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**THE U.S. CARIBBEAN REGION**

### WETLANDS AND FISH: A VITAL CONNECTION

**FISH, CRUSTACEANS, AND MOLLUSKS FOUND IN U.S. CARIBBEAN WETLANDS**

# Patricia Delgado

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

Office of Habitat Conservation

1315 East-West Highway

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

For additional copies of this document, contact:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

Office of Habitat Conservation

1315 East-West Highway

Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

\(301\) 713-4300

**www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/**

October 2004

Cover Page:

Designs: Blue crab courtesy of Frederico Lencioni Neto; common snook
courtesy of Matrix Graphics Corp.; American eel and white catfish
courtesy of Duane Raver.

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height="0.6159722222222223in"}

U.S. Department of Commerce

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service

## AKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank the following experts for providing information
towards the completion of this species list: Beverly Yoshioka, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, Puerto Rico; Rafael Lemaitre, National Museum of
Natural History, Smithsonian Institution; and Lynne Parenti, National
Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution.

##### TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE U.S. CARIBBEAN REGION

WETLANDS AND FISH: A VITAL CONNECTION 1

FISH, CRUSTACEANS, AND MOLLUSKS FOUND IN U.S. CARIBBEAN WETLANDS 1

INTRODUCTION 1

WETLAND TYPES FOUND IN THE U.S. CARIBBEAN 2

Saltwater Wetlands 2

Freshwater Wetlands 2

# FISH AND SHELLFISH SPECIES FOUND IN U.S. CARIBBEAN WETLANDS 4

TABLE 1. SPECIES OF FISH FOUND IN WETLANDS AND REEFS OF THE U.S.
CARIBBEAN 6

TABLE 2. SPECIES OF CRUSTACEANS FOUND IN WETLANDS OF THE U.S. CARIBBEAN
72

TABLE 3. SPECIES OF MOLLUSKS FOUND IN WETLANDS OF THE U.S. CARIBBEAN 78

GLOSSARY 82

CONSULTED REFERENCES 85

THE U.S. CARIBBEAN REGION

### WETLANDS AND FISH: A VITAL CONNECTION

## 

## FISH, CRUSTACEANS, AND MOLLUSKS FOUND IN U.S. CARIBBEAN WETLANDS

**INTRODUCTION**

Wetlands are among the most important ecosystems on earth. They are
especially recognized for providing habitat, food, and protection to
many different species of animals (e.g. fish, birds, mammals, reptiles,
and invertebrates), and also for their valuable role as nurseries for a
wide variety of species of fish and shellfish, including endangered and
commercially important species. As a result, wetlands are recognized as
a vital ecosystem for fish.

This document provides a reference list of many species of fish and
shellfish (crustaceans and mollusks) that utilize and/or depend on the
different wetland habitats found throughout the U.S. Caribbean, which is
comprised of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St.
John, and St. Thomas). In addition to listing scientific and common
names, this document also includes interesting facts about each species,
as well as their association with specific wetland types.

The tables of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks species provided in this
document are the result of an online search and literature review for
the U.S. Caribbean region. The table listing fish species is very
comprehensive and includes not only those species found in wetland
habitats but also those found on or associated with coral reefs. The
tables given for crustaceans and mollusks are not as comprehensive as
the one for fish, but they provide a general reference for some of the
most common species utilizing wetland habitats in the region.

This document can be used as a companion document to the outreach
document released by the NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service,
Office of Habitat Conservation, entitled "The U.S. Caribbean Region,
Wetlands and Fish, A Vital Connection" (Delgado and Stedman 2004). It
also represents an easy to use reference document that can be utilized
for educational purposes, or as a source of information for those
interested in the diversity of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks found in
association with wetlands of the U.S. Caribbean.

**WETLAND TYPES FOUND IN THE U.S. CARIBBEAN**

Many different species of fish and shellfish are with wetlands, however
their abundance and diversity is highly dependent on the particular
characteristics of the habitat being considered. Within the U.S.
Caribbean region, wetlands can be divided into two main groups:
saltwater wetlands and freshwater wetlands. Within each of these
categories, different wetland types can be recognized (including
seagrasses).

The following text provides a brief description of the most common
wetland types found in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands that are used
by fish and shellfish:

# Saltwater Wetlands

Saltwater wetlands are the most common wetlands in the U.S. Caribbean
region, found throughout almost the entire coastal zone. Salty (saline)
water and the influence of tides are defining factors of this type of
wetland. The salinity of saltwater wetlands is not a fixed value, but
rather changes with distance from the ocean, water depth, freshwater
input (i.e. precipitation, runoff, ground water) and season. The two
main types of saltwater wetlands found in the U.S. Caribbean are
seagrass beds and mangroves, both of great importance to fish.

Seagrass beds:

Seagrass beds are generally found in the shallow subtidal zone of the
coastal environment, although occasionally they may be exposed to the
atmosphere during very low tides. Seagrasses are a type of rooted
submerged vegetation that resembles grass, although they are not part of
the grass family. In the Caribbean, seagrass beds are generally
associated with mangrove wetlands and coral reefs.

Mangrove wetlands:

The term mangrove is used to refer to a group of trees and shrubs that
inhabit the coastal intertidal zone. Mangrove wetlands may also include
other associated vegetation including trees, herbs, and ferns, which are
generally found in the upland transitional zone, or the intertidal zone
as is the case for the leather fern *Acrostichum*. Mangroves are found
only in the tropics and subtropics along protected coastlines, including
cays, away from the direct action of waves. Mangrove trees have
developed special adaptations to survive the variable flooding and
salinity conditions imposed by the coastal environment.

# 

# Freshwater Wetlands

Freshwater wetlands are often associated with a body of fresh water such
as a river, lake, or pond, but the wetland\'s freshwater supply also can
come from precipitation or ground water. Examples of this type of
wetland in the U.S. Caribbean are freshwater marshes, forested wetlands,
and freshwater aquatic wetlands. In addition to natural freshwater
wetlands, human-made impoundments also serve as important habitats for
freshwater fish.

Freshwater marshes:

Depending on their location with respect to the coast, some freshwater
marshes can still experience the influence of tides. Even freshwater
marshes that are not influenced by the tide can experience water level
changes associated with rainfall or ground water. Freshwater marshes are
generally vegetated by a diverse group of plants including grasses,
sedges, rushes, broad-leaved aquatic plants, and soft stemmed aquatic
plants such as cattails, arrowheads, pickerelweed and reeds.
Characteristic examples of freshwater marshes in the U.S. Caribbean
region include a giant sedge marsh and a cattail marsh (although the
latter is considered an invasive, undesirable species in Puerto Rico and
the U.S. Virgin Islands).

Forested wetlands:

This type of wetland occurs along rivers and streams and occasionally is
flooded by these water bodies. When not flooded, these forests remain
dry for varying periods during the year. The vegetation in forested
wetlands consists mainly of trees and is very diverse. The types of
plants found in a forested wetland generally depend on the frequency and
amount of flooding that occurs in a particular area. A swamp bloodwood
forest (*Pterocarpus officianalis*) is an example of this type of
wetland in the U.S. Caribbean.

Freshwater aquatic:

These wetlands are associated with streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, canals
or reservoirs. In Puerto Rico, freshwater aquatic wetlands are also
associated with groundwater upwelling. Freshwater aquatic wetlands can
be semi-permanently or permanently flooded with still or moving water.
These wetlands are dominated by free-floating or rooted aquatic herbs
such as naiad, fanwort, hornwort and pondweeds. Water hyacinth and water
lily are also species found in freshwater aquatic wetlands; these are
however, considered invasive and undesirable species in Puerto Rico.

# FISH AND SHELLFISH SPECIES FOUND IN U.S. CARIBBEAN WETLANDS

Within the U.S. Caribbean region, over 500 species of fish and shellfish
utilize the different wetland habitats. While some species are unique to
only one type of wetland, many use different wetland types during the
same day, during the year, during the seasons, or during the different
stages of their life cycles depending on their needs. We are including
in this document separate tables listing species of fish, crustaceans,
and mollusks (see Tables 1-3) that utilize the different wetland types
in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. Because of these islands'
similarities in geographic position, climatic condition, and coastal
habitats, they have in common many of the species listed for the
different wetland habitats.

Out of the total number of fish species listed (495), the majority,
approximately 49%, utilized multiple wetland types, including coral reef
habitats. In contrast, the number of species using a single habitat was
more limited, with 3%, 5%, and 7% for mangrove, seagrass, and freshwater
habitats, respectively. The exception was coral reefs, where
approximately 36% of the fish species listed seemed to be limited to
this particular habitat (Figure 1). It is important to consider,
however, that these estimations are limited to the literature review
conducted to create the actual fish table included in this document.

