 (8, 32–44 mm SL), Oct. 1980 and UF 180970 (36, 24–66 mm SL), May 2011 , both Westend Saltpond, S. of Frederiksted; UF 183059 (5, 33–40 mm SL), Mahogany Gut , Jan. 2012 ; UF 183279 (9, 26–151 mm SL), Creque Dam Gut , Jan. 2012 .

Distribution: A highly salt-tolerant freshwater species native to Africa but widely introduced for aquaculture, including St. John ( Loftus, 2003), Puerto Rico and Florida.

Remarks: The first record of Mozambique Tilapia at St. Croix is July 1977 (see above). By 1980 this tilapia had been collected at three other localities and is now firmly established throughout the island. This species attains a size that makes it a sought-after food fish, thus tempting local fishers to introduce it more widely. Unfortunately, it is capable of successfully competing with other freshwater fishes, possibly resulting in their elimination at some localities. This mouthbrooding species has negatively impacted many tropical aquatic ecosystems due to its agressive, omnivorous feeding habits and precocious breeding behavior ( Lobel, 1980; Costa-Pierce, 2003).

Cichla ocellaris Bloch and Schneider 1801 — Butterfly Peacock Bass (Peacock Bass)

Justification: Listed as "introduced, occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:20).

Distribution: Widely introduced freshwater species, including southern Florida and Puerto Rico; native to South America.

Remarks: The Peacock Bass was probably originally introduced to one or more private ponds. We doubt that the species is established on St. Croix.

CHAETODONTIDAE —butterflyfishes (5 species)

Chaetodon capistratus Linnaeus 1758 — Foureye Butterflyfish

Listed as Sarothrodus capistratus by Cope (1871:474) and as Chaetodon capistratus by Fowler (1919:145). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); ZMUC P.52491–92 (2), St. Croix, June 1846; REEF (420/518).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Chaetodon ocellatus Bloch 1778 . — Spotfin Butterflyfish

Listed as Sarothrodus bimaculatus by Cope (1871:474) and as Chaetodon ocellatus by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: ANSP 12289 (1) [identified by W. E. Burgess]; observed in Yellowcliff Bay ( Mateo and Tobias, 2001:213); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:71); REEF (39/60).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA).

Chaetodon sedentarius Poey 1860 — Reef Butterflyfish

Listed as Chaetodon sedentarius by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF 182978 (1, 102 mm SL), Butler Bay ; ZMUC P.52493 (1, 94 mm SL), St. Croix, July 1863; REEF (14/22) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA,VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Chaetodon striatus Linnaeus 1758 — Banded Butterflyfish

Listed as Sarothrodus striatus by Cope (1871:474) and as Chaetodon striatus by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); UF 183186 (7, 82–106 mm SL), Ham's Bay ; ANSP 12303 (4); ZMUC P.52494 (1, 100 mm SL), July 1863; observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:71); REEF (354/ 387) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Prognathodes aculeatus (Poey 1860) — Longsnout Butterflyfish

Justification: AMNH 88374 (2); mating system of this species studied at St. Croix ( Neudecker and Lobel, 1982); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:215); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:71); REEF (205/228).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

POMACANTHIDAE —angelfishes (5 species)

Centropyge argi Woods and Kanazawa 1951 — Cherubfish

Justification: ANSP 143844 (1, 37.4 mm SL), N. of Frederiksted, 37 m, March 1977; REEF (1/1). Distribution: WA ( BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA) .

Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus 1758) — Queen Angelfish

Listed as Holacanthus ciliaris by Cope (1871:474) and as Angelichthys ciliaris by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:217); REEF (93/126).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: First described from St. Croix as the new species Holocanthus [sic] lunatus (see Table 4 ). Holacanthus tricolor (Bloch 1795) — Rock Beauty

Listed as Holacanthus tricolor by Cope (1871:474) and Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 4); REEF (283/343).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Pomacanthus arcuatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Gray Angelfish

Listed as Pomacentrus quinquecinctus by Cope (1871:474) and Pomacanthus arcuatus by Fowler (1919:145). Justification: ZMUC P.52495 (1, 215 mm SL), St. Croix, Oct. 1831; ZMUC P.52496 (1, 255 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; St. Croix photographs ( Randall, 1996:220, 221); REEF (45/81).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Pomacanthus paru (Bloch 1787) — French Angelfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); UF 182968 (1, 78 mm SL), Frederiksted Pier ; ZMUC P.52497-98 (2, 85‒109 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:222); REEF (122/201) .

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA).

CIRRHITIDAE —hawkfishes (1 species)

Amblycirrhitus pinos (Mowbray 1927) — Redspotted Hawkfish, Fig. 15A

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:49); REEF (196/140).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA), St. Helena.

POMACENTRIDAE —damselfishes (14 species)

Abudefduf saxatilis (Linnaeus 1758) — Sergeant Major

Listed as Glyphidodon saxatilis by Cope (1871:461) and as Abudefduf marginatus by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 5); REEF (403/502).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Abudefduf taurus (Müller and Troschel in Schomburgk 1848) — Night Sergeant

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); UF 183007 (1, 121 mm SL), Frederiksted Pier; REEF (18/23).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA), EA.

Chromis cyanea (Poey 1860) — Blue Chromis

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); REEF (411/492).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Chromis enchrysura Jordan and Gilbert 1882 — Yellowtail Reeffish

Justification: Submersible observations in 40–150 m (García Sais, 2005:94); REEF (0/2).

Distribution: Emery and Smith-Vaniz (1982) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA, St. Paul's Rocks).

Chromis insolata (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830) — Sunshinefish

Justification: UF 182860 (1, 28.5 mm SL), Butler Bay ; depth-gradient preferences at Salt River Canyon ( Johnson, 1980); submersible observations in 40–210 m (García Sais, 2005:93); REEF (40/26) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Chromis multilineata (Guichenot 1853) — Brown Chromis

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 6); REEF (410/448).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension and St. Helena, EA.

Chromis scotti Emery 1968 — Purple Reeffish

Justification: ANSP 144613 (1, 43.6 mm SL), Cane Bay, 55 m, March 1977; REEF (1/1).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Microspathodon chrysurus (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830) — Yellowtail Damselfish

Listed as Microspathodon chrysurus by Cope (1871:461) and Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 7); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:230); REEF (366/434).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA, Trinidade Island).

Stegastes adustus (Troschel in Müller 1865) — Dusky Damselfish

Listed as Eupomacentrus dorsopunicans (Poey) and "very common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:21).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 24); REEF (181/244).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Stegastes diencaeus (Jordan and Rutter 1897) — Longfin Damselfish

Listed as Eupomacentrus mellis (Emery and Burgess) and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:21). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 25); REEF (342/276).

Distribution: WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Stegastes leucostictus (Müller and Troschel in Schomburgk 1848) — Beaugregory

Listed as Pomacentrus leucostictus by Cope (1871:461) and Fowler (1919:144), and as Eupomacentrus leucostictus by Clavijo et al. (1980:21).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 38); REEF (237/295).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Stegastes partitus (Poey 1868) — Bicolor Damselfish

Listed as Eupomacentrus partitus and "common" by Claijo et al. (1980:21).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 47); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:235); REEF (410/493).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Stegastes planifrons (Cuvier in Cuv. & Val. 1830) — Threespot Damselfish

Listed as Eupomacentrus planifrons and "common" by Clavijo et al. (1980:21).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 20); REEF (292/278).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Stegastes xanthurus (Poey 1860) — Cocoa Damselfish

Listed as Eupomacentrus variabilis and "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:21).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); REEF (143/143).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Stegastes xanthurus was described from Cuba and has generally been considered to be a synonym of S. variabilis (Castelnau 1855) , which was described from Brazil. Brazilian populations are genetically distinct ( Robertson and Van Tassel, 2012) and can also be distinguished by color pattern (R. Robertson, pers. comm.); hence we use the earliest name available for the Caribbean species. The status of the Bermuda population is uncertain. This change in scientific names is similar to the situation with the surgeonfish, Acanthurus tractus .

