Gobiidae. The Gobies 



Gobies are typically very small carnivorous fishes , common on 

 tropical reefs. Seven species are known from the Caribbean. 



Gnatholepis thompsoni (Jordan) . Goldspot Goby 



Fishes that I believe to be goldspot gobies were occasionally seen 

 in open sandy areas within the main reef. Randall (1967) found 

 74.0% algae and detritus in the stomachs of ten specimens, and as 

 much as 50% fine sand in the stomachs of some. Bohlke and Chapin 

 (1968) indicate that these gobies feed by taking sand in their 

 mouth, sorting out the food material, and ejecting residual sand 

 from the gill openings . 



Blennidae. The Blennies 



Blennies are small fishes with varied food habits, common on 

 tropical reefs. Several herbivorous species are known from the 

 Virgin Islands, but only one species was observed during this 

 study. 



Ophioblennius atlanticus (Valenciennes). Redlip Blenny 



Two redlip blennies lived in a crevice in a coral head near the 

 entrance to the habitat. They were seen there frequently during 

 daylight, as early as 0600 and as late as 1830 hours, often grazing 

 on the attached filamentous algae. Randall (1967) examined 50 

 specimens and found 99.0% of the stomach contents to be algae and 

 organic detritus, including 13 filamentous, 1 calcareous, 1 fleshy, 

 and 1 leafy species. 



Chaetodontidae. The Butterflyfishes and Angelfishes 



Chaetodontids are common reef fishes with varied food habits, some 

 members primarily herbivorous. Two main divisions are recognized; 

 the butterflyfishes and the angelfishes. Eleven species are 

 known from the Caribbean. 



Chaetodon striatus (Linnaeus). Banded Butterflyfish 



Individuals of this species were occasionally seen on the main reef, 

 during daylight, occasionally pecking at the surface of rocks and 

 corals, but it was difficult to determine just what material was 

 being ingested. During a feeding trial on July 17, one fed upon 

 Dictyota divaricata , ignoring 8 other plant species. Sixteen 



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