Reef Fishes Book 1

About Mangroves for the Future Field Guide to
Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka

Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique partner-led initiative to
Reef Fishes
promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for
sustainable development. It provides a collaborative platform
among the many different agencies, sectors and countries who are
addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues,
to work towards a common goal.
MFF builds on a history of coastal management interventions

before and after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, especially the call
of Sri Lanka
to continue the momentum and partnerships generated by the
immediate post-tsunami response. It initially focused on the
countries worstaffected by the tsunami; India, Indonesia, Maldives,
Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. MFF has expanded to include
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan and Viet Nam. MFF will continue
to reach out other countries of the region that face similar issues,
with an overall aim to promote an integrated ocean wide approach
to coastal zone management.
The initiative uses mangroves as a flagship ecosystem, but MFF is

inclusive of all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries,
lagoons, sandy beaches, sea grasses and wetlands. Its long-term
management strategy is based on identified needs and priorities for
long-term sustainable coastal ecosystem management. These
priorities emerged from extensive consultations with over 200
Arjan Rajasuriya
individuals and 160 institutions involved in coastal management.
MFF seeks to achieve demonstrable results in influencing regional

cooperation, national programme support, private sector
engagement and community action. This will be achieved using a
strategy of generating knowledge, empowering institutions and
individuals to promote good governance in coastal ecosystem Arjan Rajasuriya
management.
Learn more at: www.mangrovesforthefuture.org Illustrations by Shantha Jayaweera

Field Guide to
Reef Fishes
of Sri Lanka
Arjan Rajasuriya
Illustrations by Shantha Jayaweera
Volume 1
The designation of geographical entities in this book and the
presentation of the material do not imply the expression of any opinion
whatsoever on the part of Mangroves for the Future or IUCN concerning
the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or of its authorities, or
concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those

of Mangroves for the Future or IUCN.
This publication is produced by Mangroves for the Future with financial

support of Danida, Norad and Sida.
Published by: IUCN, Sri Lanka Country Office
Copyright: © 2013 IUCN, International Union for

Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.
Reproduction of this publication for educational

or other non-commercial purposes is authorized
without prior written permission from the
copyright holder provided the source is fully
acknowledged.
Reproduction of this publication for resale or

other commercial purposes is prohibited without
prior written permission of the copyright holder.
Citation: Rajasuriya, Arjan (2013). Field Guide to Reef Fishes

of Sri Lanka. Colombo: IUCN Sri Lanka Office.
xxix+ 104 pages
ISBN: 978-955-0205-25-7
Design by: Nisansala Karunaratne Rajapaksa
Printed by: Karunaratne & Sons Ltd.

67, Industrial Estate,
Katuwana Road, Homagama, Sri Lanka.
Available from: IUCN, Sri Lanka Country Office

53, Horton Place
Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Tel: ++94-011-2694094, 2682418
Fax: 2682470
http:// iucn.org/srilanka
Contents
Foreword vii
Preface ix
Acknowledgements x
Introduction xi
Description of the families xx
Acanthuridae Acanthurus bariene 1

Acanthurus dussumieri 1
Acanthurus leucosternon 1
Acanthurus lineatus 1
Acanthurus mata 3
Acanthurus triostegus 3
Acanthurus xanthopterus 3
Ctenochaetus striatus 3
Naso annulatus 5
Naso brevirostris 5
Naso elegans 5
Zebrasoma desjardinii 5
Zebrasoma scopas 7
Apogonidae Cheilodipterus macrodon 7
Ostorhinchus aureus 7
Aulostomidae Aulostomus chinensis 9
Balistidae Balistoides conspicillum 9
Balistapus undulatus 9
Balistoides viridescens 11
Odonus niger 11
Rhinecanthus aculeatus 11
Rhinecanthus rectangulus 13
Caesionidae Caesio cuning 13
Pterocaesio chrysozona 13
Carangidae Caranx heberi 15
Caranx ignobilis 15
Caranx melapmygus 15
Caranx sexfasciatus 15
Gnathanodon speciosus 17
Trachinotus blochii 17
Carcharhinidae Carcharhinus melanopterus 17
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon auriga 19
Chaetodon bennetti 19
Chaetodon collare 19
Chaetodon decussatus 21
Chaetodon falcula 21
Chaetodon kleinii 21
Chaetodon lineolatus 23
Chaetodon lunula 23
Chaetodon melannotus 23
Chaetodon meyeri 23
Chaetodon octofaciatus 25
Chaetodon plebeius 25
Chaetodon trifascialis 25
Chaetodon trifasciatus 27
Chaetodon vagabundus 27
Chaetodon xanthocephalus 27
Forcipiger flavissimus 29
Heniochus acuminatus 29
Heniochus monoceros 29
Cirrhitidae Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus 31
Cirrhitus pinnulatus 31
Dasyatidae Aetobatus narinari 31
Taeniura lymna 33
Taeniura meyeni 33
Diodontidae Diodon hystrix 33
Diodon liturosus 35
Ephippidae Platax orbicularis 35
Platax teira 35
Fistulariidae Fistularia commersonii 37
Gobiidae Amblygobius semicinctus 37
Valenciennea strigata 37
Haemulidae Plectorhinchus ceylonensis 39
Plectorhinchus schotaf 39
Plectorhinchus vittatus 39
Hemiscylliidae Chiloscyllium griseum 41
Holocentridae Myripristis adusta 41
Sargocentron caudimaculatum 41
Sargocentron diadema 43
Sargocentron spiniferum 43
Kyphosidae Kyphosus cinerascens 43
Labridae Anampses lineatus 45
Bodianus neilli 45
Cheilinus chlorourus 45
Cheilinus undulatus 47
Coris formosa 47
Gomphosus caeruleus 47
Halichoeres hortulanus 49
Halichoeres marginatus 49
Halichoeres nebulosus 49
Halichoeres scapularis 51
Hemigymnus fasciatus 51
Hemigymnus melapterus 51
Labroides bicolor 53
Labroides dimidiatus 53
Stethojulis trilineata 53
Thalassoma hardwicke 55
Thalassoma jansenii 55
Thalassoma lunare 55
Lethrinidae Lethrinus harak 57
Lethrinus nebulosus 57
Lutjanidae Lutjanus argentimaculatus 57
Lutjanus biguttatus 59
Lutjanus decussatus 59
Lutjanus kasmira 59
Lutjanus quinquilineatus 59
Lutjanus rivulatus 61
Monodactylidae Monodactylus argenteus 61
Mugilidae Mugil cephalus 61
Mullidae Mulloidichthys flavolineatus 63
Parupeneus forskali 63
Parupeneus indicus 63
Muraenidae Echidna nebulosa 65
Gymnomuraena zebra 65
Gymnothorax favagineus 65
Gymnothorax javanicus 65
Nemipteridae Scolopsis bilineatus 67
Scolopsis vosmeri 67
Ostraciidae Ostracion cubicus 67
Ostracion meleagris 69
Pinguipedidae Parapercis clathrata 69
Pomacanthidae Apolemichthys xanthurus 69
Centropyge eibli 71
Centropyge flavipectoralis 71
Centropyge multispinis 71
Pomacanthus annularis 71
Pomacanthus imperator 73
Pomacanthus semicirculatus 73
Pomacentridae Abudefduf sordidus 73
Abudefduf vaigiensis 75
Amphiprion clarkii 75
Amphiprion nigripes 75
Amphiprion sebae 77
Chromis ternatensis 77
Chromis viridis 77
Chrysiptera brownrigii 77
Dascyllus aruanus 79
Dascyllus trimaculatus 79
Neopomacentrus azysron 79
Plectroglyphidodon dickii 79
Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus 81
Pomacentrus chrysurus 81
Pomacentrus similis 81
Stegastes nigricans 81
Scaridae Chlorurus rhakoura 83
Chlorurus sordidus 83
Scarus rubroviolaceus 83
Scarus scaber 83
Scorpaenidae Pterois antennata 85
Pterois miles 85
Serranidae Cephalopholis argus 85
Cephalopholis formosa 87
Cephalopholis miniata 87
Cephalopholis sonnerati 87
Epinephelus faveatus 87
Epinephelus fuscoguttatus 89
Epinephelus malabaricus 89
Serranidae Epinephelus merra 89
Epinephelus polyphekadion 89
Pseudanthias squamipinnis 91
Siganidae Siganus javus 91
Siganus lineatus 91
Siganus virgatus 93
Synodontidae Synodus variegatus 93
Tetraodontidae Arothron hispidus 93
Arothron meleagris 95
Canthigaster solandri 95
Zanclidae Zanclus cornutus 95
Index of family names 97

Index of scientific names 98
Index of common names 100
Bibliography 103
viii
Foreword
Using his marine experience of nearly four decades, the

author — Arjan Rajasuriya — has provided accurate
descriptions of selected reef fishes, with precise
illustrations by Shantha Jayaweera in this ‘Field Guide
to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka’. This book fills a long felt
gap, as country-specific field guides for Sri Lanka have
not been readily available for marine enthusiasts to
learn about reef fishes in our waters. This publication
will be immensely useful for those who are interested
to learn about reef fishes and may also help officials in
the identification of some of the species of reef fishes
protected by law. This is the first in the series of field
guides describing 158 species of reef fishes in Sri Lankan
coastal waters. Subsequent volumes will cover the rest
of the species.
We believe this Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka

will enhance awareness about these wonderful animals
and their habitats for better conservation action.
Shamen Vidanage
Acting Country Representative
IUCN, Sri Lanka
ix
Preface
Ever since I first looked underwater more than 40

years ago, I have been fascinated by the diversity and
number of fish on our reefs. Reef fish add colour and
movement to a reef and fish watching is a fascinating
and rewarding activity for snorkelers and divers.
Knowing the names of fish adds to one’s enjoyment,
especially in later discussions of what was observed
underwater or to identify a fish from an underwater
photograph. Identifying fish is equally important for a
student or a naturalist who wants to record the diversity
of reef fish at a location. Reef fish identification guides
were not readily available in Sri Lanka forty years ago,
and I often used the names commonly used by local
fishermen. Even today, there is a dearth of readily
available, well-illustrated field guides for the informed
layperson to identify accurately the reef fish found in
Sri Lanka.
This field guide has been developed to fulfil this gap

and assist both serious fish observers and informed
layperson to identify reef fish found on our reefs. This
book contains 169 illustrations of 158 reef fish species
that can be seen both on coastal and offshore reefs. It
provides basic information on each species based on
published information and from my own experience of
observing most of them underwater.
Today, reefs are under threat from several human

activities — including destructive fishing, pollution
and uncontrolled resource exploitation. Therefore, it is
hoped that this field guide will spark an interest among
the readers to play an active role in the conservation of
these beautiful but vulnerable fishes.
x
Acknowledgements
I wish to thank the Mangroves for the Future

Initiative (MFF) for providing financial resources for
the production of this publication. This publication is
produced by Mangroves for the Future with financial
support of Danida, Norad and Sida.
Special thanks are directed to Mr. Shamen Vidanage,

Acting Country Representative of IUCN Sri Lanka
Country Office. This publication would not have been
possible without his support and encouragement. I
wish to thank Mr. Shantha Jayaweera for the beautiful
and accurate illustrations of reef fish that are so critical
for their identification. I extend my thanks also to Ms.
Kumudini Ekaratne, MFF National Coordinator for Sri
Lanka, for the support given during this assignment,
as well to Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala for editing this
publication in a very short time and for providing
additional information to make the publication more
useful to the readers.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the experience

received at the National Aquatic Resources Research
and Development Agency of Sri Lanka (NARA),
where I was involved in conducting reef surveys for
more than 25 years, during which time I had the
opportunity to observe most of these fishes in their
natural environment and the luxury of countless hours
of diving among these beautiful denizens of our reefs.
xi
Introduction
There is no official count of the number of reef fish

species that are found in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive
survey of reef fish inhabiting coastal and offshore
reefs is lacking. Lieske and Myers (1994) estimate that
more than 900 species of reef fish may be found in Sri
Lanka and the Maldives. Reef fish surveys conducted
at several locations indicate that a single location may
support between 300 to 500 species.
This field guide contains descriptions of 158 species

of reef fish divided among 37 families. It has 169
illustrations to assist non-specialist observers to
identify reef fish, while snorkelling or scuba diving.
Information provided for each species is based on
published literature and knowledge of the author since
early 1970’s.
Habitats of reef fishes in Sri Lanka

The continental shelf of Sri Lanka supports many reef
habitats. Reef habitats are patches of hard ground
separated by areas of sand or mud, and are located at
various distances from the shore.
Reefs that are close to shore are called fringing reefs.