Furthermore, out of the total number of species of fish utilizing
multiple habitats, those using the combination of
"mangroves-seagrasses-reefs" or "seagrass-reefs" were more abundant,
compared with species using for example, "mangroves-seagrasses,
mangroves-reefs", or "freshwater-mangrove habitats". Habitat diversity,
the high connectivity that often exists among mangrove, seagrass, and
reef habitats (especially seagrasses and reefs), plus the high diversity
of fish species that characterize reefs are possible explanations for
such trends.

![](media/image9.wmf)

**TABLE 1. SPECIES OF FISH FOUND IN WETLANDS AND REEFS OF THE U.S.
CARIBBEAN**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Fish Species**      **Common Name**  **Interesting Facts** **Region**   **Habitat
                                                                            Used**
  --------------------- ---------------- --------------------- ------------ ---------------
  *Abudefduf saxatilis* Sergeant major;  Species used in       Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Sargento;        aquarium trade. Like  U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Mariquita;       all damselfish, it    Islands      reef;
                        Isabelita;       can be territorial                 Seagrasses;
                        Chirivita;       and aggressive,                    Mangroves
                        Pintado          especially as it gets              
                                         older. Adults                      
                                         frequently form large              
                                         feeding aggregations               
                                         of up to several                   
                                         hundred individuals.               

  *Abudefduf taurus*    Night sergeant;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        Vieja prieta;    fisheries. Species    U.S. Virgin  
                        Sargento         used in aquarium      Islands      
                                         trade. Inhabits rocky              
                                         inshore reefs. Feeds               
                                         mainly on algae.                   
                                         Marketed fresh.                    

  *Acanthemblemaria     Roughhead        Species used in       Puerto Rico; Reef
  aspera*               blenny; Blenio   aquarium trade.       U.S. Virgin  
                        áspero; Vieja    Almost always found   Islands      
                                         in small worm holes                
                                         near or on reefs,                  
                                         where they perch with              
                                         heads extended. Darts              
                                         out to grab suspended              
                                         particles of food.                 
                                         Also feeds on                      
                                         amphipods and                      
                                         copepods.                          

  *Acanthemblemaria     Secretary        Inhabits limestone    Puerto Rico; Reef
  maria*                blenny;          slopes rather than    U.S. Virgin  
                        Secretaria;      patch reefs; slopes   Islands      
                        Vieja            usually colonized                  
                                         with small brain                   
                                         corals, stinging                   
                                         coral, sea fans,                   
                                         whips, and sea                     
                                         urchins.                           

  *Acanthemblemaria     Medusa blenny;   Prefers shallow coral U.S. Virgin  Reef
  medusa*               Vieja            reefs or rocky        Islands      
                                         bottoms around                     
                                         oceanic islands.                   

  *Acanthemblemaria     Spinyhead        On reefs inhabits     Puerto Rico; Reef
  spinosa*              blenny; Blenio   small worm holes in   U.S. Virgin  
                        espinoso; Vieja  white limestone rocks Islands      
                                         or pores in sponges,               
                                         where they perch with              
                                         heads out. Darts out               
                                         for a split second to              
                                         grab suspended                     
                                         particles of food.                 

  *Acanthostracion      Honeycomb        Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  polygonius*           cowfish; Chapín; fisheries. Species    U.S. Virgin  
                        Gallina; Chapín  used in aquarium      Islands      
                        panal            trade. Occurs in                   
                                         clear water around                 
                                         coral reefs. Feeds on              
                                         sponges, tunicates,                
                                         and shrimp. Uncommon.              

  *Acanthostracion      Scrawled         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  quadricornis*         cowfish; Chapín; fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Gallina; Chapín  aquarium trade. Found Islands      
                        veteado; Toro    in shallow water down              
                                         to 80 m, mainly in                 
                                         seagrass beds. Feeds               
                                         on sessile                         
                                         invertebrates and                  
                                         slow-moving                        
                                         crustaceans, sponges,              
                                         hermit crabs and                   
                                         marine plants.                     
                                         Considered an                      
                                         excellent food fish.               

  *Acanthurus bahianus* Ocean surgeon;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Médico;          fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Cirujano;        aquarium trade and    Islands      reef;
                        Barbero; Médico  occasionally as bait.              Seagrasses;
                        navajón pardo    Usually occurs in                  Mangroves
                                         groups of five or                  
                                         more individuals. The              
                                         spine on both sides                
                                         of the caudal                      
                                         peduncle may cause                 
                                         painful wounds. Feeds              
                                         on seagrass.                       

  *Acanthurus           Doctorfish;      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  chirurgus*            Médico; Barbero; fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Cirujano;        aquarium trade.       Islands      reef; Mangrove;
                        Navajón          Mainly diurnal.                    Seagrasses
                                         Ingests sand when                  
                                         feeding on algae.                  
                                         Also feeds on                      
                                         seagrass leaves. The               
                                         spine on both sides                
                                         of the caudal                      
                                         peduncle may cause                 
                                         painful wounds.                    

  *Acanthurus           Blue tang; Blue  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  coeruleus*            tang             fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        surgeonfish;     aquarium trade and    Islands      Seagrasses
                        Barbero; Médico; occasionally as bait.              
                        Navajón azul     Forms small groups.                
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         algae. Also feeds on               
                                         seagrass leaves. The               
                                         spine on both sides                
                                         of the caudal                      
                                         peduncle may cause                 
                                         painful wounds.                    

  *Acentronura          Pipehorse;       Marine and pelagic.   U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  dendritica*           Caballito                              Islands      
                        flautín                                             

  *Achirus lineatus*    Lined sole;      Occurs mainly in      Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                        Suela listada;   brackish or                        
                        Lenguado         hypersaline lagoons                
                                         on sandy-muddy                     
                                         bottoms of estuaries,              
                                         and in the littoral                
                                         zone. It hides itself              
                                         by leaving just its                
                                         eyes out. Can easily               
                                         disguise itself in                 
                                         the environment. Its               
                                         growth rate is                     
                                         relatively slow.                   

  *Acyrtops beryllinus* Emerald          Lives only among the  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        clingfish;       blades of turtle      Islands      
                        Renacuajo        grass, *Thalassia*.                
                        esmeralda        Feeds on small                     
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Acyrtus rubiginosus* Red clingfish;   Lives in close        Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Renacuajo        association with the  U.S. Virgin  
                        colorado         sea urchin mainly for Islands      
                                         protection. Feeds                  
                                         primarily on benthic               
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Aetobatus narinari*  Eagle ray;       Commonly found in     Puerto Rico; Mangroves; Reef
                        Spotted eagle    shallow inshore       U.S. Virgin  
                        ray; Leopard     waters such as bays   Islands      
                        ray; Sunfish;    and coral reefs but                
                        Chucho; Ovispo   may cross oceanic                  
                                         basins. Sometimes                  
                                         enters estuaries.                  
                                         Forms large schools                
                                         during the                         
                                         non-breeding season.               

  *Agonostomus          Mountain mullet; Subsistence           Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  monticola*            Dajao; Lisa de   fisheries. Adults                  Freshwater
                        río              live in rivers and                 wetlands
                                         streams. Young are                 
                                         encountered                        
                                         occasionally in                    
                                         brackish waters. This              
                                         is the only mullet                 
                                         that ascends far                   
                                         inland and spends all              
                                         its adult life in                  
                                         freshwater.                        

  *Ahlia egmontis*      Key worm eel;    Inhabits seagrass     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Gusano de cayos  beds, mangroves, and  Islands      Mangroves; Reef
                                         offshore reefs.                    
                                         Adults move to open                
                                         sea to spawn.                      

  *Albula vulpes*       Bonefish;        Often forms schools,  Puerto Rico; Mangroves; Reef
                        Colvino; Macaco; except large          U.S. Virgin  
                        Conejo; Piojo;   individuals which are Islands      
                        Ratón; Macabí    solitary. Tolerates                
                                         oxygen poor water by               
                                         inhaling air into a                
                                         lung-like airbladder.              
                                         Flesh is bony and not              
                                         esteemed. One of the               
                                         most important game                
                                         fishes worldwide.                  

  *Alphestes afer*      Mutton hamlet;   A solitary species    Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Coney; Hamlet;   found in seagrass     U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Small Grouper;   habitats. Sedentary   Islands      reef;
                        Aceituna;        during the day. It                 Seagrasses
                        Guaseta;         hides in holes or                  
                        Mantequilla      stays among seaweed,               
                                         sometimes partly                   
                                         covering itself with               
                                         sand. Nocturnal                    
                                         feeder on benthic                  
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Aluterus schoepfii*  Orange filefish; Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Lija; Lija       fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        naranja; Pereza  found over bottoms    Islands      
                                         with seagrass, sand,               
                                         or mud. Juveniles are              
                                         associated with                    
                                         floating Sargassum.                
                                         Solitary or in pairs.              
                                         Feeds on a variety of              
                                         plants, including                  
                                         algae and seagrasses.              