LABRIDAE —wrasses and parrotfishes (31 species)

Remarks: Parrotfishes have traditionally been recognized as a distinct family, the Scaridae . A phylogenetic analysis ( Westneat and Alfaro, 2005) has revealed that the parrotfishes are nested within a monophyletic Labridae , and this classification has been followed by others (e.g., Choat et al., 2012; Page et al., 2013).

Bodianus pulchellus (Poey 1860) — Spotfin Hogfish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:21); REEF (1/0).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: Feddern (1963) described ontogenetic color-pattern changes and distinguishing characters of Bodianus pulchellus and B. rufus and noted that lack of distributional records for B. pulchellus (from the northern Virgin Is. and Lesser Antilles) may be a collecting artifact due to its avoidance of shallow water and preference for rocky habitats.

Bodianus rufus (Linnaeus 1758) — Spanish Hogfish

Listed as Cossyphus rufus by Cope (1871:463) and as Bodianus rufus by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); ZMUC P.58193 (1, 183 mm SL), St. Croix, 1862; ZMUC P.58194 (1, 214 mm SL), St. Croix, Dec. 1843; on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (365/408).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Clepticus parrae ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Creole Wrasse

Listed as Clepticus genizarra by Cope (1871:463) and as Clepticus parrae by Fowler (1919:145). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); ZMUC P.58192 (1, 185 mm SL); REEF (355/344).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Cryptotomus roseus Cope 1871 — Bluelip Parrotfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); REEF (30/10).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA), Ascension Island.

* Decodon puellaris (Poey 1860) — Red Hogfish

Listed as Decodon puellaris by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: ZMUC P.58195 (1, dry mount), St. Croix, 21 Nov. 1842 [identification confirmed by Martin F. Gomon].

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: The single specimen Fowler (1919) reported from St. Croix could not be located to confirm the identification. Decodon puellaris is a deep-water species (18–275 m) that is seldom seen by divers but has a broad western Atlantic distribution ( Gomon, 1974).

Doratonotus megalepis Günther 1862 ) — Dwarf Wrasse

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 13); recorded from Tague Bay ( Robblee and Zieman, 1984:338).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA), EA.

Halichoeres bivittatus ( Bloch 1791) — Slippery Dick

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 51); REEF (196/209).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA).

* Halichoeres cyanocephalus ( Bloch 1791) — Yellowcheek Wrasse

Justification: Negligibly present in back-reef visual censuses ( Adams and Ebersole, 2002:224); observed in Lang Bank censuses ( Toller, 2002: appendix 2A); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (11/3).

Distribution: WA (FL, GA,VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Clavijo et al. (1980) did not list this species but we examined an unmistakable color photograph of a large terminal male H. cyanocephalus caught in 12 m off Scotch Bank, NW of Christiansted, on 30 March 2006. Reports of this species from southern Brazil are based on misidentifications of H. dimidiatus (Agassiz) , see Rocha (2004).

Halichoeres garnoti (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1839) — Yellowhead Wrasse

Listed as Platyglossus ruptus by Cope (1871:464) and as Halichoeres garnoti by Fowler (1919:144). Justification: UF (BIRNM, 45); REEF (414/441).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Halichoeres maculipinna (Müller and Troschel in Schomburgk 1848) — Clown Wrasse

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 20); REEF (301/169).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Remarks: Reports of this species from southern Brazil are based on misidentifications of H. penrosei Starks (see Rocha 2004).