They occur as a narrow belt around the coast. They may
or may not contain a reef lagoon, which is a narrow
body of water between the fringing reef and the shore.
Examples of fringing reefs can be seen at Hikkaduwa,
Unawatuna and Weligama in the South, and along the
coast of the Jaffna Peninsula in the North.
Reefs that are located beyond the immediate vicinity

of the coastline are called offshore reefs. In this
document, the term ‘offshore’ is used to describe reefs
that are located approximately two kilometres beyond
the shoreline and up to the edge of the continental
shelf.
xii
Fringing and offshore reefs have been divided into

three habitat types; coral, sandstone and rock reefs,
based on the type of substrate visible to an observer.
Coral reef habitats are typically made up of living
hard corals. Examples of coral habitats can be seen at
Hikkaduwa and at Pigeon Island (Figure 1). Extensive
coral reefs are located offshore in the Gulf of Mannar,
at Vankalai, Silavaturai, Arrippu and Bar Reef. Other
major coral reef areas are from Akurala to Tangalle in
the South, Kutchchaveli to Kalmunai in the East and
around the Jaffna Peninsula.
Figure 1. Coral reef Habitat
Sandstone reefs are widespread and are found

nearshore, as well as offshore, up to the edge of the
continental shelf. They support small patches of
hard and soft corals. The majority are located along
bathymetric gradients on the continental shelf, and are,
therefore, approximately parallel to the coast (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Sandstone reef habitat

xiii
Rock reef habitats are of hard rock, which is granite

or a similar hard substrate and are part of the bedrock.
Examples of rock reefs can be found along the coast in
the south and in Trincomalee (Figure 3). Some can be
seen nearshore, as well as offshore, when sections are
above the water. Sometimes they form islands such as
Pigeon Island in the East. Rock reef structures occur as
patches or ridges on the continental shelf and beyond.
The depths of reef habitats vary from a about a metres

in the intertidal zone to more than 100 metres near
the edge of the continental shelf. The continental shelf
is widest in the Gulf of Mannar and in the northeast,
where reef habitats at a depth of about 50 metres can
be found at a distance of about 35 kilometres offshore.
The continental shelf is narrower in the South,
therefore reef habitats at a depth of 50 metres are only
about 10 kilometres offshore.
Figure 3. Rock reef habitat
Reef habitats are often linked to seagrass meadows,

mangroves and estuaries through transfer of nutrients
and the migration of species. Some groups of reef
fish — such as rabbit fish (Siganidae) — live among
seagrass meadows and in mangrove areas during their
juvenile stage and migrate to reef habitats as they
mature.
xiv
Distribution of species
Many reef fish described in this publication are
distributed widely in the Indo-Pacific region,
stretching from the Red Sea and East African coast,
to islands of Polynesia in the Central Pacific. Some
are found only in the Indian Ocean. The Sri Lanka
sweetlips (Plectorhinchus ceylonensis) is endemic to Sri
Lanka. Many reef fishes have a pelagic larval stage
and are, therefore, distributed by ocean currents.
However, some have a limited distribution even within
a country. The Eight-banded butterflyfish (Chaetodon
octofasciatus) is an example. This species is found in the
Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and Palk Strait in Sri Lanka,
but is extremely rare or absent on other reef areas of
the country.
The maximum depth given for a species in Sri Lanka

is based on the observed or reported depth for each
species. As a result, the maximum depth reported in
this publication may differ from the maximum depth
given for a species throughout its range.
Inshore and offshore habitats or areas are terms used

in this field guide to describe whether a species is found
close to the shore or far from the shore.
Threats to reef fishes

Coral reefs support human life and livelihoods and are
important economically. Nearly 500 million people
depend — directly and indirectly — on coral reefs for
their livelihoods, food and other resources. Further,
it is estimated that nearly 30 million of the poorest
human populations in the world depend entirely on
coral reefs for their food.
Despite their immense ecological, economical and

aesthetic values, it is estimated that 20% of the world’s
coral reefs have been destroyed. Another 24% are at
high risk of collapse, and yet another 26% at risk from
long-term collapse as a result of human activities.
xv
Sri Lanka is no exception. Here too coral reefs are

under threat. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
(2005) identified five major drivers of biodiversity
loss: overexploitation, habitat loss and degradation,
pollution, invasive alien species and climate change,
and this section of threats will be discussed under
these categories.
Overexploitation
Many coral reef species are exploited commercially.
Widespread use of destructive fishing methods —
such as bottom-set nets and blast fishing — have
damaged reefs and over-harvesting has reduced fish
populations. Although netting on reefs is prohibited in
Sri Lanka, fishermen continue to do so in the absence
of offshore policing. Large reef fish — such as groupers
— are vulnerable to overexploitation, especially when
they are targeted by spear fishermen using scuba. The
removal of the Tomato hind (Cephalopholis sonnerati) is
an example of the damage caused by spear fishing. This
species, among others of the same family, is responsible
in the maintenance of holes in the reef structures in
deep water reefs by fanning sand out of holes to create
hiding places. This behaviour creates space for other
species — such as the Scarlet shrimp (Lysmata debelius)
— that is highly sought-after by the aquarium trade.
The removal of the Tomato hind by divers has resulted
in the holes becoming covered by sand and the loss of
habitat for the Scarlet shrimp.
A few species of uncommon or rare reef fish species are

protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Act
No. 2 of 1937 and its amendments and the Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996 and its
amendments and export is prohibited. However, these
species are not protected locally from fishing activities,
and are thus, highly vulnerable, even if they are not
exported.
xvi
Habitat degradation due to fishing activities

Habitat degradation is occurring because of collection
of reef fishes for the aquarium trade. Inexperienced
fish collectors often disturb the habitat to drive the
fish out of hiding places, thus causing much damage to
the structure of the reef. Blast fishing also damages the
reef. The use of bottom-set nets to catch spiny lobsters
and reef fish is widespread in Sri Lanka. Corals,
sponges, gorgonians and other organisms on the reef
get entangled with these nets and are discarded on the
beach when the nets are cleaned. Habitat degradation
caused by this destructive fishing method is widespread
especially in the Gulf of Mannar. Using nets on reefs is
prohibited under the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
Act No. 2 of 1996.
Pollution
Coastal water pollution is increasing rapidly due the
development of coastal cities and industrialization. The
impact of pollution on reef fishes has not been studied
in Sri Lanka, although the quality of reef habitats has
been degrading steadily.
Invasive alien species

Very little is known about marine invasive alien species
in this region.
Climate change
In 1998, coral bleaching that occurred because of
ocean warming triggered by climate change, was
responsible for extensive damage to coral reefs in the
Indian Ocean. Most coral reef habitats were destroyed
completely during this event and many have not
recovered. Reef fishes — such as species of butterfly
fish — that depend on corals for food were not sighted
on these damaged reefs for several years after the
xvii
bleaching event. However, with the recovery of corals,

these species have begun to recolonise some damaged
coral reefs.
Crown-of-Thorns starfish
Coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar and in the East were
severely damaged in the 1970’s because of a population
explosion of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster
planci) which is a predator of live corals. Since then,
there have been fluctuations in its population. There
was a marked decline in the population after they lost
their food source in 1998 during the coral bleaching
event in the Indian Ocean. The causes of a population
explosion of the crown-of -thorns starfish is not known.
Even studies conducted for more than 20 years on the
Great Barrier Reef have not provided the answers to
this problem.
An explanation of the details given in the

species descriptions in this book
Family : The name of the family to
which the species belong.
Scientific name : Includes the Genus and

Species name, followed
by the name of the author
who first described the
species.
Common name : Common English name.

(As given in Fishbase, the
Redlist, Lieske and Myers,
1994 and Bruin et al.,
1995).
Length : Maximum size (in cm)

indicated throughout its
range.
xviii
Distribution : Geographical extent

of the distribution of
the species with a comment,
if applicable, on its
distribution in Sri Lanka.
Habitats : The habitats occupied by

the species in Sri Lanka.
Depth range : Observed or reported

depth range for the species
in Sri Lanka (may be
found deeper than this
depth).
Behaviour : Observed behaviour in

Sri Lanka.
Diet : Diet of the species

according to published
information.
Economic importance : Commercial use in

Sri Lanka.
Threats : Direct drivers of

population loss of the
species, specific to
Sri Lanka.
IUCN Red List Status : Conservation status given

in the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species.
(See box below)
Protected status in : Legal protection afforded

Sri Lanka to the species in Sri Lanka.
xix
The IUCN Red List provides the conservation status and

information about plants and animals that are facing
a high risk of extinction. The process of Red Listing
includes a rigorous scientific assessment, centred
around a set framework, that examines the change in
the status of plants and animals. These assessments
identify and document those species which need the
most focused conservation attention. Red Listing is
carried out at a global level by the IUCN’s Global Species
Programme working with some 7,500 volunteer experts
from the Species Survival Commission.
Red Listing is also carried out at the national level.

In Sri Lanka, Red Listing has been a part of species
conservation for the last two decades. It is one of few
Asian countries to have three Red Lists, published in
2012, 2007 and 1999. In Sri Lanka too, the work has
been collaborative, involving IUCN Sri Lanka and the
Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy and a
suite of local experts.
Depending on the degree of threat, the IUCN Red List

recognises several categories of status for species,
depending on the severity of the risk.
• At the highest end of the scale is Extinct.

• In between are five other categories:
o Extinct in the Wild;
o Critically Endangered;
o Endangered;
o Vulnerable; and
o Near Threatened.
• At the lowest end of the scale, is Least Concern.
• Data Deficient: A taxon is Data Deficient when
there is inadequate information to make a direct,
or indirect, assessment of its risk of extinction
based on its distribution and/or population status.
• Not Evaluated: A taxon is Not Evaluated when
it has not yet been evaluated against the Redlist
criteria.
xx
Description of the families
Family: Acanthuridae (Surgeonfishes, tangs and

unicornfishes)
Surgeonfish derive their common name from the sharp
scalpel-like blades located at the base of their tails. These
blades may be used for attack or defence. When not in use,
the blades can be folded back against the bodies of these
fish. Unicornfish — as indicated by their common name —
are characterized by a horn-like extension on the head or a
raised bump on the forehead. They also possess two non-
foldable spines on either side of the tail base. Both groups
are primarily herbivores, which browse on macro algae. A
few species feed on plankton. Most species exhibit schooling
behaviour. They are economically important as food fish, as
well as aquarium fish.
Family: Apogonidae (Cardinalfishes)

Cardinalfishes are small, nocturnal fish that live close to
caves, crevices and overhanging ledges during daytime. They
are carnivores and become active during the night. Most
species of cardinalfish feed on zoobenthos. Some species
like the Large toothed cardinalfish (Cheilodipterus macrodon)
feed on small finfish such as blennies (Blenniidae).The male
cardinal fish incubates eggs inside its mouth until they hatch.
Cardinalfish have no economic importance.
Family: Aulostomidae (Trumpetfishes)

Trumpetfishes have long, laterally compressed bodies. This is
a predator that usually stays motionless against the habitat,
and ambushes its prey — such as small fish and crustaceans.
There are three colour forms; brown, green or yellow.
Family: Balistidae (Triggerfishes)

Triggerfishes possess a large, first dorsal spine that can be
locked in an erect position with the use of the second dorsal
spine. Using these spines, triggerfish lock themselves inside
holes and crevices in the reef when threatened or resting.
They have very rough skins and have strong jaws and teeth.
xxi
Most species feed on benthic organisms, such as crabs, shells,

starfish and sea urchins, while a few species feed on plankton.
Triggerfish lay their eggs in a nest near the base of a reef and
aggressively guard this nest.
Family: Caesionidae (Fusiliers)

Fusiliers are primarily plankton feeders that are found in
large schools in mid water over reefs. They are important food
fish and some species are used as baitfish to catch tuna.
Family: Carangidae (Jacks and trevallys)

Jacks and trevallys belong to a large family of fishes. Most
species have silver colouration and are well-camouflaged when
swimming in open water. All species are carnivorous and feed
on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs and
other invertebrates. All are important food fishes. A few have
coloured juveniles, suitable for aquariums.
Family: Carcharhinidae (Sharks)

This family has many species. Some live in the open ocean,
while others are associated with reefs. All are carnivorous
and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, cephalopods,
molluscs and crustaceans. Sharks are important food fish and
the juveniles of some species are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfishes)

Butterflyfishes are brightly coloured. Their swimming
behaviour among coral heads resembles butterflies, hence
their common name. Most species in this family are used
as aquarium fish. Many species form pairs, while some are
solitary or form schools. The majority are omnivorous, while
a few species feed on the tentacles of coral polyps. Their
presence on a reef is used as an indicator of the health of
corals.
xxii
Family: Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes)

Hawkfishes are ambush predators and derive their common
name from their behaviour of staying motionless on a branch
of coral, gorgonians or raised locations on the reef, to capture
small fish and crustaceans. Several species are colourful and
are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Dasyatidae (Stingrays)

Stingrays are usually found in sandy areas adjacent to reefs
and seagrass meadows. They feed on molluscs and fish that
live on the sand bottom. Some species are found close to
shore, and feed on molluscs buried in the sand. The Eagle ray
(Aetobatus narinari) does not rest on the sand like other sting
rays. It is often seen in mid water over offshore reefs and
over areas of sand. All species of stingrays have a venomous
spine on their tails and a sting from a large ray can be fatal.
Stingrays are edible and are used as food fish.
Family: Diodontidae (Porcupinefishes/ Burrfishes)

Porcupine fishes are covered with spines that can be erected,
when threatened, making it impossible for a predator to eat
it. They feed on molluscs and other hard shelled invertebrates.
Juveniles of some species are used as aquarium fishes.
Family: Ephippidae (Batfishes)

Batfishes have compressed bodies and are found solitary
or schooling in mid water over reefs. They feed on algae,
invertebrates and small fish. Juveniles are coloured differently
and are sometimes found in estuaries. Juveniles of some
species resemble a dry leaf floating under the surface. They
are popular aquarium fish.
Family: Fistulariidae (Cornetfishes/ Flutemouths)