  *Aluterus scriptus*   Scrawled         Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        filefish; Lija   trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        trompa; Pereza   lagoons and seaward   Islands      Reef
                                         reefs. Sometimes                   
                                         found under floating               
                                         objects. Feeds on                  
                                         algae, seagrass,                   
                                         hydrozoans,                        
                                         gorgonians, colonial               
                                         anemones, and                      
                                         tunicates.                         

  *Amblycirrhitus       Redspotted       Moderately common in  Puerto Rico; Reef
  pinos*                hawkfish;        rocky areas and among U.S. Virgin  
                        Halconcito       rubble. Often in      Islands      
                                         holes and shallow                  
                                         caves. Usually lies                
                                         at rest on the                     
                                         substrate.                         

  *Ameiurus catus*      White catfish;   Introduced. Gamefish. Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        Bagre blanco;    Very tolerant of                   wetlands
                        Cabezón; Barbudo brackish water. Found              
                        blanco; Pez gato in mud-bottomed                    
                                         pools, open channels,              
                                         and backwaters of                  
                                         small to large                     
                                         rivers. Also in lakes              
                                         and impoundments. Its              
                                         diet includes fish,                
                                         aquatic invertebrates              
                                         and some green                     
                                         matter.                            

  *Ameiurus nebulosus*  Brown bullhead;  Introduced. Minor     Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        Torito; Bagre    importance in                      wetlands
                        pardo; Gata;     fisheries. Used in                 
                        Torito barbudo;  aquaculture;                       
                        Pez gato         gamefish; shown in                 
                                         aquariums. Nocturnal               
                                         feeder. Can tolerate               
                                         high carbon dioxide                
                                         and low oxygen                     
                                         concentrations and                 
                                         temperatures up to                 
                                         31.6 °C. Buries                    
                                         itself to escape                   
                                         adverse conditions.                

  *Anarchias similis*   Pygmy moray;     Occurs from shallow,  U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Morena pigmea    poorly developed      Islands      
                                         coral reefs to deep                
                                         rocky slopes.                      

  *Anarchopterus        Insular          Inhabits turtle-grass U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  tectus*               pipefish; Pez    beds, usually in      Islands      
                        flauta isleño    coves on the seaward               
                                         sides of islands.                  

  *Anchoa cubana*       Cuban anchovy;   Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*
                        Anchoa cubana;   fisheries. Used as    U.S. Virgin  
                        Bocona; Bocúa    bait. Occurs in       Islands      
                                         coastal waters,                    
                                         forming dense schools              
                                         along beaches in                   
                                         water of 1 m or less.              

  *Anchoa filifera*     Longfinger       A schooling species   Puerto Rico; Mangroves
                        anchovy; Anchoa  occurring in coastal  U.S. Virgin  
                        aletilarga;      waters.               Islands      
                        Bocona; Bocúa                                       

  *Anchoa lamprotaenia* Big-eye anchovy; Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*
                        Longnose         fisheries. Used       U.S. Virgin  
                        anchovy; Anchoa  usually as bait.      Islands      
                        ojona; Bocona;   Occurs in coastal                  
                        Bocúa            waters, forming dense              
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         zooplankton.                       

  *Anchoa lyolepis*     Shortfinger      Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        anchovy; Dusky   fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        anchovy;         used as bait. A       Islands      Mangroves
                        Longnose         schooling species                  
                        anchovy; Bocona  occurring in coastal               
                        prieta; Bocúa    waters. Feeds on                   
                                         plankton.                          

  *Anchoa parva*        Anchovy; Little  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        anchovy; Anchoa; fisheries. Usually                 Freshwater
                        Anchoa chica;    used as bait. A                    wetlands
                        Bocona; Bocúa    schooling species                  
                                         occurring in coastal               
                                         waters. Enters saline              
                                         lagoons and also                   
                                         freshwater. Feeds on               
                                         plankton.                          

  *Anguilla rostrata*   Common           Species of interest   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        freshwater eel;  in fisheries. Usually U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        American eel;    found in permanent    Islands      Freshwater
                        Common eel;      streams with                       wetlands
                        Anguila          continuous flow.                   
                                         Hides during the day               
                                         in undercut banks and              
                                         in deep pools near                 
                                         logs and rocks.                    
                                         Migrates in the fall               
                                         to the Sargasso Sea                
                                         to spawn. A                        
                                         catadromous species.               

  *Anisotremus          Black margate;   Species used in       Puerto Rico; Reef;
  surinamensis*         Vieja; Pompón    fisheries. Inhabits   U.S. Virgin  Mangroves\*
                                         large patch reefs and Islands      
                                         sloping rocky                      
                                         bottoms. Often near                
                                         the shelter of caves,              
                                         ledges, or wrecks.                 
                                         Feeds at night.                    

  *Anisotremus          Porkfish;        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  virginicus*           Atlantic         fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        porkfish;        recreational fishing. Islands      Seagrasses
                        Canario;         Young are popular                  
                        Catalineta; Cicí aquarium fish.                     
                                         Inhabits reefs and                 
                                         rocky bottoms. Young               
                                         pick parasites from                
                                         the bodies of larger               
                                         fishes.                            

  *Antennarius          Longlure         Inhabits shallow      Puerto Rico; Reef
  multiocellatus*       frogfish; Martín reefs. Commonly found U.S. Virgin  
                        pescador; Sapo;  in areas with         Islands      
                        Pez rana         sponges. May occur in              
                                         such shallow water                 
                                         that it is driven                  
                                         ashore during storms.              
                                         A voracious predator,              
                                         with many color                    
                                         phases used for                    
                                         camouflage. Feeds                  
                                         mainly on fishes, but              
                                         also crustaceans.                  
                                         Oviparous.                         

  *Antennarius          Ocellated        Subsistence           Puerto Rico  Reef
  ocellatus*            frogfish; Pez    fisheries. Used in                 
                        rana manchado;   aquarium trade.                    
                        Sapo             Inhabits rocky and                 
                                         coral reefs. Largest               
                                         species of frogfish                
                                         in the western                     
                                         Atlantic.                          

  *Antennarius          Dwarf frogfish;  Subsistence           Puerto Rico  Reef
  pauciradiatus*        Sapito;          fisheries. Usually                 
                        Pescador; Pez    found near patches of              
                        rana             reef and rock.                     
                                         Relatively uncommon.               
                                         Smallest frogfish in               
                                         the western Atlantic.              

  *Antennarius          Striated         Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  striatus*             frogfish;        trade. Inhabits rocky U.S. Virgin  
                        Splitlure        and coral reefs. Also Islands      
                        frogfish; Pez    seen in mud bottoms.               
                        rana rayado;     Observed to inflate                
                        Sapo; Murciélago itself greatly like                
                                         the puffers. Feeds                 
                                         mainly on fishes.                  
                                         Males have more                    
                                         intense coloration                 
                                         and extended                       
                                         cutaneous appendages               
                                         than females.                      

  *Apogon aurolineatus* Bridle           Most common in        U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        cardinalfish;    seagrass beds, but    Islands      
                        Cardenal pardo   also occurs from the               
                                         water\'s edge to 75 m              
                                         depth. Can be                      
                                         observed in                        
                                         association with                   
                                         corkscrew anemones.                

  *Apogon binotatus*    Barred           Very common. Found in Puerto Rico; Reef
                        cardinalfish;    gravel pits and rock  U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal mancha  ledges at the sea\'s  Islands      
                        negra            edge to clear-water                
                                         reefs. Remains hidden              
                                         in cracks and holes                
                                         during the day.                    

  *Apogon evermanni*    Evermann\'s      Found in deep         Puerto Rico  Reef
                        cardinalfish;    recesses of caves in               
                        Oddscale         the outer reef slope.              
                        cardinalfish;    A Nocturnal species.               
                        Cardenal escamú  A mouthbrooder                     
                                         species.                           

  *Apogon lachneri*     Whitestar        Inhabits clear coral  Puerto Rico; Reef
                        cardinalfish;    reefs. Hides in dark  U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal mancha  recesses. Feeds in    Islands      
                        blanca           the open on reefs                  
                                         during the night.                  

  *Apogon maculatus*    Flamefish;       Most common           Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Cardenal candela cardinalfish in the   U.S. Virgin  
                                         aquarium trade. A     Islands      
                                         nocturnal species, it              
                                         remains hidden in                  
                                         cracks and holes                   
                                         during the day.                    
                                         Reaches depths of                  
                                         more than 100 m.                   