Halichoeres pictus (Poey 1860) — Painted wrasse

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3); REEF (113/16).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Halichoeres poeyi (Steindachner 1867) — Blackear Wrasse

Listed as Halichoeres poeyi by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); REEF (23/1).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA, sSA).

Halichoeres radiatus (Linnaeus 1758) — Puddingwife Wrasse

Listed as Platyglossus crotaphus and Platyglossus cyanostigma by Cope (1871:463 & 464), and as Halichoeres radiatus by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); REEF (220/154).

Distribution: Rocha and Rosa (2001) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, Fernando de Noronha, Atol das Rocas, St. Paul's Rocks).

Remarks: Reports of this species from the southern Brazilian continental shelf and Trindade Island are based on the superficially similar H. brasiliensis (Bloch) , see Rocha and Rosa (2001).

Lachnolaimus maximus (Walbaum 1792) — Hogfish

Justification: FMNH 59299 (1), St. Croix, Aug. 1908; listed as "rare" by Claijo et al. (1980:22); catch statistics ( Appeldoorn et al., 1992:28); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:73); REEF (9/ 21).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA).

Nicholsina usta (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1840) — Emerald Parrotfish (Red Eye Parrotfish)

Justification: UF 165332 (1, 13.2 mm SL), BIRNM; listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:22); caught in fish traps in Salt River ( Tobias et al., 1996: Table 1 ); REEF (10/0).

Distribution: WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA). Remarks: This species is replaced in the eastern Atlantic by Nicholsina colletti Schultz 1968 , which was originally described as a subspecies of Nicholsina usta , but is highly divergent genetically ( Robertson et al., 2006).

Scarus coelestinus Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1840 — Midnight Parrotfish

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Claijo et al. (1980:22); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:273); REEF (0/10).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Scarus coeruleus (Bloch 1786) — Blue Parrotfish

Justification: ZMUC P.5966 (1, 192 mm SL), St. Croix, Dec., 1848; ZMUC P.5967 (1), St. Croix, Dec. 1846; ZMUC P.5968 (1, 219 mm SL), St. Croix, Oct., 1844; REEF (1/10).

Distribution: WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: Clavijo et al. (1980:22) listed this parrotfish as “occasional.” Kojis and Quinn (2010:303) reported that the abundance of Blue Parrotfish appears to have greatly declined in the past 20 years.

Scarus guacamaia Cuvier 1829 — Rainbow Parrotfish.

Justification: Listed as "occasional" by Clavijo et al. (1980:22); observed at Salt River Canyon (Workman et al., 1984:381; Bortone et al., 1986:9); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:260); observed in northeastern St. Croix censuses ( Pittman et al., 2008:74); REEF (17/25).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

Scarus iseri ( Bloch 1789) — Striped Parrotfish

Listed as Scarus sanctaecrucis and Scarus diadema by Cope (1871:461), as Callyodon diadema and C. croicensis by Fowler (1919:145), and Scarus iserti by Clavijo et al. (1980:23).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 22); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:277); REEF (346/321).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: First described from St. Croix as new species Callyodon iseri , Scarus croicensis and Scarus Insulae St. crucis [sic] (see Table 4 ).

Scarus taeniopterus Desmarest in Bory de Saint-Vincent 1831 — Princess Parrotfish

Listed as Scarus taeniopterus by Cope (1871:461) and as Callyodon taeniopterus by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 20); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (391/426).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Scarus vetula ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Queen Parrotfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 2); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:261); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (141/161).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Sparisoma atomarium (Poey 1861) — Greenblotch Parrotfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 18); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (63/15).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA,VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Sparisoma aurofrenatum (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1840) — Redband Parrotfish

Listed as Scarus aurofrenatus by Cope (1871:461) and as Sparisoma aurofrenatum by Fowler (1919:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 41); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (425/422).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Sparisoma chrysopterum ( Bloch and Schneider 1801) — Redtail Parrotfish

Listed as Sparus chrysopterus and S. abildgaardi by Cope (1871:462) and as Sparisoma abildgaardi and S. flavescens by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 20); ZMUC P.597 (1, 152 mm SL); ZMUC P.5964–65 (2, 192–219 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1845; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (170/136).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: First described from St. Croix as the new species Sparus abilgaardi (see Table 4 ).

