254 UNDERWATER GUIDE TO MARINE LIFE 



bright and sparkling blue spots. The colors of this species vary from a dull, 

 uniform, dusky brown to phases like that pictured when blues and yellows 

 predominate. Females are generally browner than males. The shape of the body 

 is less deep than in the previous species, and the size is smaller. 



Habits: The authors believe that this fish tends to keep more strictly to holes 

 in reefs than do the previous species. It is not as often seen in groups swimming 

 about and is probably more or less solitary, especially as an adult. The male 

 guards the eggs and is extremely intolerant of the approach of all fishes. The 

 ever-present small wrasses are the chief threats to the eggs and are driven off by 

 pursuit and nips. 



YELLOWTAiL DEMOISELLE: Microsfuthodon chrysurus—Color Plate 6 



Size; Up to 6 inches. 



Distribution: West Indies and Bermuda to Florida. 



Identification: The young are covered with brilliant light blue spots. Adults, 

 in contrast to some phases of the beau gregory, lose the spots and acquire yellow 

 lower parts and a brilliant yellow-orange tail. 



Habits: Next to the sergeant major, this is the most common West Indian 

 species. Its habits are much like the sergeant major. 



REEF FISH (cHROMis): Chwmis marginatus—Color Plate 6 and Figure 144 



Size: Up to 5 to 6 inches. 



Distribution: West Indies and Bermuda to Florida. 



Identification: The forked tail fin with outer rays colored black is distinctive. 

 There are two color phases, one light brown and one bright blue. The eye is 

 large and dark. 



Habits: This is a reef-living species not found often near shore and at wharfs 

 as are other demoiselles. It has habits unlike others of the family, schooling 

 densely around coral heads and behaving like a small wrasse in its swarming 

 movements. Schools of this fish often follow the sv/immer in his journeys under 

 water. The forked tail is often opened and closed, the black outer rays appearing 

 like scissors. 



Similar Sfecies: The West Coast form in tropical waters is the blacksmith, 

 Ayresia functifinnis. It is very similar in appearance and habits to the East 

 Coast species, but it is of dark coloration. Other species are found near reefs 

 the world over. 



Labroid Fishes: Suborder Pharyngognathi {"throat teeth") 



There are two largely tropical and distinct families, both of which have 

 heavy pharyngeal teeth with which they crush their food. 



WRASSE: Family Labridae 



These very abundant and varied fishes are chiefly typical of tropical seas, but 

 they are also found in the temperate zones. All have a very characteristic 

 buck-toothed profile, which is the result of projecting caninelike teeth in the 

 front of the mouth, protrusible jaws, and thick lips. They are variable in body 

 form, but most are elongate, brightly colored, and have a continuous dorsal fin 

 in which the spiny part is long. The anal fin reflects the soft dorsal in size 