  *Apogon maculiferus*  Spotted          A reef associated     Puerto Rico  Reef
                        cardinalfish     species. Found under               
                                         ledges or in caves                 
                                         during the day.                    
                                         Nocturnal. Feeds on                
                                         zoobenthos,                        
                                         crustaceans, worms,                
                                         mollusks, and other                
                                         invertebrates. A                   
                                         mouthbrooder species.              

  *Apogon phenax*       Mimic            Prefers coral and     Puerto Rico  Reef
                        cardinalfish;    rocky areas with                   
                        Mimo             little sand. Looks                 
                                         very similar to                    
                                         *Apogon planifrons*,               
                                         which occurs in the                
                                         same area. This is a               
                                         mouthbrooder species.              

  *Apogon pillionatus*  Broadsaddle      Occurs in coral and   Puerto Rico  Reef
                        cardinalfish;    rocky areas with                   
                        Broadscale       little sand. This is               
                        cardinal fish;   a mouthbrooder                     
                        Cardenal         species.                           
                        rabinegro                                           

  *Apogon planifrons*   Pale             Inhabits coral and    Puerto Rico; Reef
                        cardinalfish;    rocky areas from 3-30 U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal claro   m, but possibly much  Islands      
                                         deeper. Hides in dark              
                                         recesses. Forage in                
                                         open during the                    
                                         night.                             

  *Apogon               Sawcheek         Found on coral, sand, Puerto Rico; Reef
  quadrisquamatus*      cardinalfish;    or gravel bottoms.    U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal rayado  Sometimes in          Islands      
                                         association with sea               
                                         anemones, which                    
                                         possibly provide                   
                                         shelter from                       
                                         predators. It also                 
                                         lives in tubular                   
                                         sponges.                           

  *Apogon townsendi*    Belted           Inhabits coral and    Puerto Rico; Reef
                        cardinalfish;    rocky areas, often    U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal listado near drop-offs.       Islands      
                                         Solitary or in                     
                                         groups. Found in                   
                                         caves or holes. Often              
                                         seen hovering in the               
                                         spines of long-spined              
                                         urchins.                           

  *Archosargus          Sheepshead; Sea  Used in fisheries.    Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  rhomboidalis*         bream; Western   When large they       U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        Atlantic         migrate from the      Islands      Seagrasses
                        seabream; Porgy; mangroves to the                   
                        Chopa; Chopa     reefs or                           
                        amarilla, Cagona algae-covered                      
                                         bottoms. Feeds on                  
                                         plant material                     
                                         (seagrass) and                     
                                         blue-green algae.                  

  *Arcos                Padded           Found in very shallow U.S. Virgin  Reef
  macrophthalmus*       clingfish;       water along rocky     Islands      
                        Tadpole          shores that may be                 
                        clingfish;       exposed to surf. May               
                        Renacuajo        enter narrow cracks                
                        acojinado        and crevices.                      

  *Astrapogon           Blackfin         Occurs in clear       Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
  puncticulatus*        cardinalfish;    seagrass beds         U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal         (*Thalassia*) where   Islands      
                        aletinegro       it often inhabits                  
                                         empty snail shells.                
                                         Caught at night or in              
                                         the early hours of                 
                                         the morning. A                     
                                         mouthbrooder species.              

  *Astrapogon           Conchfish;       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  stellatus*            Cardenal         trade. Prefers clear  U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        carruchero       waters around oceanic Islands      
                                         islands. Has a                     
                                         commensal                          
                                         relationship with the              
                                         conch shell Strombus               
                                         gigas and with the                 
                                         bivalve Atrina                     
                                         rigida. Emerges at                 
                                         night from the conch               
                                         shell to feed on                   
                                         small crustaceans.                 

  *Astronotus           Oscar; Marble    Introduced. Mainly    Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  ocellatus*            cichlid; Red     found in quiet                     wetlands
                        oscar; Velvet    shallow waters. Feeds              
                        cichlid          on small fish,                     
                                         crayfish, worms and                
                                         insect larvae. Occurs              
                                         in mud- and                        
                                         sand-bottomed canals               
                                         and ponds. A highly                
                                         valued food fish in                
                                         South America.                     

  *Atherinomorus        Silverside;      Potential interest in Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  stipes*               Bighead;         fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        Hardhead         used as bait. Found   Islands      Seagrasses
                        silverside;      over soft bottoms as               
                        Cabezón;         well as in coral                   
                        Cabezote;        reefs. Often found in              
                        Pejerrey         large schools.                     

  *Aulostomus           Trumpetfish;     Commonly found in     Puerto Rico; Reef;
  maculatus*            Corneta;         weedy areas and       U.S. Virgin  Mangrove\*
                        Trompetero       especially around     Islands      
                                         reefs. Often swims                 
                                         behind large                       
                                         herbivorous fishes to              
                                         sneak up on prey.                  
                                         Mouth opens to                     
                                         diameter of body to                
                                         suck in prey.                      

  *Awaous banana*       River goby;      Important in          Puerto Rico; Rivers
                        Saga; Guavina    fisheries. Inhabits   U.S. Virgin  
                                         clear and well        Islands      
                                         oxygenated waters of               
                                         streams and rivers                 
                                         over sand and gravel.              
                                         Also found in turbid               
                                         waters with muddy                  
                                         bottoms. Feeds on                  
                                         filamentous algae.                 
                                         Spawns in freshwater.              
                                         Larvae develop in                  
                                         brackish or salt                   
                                         water.                             

  *Awaous tajasica*     River goby; Sand Found in lakes,       Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        fish; Saga;      ponds, rivers, and    U.S. Virgin  Freshwater
                        Guavina          streams. Occurs in    Islands      wetlands
                                         brackish water in                  
                                         seasonally                         
                                         intermittent streams.              

  *Bairdiella ronchus*  Ground croaker   Important in          Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                                         fisheries. Found in                
                                         coastal waters, over               
                                         muddy and sandy                    
                                         bottoms. Feeds on                  
                                         fishes and                         
                                         crustaceans.                       
                                         Important foodfish.                

  *Balistes capriscus*  Grey             Important in          Puerto Rico  Reef
                        triggerfish;     fisheries. Used in                 
                        Common           sport fishing; shown               
                        triggerfish;     in aquariums.                      
                        Peje puerco      Inhabits bays,                     
                        blanco           harbors, lagoons, and              
                                         seaward reefs. May                 
                                         drift among                        
                                         Sargassum. Solitary                
                                         or in small groups.                
                                         The flesh is of                    
                                         excellent quality.                 

  *Balistes vetula*     Queen            Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        triggerfish; Old trade. May form       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        wife; Puerco;    schools, sometimes    Islands      
                        Peje puerco;     solitary. It preys on              
                        Cochino;         sea urchins by                     
                        Cachucho         blowing water to                   
                                         overturn them and                  
                                         then attacking them                
                                         where the spines are               
                                         short. Excellent food              
                                         fish but occasionally              
                                         can cause                          
                                         intoxication due to                
                                         the liver.                         

  *Bathygobius curacao* Notchtongue      Found in tidepools    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        goby; Gobio      and shore waters,     Islands      Mangroves
                        bífido; Guaseta  including mangrove                 
                                         areas and sheltered                
                                         seagrass beds.                     

  *Bathygobius          Frillfin goby;   The most common       Puerto Rico; Mangrove; Reef;
  soporator*            Moroncillo;      member of its family. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        Gobio; Guaseta;  Found in mangroves.   Islands      
                        Mapo; Burón      Also found on mud                  
                                         bottom in rivers and               
                                         rocky bottom in                    
                                         tidepools. It is more              
                                         common as the water                
                                         becomes less saline.               

  *Bodianus pulchellus* Spotfin hogfish; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Vieja lomonegro; fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        Capitán negro    the aquarium trade.   Islands      
                                         Lives in coral and                 
                                         rocky reefs, rarely                
                                         at depths greater                  
                                         than 24 m. Feeds on                
                                         crabs and small                    
                                         shellfish. Juveniles               
                                         pick parasites from                
                                         other fishes.                      
                                         Marketed fresh.                    

  *Bodianus rufus*      Spanish hogfish; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Loro capitán;    fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Pudiano; Peje    the aquarium trade.   Islands      reef; Mangroves
                        perro colorado   Inhabits rocky or                  
                                         coral reefs. Feeds on              
                                         brittle stars,                     
                                         crustaceans,                       
                                         mollusks, and sea                  
                                         urchins. Juveniles                 
                                         actively pick                      
                                         parasites from larger              
                                         fishes.                            