Sparisoma radians (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1840) — Bucktooth Parrotfish, Fig. 15B

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 13); UF 182929 (62 mm SL), Salt River ; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (14/5) .

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Sparisoma rubripinne (Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1840) — Yellowtail Parrotfish

Listed as Scarus rubripinnis by Cope (1871:462) and as Sparisoma rubripinne by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 19); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (194/181).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Sparisoma viride (Bonnaterre 1788) — Stoplight Parrotfish

Listed as Scarus psittacus by Cope (1871:461).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 43); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:272); observed during Frederiksted reefsystem censuses ( Toller, 2007:51); REEF (385/474).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Remarks: First described from St. Croix as the new species Scarus melanotis (see Table 4 ).

Thalassoma bifasciatum ( Bloch 1791) — Bluehead

Listed as Chlorichthys bifasciatus by Fowler (1991:144).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 70); REEF (429/506).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA,WC, nSA).

Xyrichtys martinicensis Valenciennes in Cuv. & Val. 1840 — Rosy Razorfish

Listed as Hemipteronotus martinicensis by Clavijo et al. (1980:22).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 4); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:256); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (27/42).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA,VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Xyrichtys novacula (Linnaeus 1758) — Pearly Razorfish

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 7); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (4/8).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA,VI, LA, WC, nSA), EA.

Xyrichtys splendens Castelnau, 1855 — Green Razorfish

Listed as Hemipteronotus splendens by Clavijo et al. (1980:22).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 8); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:50); St. Croix photograph ( Randall, 1996:259); on-line photographs available ( Pittman et al., 2008); REEF (52/54).

Distribution: WA (BD, FL, BA, GA, VI, WC, nSA, sSA).

TRIPTERYGIIDAE —triplefin blennies (4 species)

* Enneanectes altivelis Rosenblatt 1960 — Lofty Triplefin

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 52).

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA). Enneanectes boehlkei Rosenblatt 1960 — Roughhead Triplefin

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 32).

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Enneanectes pectoralis (Fowler 1941) — Redeye Triplefin

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 16); ZMUC P.766795–96 (2, 23–25 mm SL) and ZMUC P.766979–808 (12, 12–26 mm SL), St. Croix, Sept. 1916.

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Enneanectes matador Victor 2013 — Matador Triplefin

Justification: UF 183137 (1, 20.7 mm SL), Grass Point; UF 184841 (3, 16–17 mm SL), UF 164454 (1, 14.4 mm SL), UF 164465 (3, 12.4–18.6 mm SL) and UF 164467 (2, 15.5– 16 mm SL), (BIRNM, 4) .

Distribution: Victor (2013) WA (VI, LA, WC, nSA), perhaps more widely distributed.

Remarks: This recently described species ( Victor, 2013) was previously confused with E. boehlkei ; both species have the belly and pectoral-fin base naked, and preorbital flange spiny but E. matador differs in lacking dark caudal-fin bands or dark patches on base of membranes of second dorsal fin.

DACTYLOSCOPIDAE —sand stargazers (8 species)

* Dactyloscopus crossotus Starks 1913 — Bigeye Stargazer

Justification: UF 183166 (1, 25.7 mm SL), Rod Bay .

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (FL, BA, GA, LA, nSA, sSA).

* Dactyloscopus poeyi Gill 1861 — Shortchin Stargazer

Justification: UF 160084 (1, 18.5 mm SL) and UF 160085 (1, 25 mm SL), (BIRNM, 2) .

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Dactyloscopus tridigitatus Gill 1859 — Sand Stargazer

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 10).