Cornetfishes or flutemouths have a long snout and trailing
thin filament on the tail. They have a snake-like body
movement when they move. These fish are usually solitary
and they feed on small fish and crustaceans. They are difficult
to spot, when over the sand bottom due to their pale body
colour. Cornetfish are food fish.
xxiii
Family: Gobiidae (Gobies)

Gobies are a large family of small fish. Gobies live in a burrow
in the sand. Most species live in pairs. Some species live with
a shrimp in the burrow. They are carnivores or plankton
feeders. Gobies are difficult to approach and dart into the
burrow at the first sign of danger. A number of species are
used as aquarium fish.
Family: Haemulidae (Sweetlips)

Sweetlips derive their common name because of their
thickened lips. They usually form schools and can be seen
resting under ledges or coral heads during daytime. They feed
at night on invertebrates on the sand bottom. Juveniles of
most species are brightly coloured and are popular aquarium
fish. Adults are food fish.
Family: Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks)

Bamboo sharks live close to the reef substrate. They hide
during the day under ledges and rocks, and roam on the reef
and adjacent sandy areas to feed at night on small fish and
invertebrates. Juveniles of bamboo sharks are attractively
marked with stripes and spots and are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes and

soldierfishes)
Squirrelfishes and soldierfishes are nocturnal predators.
Because of their nocturnal behaviour all the species have large
eyes. Almost all species are red in colour and hide during the
day under ledges or in caves. They come out at dusk to feed on
small fish and invertebrates. Juveniles are occasionally used as
aquarium fish. They are also occasionally used as food fish but
are not popular because of their bony heads and large scales.
Family: Kyphosidae (Sea chubs/ rudderfishes)

Sea chubs/ rudderfishes can be seen in the surge zone on the
reef crest; rarely deeper than two metres. Very little is known
about rudderfish. They are omnivorous, feed on algae and
benthic invertebrates. Juveniles are found far offshore under
floating debris. Used as a food fish.
xxiv
Family: Labridae (Wrasses)

Wrasses belong to a very large family of reef fish. The largest
of the family is the Humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus),
which is about two metres in length, while the smaller species
are only a few centimetres long. Juveniles of many species
are differently coloured from adults. They gradually change
colour as they grow into adult fish. Most species live in groups
dominated by a large male. If the male is removed the largest
female will become the next dominant male by changing sex.
Juveniles of several wrasse species feed on parasites living
on the skin of larger fish. However, they lose this behaviour
when they grow into adult fish, except the genus Labroides
(Cleaner wrasses), that remain as cleaners throughout
their lives. Species that have colourful juveniles are used as
aquarium fish.
Family: Lethrinidae (Emperor fishes)

Emperor fishes are predators, which are active mainly at
night. They feed on invertebrates and fish and are found
close to sandy areas adjacent to reef habitats. Most species
are capable of changing colour rapidly, depending on the
substrate and their moods. They are important food fish.
Juveniles of some species are on inshore reefs; adults are
usually below three metres and some species are found deeper
than 100 metres. They are important food fish.
Family: Lutjanidae (Snappers)

Snappers are a common group of fishes on reef habitats. They
are important commercially. Juveniles of some species are on
inshore reefs and among seagrass meadows. Some species are
found on deep reef habitats over 90 metres. Snappers feed
on small fish, crustaceans, cephalopods and other benthic
invertebrates. Most species are active at night. Juveniles of
about three species are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Monodactylidae (Monos/ moonies)

Monos are abundant on coastal reefs near rivers and in
estuaries. They can also live in freshwater. They occur in
schools. Juveniles are used as aquarium fish.
xxv
Family: Mugilidae (Mullets)

Mullets are abundant in coastal waters, usually close to
rivers, and also in estuaries. They can tolerate a wide range
in salinities. They feed on detritus and algae. Mullets are
important food fish and some species are used in aquaculture.
Family: Mullidae (Goatfishes)

Goatfishes derive their common name from to a pair of barbels
located under the lower jaw. When not in use the barbels can
be folded back. These barbels are highly sensitive and they are
used to locate food in the sand and in holes on the reef. Some
species are active at night and form large inactive aggregations
during daytime and hover over reefs. Others are solitary
and forage on the sand bottom during the day. Other fish,
especially the Thumbprint emperor (Lethrinus harak), follow
goatfish to feed on prey unearthed by the feeding behaviour of
the goatfish. Goatfish are important food fish and juveniles of
some species are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Muraenidae (Moray eels)

Moray eels are elongated fish. The larger species grow to about
three metres and can be highly aggressive. All are carnivorous
and feed on a variety of prey including fish, crustaceans,
cephalopods and other benthic invertebrates. Several species
are used as food fish in some countries but not in Sri Lanka.
Juveniles and adults of several species are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Nemipteridae (Monocle breams)

Monocle breams are common reef fish on coastal and offshore
reefs. They are closely associated with the bottom of the
sea bed and rarely swim more than one metre above the sea
bed. Some species are found on relatively deep reefs at 30 to
50 metres. They have a typical swimming behavior: the fish
starts to move and then stops after a short distance and stays
in mid water just above the bottom for a short while, before
moving on and repeating the same behaviour. This behaviour
appears to be a method to scan the surrounding area to
locate their food that includes a variety of invertebrates
such as bristleworms, isopods, small crabs and other benthic
organisms. They are important food fish.
xxvi
Family: Ostraciidae (Boxfishes/ Trunkfishes)

Boxfishes also called trunkfishes. They derive their common
name from the shape of their bodies. The body is made up of
bony plates with openings for the mouth, anus, tail and fins.
They hover and manoeuvre over the bottom using the pectoral,
soft dorsal and anal fins. The tail is used for short bursts of
speed, to escape when threatened. Large males have territories
up to 500 square metres. Boxfish feed on worms, sponges,
tunicates and algae. In most species, the males and females
are coloured differently. Juveniles and sub adults are used as
aquarium fish.
Family: Pinguipedidae (Sandperches)

Sandperches are well-camouflaged bottom dwellers on reef
habitats. They perch on corals or rocks close to sandy areas
and wait for an opportunity to ambush their prey — small
fish and invertebrates. They are mainly solitary or are found
in small groups of three to four individuals.
Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)

Angelfishes can be divided into three groups, namely large
(Pomacanthus), medium (Apolemichthys) and small, also
called pygmy angelfish (Centropyge). Large adults of the
genus Pomacanthus are highly territorial. When alarmed,
the Emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) is capable of
making a sound that can be heard up to a distance exceeding
10 metres. Angelfish feed on sponges, tunicates and algae. The
colour of juveniles of the genus Pomacanthus is very different
from their adult colouration. All species of angelfish are used
as aquarium fish. The Regal angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)
and the Dusky Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa) are protected
in Sri Lanka under the Fauna and Flora Protection Act and
the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act.
Family: Pomacentridae (Damselfish and Clown fish)

Damselfish are a large and diverse group of relatively small-
sized fish. They live close to the substrate for protection and
to obtain food. Damselfish also occupy many different niches
on the reef habitat. Some species prefer branching corals,
while others occupy only the tabulate coral species. Several
xxvii
species prefer holes in the reef structure or are found among

coral rubble at the base of the reef. Their food preferences are
equally diverse: from zooplankton to macro algae. Species
that feed on plankton can be seen hovering over corals in
schools of more than 100 individuals. There are some species
that feed exclusively on algae and they maintain patches
of algae within the territory of each fish and allow only the
required species of algae to grow and weed out all other
species of algae. These species are known as farmer fish. They
are also highly territorial and attack all intruders, including
humans. Most damselfish species form small groups or
schools.
Clownfish that live with sea anemones belong to the family

Pomacentridae. There are three species in Sri Lanka. All
species of clown fish and several species of damselfish are
used as aquarium fish. The Kuiter’s damselfish (Chrysiptera
kuiteri) is protected in Sri Lanka under the Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources Act.
Family: Scaridae (Parrotfishes)

Parrotfish derive their common name from their fused teeth
that resemble the beak of a parrot. They feed by scraping
algae growing on the reef. Some species may eat the tips
of branching corals or scrape the surface of boulder corals.
Juveniles occupy coral rubble areas and are in mixed species
groups making it very difficult to identify, as most species
have similar colouration. However, adults of most species are
very brightly coloured and conspicuous on the reef. Usually,
parrotfish are seen in groups dominated by a large male.
Parrotfish rest at night within a mucous cocoon, to protect
themselves from crabs and other nocturnal reef dwellers.
Many species are important food fish. Juveniles of some
highly attractive species are used as aquarium fish.
Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes/ Lionfishes/

Stonefishes)
Scorpion fishes are venomous. Some species are conspicuous
with large pectoral fins, while others are well-camouflaged
and appear to be part of the reef. Species that are used in
the aquarium trade are often called lionfish. The stonefish,
which is highly venomous, is common on reefs but cannot be
spotted easily because its colouration matches reef surfaces
xxviii
with coralline algae. All scorpion fish are carnivorous and

feed on small fish and shrimps. The Clearfin lionfish (Pterois
radiata) is protected in Sri Lanka under the Fauna and Flora
Protection Act and the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act.
Family: Serranidae (Sea basses and groupers)

Groupers belong to a commercially important group of fishes.
They are common on coastal and offshore reef habitats. The
largest in the family, the Giant grouper, grows to about two
metres in length. Most species are ambush predators and rest
near crevices and ledges of the reef. All large groupers are
carnivorous and feed on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.
The smallest in the family are Anthias, that are also known as
Fairy basslets. Anthias feed on plankton and aggregate over
coral heads on offshore reefs in clear water. Several species
of groupers are important food fish; some are also used as
aquarium fish. The Giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
and Blue-and-yellow grouper (Epinephelus flavocaeruleus)
are protected in Sri Lanka under the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources Act.
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)

Rabbitfishes are common on reef habitats and on seagrass
meadows. Some species are adapted to live in brackish water
and can be found in coastal lagoons and estuaries. Rabbitfish
occur in large schools or in small groups. Rabbitfish feed on
algae and are important food fish.
Family: Synodontidae (Lizardfishes)

Lizard fishes are inconspicuous on the reef, as they are well
camouflaged and do not swim about. They lie on the reef or
on patches of coral rubble, and wait to ambush small fish
and shrimps. They are voracious predators that possess rows
of fine teeth in both jaws and tongue. Lizardfish are not
economically important.
xxix
Family: Tetraodontidae (Puffers)

Puffers derive their common name from their ability to inflate
themselves with water. They have a rather tough, prickly skin
that is poisonous in several species. They are usually found
in pairs. Puffers feed on algae, benthic invertebrates and
sometimes on corals. Several species are used as aquarium
fish.
Family: Zanclidae (Moorish idol)

The Moorish idol is a conspicuous fish on the reef and is
found in small groups. It is related to surgeonfish, but lacks
the scalpels or spines that are found at the base of the tail
in the family Acanthuridae. This species feeds primarily on
sponges. It is used as an aquarium fish but difficult to rear in
captivity.
1 Family: Acanthuridae
(Surgeonfish, tangs and unicornfish)
1 Acanthurus bariene Lesson – Black-spot surgeonfish/

Roundspot surgeonfish
Length: Maximum up to 50 cm. Distribution: Indo-West
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Depth
range: 5-30 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on
algae. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats: Habitat
degradation and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status:
Least Concern. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
2 Acanthurus dussumieri Valenciennes – Eyestripe

surgeonfish
Length: Maximum up to 54 cm. Distribution: Indo-
range: 5-40 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on
3 Acanthurus leucosternon Bennett – Powder blue

surgeonfish
Length: Maximum up to 54 cm. Distribution: Indian
Ocean and up to Bali, Indonesia in the Western Pacific.
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Depth range:
2-25 m. Behaviour: Solitary or groups. Diet: Feeds on
algae. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
Habitat degradation, collection for the aquarium trade and
destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.
Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
4 Acanthurus lineatus (Linnaeus) – Lined surgeonfish

Length: Maximum up to 38 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock and coral rubble; especially
on reef flats and surge zones of fringing reefs. Depth range:
1-8 m. Behaviour: Forms groups, is highly territorial. Large
males control a group of females and chase competitors.
Diet: Herbivorous. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive fishing. IUCN
Red List Status: Least Concern. Protected status in Sri
Lanka: None.
Family: Acanthuridae 2
4
1 Acanthurus mata (Cuvier) – Elongate surgeonfish

2-25 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on plankton.
Economic importance: Food fish. Threats: Habitat
2 Acanthurus triostegus (Linnaeus)

– Convict surgeonfish
Length: Maximum up to 27 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific,
except around Arabian Peninsula. Habitats: Coral, sandstone,
rock and coral rubble; especially in reef lagoons and reef
flats of fringing reefs. Depth range: 1-10 m. Behaviour:
Schooling. Diet: Feeds on filamentous algae. Economic
importance: Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation
and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Least
Concern. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
3 Acanthurus xanthopterus Valenciennes

– Yellowfin surgeonfish
5-40 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on algae, diatoms,
detritus, hydroids. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
4 Ctenochaetus striatus (Quoy & Gaimard)

