Systematic studies of coral reef fishes from the Indian ocean, Phuket (Thailand)

Abstract

          An investigation of coral reef-fish fauna was performed from December 1976 to January 1978, around Phuket and several small offshore islands in the Indianocean. Simple fishing methods were applied in the water less than 10 meters deep at mean tide. There were 230 species of 93 genera found in these locations. Collections included 36 families, most of which inhabited coral heads and crevices of the rocky bottom. The fauna, however, was composed of both resident and non- resident forms. The most common residents were from the families: Pomacentridae, Chaetodontidae, Labridae, Serranidae, Acanthuridae and Lutianidae. A complete collection of all the species inhabited the areas investigated was not possible, because of collecting and identification difficulties.