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (BD*, FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Gillellus greyae Kanazawa 1952 — Arrow Stargazer

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 14).

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (BD*, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

* Gillellus jacksoni Dawson 1982a — Jackson Stargazer

Justification: UF 165201 (6, 23.5– 27 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (VI, LA, nSA).

* Gillellus uranidea Böhlke 1968 — Warteye Stargazer

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 22).

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC).

* Leurochilus acon Böhlke 1968 — Smoothlip Stargazer

Justification: UF 165044 (1, 15.5 mm SL), BIRNM .

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (BA, GA, VI, LA).

* Platygillellus rubrocinctus (Longley 1934) — Saddle Stargazer

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 32).

Distribution: Dawson (1982a) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

LABRISOMIDAE —scaly blennies (27 species)

* Labrisomus albigenys Beebe and Tee-Van 1928 — Whitecheek Blenny, Fig. 15C

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 3).

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, GOM, BA, GA, LA, WC).

Labrisomus bucciferus Poey 1868 — Puffcheek Blenny

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 21); ZMUC P.76256 (1, 69 mm SL) Christiansted, 1906.

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Labrisomus cf. cricota Sazima et al. 2002 — Mock Blenny, Fig. 15D

Justification: UF 158968 (1, 75.6 mm SL), BIRNM ; UF 181016 (1, 70.5 mm SL), N. of Frederiksted .

Distribution: (FL, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Remarks: The above specimens agree with the original description of Larbrisomus cricota from the coast of southern Brazil ( Sazima et al., 2002) in having the first and second dorsal-fin spines longer than the third spine, dark body bands extending to the distal margin of the dorsal fin, and no dark spot between dorsal-fin spines 2- 3. Males also have a wide pale rim outlining the dark opercular spot, versus a thin white rim in typical L. nuchipinnis males. St. Croix specimens and most others from the Caribbean that are assumed to be conspecific differ from L. cricota in having supraorbital cirri that are distinctly shorter than the eye diameter (versus about equal the eye diameter). Based on COI sequence data there appear to be three genetic lineages (with specieslevel divergence) in the Caribbean L. nuchipinnis complex (C. Baldwin and B. Victor, pers. comm.), but what scientific names should be used for these taxa is not fully resolved.

* Labrisomus gobio (Valenciennes 1863) — Palehead Blenny, Fig. 15E

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 39); observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51). Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Labrisomus guppyi (Norman 1922) — Mimic Blenny, Fig. 16A

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 40).

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Labrisomus haitiensis Beebe and Tee-Van 1928 — Longfin Blenny

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 60).

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

* Labrisomus nigricinctus Howell Rivero 1936 — Spotcheek Blenny

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 18).

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981) WA (FL, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA).

Labrisomus nuchipinnis (Quoy and Gaimard 1824) — Hairy Blenny

Listed as Labrisomus nuchipinnis by Fowler (1919:145).

Justification: UF (BIRNM, 12); UF 181016 (1), N. of Frederiksted ; UF 183181 (3), Rod Bay ; UF 183182 (5), Great Pond Bay ; observed during Frederiksted reef-system censuses ( Toller, 2007:51) .

Distribution: Greenfield and Johnson (1981), Sazima et al. (2002) WA (BD, FL, GOM, BA, GA, VI, LA, WC, nSA, sSA).

Figures

FIGURE 7. (A) Poecilia mexicana, UF 181028, 48 mm SL, male, H. L. Jelks; (B) Poecilia mexicana, UF 183129, 26.5 mm SL, female, H. L. Jelks; (C) Poecilia reticulata, UF 183030, 20 mm SL, male, H. L. Jelks; (D) Poecilia reticulata, UF 183030, 23 mm SL, female, H. L. Jelks; (E) Krytopanoron alfredi, ANSP 144324 (preserved), 70.5 mm SL, K. Luckenbill; (F) Plectrypops retrospinus, UF 159732, 64 mm SL, L. A. Rocha.