– Striated surgeonfish/ Striped bristletooth
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; common on
shallow coastal reefs. Depth range: 1-20 m. Behaviour:
Schooling. Diet: Feeds on algae and plankton. Economic
importance: Food fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and
4
1 Naso annulatus (Quoy & Gaimard) – Whitemargin

unicornfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; usually along seaward
margin of fringing reefs. Depth range: 1-20 m. Behaviour:
Schooling. Diet: Feeds on zooplankton. Economic
2 Naso brevirostris (Cuvier) – Spotted unicornfish/

Palefin unicornfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; juveniles on
shallow coral reefs, adults on offshore reefs. Depth range:
1-20 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary; adults schooling. Diet:
Juveniles feed on benthic algae; adults feed on zooplankton.
3 Naso elegans (Rüppell) – Elegant unicornfish

Ocean. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Depth
range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary; adults in pairs
or groups. Diet: Feeds on algae. Economic importance:
Aquarium and food fish. Threats: Habitat degradation,
collection for the aquarium trade and destructive fishing.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern. Protected status in
Sri Lanka: None.
4 Zebrasoma desjardinii (Bennett) – Indian sailfin tang

Ocean. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; commonly
on coral rich habitats. Depth range: 1-30 m. Behaviour:
Juveniles solitary; adults in pairs or groups. Diet: Feeds on
4
1 Zebrasoma scopas (Cuvier) – Two-tone tang/

Brushtail tang
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; commonly on
coral rich habitats. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour:
Juveniles solitary; adults in pairs or groups. Diet: Feeds on
Family: Apogonidae (Cardinalfish)
2 Cheilodipterus macrodon (Lacepède) – Large toothed

cardinalfish
2-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs; usually in caves and
under ledges. Diet: Feeds on fish. Economic importance:
None. Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive fishing.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated. Protected status in
Sri Lanka: None.
3 Ostorhinchus aureus (Lacepède) – Ring-tailed

cardinalfish
range: 1-40 m. Behaviour: In small groups; found usually
near crevices and under ledges. Diet: Feeds on zoobenthos.
Economic importance: None. Threats: Habitat degradation
and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Not
Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Apogonidae (Cardinalfish)
3
9 Family: Aulostomidae (Trumpetfishes)
1 Aulostomus chinensis (Linnaeus) – Trumpetfish

range: 1-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fish
and crustaceans. Economic importance: None. Threats:
Habitat degradation and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List
Status: Not Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka:
None.
Family: Balistidae (Triggerfish)
2 Balistoides conspicillum (Bloch & Schneider)

– Clown triggerfish
but not recorded from Palk Bay and Palk Strait in Sri Lanka.
Habitats: Offshore coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Depth
range: 10-35 m. Behaviour: In pairs; territorial. Diet: Feeds
on echinoderms, molluscs, crustaceans, sponges, hydrozoans.
Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat
degradation, collection for the aquarium trade and
destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Not evaluated.
3 Balistapus undulatus (Park) – Orange-lined

triggerfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock reefs; common in reef
lagoons of fringing reefs. Depth range: 2-20 m. Behaviour:
Solitary or in pairs; territorial. Diet: Feeds on echinoderms,
molluscs, crustaceans, sponges, hydrozoans. Economic
importance: Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation,
IUCN Red List Status: Not evaluated. Protected status in
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Aulostomidae (Trumpetfishes) 10
Family: Balistidae (Triggerfish)
3
11 Family: Balistidae (Triggerfish)
1 Balistoides viridescens (Bloch & Schneider)

– Titan triggerfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock reefs. Depth range: 5-10 m.
Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs; highly territorial and aggressive
during nest guarding. Diet: Feeds on echinoderms, molluscs,
crustaceans, sponges, hydrozoans. Economic importance:
None; juveniles may be used in the aquarium trade. Threats:
Habitat degradation due to human activities. IUCN Red List
Status: Not evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
2 Odonus niger (Rüppell) – Red-toothed triggerfish

but not recorded from Palk Bay and Palk Strait in Sri Lanka.
Habitats: Offshore coral, sandstone and rock reefs exposed
to strong currents. Depth range: 8-50 m. Behaviour:
Forms large schools. Diet: Feeds primarily on plankton;
small benthic invertebrates. Economic importance: None.
Threats: Occasionally, large scale mortality has been reported
from Sri Lanka and the Maldives; however, causes are
unknown. IUCN Red List Status: Not evaluated. Protected
status in Sri Lanka: None.
3 Rhinecanthus aculeatus (Linnaeus) – White-banded

triggerfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; common in reef
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Balistidae (Triggerfish) 12
3
13 Family: Balistidae (Triggerfish)
1 Rhinecanthus rectangulus (Bloch & Schneider)

– Wedge-tail triggerfish
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Caesio cuning (Bloch) – Redbelly yellowtail fusilier

range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: In small groups or schools. Diet:
Feeds on zooplankton. Economic importance: Food fish.
Red List Status: Not Evaluated. Protected status in Sri
Lanka: None.
3 Pterocaesio chrysozona (Cuvier) – Goldband fusilier

range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: In schools. Diet: Feeds on
zooplankton. Economic importance: Food fish and used
as bait fish to catch tuna. Threats: Habitat degradation and
destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated.
Family: Balistidae (Triggerfish) 14
3
15 Family: Carangidae
(Jacks and trevallys)
1 Caranx heberi (Bennett) – Blacktip trevally

range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in groups. Diet: Feeds
on fish and crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
2 Caranx ignobilis (Forsskål) – Giant trevally

range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fish and
crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats:
None.
3 Caranx melampygus Cuvier – Bluefin trevally

None.
4 Caranx sexfasciatus Quoy & Gaimard – Bigeye trevally

range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Forms schools during daytime
and disperses at night to feed. Diet: Feeds on fish,
cephalopods and crustaceans. Economic importance: Food
fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive fishing.
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Carangidae 16
4
17 Family: Carangidae
1 Gnathanodon speciosus (Forsskål) – Golden trevally

range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Forms schools. Juveniles are
found in association with large fish, such as whale sharks,
or among the tentacles of large jellyfish. Diet: Feeds on
crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish. Juveniles
used as aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and
2 Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède) – Snubnose pompano

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Juveniles
are in shallow water near the coast. Depth range: 1-20 m.
Behaviour: Juveniles in groups; adults solitary. Diet: Feeds
on molluscs. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats:
None.
3 Carcharhinus melanopterus (Quoy & Gaimard)

– Blacktip reef shark
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; juveniles
on shallow coral reefs, adults on offshore reefs. Depth range:
3-75 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in small groups. Diet: Feeds
on fish, crustaceans, cephalopods and molluscs. Economic
importance: Food fish. Juveniles used by the aquarium trade.
Red List Status: Near Threatened. Protected status in Sri
Lanka: None.
Family: Carangidae 18
3
19 Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfish)
1 Chaetodon auriga Forsskål – Threadfin butterflyfish

Habitats: Mainly on coral reefs; also on sandstone, rock and
coral rubble with sea weeds. Juveniles may occur in estuaries.
Depth range: 1-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary, in pairs or small
groups. Diet: Omnivorous; includes coral polyps, polychaetes,
crustaceans, plankton and algae. Economic importance:
Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation, collection for
the aquarium trade and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List
Status: Least Concern. Protected status in Sri Lanka:
None.
2 Chaetodon bennetti Cuvier – Bennett’s butterflyfish/

Bluelashed butterflyfish
Pacific. Rare in Sri Lanka, and occurs mainly in the Gulf of
Mannar; occasionally on eastern coastal reefs. Habitats:
Coral reefs with high coral cover. Depth range: 1-8 m.
Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs. Diet: Feeds primarily on coral
polyps. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Data Deficient.
3 Chaetodon collare Bloch – Collare butterflyfish/ Red-

tailed butterflyfish
Length: Maximum up to 16 cm. Distribution: Indian Ocean
to Bali, Indonesia. Habitats: Coral reefs with high coral
cover; also on sandstone and rock reefs. Juveniles may occur
in estuaries. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary or
in pairs. Where abundant, this species forms large groups of
more than 50 individuals, especially on shallow offshore coral
reefs in the Gulf of Mannar; common elsewhere. Diet: Feeds
primarily on coral polyps and small invertebrates. Economic
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Chaetodontidae (Butterflyfish) 20
3
1 Chaetodon decussatus Cuvier – Indian vagabond

butterflyfish
Pacific. Habitats in Sri Lanka: Coral, sandstone, rock reefs,
coral rubble with sea weeds. Juveniles may occur in estuaries.
Depth range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary;
adults in pairs. Diet: Omnivorous; feeds mainly on algae,
invertebrates and coral polyps. Economic importance:
Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive
fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern. Protected
2 Chaetodon falcula Bloch – Saddleback butterflyfish/

Indian Double-saddle butterflyfish
range: 1-10 m. Behaviour: Usually in pairs or in small
groups. Diet: Feeds on invertebrates, including coral
3 Chaetodon kleinii Bloch – Sunburst butterflyfish/

Whitespotted butterflyfish
Pacific. Habitats: Offshore sandstone and rock reefs. Usually
absent on reefs dominated by hard corals. Depth range:
8-50 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs. Diet: Feeds on soft
corals, algae and zooplankton. Economic importance:
None.
3
1 Chaetodon lineolatus Cuvier – Lined butterflyfish

Length: Maximum to 30 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
1 to 15 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary or in small groups;
adults in pairs. Diet: Coral polyps and other invertebrates.
2 Chaetodon lunula Lacepède – Racoon butterflyfish/

Redstriped butterflyfish
1-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs. Diet: Omnivorous.
3 Chaetodon melannotus Bloch & Schneider

– Black-backed butterflyfish
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly
on coral rich habitats. Depth range: 1-12 m. Behaviour:
Juveniles and adults in small groups, found among
branching and tabulate corals. Diet: Feeds mainly on coral
4 Chaetodon meyeri Bloch & Schneider – Meyer’s

butterflyfish/ Scrawled butterflyfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly on coral
rich habitats. Juveniles among branching corals. Depth
range: 1-20 m. Behaviour: Adults in pairs. Diet: Feeds
mainly coral polyps. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Threats: Habitat degradation, collection for the aquarium
trade and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Least
4
1 Chaetodon octofasciatus Bloch – Eight-banded

butterflyfish/ Eight-striped butterflyfish
Pacific. In Sri Lanka, found mainly in the Gulf of Mannar,
Palk Bay and Palk Strait; rare or absent in other areas.
Habitats: Coral reefs with high coral cover. Depth range:
1-10 m. Behaviour: Juveniles and adults in small groups,
among branching and tabulate corals. Diet: Feeds on coral
2 Chaetodon plebeius Cuvier – Bluespot butterflyfish/

Blueblotch butterflyfish
Length: Maximum up to 15 cm. Distribution: Eastern
Indian Ocean to western Pacific. Habitats: Coral reefs
with high coral cover. Depth range: 1-10 m. Behaviour:
Juveniles in small groups, among branching corals; adults in
pairs. Diet: Feeds on coral polyps. Economic importance:
None.
3 Chaetodon trifascialis Quoy & Gaimard – Chevron

butterflyfish/ Triangulate butterflyfish
Habitats: Coral reefs with high coral cover; mainly among
tabulate corals. Depth range: 1-10 m. Behaviour: Solitary or
in pairs, among tabulate corals. Diet: Feeds on coral polyps.
Near Threatened. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
3
1 Chaetodon trifasciatus Park – Redfin butterflyfish/

Pinstriped butterflyfish
Ocean. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly
on coral rich habitats. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: In
pairs or in groups among branching and tabulate corals. Diet:
Feeds on coral polyps. Economic importance: Aquarium
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Chaetodon vagabundus Linnaeus – Vagabond

butterflyfish/ Criss-cross butterflyfish
1-20 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary; adults in pairs.
Diet: Omnivorous. Economic importance: Aquarium
fish. Threats: Habitat degradation due to human activities,
Sri Lanka: None.
3 Chaetodon xanthocephalus Bennett – Yellow-head

butterflyfish
Length: Maximum up to 20 cm. Distribution: Western
Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Habitats:
Coral reefs with high coral cover. Depth range: 1-15 m.
Behaviour: In pairs or in groups, among branching and
tabulate corals. Diet: Omnivorous. Economic importance:
None.
3
1 Forcipiger flavissimus Jordan & McGregor – Longnose

butterflyfish
Length: Maximum to 22 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
8-30 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary; adults in pairs. Diet:
Variety of organisms including fish eggs, small crustaceans,
tentacles of polychaete worms, hydroids and tube feet of
echinoderms. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
2 Heniochus acuminatus Linnaeus – Longfin

bannerfish/ Featherfin coralfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; juveniles occur
in estuaries. Depth range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Juveniles
solitary or in small groups; adults in pairs. Diet: Feeds
on a variety of invertebrates and plankton. Economic
Sri Lanka: None.
3 Heniochus monoceros Cuvier – Masked bannerfish/

Unicorn pennant coralfish
range: 2-20 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary; adults in
pairs. Diet: Feeds on invertebrates. Economic importance:
None.
3
31 Family: Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes)
1 Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus (Bleeker) – Coral

hawkfish/ Pixy hawkfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly on inshore
coral reef habitats. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour:
Solitary. Ambushes prey by perching on corals or other
prominences on the reef. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates
and small fish. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Lanka: None.
2 Cirrhitus pinnulatus (Bloch & Schneider) – Stocky

hawkfish
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly on
fringing reefs. Depth range: 1-4 m. Behaviour: Solitary.
Ambushes prey by perching on corals or other prominences
on the reef. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates and small
fish. Economic importance: None. Threats: Habitat
Not Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
3 Aetobatus narinari (Euphrasen) – Spotted eagle ray

