Observations at a Multispecies Parrotfish (Scaridae) Spawning Aggregation Site at Bermuda with Notes on the Predation Behavior of Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci)

The objective of the present study was to describe the spawning behavior of three different species of parrotfishes at the same spawning aggregation site with detailed timing sequences. In addition, observations of other species known to form resident spawning aggregations (i.e., surgeonfishes) and the predatory behavior of black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) at this aggregation site are included

Large Pelagic Fishes in the Wider Caribbean and Northwest Atlantic Ocean: Movement Patterns Determined from Conventional and Electronic Tagging

Conventional tagging data has documented long distance movements (including trans-Atlantic movements) in blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) within the Atlantic. Swordfish (Xiphius gladius) have also been shown to move substantial distances, although primarily in a north-south direction. There is, however, a paucity of data for wahoo (Acanthocybium solandri). In the past several years, electronic archival (i.e., data recording) tags have significantly advanced our understanding of the behavior and movement patterns of large pelagic fishes. Data from electronic arcltival tags have generally corroborated conventional tagging data with respect to long distance movements, as well as the daily vertical movement patterns previously obtained through acoustic telemetry. Taken together, it is now possible to define \u27\u27habitat envelopes for pelagic species and to correct nominal catch rates for changes in gear vulnerability due to differences in gear targeting. In general, there is a broad spectrum of vertical movement patterns: blue marlin and yellowfin tuna generally remain within the uniform temperature surface layer (although blue marlin occasionally descend to below 300 m), wahoo have less vertical range and appear to remain above 50 m most of the time, whereas swordfish mirror the vertical movements of the organisms of the deep-scattering layer remaining within about 20–30 m of the surface at night but descending to 700–1100 m during the day. Tagging data demonstrates that many large pelagic fish species move through the waters of other jurisdictions thus requiring a regional and international approach to assessment and management. The primary organization which undertakes this function in the Atlantic Ocean is the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), which is responsible for the assessment and management of tunas, swordfish and billfishes

Observations of a Black Grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) Spawning Aggregation in Bermuda

Diving observations at a black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) spawning aggregation site on Bermuda’s reef platform revealed many similarities to observations of this species obtained at multi-species spawning aggregation sites in Belize. In addition to similarities in body sizes, color patterns and some behavior, the principal spawning period in the days after the full moon was also similar. Although spawning was not observed in this study, there was ample indirect evidence of spawning at the site, i.e. courtship behavior by males, females with distended abdomens, and color changes. The formation of temporary spawning territories by males and courtship behavior within these territories is described and illustrated. Taken together, these data appear to indicate that the behavior of black grouper at spawning aggregations is consistent across a broad latitudinal range from Belize in the south to the northern limit of the species’ range in Bermuda

Age Estimates of Two Large Misty Grouper, Epinephelus mystacinus (Serranidae) from Bermuda with a Comparison of the Age of Tropical Groupers in the Western Atlantic

Misty grouper are known to attain at least 54 kg and 115 cm total length (TL) (Heemstra and Randall 1993) although a maximum size of 160 cm TL is reported (Appeldoorn et al. 1987, cited in www.FishBase.com). Recently, two specimens (152 and 157 mm TL) were landed by commercial fisherman from the edge of the Bermuda platform, providing documentation of the maximum size which may be attained by this species. There are no age and growth studies on misty grouper (Heemstra and Randall 1993; www.FishBase.com). Therefore, the age data presented here, although not validated, represent the first estimates of maximum longevity and support Campana’s (2005) statement that, “methods for validating ages of deep-sea fishes are urgently required.” We compared the age estimates of our misty grouper specimens with the age of a large wreckfish (45.5 kg) taken from a similar but deeper-water habitat. In addition, we provide a comparison of the maximum ages of 9 other species of grouper in the western Atlantic

Unusual Features of the Colonies of the Common Western Atlantic Garden Eel (Heterocongrinae), with a New Record for Bermuda

Colonies of the common western Atlantic garden eel (Heteroconger longissimus) recently discovered In Bermuda have a larger size than anywhere in the Caribbean (a single specimen from Puerto Rico being exceptional) and most members of the colonies occur as male-female pairs in closely adjacent burrows, whereas pairing otherwise is unknown in this species. The heads of a minority of adults of both sexes develop prominent, fluid-filled, blister-like structures that, at their fullest form, significantly swell the size of the head. This condition has been found In Bermudian and Caribbean colonies of H. longissimus as well as in two species of Heteroconger from the Pacific