FIGURE 8. (A) Acentronura dendritica, UF 160164, 44 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (B) Halicampus crinitus, UF 160020, 108 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (C) Hippocampus reidi, UF 183051, 130 mm TL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Bryx dunckeri, UF 181037, 69.5 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (E) Sygnathus caribbaeus, UF 181021, 96 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (F) Scorpaena plumieri, UF 158483, 78 mm SL, H. L. Jelks.

FIGURE 9. (A) Prionotus ophryus, after Randall (1969), St. Croix; (B) Centropomus ensiferus, UF 180893, 273 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (C) Centropomus undecimalis, UF 180887, 209 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Pseudogramma gregoryi, UF 158265, 49 mm SL, L. A. Rocha.

FIGURE 10. (A) Rypticus carpenteri, UF 183074 53 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (B) Rypticus subbifrenatus, UF 158252, 58.5 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (C) Serranus tigrinus, UF 158222, 72 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (D) Opistognathus maxillosus, UF 183104, 68.5 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (E) Opistognathus whitehursti, UF 183105, 43 mm SL, H. L. Jelks.

FIGURE 11. (A) Apogon affinis, UF 159357, 36 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (B) Apogon lachneri, UF 159354, 28 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (C) Apogon quadrisqmatus, UF 183141, 28 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Astrapogon puncticulatus, UF 160169, 40 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (E) Astrapogon stellatus, UF 181014, 34 mm SL, H. L. Jelks.

FIGURE 12. (A) Caranx crysos, UF 183277, 173 mm FL, H. L. Jelks; (B) Caranx hippos, UF 180892, 240 mm FL, H. L. Jelks; (C) Chloroscombrus chrysurus, ZMUC P.461594 (half-mount), 245 mm FL, courtesy ZMUC; (D) Selene brownii, ZMUC P.461591 (preserved), 165 mm FL, courtesy ZMUC.

FIGURE 13. (A) Diapterus auratus, UF 182925, 110 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (B) Eucinostomus harengulus, UF 180996, 55 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (C) Eucinostomus havana, UF 183091, 94 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Gerres cinerus, UF 183176, 109 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (E) Archosargus rhomboidalis, UF 182922, 172 mm SL, H. L. Jelks.

FIGURE 14. (A) Corvula sanctaeluciae, UF 180911, 36 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (B) Equetus punctatus, UF 160684, 194 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (C) Micropogonias furnieri, UF 180891, 355 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (D) Umbrina coroides, W. Toller; (E) Oreochromis mossambicus, UF 180970, 66 mm SL, male, H. L. Jelks; (F) Oreochromis mossambicus, UF 180970, 47 mm SL, female, H. L. Jelks.

FIGURE 15. (A) Amblycirrhitus pinos, UF 158980, 46 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (B) Sparisoma radians, UF 182929, 62 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (C) Labrisomus albigenys, UF 159352, 49 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (D) Labrisomus cf. cricota, UF 181016 (preserved), 70 mm SL, Z. S. Randall; (E) Labrisomus gobio, UF 183093, 42 mm SL, H. L. Jelks.

FIGURE 16. (A) Labrisomus guppyi, UF 183025, 56 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (B) Malacoctenus aurolineatus, UF 149258, 32 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (C) Malacoctenus boehlkei, UF 149253, 38 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (D) Malacoctenus gilli, UF 183260, 34 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (E) Paraclinus cingulatus, UF 158002, 19 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (F) Paraclinus fasciatus, UF 183290, 19 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (G) Paraclinus grandicomis, UF 158013, 24 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (H) Paraclinus nigripinnis, UF 183927, 37 mm SL, H. L. Jelks; (I) Starksia culebrae, UF 158349, 29 mm SL, L. A. Rocha; (J) Starksia elongata, UF 158412, 22 mm SL, L. A. Rocha.