  *Bothus lunatus*      Plate fish;      Demersal marine.      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Peacock          Minor importance in   U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        flounder;        fisheries. Used in    Islands      Mangroves
                        Tapaculo;        aquarium trade. Most               
                        Lenguado lunado  common flounder                    
                                         around coral reefs.                
                                         Feeds mainly on small              
                                         fishes but also on                 
                                         crustaceans and                    
                                         octopuses.                         

  *Bothus ocellatus*    Eyed flounder;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Lenguado         fisheries. Found in   U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        ocelado;         sandy areas with      Islands      
                        Tapaculo         coral rubble or                    
                                         seagrasses, near                   
                                         patch reefs. In                    
                                         shallow coastal                    
                                         waters to depths of                
                                         110 m. Lies                        
                                         motionless on the                  
                                         bottom, moving only                
                                         when frightened.                   
                                         Feeds on fishes,                   
                                         crabs, shrimps,                    
                                         others.                            

  *Bryx dunckeri*       Pugnose          An insular species    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        pipefish; Pez    commonly found in     Islands      
                        flauta hocicudo  shallow turtle-grass               
                                         beds.                              

  *Calamopteryx         Longarm brotula; Uncommon species.     Puerto Rico; Reef
  goslinei*             Brotula          Inhabits coral reefs  U.S. Virgin  
                        aletilarga       and is a live-bearing Islands      
                                         species.                           

  *Calamus bajonado*    Jolthead porgy;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Bajonado; Pluma; fisheries. Inhabits   U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Caricacha        coastal waters.       Islands      Seagrasses
                                         Occassionaly found at              
                                         depths of at least                 
                                         200 m. Large adults                
                                         are usually solitary.              
                                         Feeds mainly on sea                
                                         urchins, crabs, and                
                                         mollusks.                          

  *Calamus calamus*     Saucereye porgy; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Porgy; Pluma     fisheries. Adults are U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        ojona            frequently found in   Islands      Seagrasses
                                         coral areas, while                 
                                         the young prefer                   
                                         vegetated (e.g.                    
                                         *Thalassia*) sandy                 
                                         bottoms. Feeds mainly              
                                         on mollusks, worms,                
                                         brittle stars, hermit              
                                         crabs, crabs, and sea              
                                         urchins. Easily                    
                                         approached.                        

  *Calamus penna*       Sheepshead       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        porgy;           fisheries. Found in   U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Littlemouth      reef areas over soft  Islands      
                        porgy; Speckled  or semi-hard bottoms.              
                        porgy; Pez de    Juveniles are                      
                        pluma; Pluma     encountered in                     
                        bocona           seagrass beds                      
                                         (*Thalassia*).                     
                                         Marketed fresh and                 
                                         frozen.                            

  *Calamus pennatula*   Pluma porgy;     Used in fisheries.    Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        West Indian      Adults often seen     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        porgy; Pluma     over rocky areas or   Islands      
                                         reefs, from flat                   
                                         bottoms to about 85 m              
                                         depth. The young                   
                                         inhabit shallower                  
                                         waters. Feeds on                   
                                         crabs, mollusks,                   
                                         worms, brittle stars               
                                         and hermit crabs.                  
                                         Important food fish.               

  *Callionymus bairdi*  Lancer dragonet; Used in the aquarium  Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Dragoncito       trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        lancero          shallow reefs,        Islands      
                                         including seagrass                 
                                         beds.                              

  *Cantherhines         American         Used in the aquarium  Puerto Rico; Reef
  macrocerus*           whitespotted     trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  
                        filefish;        reefs or rocky        Islands      
                        Whitespotted     bottoms. Found among               
                        filefish; Lija   gorgonians (coral).                
                        motas blancas;   Occurs in pairs.                   
                        Pereza           Feeds mainly on                    
                                         sponges, gorgonians,               
                                         and algae but also                 
                                         eats hydroids and                  
                                         stinging coral.                    

  *Cantherhines pullus* Orangespotted    Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        filefish;        fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Tail-light       the aquarium trade.   Islands      
                        filefish; Lija   The young are an                   
                        motas naranja;   important food source              
                        Pereza lija      in the diet of larger              
                        colorada; Peje   fishes such as tunas               
                        puerco           and billfishes. May                
                                         eat seagrass leaves.               
                                         Generally considered               
                                         as a trashfish,                    
                                         rarely consumed.                   

  *Canthidermis         Ocean            Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  sufflamen*            triggerfish;     fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        Turbot; Turco;   sport fishing and     Islands      
                        Lija             aquarium trade.                    
                                         Common near dropoffs               
                                         of seaward reefs.                  
                                         Occasionally in                    
                                         shallow water.                     
                                         Solitary or in small               
                                         groups in open water.              
                                         Often associated with              
                                         Sargassum. Feeds                   
                                         mainly on large                    
                                         zooplankton.                       

  *Canthigaster         Sharpnose        A common species      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  rostrata*             puffer; Tamboril found in coral reefs  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        narizón; Tambor  and reef flats, also  Islands      Mangroves
                                         in tide pools and                  
                                         seagrass beds. Diet                
                                         consists mainly of                 
                                         seagrass, also feeds               
                                         on sponges,                        
                                         crustaceans,                       
                                         mollusks, worms, sea               
                                         urchins, starfishes,               
                                         and algae.                         

  *Carangoides          Yellow jack;     Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
  bartholomaei*         Guaymen; Guaymen fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        amarillo;        sport fishing.        Islands      
                        Cojinúa;         Prefers offshore                   
                        amarilla; Chibí  reefs and open marine              
                        amarillo; Jurel  waters. Juveniles                  
                        amarillo         often found near the               
                                         shore on seagrass                  
                                         beds or associated                 
                                         with jellyfish or                  
                                         floating Sargassum.                
                                         Feeds on small                     
                                         fishes.                            

  *Carangoides ruber*   Bar jack; Blue   Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        runner;          fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Skipjack;        sport fishing.        Islands      Mangroves
                        Guaymen blanco;  Juveniles frequent                 
                        Cojinúa blanca;  areas with algae.                  
                        Chibí; Chibí     Usually in schools                 
                        macho            which may be spawning              
                                         groups; occasionally               
                                         solitary. Feeds on                 
                                         fishes, shrimps, and               
                                         other invertebrates.               

  *Caranx crysos*       Blue runner;     Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Hardnose;        fisheries. Gamefish;  U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Hardtail;        shown in aquariums.   Islands      
                        Runner; Yellow   Used as bait. Found                
                        mackerel;        not far from the                   
                        Cojinúa;         coast. Juveniles                   
                        Cojinuda;        often in association               
                        Crevalle; Güira; with floating                      
                        Jurel; Madregal; Sargassum. Forms                   
                        Medregal         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         fishes, shrimps, and               
                                         other invertebrates.               
                                         Excellent food fish.               

  *Caranx hippos*       Crevalle jack;   Important in          Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Common jack;     fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Mangroves; Reef
                        Green jack;      sport fishing and     Islands      
                        Horse crevalle;  shown in aquariums.                
                        Jurel            Found in waters over               
                                         the continental                    
                                         shelf. Ascends                     
                                         rivers. Juveniles                  
                                         abundant in brackish               
                                         estuaries, near sandy              
                                         beaches and on                     
                                         seagrass beds. Forms               
                                         fast-moving schools.               

  *Caranx latus*        Horse-eye jack;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Black jack;      fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Horse-eye;       sport fishing.        Islands      Seagrasses;
                        Horse-eye        Usually found in                   Freshwater
                        trevally;        offshore reefs.                    wetlands
                        Cajabeo;         Juveniles occur along              
                        Cojobeo; Jurel;  shores of sandy                    
                        Jurel negrón;    beaches and muddy                  
                        Jurel ojón;      bottoms. May                       
                        Ojobuey; Tiñosa  penetrate into                     
                                         brackish water and                 
                                         ascend rivers. Feeds               
                                         on fishes, shrimps,                
                                         and other                          
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Caranx lugubris*     Black jack;      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        Jurel negro;     fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        Jurel negrón     aquaculture and sport Islands      
                                         fishing. Mostly                    
                                         restricted to clear                
                                         oceanic waters. Not                
                                         commonly found in                  
                                         shallow banks. Seen                
                                         near drop-off at                   
                                         outer edge of reefs.               
                                         Occasionally forming               
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         fishes at night.                   

  *Carapus bermudensis* Pearlfish;       Occurs in or near     Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                        Atlantic         shallow seagrass                   
                        pearlfish; Pez   beds. Lives in the                 
                        perla            body cavity of sea                 
                                         cucumbers during                   
                                         daytime and leaves                 
                                         host at night.                     