Disc width: Maximum up to 330 cm. Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific and Western Atlantic. Habitats: Coastal,
offshore areas; occasionally near reefs. Depth range: 1-50 m.
Behaviour: Forms small groups or large schools; sometimes
solitary. Occasionally leaps out of the water. Diet: Feeds on
molluscs, worms and small fish. Economic importance:
Food fish. Threats: Destructive fishing. IUCN Red List
Status: Near Threatened. Protected status in Sri Lanka:
None.
Family: Cirrhitidae (Hawkfishes) 32
3
33 Family: Dasyatidae (Stingrays)
1 Taeniura lymma (Forsskål) – Bluespotted ribbontail

ray/ Ribbontailed stingray
Indo-West Pacific. Habitats: Sandy areas adjacent to coral,
sandstone and rock reefs. Depth range: 2-15 m. Behaviour:
Solitary; sometimes in groups. Diet: Feeds on molluscs,
worms and crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish.
Threats: Destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Near
Threatened. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
2 Taeniura meyeni Müller & Henle – Blotched fantail

ray/ Round ribbontail ray/ Black-blotched stingray
Indo-West Pacific. Habitats: Sandy areas adjacent to coral,
Solitary; occasionally in small groups. Often buries in the
sand. Diet: Feeds on molluscs and crustaceans. Economic
importance: Food fish. Threats: Destructive fishing. IUCN
Red List Status: Vulnerable. Protected status in Sri
Lanka: None.
Family: Diodontidae
(Porcupinefishes/ Burrfishes)
3 Diodon hystrix Linnaeus – Spot-fin porcupinefish

Length: Maximum up to 91 cm. Distribution:
Circumtropical. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs.
Depth range: 2-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary; forages at
night. Diet: Feeds primarily on gastropods and hermit crabs.
degradation and collection for the aquarium trade. IUCN Red
List Status: Not Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka:
None.
Family: Dasyatidae (Stingrays) 34
Family: Diodontidae
3
35 Family: Diodontidae
1 Diodon liturosus Shaw – Black-blotched porcupinefish

2-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary; forages at night. Diet: Feeds on
crustaceans and molluscs. Economic importance: Aquarium
fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and collection for the
aquarium trade. IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated.
2 Platax orbicularis (Forsskål) – Orbicular batfish

Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; juveniles inshore,
sometimes in estuaries. Large adults on offshore reefs.
Depth range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on
algae, invertebrates, small fish and zooplankton. Economic
importance: Juveniles used by the aquarium trade. Threats:
None.
3 Platax teira (Forsskål) – Longfin batfish/ Tiera

batfish
inshore. Large adults on offshore reefs. Depth range: 1-30 m.
Behaviour: In schools or solitary; juveniles found around
floating objects. Diet: Feeds on algae, invertebrates, small fish
and zooplankton. Economic importance: Juveniles used
by the aquarium trade. Threats: Habitat degradation and
Family: Diodontidae 36
3
37 Family: Fistulariidae
(Cornetfishes/ Flutemouths)
1 Fistularia commersonii Rüppell – Bluespotted

cornetfish
range: 2-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on
crustaceans and small fish. Economic importance: Food
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Amblygobius semicinctus (Bennett) – Halfbarred goby

Indian Ocean, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also on coral
rubble habitats. Depth range: 2-8 m. Behaviour: Pairs live
in burrows. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Economic
importance: Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation.
Sri Lanka: None.
3 Valenciennea strigata (Broussonet) – Blueband goby/

Blue-streak goby
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also on coral
rubble habitats. Depth range: 2-25 m. Behaviour: Pairs live
in burrows. Juveniles form small groups. Diet: Feeds on small
benthic invertebrates. Economic importance: Aquarium
fish. Threats: Habitat degradation. IUCN Red List Status:
Family: Fistulariidae 38
(Cornetfishes/ Flutemouths)
3
39 Family: Haemulidae (Sweetlips)
1 Plectorhinchus ceylonensis (Smith) – Sri Lanka

sweetlips
Indian Ocean; endemic to Sri Lanka. Habitats: Coral,
Solitary or in groups. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates.
2 Plectorhinchus schotaf (Forsskål) – Minstrel sweetlips

on benthic invertebrates. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
3 Plectorhinchus vittatus (Linnaeus) – Indian Ocean

oriental sweetlips
on benthic invertebrates. Economic importance: Aquarium
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Haemulidae (Sweetlips) 40
3 juv
41 Family: Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks)
1 Chiloscyllium griseum Müller & Henle – Grey bamboo

shark
inshore reef habitats. Depth range: 2-15 m. Behaviour:
Solitary. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Economic
importance: Food fish; juveniles used by the aquarium trade.
Red List Status: Near Threatened. Protected status in Sri
Lanka: None.
Family: Holocentridae
(Squirrelfishes and soldierfishes)
2 Myripristis adusta Bleeker – Shadowfin soldierfish/

Bronze soldierfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly on inshore
reef habitats. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary or
in groups. Nocturnal: hides under ledges and caves by day,
and feeds at night. Diet: Feeds on plankton, especially crab
larvae. Economic importance: None; occasionally juveniles
are used as aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation.
Sri Lanka: None.
3 Sargocentron caudimaculatum (Rüppell) – Silverspot

squirrelfish/ Tailspot squirrelfish
inshore reef habitats. Depth range: 2-15 m. Behaviour:
Solitary or in small groups. Nocturnal: hides under ledges
and caves by day, and feeds at night. Diet: Feeds on
small crabs and shrimps. Economic importance: None;
occasionally juveniles are used as aquarium fish. Threats:
Habitat degradation. IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated.
Family: Hemiscylliidae (Bamboo sharks) 42
Family: Holocentridae
3
43 Family: Holocentridae
1 Sargocentron diadema (Lacepède) – Crown

squirrelfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly inshore
reef habitats. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary.
Nocturnal: hides under ledges and caves by day, and feeds at
night. Diet: Feeds on isopods, polychaetes, small crabs and
other benthic invertebrates. Economic importance: None;
occasionally juveniles are used as aquarium fish. Threats:
2 Sargocentron spiniferum (Forsskål) – Sabre

squirrelfish/ Long-jawed squirrelfish
Nocturnal: hides under ledges and caves by day, and feeds
at night. Diet: Feeds on shrimps, crabs and small fish.
Economic importance: None; occasionally juveniles are
used as aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation. IUCN
Lanka: None.
Family: Kyphosidae
(Sea chubs/ rudderfishes)
3 Kyphosus cinerascens (Forsskål) – Blue sea chub/

Highfin rudderfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly on surf-swept
reef crests of fringing reef. Depth range: 1-3 m. Behaviour:
Found in groups. Diet: Feeds on algae and invertebrates.
Not evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Holocentridae 44
Family: Kyphosidae
(Sea chubs/ rudderfishes)
3
45 Family: Labridae (Wrasses)
1 Anampses lineatus Randall – Lined wrasse/ White-

dashes wrasse
range: 10-30 m. Behaviour: Juveniles solitary; adults in
small groups. Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates. Economic
IUCN Red List Status: Data Deficient. Protected status in
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Bodianus neilli (Day) – Bay of Bengal hogfish

Ocean but restricted to India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and
the Andaman Sea. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock
reefs. Depth range: 5-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Juvenile
colouration: Distinctly different from adult, with small
white dots on a black background. Diet: Feeds on small
invertebrates. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Threats: Habitat degradation collection for the aquarium
3 Cheilinus chlorourus (Bloch) – Floral wrasse/ White-

dotted maori wrasse
range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on benthic
invertebrates. Economic importance: Occasionally used
as an aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and
Family: Labridae (Wrasses) 46
3
1 Cheilinus undulatus Rüppell – Humphead wrasse

Pacific; uncommon to rare in Sri Lanka. Habitats: Coral,
Solitary or in small groups; juveniles in coral-rich areas. Diet:
Feeds on molluscs, echinoderms, and other invertebrates.
degradation, spear fishing and destructive fishing. IUCN Red
List Status: Endangered. CITES: Appendix II. Protected
2 Coris formosa (Bennett) – Queen coris

Indian Ocean. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs.
Depth range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary, occasionally
in pairs; juveniles in shallow reef lagoons. Juvenile
colouration: Body bright orange, with white bars and black
spot on dorsal fin. Diet: Feeds on molluscs, echinoderms, and
other invertebrates. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
3 Gomphosus caeruleus Lacepède – Green bird-mouth

wrasse/ Indian Ocean bird wrasse
range: 2-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on small
2 juv
3 Male
3 Female
1 Halichoeres hortulanus, (Lacepède) – Checkerboard

wrasse
2-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Juvenile colouration: White
irregular blotches, on a brown background; an ocellus present
on the dorsal fin. Diet: Feeds on molluscs, crustaceans and
echinoderms. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
2 Halichoeres marginatus, Rüppell – Dusky wrasse/

Splendid rainbow wrasse
2-25 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in small groups. Juvenile
colouration: Dark background, with yellow lines and an
ocellus on the dorsal fin. Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates.
3 Halichoeres nebulosus (Valenciennes) – Nebulous

wrasse/ Clouded rainbow fish
range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in small groups.
Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates. Economic importance:
Occasionally used by the aquarium trade. Threats: Habitat
1 juv
2
J
2 juv
3
1 Halichoeres scapularis (Bennett) – Zigzag wrasse/

Brownbanded wrasse
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock reefs, over rubble,
sand and seagrass. Depth range: 1-8 m. Behaviour: Solitary
or in small groups. Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates.
Economic importance: Occasionally used by the aquarium
trade. Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive fishing.
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Hemigymnus fasciatus (Bloch) – Barred thicklip

wrasse
among branching corals. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour:
Solitary or small groups. Diet: Feeds on small crustaceans,
echinoderms and molluscs. Economic importance:
None.
3 Hemigymnus melapterus (Bloch) – Blackedge thicklip

wrasse
among branching corals. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour:
Solitary or small groups. Diet: Feeds on small crustaceans,
echinoderms and molluscs. Economic importance:
None.
3
1 Labroides bicolor, Fowler & Bean – Bicolor cleaner

wrasse/ Two-colour cleaner wrasse
Length: Maximum up to 15 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific;
rare in Sri Lanka. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs.
Depth range: 5-25 m. Behaviour: Solitary; establishes
territories around cleaning stations at prominent locations
on reefs. Diet: Feeds on parasites living on other fishes.
degradation due to human activities and destructive fishing.
Sri Lanka: Protected (under the Fauna and Flora Protection
Act and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act).
2 Labroides dimidiatus (Valenciennes) – Bluestreak

cleaner wrasse
range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in small groups;
establishes territories around cleaning stations at prominent
locations on reefs. Diet: Feeds on parasites living on other
fishes. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
3 Stethojulis trilineata (Bloch & Schneider) – Three-

lined rainbowfish
range: 3-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary, pairs or in small groups.
Diet: Feeds on small invertebrates. Economic importance:
1 juv
3
1 Thalassoma hardwicke (Bennett) – Sixbar wrasse/

Six-banded wrasse
range: 1-10 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in small groups,
usually dominated by a large male. Diet: Feeds on benthic
invertebrates. Economic importance: Occasionally used
by the aquarium trade. Threats: Habitat degradation and
2 Thalassoma jansenii (Bleeker) –Jansen's wrasse

in reef lagoons. Depth range: 1-10 m. Behaviour: Solitary
or in small groups, usually dominated by a large male. Diet:
Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Economic importance:
3 Thalassoma lunare (Linnaeus) – Moon wrasse/

Crescent-tail wrasse
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; mainly in reef
lagoons. Depth range: 1-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary or
in small groups, usually dominated by a large male. Diet:
Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Economic importance:
3
57 Family: Lethrinidae (Emperor fishes)
1 Lethrinus harak (Forsskål) – Thumbprint emperor

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also on
seagrass meadows and areas of coral rubble. Depth range:
5-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs. Diet: Feeds on fish
and small crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
2 Lethrinus nebulosus (Forsskål) – Spangled emperor

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone, and rock reefs; also on
seagrass meadows. Juveniles enter estuaries. Depth range:
8-75 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in groups. Diet: Feeds on
echinoderms, molluscs, crustaceans and fish. Economic
3 Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Forsskål) – Mangrove red

snapper
in estuaries. Depth range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: Forms small
groups. Diet: Feeds on fish and crustaceans. Economic
Family: Lethrinidae (Emperor fishes) 58
3
59 Family: Lutjanidae (Snappers)
1 Lutjanus biguttatus (Valenciennes) – Two-spot

banded snapper
3-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in groups. Diet: Feeds on
fish and crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
2 Lutjanus decussatus (Cuvier) – Checkered snapper/

Crossbanded snapper
invertebrates. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats:
None.
3 Lutjanus kasmira (Forsskål) – Common bluestripe

snapper
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; abundant
on shipwrecks and deep reefs. Depth range: 5-50 m.
Behaviour: Forms large aggregations. Diet: Feeds on fish and
None.
4 Lutjanus quinquelineatus (Bloch) – Five-lined snapper

