176 BULLETIN OF THE BUREAU OF FISHERIES. 



The oldest island is Manua, still farther to the eastward, nearly circular, and 

 about 10 miles across, and there are also about six smaller islets, none of which was 

 examined by us. The islands of Tutuila and Manua are now under the flag of the 

 United States. 



In the summer of 1902 investigation of the fish and fisheries of this archipelago 

 was made under the auspices of the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries. a The work was 

 conducted chiefly from Apia and Pago Pago; and during the compai'atively short 

 time devoted to it, rich collections, numerous as to species and individuals, were 

 obtained, and many species new to science were discovered. 



The coral reefs of the South Seas literally swarm with fishes. The larger species 

 live in the deeper channels, passing in and out with a display of brilliant colors. 

 The smaller species, as Pomacentridse, Blenniidse, Chsetodontidffi, live on the surface 

 of the reefs and are segregated in pools as the tides recede. Man}^ of these reef 

 fishes show marked protective coloring, having the hues and markings of the reef 

 itself. Still others show what may be termed defiant coloring, their hues of blue, 

 scarlet, yellow, and green being in vivid contrast to the rocks about them. Nowhere 

 are these reef fishes more brilliant than in Polynesia. It is not easy to explain the 

 reason for these vivid hues, nor for the elaborate and striking markings which 

 accompan3 T them. It is clear that protective coloration is needless, for these species 

 are exceedingly active and when disturbed move through the water like animated 

 lightning; but why such a riot of color should exist is not evident. There is appar- 

 ently no advertising end to be served, and the idea that recognition has a high value 

 to the species has never been received with favor bj T naturalists. In the record of 

 the voyage of Captain Cook is the following account of the fishes of the atoll called 

 Palmerston Island: 



At one part of the reef which bounds the lake within, almost even with the surface, there was a 

 large bed of coral, which afforded a most enchanting prospect. Its base, which was fixed to the 

 shore, extended so far that it could not be seen, so that it appeared to be suspended in the water. 

 The sea was then unruffled, and the refulgence of the sun exposed the various sorts of coral in the 

 most beautiful order; some parts luxuriantly branching in the water, others appearing in vast variety 

 of figures, and the whole greatly heightened by spangles of the richest colors, glowing from a number 

 of large clams, interspersed in every part. Even this delightful scene was greatly improved by the 

 multitude of fishes that gently glided along, seemingly with the most perfect security. Their colors 

 were the most beautiful that can be imagined: blue, yellow, black, red, &c, far excelling anything 

 that can be produced by art. The richness of this submarine grotto was greatly increased by their 

 various forms, and the whole could not possibly be surveyed without a pleasing transport, accompanied, 

 at the same time, with regret that a work so astonishingly elegant should be concealed in a place so 

 seldom explored by the human eye. 



The fish fauna of Upolu and Tutuila is entirely the same, nor is there evidence 

 of any divergence from the fauna of Tahiti, Tonga, and other islands of similar 

 character. It is largely identical with that of the East Indies, from which nearly all 



a This expedition was under the direction of Dr. David Starr Jordan, who was assisted in the work by Prof. Vernon 

 Lyman Kellogg and Mr. Michitaro Sindo, of Stanford University for the Bureau, and the volunteer service of Prof. Robert 

 Edgar Allardice, of Stanford University, and Knight Starr Jordan. 



Acknowledgments for assistance of various kinds are due to the governor of Samoa, Dr. Schnee, and to Mr. H. J. 

 Moors, of Apia; to Capt. Uriel Sebree, U. S. Navy, commandant at the station, and his officers and assistants, through whom 

 the U. S. gunboat Wheeling and its equipment were placed at the disposal of the investigating party; to Mauga, chief of 

 Tutuila, and to Tuatagaloa in Apia, through whose interest many small reef fishes were obtained; and to various Samoan 

 assistants, chief among whom were Taua, Vaiula, Musila, and Salewale, of Apia, and Afele, of Pago Pago, whose services 

 contributed much to the success of the work. 