  *Carassius auratus    Goldfish; Carpa  Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico; Freshwater
  auratus*              dorada; Pez      aquaculture and       U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                        dorado; Pez de   aquarium trade.       Islands      
                        colores          Gamefish. Inhabits                 
                                         rivers, lakes, ponds               
                                         and ditches with                   
                                         stagnant or                        
                                         slow-flowing water.                
                                         Live better in cold                
                                         water. Lay eggs on                 
                                         submerged vegetation.              
                                         Used as experimental               
                                         species. Edible but                
                                         rarely eaten.                      

  *Carcharhinus         Blacknose shark; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  acronotus*            Tintorera hocico fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        prieto           sport fishing. Found  Islands      
                                         mainly over sandy,                 
                                         shell, and coral                   
                                         bottoms. Feeds on                  
                                         small fishes. Preyed               
                                         on by larger sharks.               
                                         Viviparous. Utilized               
                                         dried salted for                   
                                         human consumption.                 

  *Carcharhinus leucas* Bull shark; Cub  Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        shark; Ground    fisheries. Gamefish;  U.S. Virgin  Freshwater
                        shark; Shark;    shown in aquariums.   Islands      wetlands
                        Sarda            Coastal and                        
                                         freshwater shark                   
                                         inhabiting shallow                 
                                         waters especially in               
                                         bays, estuaries,                   
                                         rivers, and lakes.                 
                                         Probably the most                  
                                         dangerous species of               
                                         tropical sharks.                   
                                         Utilized fresh,                    
                                         fresh-frozen or                    
                                         smoked.                            

  *Carcharhinus         Blacktip shark;  Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  limbatus*             Shark; Caconeta  fisheries. Gamefish.  U.S. Virgin  
                        punta prieta     Often found off river Islands      
                                         mouths and estuaries,              
                                         muddy bays, mangrove               
                                         swamps, lagoons, and               
                                         coral reef dropoffs.               
                                         Young common along                 
                                         beaches. Feeds mainly              
                                         on fishes, also                    
                                         sharks, rays, and                  
                                         crustaceans.                       
                                         Dangerous when                     
                                         provoked.                          

  *Carcharhinus perezi* Caribbean reef   Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        shark; Reef      fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  
                        shark; Shark;    found in reefs. A     Islands      
                        Tiburón          dangerous species                  
                        coralino;        implicated in an                   
                        Tintorera de     abortive attack on                 
                        arrecifes;       divers in the                      
                        Limón; Tintorera Caribbean. Meat is                 
                        coralina         prepared dried                     
                                         salted, hides for                  
                                         leather, liver for                 
                                         oil, carcasses for                 
                                         fishmeal.                          

  *Centropomus          Swordspine       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  ensiferus*            snook; Snook;    fisheries. Inhabits                Seagrasses
                        Swordfin snook;  coastal waters,                    
                        Róbalo; Róbalo   estuaries, and                     
                        machuelo;        lagoons, penetrating               
                        Robalete         into freshwater.                   
                                         Usually prefers very               
                                         low salinity water or              
                                         freshwater. Feeds on               
                                         small fishes,                      
                                         crustaceans (mainly                
                                         shrimps), and plant                
                                         material such as                   
                                         seagrass leaves.                   

  *Centropomus          Fat snook;       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  parallelus*           Little snook;    fisheries. Gamefish.               wetlands
                        Róbalo blanco;   Inhabits coastal                   
                        Róbalo           waters, estuaries,                 
                                         and lagoons,                       
                                         penetrating into                   
                                         freshwater.                        
                                         Occasionally in                    
                                         hypersaline lagoons.               
                                         Found over shallow                 
                                         soft bottoms. Feeds                
                                         on fish and                        
                                         crustaceans. Its                   
                                         flesh is well                      
                                         appreciated.                       

  *Centropomus          Tarpon snook;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  pectinatus*           Róbalo tablado;  fisheries. Lives in                wetlands
                        Róbalo; Róbalo   coastal waters,                    
                        constantino      estuaries, and                     
                                         lagoons, penetrating               
                                         into freshwater.                   
                                         Usually prefers very               
                                         low salinity water or              
                                         freshwater. Marketed               
                                         fresh. Feeds on fish               
                                         and crustaceans.                   

  *Centropomus          Snook; Common    Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  undecimalis*          snook; Róbalo    fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*;
                                         aquaculture and for   Islands      Freshwater
                                         recreational fishing.              wetlands; Reef
                                         Inhabits coastal                   
                                         waters, estuaries,                 
                                         and lagoons,                       
                                         penetrating into                   
                                         freshwater.                        
                                         Congregates at mouths              
                                         of passes and rivers               
                                         during the spawning                
                                         season. Feeds on                   
                                         crustaceans and fish.              

  *Centropyge argi*     Cherubfish;      Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Querubín; Ángel; trade. Normally       U.S. Virgin  
                        Isabelita        occurs in rubble      Islands      
                                         areas. Feeds on                    
                                         various types of                   
                                         algae. Retreats into               
                                         holes when                         
                                         frightened. It has                 
                                         been reared in                     
                                         captivity.                         

  *Cephalopholis        Graysby; Cherna  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  cruentata*            enjambre;        fisheries. Lives in   U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Cherna; Cabrilla seagrass beds         Islands      Seagrasses
                                         (*Thalassia*) and                  
                                         coral reefs.                       
                                         Solitary. Nocturnal                
                                         predator. Adults feed              
                                         mainly on fishes;                  
                                         juveniles on shrimps.              

  *Cephalopholis fulva* Coney; Small     Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        grouper;         fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Mantequilla;     aquarium trade.       Islands      reef;
                        Cherna cabrilla; Prefers coral reefs                Seagrasses
                        Negrita; Fino;   and clear water.                   
                        Guativirí        Females mature at 16               
                                         cm length and                      
                                         transform to males at              
                                         about 20 cm. Males                 
                                         are territorial.                   
                                         Feeds mainly on small              
                                         fishes and                         
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Cerdale floridana*   Pugjaw wormfish; Used in the aquarium  Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Gusano quijada   trade. Reef           U.S. Virgin  
                                         associated species.   Islandsds    
                                         Burrows in soft muddy              
                                         and sandy bottoms in               
                                         shallow waters.                    

  *Cetengraulis         Anchovy;         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Mangroves
  edentulus*            Atlantic         fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  
                        anchoveta;       used as bait. Occurs  Islands      
                        Bocon; Anchoa    inshore and forms                  
                                         large schools. Enters              
                                         brackish waters of                 
                                         lagoons and                        
                                         estuaries. A                       
                                         filter-feeder on both              
                                         phyto- and                         
                                         zooplankton.                       

  *Chaenopsis           Yellowface       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  limbaughi*            pikeblenny       trade. Live in small  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                                         holes in areas of     Islands      
                                         sand and coral                     
                                         rubble. Often forms                
                                         colonies. Prefers                  
                                         clear water. Feeds on              
                                         small crustaceans,                 
                                         worms, and fishes.                 

  *Chaenopsis ocellata* Bluethroat       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        pikeblenny       trade. Lives in worm  U.S. Virgin  Reef
                                         tubes in seagrass     Islands      
                                         beds, often in turbid              
                                         inshore waters.                    
                                         Usually solitary.                  
                                         Very territorial.                  
                                         Occasionally found to              
                                         depths of 12 m.                    

  *Chaetodipterus       Atlantic         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  faber*                spadefish;       fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        Angelfish;       aquaculture. Abundant Islands      Seagrasses
                        Moonfish;        in shallow coastal                 
                        Spadefish;       waters, from                       
                        Threebanded      mangroves and sandy                
                        sheephead;       beaches to wrecks and              
                        Threetailed      harbors. Juveniles                 
                        porgy; Paguala;  (black phase) are                  
                        Palaguala        common in estuaries.               
                                         Adults form large                  
                                         schools. May eat                   
                                         seagrass leaves. Good              
                                         food fish.                         

  *Chaetodon aculeatus* Longsnout        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        butterflyfish;   trade. Most common on U.S. Virgin  
                        Caribbean        deep reefs. Feeds on  Islands      
                        Longsnout        small invertebrates.               
                        butterflyfish;   Often seen nibbling                
                        Poey\'s          on the tubefeet of                 
                        butterflyfish;   sea urchins or the                 
                        Mariposa         tentacles of                       
                        hocicuda         tubeworms. Unlike                  
                                         some chaetodonts it                
                                         does not pick                      
                                         parasites from the                 
                                         bodies of other                    
                                         fishes.                            

  *Chaetodon            Four eye         Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  capistratus*          butterflyfish;   trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Katy; Mariposa;  shallow reefs.        Islands      reef;
                        Parché           Generally occurs                   Mangroves;
                                         solitary or in pairs.              Seagrasses
                                         Easily approached.                 