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; abundant
on shipwrecks and deep reefs. Depth range: 5-50 m.
Behaviour: Forms large aggregations. Diet: Feeds on fish and
Status: Not Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Lutjanidae (Snappers) 60
4
61 Family: Lutjanidae (Snappers)
1 Lutjanus rivulatus (Cuvier) – Blubberlip snapper/

Scribbled snapper
Habitats: Coral, sandstone, and rock reefs. Depth range:
5-50 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in small groups. Diet:
Feeds on fish, cephalopods and invertebrates. Economic
Family: Monodactylidae
(Monos/ moonies)
2 Monodactylus argenteus (Linnaeus) – Silver moony/

Silver mono
inshore reef habitats; juveniles in estuaries. Depth range:
1-3 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on plankton and
detritus. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
None.
3 Mugil cephalus Linnaeus – Flathead grey mullet/

Flathead mullet
Length: Maximum up to 90 cm. Distribution: Coastal
waters of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones of all
seas. Habitats: Sand and mud bottoms in coastal waters
and estuaries; also on reef habitats. Depth range: 1-10 m.
Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on detritus, micro-algae
and benthic organisms. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
Family: Lutjanidae (Snappers) 62
Family: Monodactylidae
(Monos/ moonies)
3
63 Family: Mullidae (Goatfishes)
1 Mulloidichthys flavolineatus (Lacepède)

– Yellowstripe goatfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; occasionally
on seagrass meadows. Depth range: 2-20 m. Behaviour:
Solitary or in groups. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates on
sandy areas adjacent to reefs. Economic importance: Food
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Parupeneus forsskali (Fourmanoir & Guézé)

– Red Sea goatfish
range: 3-10 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in groups. Diet:
Feeds on benthic invertebrates on sandy areas adjacent to
reefs. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats: Habitat
3 Parupeneus indicus (Shaw) – Indian goatfish

Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also on seagrass
meadows. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in
schools. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates. Economic
Family: Mullidae (Goatfishes) 64
3
65 Family: Muraenidae (Moray eels)
1 Echidna nebulosa (Ahl) – Snowflake moray

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs inshore.
Depth range: 1-3 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds
on crustaceans. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Lanka: None.
2 Gymnomuraena zebra (Shaw) – Zebra moray

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs inshore.
Depth range: 1-10 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds
on crustaceans, molluscs and sea urchins. Economic
3 Gymnothorax favagineus Bloch & Schneider – Laced

moray/ Honeycomb moray
range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fish,
cephalopods and crustaceans. Economic importance: None.
Lanka: None.
4 Gymnothorax javanicus (Bleeker) – Giant moray

range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fish
and crustaceans. Economic importance: None. Threats:
None.
Family: Muraenidae (Moray eels) 66
4
67 Family: Nemipteridae
(Monocle breams)
1 Scolopsis bilineata (Bloch) – Two-lined monocle

bream/ Twoline spinecheek
range: 5-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary, in pairs or in small
groups. Diet: Feeds on benthic invertebrates and small
fish. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats: Habitat
2 Scolopsis vosmeri (Bloch) –Whitecheek monocle

bream
range: 5-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on benthic
None.
Family: Ostraciidae
(Boxfishes/ Trunkfishes)
3 Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus – Yellow boxfish

Diet: Feeds on algae, sponges and molluscs. Economic
importance: Juveniles used as aquarium fish. Threats:
Family: Nemipteridae 68
(Monocle breams)
Family: Ostraciidae
3 juv
69 Family: Ostraciidae
1 Ostracion meleagris Shaw – Whitespotted boxfish/

Spotted trunkfish
Length: Maximum up to 25 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific
and Eastern Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock
reefs; mainly inshore reef habitats. Depth range: 2-10
m. Behaviour: Found in pairs. Diet: Feeds on tunicates,
sponges, molluscs, copepods and algae. Economic
importance: Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation.
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Pinguipedidae
(Sandperches)
2 Parapercis clathrata Ogilby – Latticed sandperch

range: 2-25 m. Behaviour: Solitary or small groups. Diet:
Feeds on small fish and benthic invertebrates. Economic
importance: None. Threats: Habitat degradation. IUCN Red
None.
3 Apolemichthys xanthurus (Bennett) – Yellowtail

angelfish
Depth range: 8-30 m. Behaviour: In pairs or in small
groups. Diet: Feeds on sponges and algae. Economic
and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Least
Family: Ostraciidae 70
1 Male
1 Female
Family: Pinguipedidae
(Sandperches)
3
71 Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
1 Centropyge eibli Klausewitz – Blacktail angelfish/

Eibl’s angelfish
Pacific. Habitats: Sandstone and rock reefs. Depth range:
10-20 m. Behaviour: In pairs or in small groups. Diet: Feeds
on algae. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
2 Centropyge flavipectoralis Randall &Klausewitz –

Yellowfin angelfish
Indian Ocean. Habitats: Sandstone and rock reefs. Depth
range: 6-35 m. Behaviour: In pairs or in small groups. Diet:
Feeds on algae. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
3 Centropyge multispinis (Playfair) – Dusky angelfish/

Multispined angelfish
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also among
coral rubble. Depth range: 3-35 m. Behaviour: In pairs or
small groups. Diet: Feeds on algae. Economic importance:
None.
4 Pomacanthus annularis (Bloch) – Bluering angelfish

Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Mainly on
silty sandstone reefs on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Depth
range: 5-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in pairs. Diet: Feeds
on sponges, tunicates and algae. Economic importance:
Aquarium fish. Threats: Habitat degradation, collection for the
aquarium trade and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status:
Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes) 72
4 juv
73 Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
1 Pomacanthus imperator (Bloch) – Emperor angelfish

on sponges, tunicates and algae. Economic importance:
None.
2 Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Cuvier) – Semicircle

angelfish
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Mainly
on silty reef habitats; juveniles on nearshore reefs and in
estuaries. Depth range: 1-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in
pairs. Diet: Feeds on sponges, tunicates and algae. Economic
Sri Lanka: None.
Family: Pomacentridae
(Damselfish and Clown fish)
3 Abudefduf sordidus (Forsskål) – Blackspot sergeant

Solitary or in groups; territorial. Diet: Feeds on algae and
small invertebrates. Economic importance: None. Threats:
None.
Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes) 74
1 juv
2 juv
Family: Pomacentridae
3
75 Family: Pomacentridae
1 Abudefduf vaigiensis (Quoy & Gaimard) – Indo-Pacific

sergeant
Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock reefs; common in reef
Usually in small groups, but forms large aggregations
during spawning. Diet: Feeds on algae, plankton and small
Lanka: None.
2 Amphiprion clarkii (Bennett) – Clark’s anemonefish

Pacific. Habitats: With sea anemones on coral, sandstone
and rock reefs. Depth range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Pair
or a small group on each anemone. Diet: Omnivorous.
degradation, collection, including removal of sea anemones
for the aquarium trade and destructive fishing. IUCN Red
None.
3 Amphiprion nigripes Regan – Maldives anemonefish

Indian Ocean; the Maldives, Lakshadweep (formerly the
Laccadives) and Sri Lanka. Habitats: With sea anemones
on coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Depth range: 2-30 m.
Behaviour: Pair or a small group on each anemone. Diet:
Omnivorous. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Threats: Habitat degradation, collection, including removal
of sea anemones for the aquarium trade and destructive
fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated. Protected
Family: Pomacentridae 76
3
1 Amphiprion sebae Bleeker – Sebae anemonefish

Ocean. Habitats: With sea anemones on coral, sandstone
and rock reefs. Depth range: 2-30 m. Behaviour: Pair
or a small group on each anemone. Diet: Omnivorous.
degradation, collection, including removal of sea anemones
for the aquarium trade and destructive fishing. IUCN Red
None.
2 Chromis ternatensis (Bleeker) – Ternate chromis

Habitats: Coral reefs with rich growth of branching corals.
Depth range: 1-10 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet: Feeds on
plankton. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
None.
3 Chromis viridis (Cuvier) – Blue-green damselfish

Length: Maximum up 10 cm. Distribution: Indo-Pacific.
Habitats: Coral reefs with rich growth of branching corals.
plankton. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
None.
4 Chrysiptera brownriggii (Bennett) – Surge damsel

Habitats: Fringing coral reefs; mainly on reef flat and surge
zones. Depth range: 0.5-2 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in
small groups. Diet: Feeds on algae and small crustaceans.
4
1 Dascyllus aruanus (Linnaeus) – Humbug dascyllus

Habitats: Coral reefs with rich growth of branching and
tabulate corals. Depth range: 1-12 m. Behaviour: Solitary,
in small groups or large aggregations. Diet: Feeds on algae,
plankton and small crustaceans. Economic importance:
Not Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None
2 Dascyllus trimaculatus (Rüppell) – Three-spot

dascyllus
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs with rich growth of
branching and tabulate corals; also in association with large
sea anemones. Depth range: 1-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary,
in small groups or large aggregations. Diet: Feeds on algae,
plankton and small crustaceans. Economic importance:
3 Neopomacentrus azysron (Bleeker) – Yellowtail

demoiselle
Length: Maximum up to 7.5 cm. Distribution: Indo-
West Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs.
Depth range: 1 - 12 m. Behaviour: In small groups or
large aggregations. Diet: Feeds on zooplankton. Economic
Evaluated. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None
4 Plectroglyphidodon dickii (Liénard) – Dick’s damsel

Habitats: Shallow coral reefs with branching corals. Depth
range: 1-8 m. Behaviour: In groups, highly territorial. Diet:
Feeds on algae, plankton and small crustaceans. Economic
4
1 Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus (Quoy & Gaimard) –

Jewel damsel
Habitats: Coral reefs with coral rubble and dead coral. Depth
range: 1-8 m. Behaviour: In groups, highly territorial. Diet:
Feeds on algae, plankton and small crustaceans. Economic
2 Pomacentrus chrysurus Cuvier – Whitetail damsel

Indian Ocean, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and the
Western Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock reefs and
coral rubble. Depth range: 1-3 m. Behaviour: Solitary or in
small groups. Diet: Feeds on algae. Economic importance:
None. Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive fishing.
Sri Lanka: None.
3 Pomacentrus similis Allen – Similar damsel

Length: Maximum up to 7 cm. Distribution: Indian Ocean:
Sri Lanka and Andaman Sea. Habitats: Coral, sandstone, rock
reefs and coral rubble. Depth range: 1-30 m. Behaviour:
In small groups. Diet: Feeds on algae, plankton and small
crustaceans. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
trade and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Not
4 Stegastes nigricans (Lacepède) – Dusky farmerfish

Habitats: Coral reefs with extensive branching corals;
common in reef lagoons of fringing reefs. Depth range:
1-10 m. Behaviour: In large colonies; highly territorial and
aggressive. Diet: Feeds on algae, molluscs, sponges and
plankton. Economic importance: None. Threats: Habitat
4
83 Family: Scaridae (Parrotfishes)
1 Chlorurus rhakoura Randall & Anderson – Raggedfin

parrotfish
Depth range: 3-15 m. Behaviour: In small schools. Diet:
Feeds on algae. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats:
None.
2 Chlorurus sordidus (Forsskål) – Daisy parrotfish/

Bullethead parrotfish
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Juveniles on coral
rubble areas. Depth range: 2-15 m. Behaviour: In schools.
Diet: Feeds on algae. Economic importance: Food fish.
Lanka: None.
3 Scarus rubroviolaceus Bleeker – Ember parrotfish/

Redlip parrotfish
reef habitats. Depth range: 1-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary
or in groups. Diet: Feeds on algae. Economic importance:
Food fish. Threats: Habitat degradation and destructive
4 Scarus scaber Valenciennes – Fivesaddle parrotfish/

Dusky-capped parrotfish
Juveniles on coral rubble areas. Depth range: 1-20 m.
Behaviour: In schools. Diet: Feeds on algae. Economic
Family: Scaridae (Parrotfishes) 84
4
85 Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes)
1 Pterois antennata (Bloch) – Broadbarred firefish/

Spotfin lionfish
Habitats: Sandstone and rock reefs. Depth range: 10-35 m.
Behaviour: Mainly solitary; also in small groups. Diet: Feeds
primarily on crustaceans; also on small fish. Economic
importance: Aquarium fish. Threats: No known threats.
Sri Lanka: None.
2 Pterois miles (Bennett) – Devil firefish

Ocean. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Juveniles
among nearshore reef habitats and in estuaries. Depth
range: 1-25 m. Behaviour: Mainly solitary; sometimes
in small groups. Diet: Feeds on small fish, shrimps and
crabs. Economic importance: Aquarium fish. Threats:
Family: Serranidae
(Sea basses and groupers)
3 Cephalopholis argus Schneider – Peacock hind/

Peacock grouper
3-30 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fishes and
crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish. Juveniles
used by the aquarium trade. Threats: Habitat degradation,
spear fishing and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status:
Family: Scorpaenidae (Scorpionfishes) 86
Family: Serranidae
(Sea basses and groupers)
3
87 Family: Serranidae
(Anthias/ fairy basslets)
1 Cephalopholis formosa (Shaw) – Bluelined hind

West Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs.
fishes and crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish.
Juveniles used by the aquarium trade. Threats: Habitat
2 Cephalopholis miniata (Forsskål) – Coral hind

