1. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 1 Family Labridae Wrasses Common species: oTautog (Tautoga onitis) oSlippery Dick (Halichoeres bivittatus) oPearly Razorfish (Hemipteronotus novacula) oHogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) Hogfish Slippery Dick

2. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 2 Labrid Body Types The family is characterized by several body types All have unifying characteristics:

3. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 3 Labrid Characteristics Most spp. are protogynous hermaphrodites Swim using pectoral fins in a flapping jerky motion oLabriform swimming Labrids are brightly colored with diurnal feeding habits oHave well-developed pharyngeal jaws oSome spp. are cleaners removing ectoparasites

4. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 4 Cleaning Behavior

5. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 5 Cleaning Stations Mutualistic relationships commonly found on coral reefs Territorial in nature, occupying well-defined coral heads and other prominent locales Numerous host spp. are serviced Parasites and necrotic tissue is removed

6. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 6 Open up and say Ahhh...

7. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 7 Bluehead Wrasse One of the most common reef fish in the Western Atlantic A terminal male maintains a large harem for reproduction Terminal Phase Male

8. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 8 Reproduction Have color patterns that change dramatically with age and sex, reflecting complicated mating systems oJuvenile phase oInitial phase – young adults oTerminal phase – large dominant males oSome populations are genetically fixed concerning sex; others have mating controlled by a dominant male defending territories

9. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 9 Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) Unlike most wrasses hogfish can become quite large (25 pounds)

10. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 10 Family Scaridae Parrotfishes Common species: oBlue Parrotfish (Scarus coeruleus) oStoplight Parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) oQueen Parrotfish (Scarus vetula)

11. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 11 Scaridae Characteristics Appear as heavy bodied wrasses oTeeth are fused to the jaw resembling a parrot-like beak Rove the reef during the day (feeding) and hide in caves a crevices at night

12. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 12 Scarid Feeding Usually herbivores, feed (with fused jaws) on algae which occurs on dead corals Coral passes through the pharyngeal teeth creating sand as a waste product

13. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 13 I feel five pounds lighter! Blue Parrotfish

14. Labridae, Scaridae & Mugilidae 14 A Mucus Negligee Queen Parrotfish

15. Atherinidae thru Syngnathidae 15 Family Mugilidae Mullets Common species: oStriped Mullet (Mugil cephalus)

16. Atherinidae thru Syngnathidae 16 Mugilidae Characteristics Characterized by thick streamlined bodies, forked caudal fin, and two widely separate dorsal fins Feed largely on detritus and algal cells The digestive tract is 5- 8x as long as the body to absorb the needed nutrients

17. Atherinidae thru Syngnathidae 17 Mullets Seen frequently jumping from the water oPossible predator avoidance or low oxygen response