  *Chaetodon ocellatus* Spotfin          Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        butterflyfish;   trade. Lives in       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Katy; Mariposa   shallow coral reefs   Islands      
                        manchada; Parché with clear water.                  
                                         Develops dusky bands               
                                         at night. Generally                
                                         common.                            

  *Chaetodon            Reef             Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  sedentarius*          butterflyfish;   trade. Found in coral U.S. Virgin  
                        Katy; Mariposa   reefs. Often in       Islands      
                        de arrecifes     pairs. Prefers to                  
                                         feed on eggs of the                
                                         Sergeant major but                 
                                         also on polychaete                 
                                         worms, shrimps,                    
                                         amphipods, and                     
                                         hydroids.                          

  *Chaetodon striatus*  Banded           Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        butterflyfish;   trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Mariposa rayada  reefs. Occurs alone   Islandso     Seagrasses
                                         or in pairs. Adults                
                                         may form                           
                                         plankton-feeding                   
                                         aggregations of up to              
                                         20 individuals.                    
                                         Occasionally clean                 
                                         other reef fishes.                 

  *Channomuraena        Broadbanded      Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef
  vittata*              moray; Banded    fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        moray; Morena    aquarium trade. A     Islands      
                        franjeada        solitary species                   
                                         inhabiting outer reef              
                                         slopes. Found under                
                                         ledges and in holes                
                                         of reef slopes. Has                
                                         the habit of puffing               
                                         its head like a cobra              
                                         when approached.                   

  *Chilomycterus        Bridled          Occurs usually on or  Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  antennatus*           burrfish;        near coral reefs.     U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Guanábano brida; Often found in        Islands      
                        Puercoespín      seagrass beds.                     
                                         Carnivorous.                       

  *Chilomycterus        Web burrfish;    Inhabits coral reefs  Puerto Rico  Reef;
  antillarum*           Guanábano        with adjacent                      Seagrasses
                        escamudo;        seagrass and rubble                
                        Puercoespín      areas. Often found                 
                                         over grass beds. They              
                                         reach about 25 cm                  
                                         long. Carnivorous.                 

  *Chloroscombrus       Atlantic bumper; Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  chrysurus*            Bumper; Casave;  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*;
                        Bagre            Found over soft       Islands      Reef
                                         bottoms. Sometimes                 
                                         forming schools near               
                                         the surface.                       
                                         Juveniles common in                
                                         brackish estuaries                 
                                         and often associated               
                                         with jellyfish.                    

  *Chromis cyanea*      Blue chromis;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Burrito; Jaqueta trade. Common above   U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        azul; Cromis     deep outer reefs.     Islands      reef;
                                         Feeds in aggregations              Seagrasses
                                         of the small                       
                                         zooplankton,                       
                                         primarily copepods.                
                                         Retreats into coral                
                                         crevices when                      
                                         frightened.                        

  *Chromis enchrysura*  Yellowtail       Lives in steep slopes Puerto Rico; Reef
                        reeffish;        and outer patch       U.S. Virgin  
                        Caribbean        reefs. Occurs in      Islands      
                        chromis;         small groups.                      
                        Yellowtail                                          
                        chromis;                                            
                        Damisela de                                         
                        arrecifes                                           

  *Chromis insolata*    Sunshinefish;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico  Reef
                        Olive chromis;   trade. Found in deep               
                        Jaqueta gris;    outer and seaward                  
                        Burrito; Cromis  reefs. Tends to                    
                                         cluster in small                   
                                         groups close to the                
                                         bottom, around a                   
                                         single small coral                 
                                         head. Becomes more                 
                                         abundant with depth.               
                                         Feeds on plankton.                 

  *Chromis              Brown chromis;   Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef;
  multilineata*         Yellow-edge      fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        chromis; Jaqueta aquarium trade.       Islands      
                        parda; Burrito;  Generally found in                 
                        Cromis           steep slopes and                   
                                         patch reefs. A                     
                                         diurnal species.                   
                                         Forms moderate-sized               
                                         feeding-schools over               
                                         reef tops. Feeds on                
                                         zooplankton.                       

  *Cichla ocellaris*    Peacock cichlid; Introduced. Minor     Puerto Rico; Rivers
                        Tucunaré;        importance in         U.S. Virgin  
                        Tucunare; Pavón; fisheries. Used in    Islands      
                        Mamito; Payaso;  aquaculture and                    
                        Arrayado         aquarium trade.                    
                                         Gamefish. Forms                    
                                         schools. Occurs in                 
                                         rapids and quiet                   
                                         waters with medium                 
                                         depth and rocky                    
                                         substrates. High                   
                                         predatory habits.                  
                                         Reproduction occurs                
                                         year-round.                        

  *Citharichthys        Sand whiff;      Demersal species.     Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  arenaceus*            Lenguado         Occurs in bays,                    
                        arenero;         lagoons and shallow                
                        Tapaculo         coastal waters.                    

  *Citharichthys        Bay wiff;        Found in shallow      Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  spilopterus*          Lenguado de      muddy bottoms from                 Seagrasses\*
                        caletas;         the coastline to 75 m              
                        Tapaculo         depth; also in                     
                                         brackish estuaries                 
                                         and hypersaline                    
                                         lagoons. Part of its               
                                         diet consists on                   
                                         fish.                              

  *Clepticus parrae*    Creole wrasse;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Doncella         trade. Lives in       U.S. Virgin  
                        colilila         seaward reef slopes;  Islands      
                                         occasionally on                    
                                         shallow patch reefs.               
                                         Found in large                     
                                         aggregations feeding               
                                         on plankton and other              
                                         organisms.                         

  *Conger triporiceps*  Manytooth        Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        conger; Conger;  fisheries. Occurs     U.S. Virgin  
                        Congre dientón;  mainly around         Islands      
                        Congrio          islands. Benthic                   
                                         organism found on                  
                                         hard, rocky or coral               
                                         bottom.                            

  *Coralliozetus        Twinhorn blenny; Inhabits eroded       Puerto Rico; Reef
  cardonae*             Blenio bicornio; limestone slopes      U.S. Virgin  
                        Vieja            dotted with small     Islands      
                                         brain corals, sea                  
                                         fans, whips, sea                   
                                         urchins and others.                

  *Coryphopterus        Barfin goby;     Lives in reef areas   U.S. Virgin  Reef
  alloides*             Gobio            deeper than 12 m.     Islands      
                        aletirrayado;                                       
                        Guaseta                                             

  *Coryphopterus        Colon goby;      Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  dicrus*               Gobio            trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        pechiamarillo;   reefs, tide pools,    Islands      
                        Guaseta          limestone caves,                   
                                         algae-covered rocks                
                                         and isolated patch                 
                                         reefs surrounded by                
                                         white sand.                        

  *Coryphopterus        Pallid goby;     Used in aquarium      U.S. Virgin  Reef
  eidolon*              Gobio pálido;    trade. Found in reef  Islands      
                        Guaseta          areas deeper than 6                
                                         m.                                 

  *Coryphopterus        Bridled goby;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  glaucofraenum*        Gobio brida;     trade. Found in clear U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Guaseta          white sandy areas     Islands      Mangroves
                                         near deep reefs and                
                                         grassy and rocky                   
                                         areas. Also occurs in              
                                         murky inshore waters.              
                                         Burrows in the sand.               
                                         The male guards the                
                                         eggs.                              

  *Coryphopterus        Peppermint goby; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  lipernes*             Gobio menta;     trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta          heads in fairly deep  Islands      
                                         water. Usually                     
                                         solitary, but                      
                                         sometimes swims close              
                                         to the reef in small               
                                         groups.                            

  *Coryphopterus        Masked goby;     Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  personatus*           Gobio máscara;   trade. Occurs in      U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta          schools near large    Islands      
                                         coral columns and                  
                                         heads. Has been                    
                                         reared in captivity.               
                                         Hovers above bottom                
                                         in caves and shaded                
                                         areas in reefs.                    

  *Cosmocampus          Whitenose        Coastal species,      Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  albirostris*          pipefish; Pez    found in seagrass                  
                        flauta           beds. A cryptic                    
                        hocicoblanco     species. Avoids areas              
                                         with lowered                       
                                         salinity.                          

  *Cosmocampus elucens* Shortfin         Usually in shallow    U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        pipefish; Pez    seagrass beds.        Islands      Seagrasses
                        flauta                                              
                        aleticorto                                          

  *Cryptotomus roseus*  Bluelip          Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        parrotfish;      trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Slender          seagrass beds and     Islands      
                        parrotfish; Loro weedy areas with                   
                        boquiazul;       sand. Feeds on                     
                        Cotorro          seagrasses. Buries in              
                                         the sand to sleep in               
                                         a mucus tube.                      