Pacific. Not recorded from Palk Bay and Palk Strait in Sri
Lanka. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; usually
on clear seaward reefs. Depth range: 5-25 m. Behaviour:
Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fishes and crustaceans. Economic
importance: Food fish. Juveniles used by the aquarium trade.
Lanka: None.
3 Cephalopholis sonnerati (Valenciennes) – Tomato

hind
Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; usually on clear
seaward reefs. Lives in holes in the reef with cleaner shrimps
and helps maintain the hiding places by fanning out sand.
fishes and crustaceans. Economic importance: Food fish.
Threats: Habitat degradation, spear fishing and destructive
4 Epinephelus faveatus (Valenciennes) – Barred-chest

grouper
Indian Ocean including India, Sri Lanka and Southern
Indonesia. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs. Depth
range: 2-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fishes
and invertebrates. Economic importance: Food fish.
Red List Status: Data Deficient. Protected status in Sri
Lanka: None.
Family: Serranidae 88
4
1 Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål) – Brown-

marbled grouper
Pacific. Habitats: Offshore sandstone and rock reefs. Depth
range: 10-50 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fishes,
crustaceans and cephalopods. Economic importance:
Food fish. Threats: Habitat degradation, spear fishing and
destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened.
2 Epinephelus malabaricus (Bloch & Schneider)

–Malabar grouper
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also in
estuaries. Depth range: 2-60 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet:
Feeds on fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. Economic
importance: Food fish. Threats: Habitat degradation, spear
fishing and destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Near
Threatened. Protected status in Sri Lanka: None.
3 Epinephelus merra Bloch – Honeycomb grouper

2-20 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fishes and
None.
4 Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker) – Camouflage

grouper
range: 2-40 m. Behaviour: Solitary. Diet: Feeds on fishes,
crustaceans and cephalopods. Economic importance:
Food fish. Threats: Habitat degradation, spear fishing and
destructive fishing. IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened.
4
1 Pseudanthias squamipinnis (Peters) – Sea goldie/

Lyretail anthias
offshore reef habitats. Depth range: 10-40 m. Behaviour:
Found in large groups. Diet: Feeds on zooplankton.
2 Siganus javus (Linnaeus) – Streaked spinefoot

Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also on seagrass
meadows, mangrove areas and brackish water lagoons.
3 Siganus lineatus (Valenciennes) – Golden-lined

spinefoot
Pacific. Habitats: Coral, sandstone and rock reefs; also on
seagrass meadows, mangrove areas and brackish water
lagoons. Depth range: 1-15 m. Behaviour: Schooling. Diet:
Feeds on algae. Economic importance: Food fish. Threats:
None.
3
93 Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes)
1 Siganus virgatus (Valenciennes) – Barhead spinefoot/

Double barred spinefoot
Pacific. Uncommon in Sri Lanka; recorded only on eastern
coastal reefs. Habitats: Coral, sandstone, and rock reefs.
Depth range: 5-8 m. Behaviour: In pairs. Diet: Feeds on
2 Synodus variegatus (Lacepède) – Variegated

lizardfish
on small fish. Economic importance: None. Threats:
3 Arothron hispidus (Linnaeus) – White-spotted puffer

Diet: Feeds on molluscs, sponges, tunicates, anemones, crabs,
echinoderms, worms and algae. Economic importance:
None. Threats: Habitat degradation. IUCN Red List Status:
Family: Siganidae (Rabbitfishes) 94
3
95 Family: Tetraodontidae (Puffers)
1 Arothron meleagris (Lacepède) – Guineafowl puffer

Diet: Feeds on tips of branching corals, sponges, molluscs,
tunicates, worms and algae. Economic importance: None.
Threats: Habitat degradation. IUCN Red List Status: Not
2 Canthigaster solandri (Richardson) – Spotted

sharpnose/ Spotted toby
2-25 m. Behaviour: In pairs. Diet: Feeds on tunicates,
molluscs, polychaetes, crustaceans, bryozoans and algae.
degradation. IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated.
3 Zanclus cornutus (Linnaeus) – Moorish idol

reef habitats. Depth range: 2-15 m. Behaviour: Solitary or
in small groups. Diet: Feeds primarily on sponges; also on
small invertebrates. Economic importance: Aquarium fish.
Lanka: None.
Family: Tetraodontidae (Puffers) 96
3
97 Index of families
Acanthuridae 1, 3, 5, 7
Apogonidae 7
Aulostomidae 9
Balistidae 9, 11, 13
Caesionidae 13
Carangidae 15, 17
Carcharhinidae 17
Chaetodontidae 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29
Cirrhitidae 31
Dasyatidae 31, 33
Diodontidae 33, 35
Ephippidae 35
Fistulariidae 37
Gobiidae 37
Haemulidae 39
Hemiscylliidae 41
Holocentridae 41, 43
Kyphoside 43
Labridae 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55
Lethrinidae 57
Lutjanidae 57, 59, 61
Monodactylidae 61
Mugilidae 61
Mullidae 63
Muraenidae 65
Nemipteridae 67
Ostraciidae 67, 69
Pinguipedidae 69
Pomacanthidae 69, 71, 73
Pomacentridae 73, 75, 77, 79, 81
Scaridae 83
Scorpaenidae 85
Serranidae 85, 87, 89, 91
Siganidae 91, 93
Synodontidae 93
Tetraodontidae 93, 95
Zanclidae 95
Index of scientific names 98
Abudefduf sordidus 73-3 Chaetodon falcula 21-2

Abudefduf vaigiensis 75-1 Chaetodon kleinii 21-3
Acanthurus mata 3-1 Chaetodon lineolatus 23-1
Acanthurus bariene 1-1 Chaetodon lunula 23-2
Acanthurus dussumieri 1-2 Chaetodon melannotus 23-3
Acanthurus leucosternon 1-3 Chaetodon meyeri 23-4
Acanthurus lineatus 1-4 Chaetodon octofasciatus 25-1
Acanthurus triostegus 3-2 Chaetodon plebeius 25-2
Acanthurus xanthopterus 3-3 Chaetodon trifascialis 25-3
Aetobatus narinari 31-3 Chaetodon trifasciatus 27-1
Amblygobius semicinctus 37-2 Chaetodon vagabundus 27-2
Amphiprion clarkii 75-2 Chaetodon xanthocephalus 27-3
Amphiprion nigripes 75-3 Cheilinus chlorourus 45-3
Amphiprion sebae 77-1 Cheilinus undulatus 47-1
Anampses lineatus 45-1 Cheilodipterus macrodon 7-2
Apolemichthys xanthurus 69-3 Chiloscyllium griseum 41-1
Arothron hispidus 93-3 Chlorurus rhakoura 83-1
Arothron meleagris 95-1 Chlorurus sordidus 83-2
Aulostomus chinensis 9-1 Chromis ternatensis 77-2
Balistapus undulatus 9-3 Chromis viridis 77-3
Balistoides conspicillum 9-2 Chrysiptera brownriggii 77-4
Balistoides viridescens 11-1 Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus 31-1
Bodianus neilli 45-2 Cirrhitus pinnulatus 31-2
Caesio cuning 13-2 Coris formosa 47-2
Canthigaster solandri 95-2 Ctenochaetus striatus 3-4
Caranx heberi 15-1 Dascyllus aruanus 79-1
Caranx ignobilis 15-2 Dascyllus trimaculatus 79-2
Caranx melampygus 15-3 Diodon hystrix 33-3
Caranx sexfasciatus 15-4 Diodon liturosus 35-1
Carcharhinus melanopterus 17-3 Echidna nebulosa 65-1
Centropyge eibli 71-1 Epinephelus faveatus 87-4
Centropyge flavipectoralis 71-2 Epinephelus fuscoguttatus 89-1
Centropyge multispinis 71-3 Epinephelus malabaricus 89-2
Cephalopholis argus 85-1 Epinephelus merra 89-3
Cephalopholis formosa 87-1 Epinephelus polyphekadion 89-4
Cephalopholis miniata 87-2 Fistularia commersonii 37-1
Cephalopholis sonnerati 87-3 Forcipiger flavissimus 29-1
Chaetodon auriga 19-1 Gnathanodon speciosus 17-1
Chaetodon bennetti 19-2 Gomphosus caeruleus 47-3
Chaetodon collare 19-3 Gymnomuraena zebra 65-2
Chaetodon decussatus 21-1 Gymnothorax favagineus 65-3
99 Index of scientific names
Gymnothorax javanicus 65-4 Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus 81-1

Halichoeres hortulanus 49-1 Pomacanthus annularis 71-4
Halichoeres marginatus 49-2 Pomacanthus imperator 73-1
Halichoeres nebulosus 49-3 Pomacanthus semicirculatus 73-2
Halichoeres scapularis 51-1 Pomacentrus chrysurus 81-2
Hemigymnus fasciatus 51-2 Pomacentrus similis 81-3
Hemigymnus melapterus 51-3 Pseudanthias squamipinnis 91-1
Heniochus acuminatus 29-2 Pterocaesio chrysozona 13-3
Heniochus monoceros 29-3 Pterois antennata 85-1
Kyphosus cinerascens 43-3 Pterois miles 85-2
Labroides bicolor 53-1 Rhinecanthus aculeatus 11-3
Labroides dimidiatus 53-2 Rhinecanthus rectangulus 13-1
Lethrinus harak 57-1 Sargocentron caudimaculatum 41-3
Lethrinus nebulosus 57-2 Sargocentron diadema 43-1
Lutjanus argentimaculatus 57-3 Sargocentron spiniferum 43-2
Lutjanus biguttatus 59-1 Scarus rubroviolaceus 83-3
Lutjanus decussatus 59-2 Scarus scaber 83-4
Lutjanus kasmira 59-3 Scolopsis bilineata 67-1
Lutjanus quinquelineatus 59-4 Scolopsis vosmeri 67-2
Lutjanus rivulatus 61-1 Siganus javus 91-2
Monodactylus argenteus 61-2 Siganus lineatus 91-3
Mugil cephalus 61-3 Siganus virgatus 93-1
Mulloidichthys flavolineatus 63-1 Stegastes nigricans 81-4
Myripristis adusta 41-2 Stethojulis trilineata 53-3
Naso annulatus 5-1 Synodus variegatus 93-2
Naso brevirostris 5-2 Taeniura lymna 33-1
Naso elegans 5-3 Taeniura meyeni 33-2
Neopomacentrus azysron 79-3 Thalassoma hardwicke 55-1
Odonus niger 11-2 Thalassoma jansenii 55-2
Ostorhinchus aureus 7-3 Thalassoma lunare 55-3
Ostracion cubicus 67-3 Trachinotus blochii 17-2
Ostracion meleagris 69-1 Valenciennea strigata 37-3
Parapercis clathrata 69-2 Zanclus cornutus 95-3
Parupeneus forsskali 63-2 Zebrasoma desjardinii 5-4
Parupeneus indicus 63-3 Zebrasoma scopas 7-1
Platax orbicularis 35-2
Platax teira 35-3
Plectorhinchus ceylonensis 39-1
Plectorhinchus schotaf 39-2
Plectorhinchus vittatus 39-3
Plectroglyphidodon dickii 79-4
anemonefish, Clark’s 75-2 butterflyfish, Redstriped 23-2

anemonefish, Maldives 75-3 butterflyfish, Red-tailed 19-3
anemonefish, Sebae 77-1 butterflyfish, Saddleback 21-2
angelfish, Blacktail 71-1 butterflyfish, Scrawled 23-4
angelfish, Bluering 71-4 butterflyfish, Sunburst 21-3
angelfish, Dusky 71-3 butterflyfish, Threadfin 19-1
angelfish, Eibl’s 71-1 butterflyfish, Triangulate 25-3
angelfish, Emperor 73-1 butterflyfish, Vagabond 27-2
angelfish, Multispined 71-3 butterflyfish, Whitespotted 21-3
angelfish, Semicircle 73-2 butterflyfish, Yellow-head 27-3
angelfish, Yellowfin 71-2 cardinalfish, Large toothed 7-2
angelfish, Yellowtail 69-3 cardinalfish, Ring-tailed 7-3
anthias, Lyretail 91-1 chromis, Ternate 77-2
bamboo shark, Grey 41-1 cleaner wrasse, Bicolor 53-1
bannerfish, Longfin 29-2 cleaner wrasse, Bluestreak 53-2
bannerfish, Masked 29-3 cleaner wrasse, Two-colour 53-1
batfish, Longfin 35-3 coralfish, Featherfin 29-2
batfish, Orbicular 35-2 coralfish, Unicorn Pennant 29-3
batfish, Tiera 35-3 coris, Queen 47-2
boxfish, Whitespotted 69-1 cornetfish, Bluespotted 37-1
boxfish, Yellow 67-3 damsel, Dick’s 79-4
bristletooth, Striped 3-4 damsel, Jewel 81-1
butterflyfish, Bennett’s 19-2 damsel, Similar 81-3
butterflyfish, Black-backed 23-3 damsel, Surge 77-4
butterflyfish, Blueblotch 25-2 damsel, Whitetail 81-2
butterflyfish, Bluelashed 19-2 damselfish, Blue-green 77-3
butterflyfish, Bluespot 25-2 dascyllus, Humbug 79-1
butterflyfish, Chevron 25-3 dascyllus, Three-spot 79-2
butterflyfish, Collare 19-3 demoiselle, Yellowtail 79-3
butterflyfish, Criss-cross 27-2 emperor, Spangled 57-2
butterflyfish, Eight-banded 25-1 emperor, Thumbprint 57-1
butterflyfish, Eight-striped 25-1 farmerfish, Dusky 81-4
butterflyfish, Indian 21-2 firefish, Broadbarred 85-1
Double-saddle firefish, Devil 85-2
butterflyfish, Indian vagabond 21-1 fusilier, Goldband 13-3
butterflyfish, Lined 23-1 fusilier, Redbelly yellowtail 13-2
butterflyfish, Longnose 29-1 goatfish, Indian 63-3
butterflyfish, Meyer’s 23-4 goatfish, Red Sea 63-2
butterflyfish, Pinstriped 27-1 goatfish, Yellowstripe 63-1
butterflyfish, Racoon 23-2 goby, Blueband 37-3
butterflyfish, Redfin 27-1 goby, Blue-streak 37-3
101 Index of common names
goby, Halfbarred 37-2 puffer, White-spotted 93-3

goldie, Sea 91-1 rainbow fish, Clouded 49-3
grey mullet, Flathead 61-3 rainbowfish, Three-lined 53-3
grouper, Barred-chest 87-4 ray, Spotted eagle 31-3
grouper, Brown-marbled 89-1 ray, Bloched fantail 33-2
grouper, Camouflage 89-4 ray, Round ribbontail 33-2
grouper, Honeycomb 89-3 ray, Bluespotted ribbontail 33-1
grouper, Malabar 89-2 reef shark, Blacktip 17-3
grouper, Peacock 85-3 rudderfish, Highfin 43-3
hawkfish, Coral 31-1 sandperch, Latticed 69-2
hawkfish, Pixy 31-1 sea chub, Blue 43-3
hawkfish, Stocky 31-2 sergeant, Blackspot 73-3
hind, Bluelined 87-1 sergeant, Indo-Pacific 75-1
hind, Coral 87-2 sharpnose, Spotted 95-2
hind, Peacock 85-1 snapper, Blubberlip 61-1
hind, Tomato 87-3 snapper, Checkered 59-2
hogfish, Bay of Bengal 45-2 snapper, Common bluestripe 59-3
idol, Moorish 95-3 snapper, Crossbanded 59-2
lionfish, Spotfin 85-1 snapper, Mangrove red 57-3
lizardfish, Variegated 93-2 snapper, Scribbled 61-1
mono, Silver 61-2 snapper, Two-spot banded 59-1
monocle bream, Two-lined 67-1 snapper¸ Five-lined 59-4
monocle bream, Whitecheek 67-2 soldierfish, Bronze 41-2
moony, Silver 61-2 soldierfish, Shadowfin 41-2
moray, Giant 65-4 spinecheek, Twoline 67-1
moray, Honeycomb 65-3 spinefoot, Barhead 93-1
moray, Laced 65-3 spinefoot, Double barred 93-1
moray, Snowflake 65-1 spinefoot, Golden-lined 91-3
moray, Zebra 65-2 spinefoot, Streaked 91-2
mullet, Flathead 61-3 squirrelfish, Crown 43-1
parrotfish, Bullethead 83-2 squirrelfish, Long-jawed 43-2
parrotfish, Daisy 83-2 squirrelfish, Sabre 43-2
parrotfish, Dusky-capped 83-4 squirrelfish, Silverspot 41-3
parrotfish, Ember 83-3 squirrelfish, Tailspot 41-3
parrotfish, Fivesaddle 83-4 stingray, Black-blotched 33-2
parrotfish, Raggedfin 83-1 stingray, Ribbontailed 33-1
parrotfish, Redlip 83-3 surgeonfish, Black-spot 1-1
pompano, Snubnose 17-2 surgeonfish, Convict 3-2
porcupinefish, Black-blotched 35-1 surgeonfish, Elongate 3-1
porcupinefish, Spot-fin 33-3 surgeonfish, Eyestripe 1-2
puffer, Guineafowl 95-1 surgeonfish, Lined 1-4
surgeonfish, Powder blue 1-3 wrasse, Moon 53-3

surgeonfish, Roundspot 1-1 wrasse, Nebulous 49-3
surgeonfish, Striated 3-4 wrasse, Six-banded 55-1
surgeonfish, Yellowfin 3-3 wrasse, Sixbar 55-1
sweetlips, Indian Ocean 39-3 wrasse, Splendid rainbow 49-2
oriental wrasse, White-dashes 45-1
sweetlips, Minstrel 39-2 wrasse, White-dotted maori 45-3
sweetlips, Sri Lanka 39-1 wrasse, Zigzag 51-1
tang, Brushtail 7-1
tang, Indian sailfin 5-4
tang, Two-tone 7-1
toby, Spotted 95-2
trevally, Bigeye 15-4
trevally, Blacktip 15-1
trevally, Bluefin 15-3
trevally, Giant 15-2
trevally, Golden 17-1
triggerfish, Clown 9-2
triggerfish, Orange-lined 9-3
triggerfish, Red-toothed 11-2
triggerfish, Titan 11-1
triggerfish, Wedge-tail 13-1
triggerfish, White-banded 11-3
trumpetfish, Chinese 9-1
trunkfish, Spotted 69-1
unicornfish, Elegant 5-3
unicornfish, Palefin 5-2
unicornfish, Spotted 5-2
unicornfish, Whitemargin 5-1
wrasse, Barred thicklip 51-2
wrasse, Blackedge thicklip 51-3
wrasse, Brownbanded 51-1
wrasse, Checkerboard 49-1
wrasse, Crescent-tail 59-3
wrasse, Dusky 49-2
wrasse, Floral 45-3
wrasse, Green bird-mouth 47-3
wrasse, Humphead 47-1
wrasse, Indian Ocean bird 47-3
wrasse, Jansen's 55-2
wrasse, Lined 45-1
103 Bibliography
Allen, G. R. (1985). Butterfly and Angelfishes of the World. Vol 2. 3rd

edition. Melle, Germany: Mergus Publishers. 44 pp.
Allen, G (1999). Marine Fishes of South-East Asia. Perth: Western
Australian Museum. 292 pp.
Anderson, C (1996). Common reef fishes of Sri Lanka. Colombo:The World
Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka. 80 p.
De Bruin, G. H. P (1972). The 'Crown of Thorns' Starfish Acanthaster
planci (L.) in Ceylon. Bulletin of Fisheries Research Station, Sri Lanka
(Ceylon) 23: 37-41.
De Bruin, G. H. P., Russell, B.C. and A. Bogush (1995). The Marine Fishery
Resources of Sri Lanka. Rome: FAO. 400 p., 32 colour plates.
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. (editors). (2013). FishBase. www.fishbase.org,
version (10/2013). Accessed December 2013
IUCN (2013). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2.
www.iucnredlist.org. Accessed December 2013
Long, B. G., Amarasiri, C., Rajasuriya, A., Dissanayake, D. C. T.,
Liyanage, U. S. P. K. , Jayasinghe, R. P. P. K. , Athukoorala, A. A. S.
H. , Karunathileke, K. M. B. C. , Fernando, H. S. G. and W. V. A. T.
D. Fernando (2010). Sri Lanka Fisheries Atlas — Volume 1 - Status of
Resources, fisheries management initiatives on sea cucumber, chank, lobster,
shrimp and marine aquarium fish in the northwest, south and east coast
of Sri Lanka. Colombo, Sri Lanka: Department of National Aquatic
Resources Research and Development.
Lieske, E. and Myers, R (1994). Collins Pocket Guide, Coral Reef Fishes,
Indo-Pacific and Caribbean. First Edition. London: HarperCollins. 400 pp.
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). Ecosystems and Well-being
Synthesis report. Washington DC: Island Press. v+86 pp.
Myers, R.F. (1999). Micronesian Reef Fishes. A Comprehensive Guide to
the Coral Reef Fishes of Micronesia. Coral Graphics. Territory of Guam,
USA. 330 pp.
Ohman, M. C., Rajasuriya, A. and E. Olafsson (1997). Coral reef fish
assemblages in northwestern Sri Lanka: Distribution patterns and
influences of fishing practices. Environmental Biology of Fishes 49: 45-61.
Ohman, M. C., and A. Rajasuriya (1998). Relationship between
habitat structure and fish communities on coral and sandstone reefs.
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Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) as Bio-indicators of Habitat Structure
and Human Disturbance. AMBIO 27(8): 708-716.
Rajasuriya, A (2005). Status of coral reefs in Sri Lanka in the aftermath
of the 1998 coral bleaching event and 2004 tsunami. Pages 83-96 in D.
Souter and O. Linden, eds. Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean:
Status Report 2005. CORDIO, Department of Biology and Environmental
Science, University of Kalmar, Sweden, University of Kalmar, Sweden.
Bibliography 104
Rajasuriya, A (2008). Status of Coral Reefs in the Northern, Western

and Southern Coastal Waters of Sri Lanka. Pages 11-22 in D. Obura, J.
Tamelander, and O. Linden, eds. Ten Years after bleaching — facing the
consequences of climate change in the Indian Ocean. CORDIO Status Report
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Colombo: National Museums of Sri Lanka. 182 pp.
Spalding, M., C. Ravilious, and E. Green (2001). World Atlas of Coral
Reefs. Cambridge: UNEP-WCMC. 424 pp.
Wilkinson, C. (2004). Status of Coral Reefs of the World, 2004 (Vol. 1).
Townsville, Australia: Australian Institute of Marine Science. xiv + 301 pp.
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Notes:
Notes:
Notes:
About Mangroves for the Future Field Guide to
Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka

Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a unique partner-led initiative to
Reef Fishes
promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for
sustainable development. It provides a collaborative platform
among the many different agencies, sectors and countries who are
addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues,
to work towards a common goal.
MFF builds on a history of coastal management interventions

before and after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, especially the call
of Sri Lanka
to continue the momentum and partnerships generated by the
immediate post-tsunami response. It initially focused on the
countries worstaffected by the tsunami; India, Indonesia, Maldives,
Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. MFF has expanded to include
Bangladesh, Cambodia, Pakistan and Viet Nam. MFF will continue
to reach out other countries of the region that face similar issues,
with an overall aim to promote an integrated ocean wide approach
to coastal zone management.
The initiative uses mangroves as a flagship ecosystem, but MFF is

inclusive of all coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs, estuaries,
lagoons, sandy beaches, sea grasses and wetlands. Its long-term
management strategy is based on identified needs and priorities for
long-term sustainable coastal ecosystem management. These
priorities emerged from extensive consultations with over 200
Arjan Rajasuriya
individuals and 160 institutions involved in coastal management.
MFF seeks to achieve demonstrable results in influencing regional

cooperation, national programme support, private sector
engagement and community action. This will be achieved using a
strategy of generating knowledge, empowering institutions and
individuals to promote good governance in coastal ecosystem Arjan Rajasuriya
management.
Learn more at: www.mangrovesforthefuture.org Illustrations by Shantha Jayaweera

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About Mangroves for the Future Field Guide to

Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka

MFF builds on a history of coastal management interventions

The initiative uses mangroves as a flagship ecosystem, but MFF is

individuals and 160 institutions involved in coastal management.

MFF seeks to achieve demonstrable results in influencing regional

Learn more at: www.mangrovesforthefuture.org Illustrations by Shantha Jayaweera

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those

This publication is produced by Mangroves for the Future with financial

Published by: IUCN, Sri Lanka Country Office

Copyright: © 2013 IUCN, International Union for

Reproduction of this publication for educational

Reproduction of this publication for resale or

Citation: Rajasuriya, Arjan (2013). Field Guide to Reef Fishes

Design by: Nisansala Karunaratne Rajapaksa

Printed by: Karunaratne & Sons Ltd.

Available from: IUCN, Sri Lanka Country Office

Acanthuridae Acanthurus bariene 1

Index of family names 97

Using his marine experience of nearly four decades, the

We believe this Field Guide to Reef Fishes of Sri Lanka

Ever since I first looked underwater more than 40

This field guide has been developed to fulfil this gap

Today, reefs are under threat from several human

I wish to thank the Mangroves for the Future

Special thanks are directed to Mr. Shamen Vidanage,

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the experience

There is no official count of the number of reef fish

This field guide contains descriptions of 158 species

Habitats of reef fishes in Sri Lanka

Reefs that are close to shore are called fringing reefs.

Reefs that are located beyond the immediate vicinity

Fringing and offshore reefs have been divided into

Figure 1. Coral reef Habitat

Sandstone reefs are widespread and are found

Figure 2. Sandstone reef habitat

Rock reef habitats are of hard rock, which is granite

The depths of reef habitats vary from a about a metres

Figure 3. Rock reef habitat

Reef habitats are often linked to seagrass meadows,

The maximum depth given for a species in Sri Lanka

Inshore and offshore habitats or areas are terms used

Threats to reef fishes

Despite their immense ecological, economical and

Sri Lanka is no exception. Here too coral reefs are

A few species of uncommon or rare reef fish species are

Habitat degradation due to fishing activities

Invasive alien species

bleaching event. However, with the recovery of corals,

An explanation of the details given in the

Scientific name : Includes the Genus and

Common name : Common English name.

Length : Maximum size (in cm)

Distribution : Geographical extent

Habitats : The habitats occupied by

Depth range : Observed or reported

Behaviour : Observed behaviour in

Diet : Diet of the species

Economic importance : Commercial use in