  *Ctenopharyngodon     Grass carp;      Introduced. Gamefish. Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  idellus*              White amur;      Shown in aquariums.                wetlands
                        Carpa blanca     Found in lakes,                    
                                         ponds, pools, and                  
                                         backwaters of large                
                                         rivers. Feeds on                   
                                         aquatic plants and                 
                                         submerged grasses.                 
                                         One of the world\'s                
                                         most important                     
                                         aquaculture species.               
                                         Used for weed control              
                                         in rivers and fish                 
                                         ponds.                             

  *Dactylopterus        Flying gurnard;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  volitans*             Helmet gurnard;  fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Gavilán;         sport fishing and     Islands      
                        Murciélago;      aquarium trade. Found              
                        Guaraguao;       on sand, mud or over               
                        Volador          rocks in sandy areas,              
                                         exploring the bottom               
                                         with the free part of              
                                         the pectoral fins.                 
                                         Feeds on benthic                   
                                         crustaceans,                       
                                         especially crabs,                  
                                         clams and small                    
                                         fishes.                            

  *Dasyatis americana*  Southern         Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        stingray; Raya;  fisheries and         U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Chucho           recreational fishing. Islands      Seagrasses
                                         Buries in the sand                 
                                         during the day and                 
                                         forages at night,                  
                                         usually in seagrass                
                                         beds. Observed                     
                                         solitary, in pairs,                
                                         and found in                       
                                         aggregations. Has a                
                                         serrated spine                     
                                         capable of causing a               
                                         painful laceration.                

  *Decapterus           Mackerel scad;   Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
  macarellus*           Cigarfish;       fisheries. Gamefish.  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Robin; Caballa;  Used usually as bait. Islands      
                        Caballa          Prefers clear oceanic              
                        amarilla;        waters (around                     
                        Caballa azul     islands). Found near               
                                         the surface, but                   
                                         generally caught                   
                                         between 40 and 200 m               
                                         depth. Forms schools.              
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         zooplankton. Marketed              
                                         fresh and                          
                                         salted/dried.                      

  *Decapterus           Round scad;      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  punctatus*            Cigarfish;       fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  
                        Dotted scad;     used as bait. A       Islands      
                        Mackerel scad;   reef-associated                    
                        Round robin;     species. Inhabits                  
                        Caballa          neritic waters, often              
                        amarilla;        near sandy beaches.                
                        Quía-quía        Found generally near               
                                         the bottom. Feeds on               
                                         planktonic                         
                                         invertebrates. Spawns              
                                         well offshore                      
                                         year-round.                        

  *Dermatolepis         Marbled grouper; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  inermis*              Mutton hamlet;   fisheries. Usually on U.S. Virgin  
                        Sickelfish       deep ledges and       Islands      
                        grouper; Boricua reefs. Often found in              
                                         caves or deep                      
                                         crevices. Solitary.                
                                         Darts away when                    
                                         approached or                      
                                         frightened.                        

  *Diapterus auratus*   Irish mojarra;   Inhabits shallow      Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Irish pompano;   coastal waters,       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Silver perch;    especially in         Islands      
                        Broad shad;      mangrove-lined creeks              
                        Mojarra          and lagoons, but also              
                        plateada;        found on vegetated                 
                        Mojarra          sand grounds in                    
                                         typical marine areas.              
                                         Young more widespread              
                                         than adults. Feeds on              
                                         plant material and                 
                                         bottom-dwelling                    
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Diapterus rhombeus*  Rhomboid         Common in             Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        mojarra; Sand    mangrove-lined                     Seagrasses
                        mojarra; Caitipa lagoons; also found                
                        mojarra;         over shallow mud and               
                        Mojarreta;       sand grounds in                    
                        Mojarra          marine areas.                      
                                         Juveniles common in                
                                         hypersaline lagoons                
                                         and in brackish                    
                                         water. Feeds on                    
                                         crustaceans, small                 
                                         invertebrates, and                 
                                         plant material                     
                                         (seagrass leaves).                 

  *Diodon holocanthus*  Long-spine       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        porcupinefish;   trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Spiny puffer;    shallow reefs to open Islands      reef;
                        Balloonfish;     soft bottoms. Often                Seagrasses;
                        Guanábano        in mangrove channels.              Mangroves
                        moteado;         Also in areas with                 
                        Puercoespín      rocky substrata.                   
                                         Sometimes forms                    
                                         groups. A relatively               
                                         poor swimmer. Feeds                
                                         on mollusks, sea                   
                                         urchins and crabs.                 
                                         Used in chinese                    
                                         medicine.                          

  *Diodon hystrix*      Spot-fin         Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        porcupinefish;   trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Porcupinefish;   lagoons and seaward   Islands      Seagrasses
                        Spotted          reefs to at least 50               
                        porcupinefish;   m. Commonly seen in                
                        Puercoespín;     caves and holes in                 
                        Guanábano; Erizo shallow reefs. A                   
                                         solitary and                       
                                         nocturnal fish that                
                                         feeds on hard shelled              
                                         invertebrates like                 
                                         sea urchins,                       
                                         gastropods, and                    
                                         hermit crabs.                      

  *Diplectrum formosum* Sand seabass;    Important in          Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Sand perch;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Aguavina arenera Gamefish. Inhabits    Islands      
                                         bays, coastal grassy               
                                         areas, and shallow                 
                                         banks. A                           
                                         reef-associated                    
                                         species. Solitary and              
                                         retreats into shelter              
                                         when frightened.                   
                                         Synchronously                      
                                         hermaphroditic.                    

  *Diplodus argenteus   South American   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  argenteus*            silver porgy;    fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Silver porgy;    sport fishing. Occurs Islands      
                        Sargo fino;      along open rocky                   
                        Sargo Plateado   coasts, usually in                 
                                         surfy areas.                       
                                         Juveniles are found                
                                         in littoral pools                  
                                         between rocks.                     
                                         Individuals up to 10               
                                         cm are caught in                   
                                         shallow waters in                  
                                         sandy shores or                    
                                         seagrass beds.                     

  *Diplodus argenteus   Silver porgy;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  caudimacula*          Roundspot porgy; fisheries. Found in   U.S. Virgin  
                        Sargo; Sargo     shallow coastal       Islands      
                        fino; Sargo      waters, especially in              
                        Plateado         clear water over                   
                                         rocky and coral                    
                                         bottoms. The young                 
                                         may form                           
                                         aggregations. Feeds                
                                         on algae, mollusks,                
                                         and crabs.                         

  *Doratonotus          Dwarf wrasse;    Used in aquarium      U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
  megalepis*            Doncella enana   trade. Lives in       Islands      Reef
                                         shallow beds of                    
                                         turtle grass                       
                                         (*Thalassia*).                     
                                         Common, but seldom                 
                                         noticed among the                  
                                         blades of seagrass.                

  *Dormitator           Fat sleeper;     Sometimes kept in     Puerto Rico; Freshwater
  maculatus*            Mapiro;          aquariums as pets.    U.S. Virgin  wetlands;
                        Masaguán;        Occurs in marshes,    Islands      Mangroves
                        Moroncillo       muddy ponds, and                   
                                         channels. Mostly                   
                                         found in fresh water               
                                         but also in brackish               
                                         mangrove areas.                    
                                         Changes its                        
                                         coloration during                  
                                         reproduction carrying              
                                         out a complex mating               
                                         \"dance\". Adults                  
                                         guard the nest.                    

  *Dorosoma cepedianum* American gizzard Introduced. Minor     Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        shad; Eastern    importance in                      wetlands
                        gizzard shad;    fisheries. Used as                 
                        Gizzard shad;    bait. Occurs in                    
                        Hickory shad;    rivers, reservoirs,                
                        Mud shad; Nanny  lakes, and swamps.                 
                        shad; Skipjack;  Adults are also found              
                        Winter shad      in brackish or saline              
                                         water of estuaries or              
                                         bays. Herbivorous                  
                                         filter feeder. Used                
                                         as fertilizer and for              
                                         cattle food.                       

  *Dorosoma petenense*  Threadfin shad;  Introduced. Minor     Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        Sardina de agua  importance in                      wetlands
                        dulce            fisheries. Used as                 
                                         bait. Often forms                  
                                         schools. Mainly found              
                                         in large rivers,                   
                                         reservoirs, lakes,                 
                                         and swamps. Adults                 
                                         also found in                      
                                         brackish or saline                 
                                         water of estuaries                 
                                         and bays. Eggs adhere              
                                         to aquatic                         
                                         vegetation.                        

  *Echeneis naucrates*  Live             Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        sharksucker;     fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Sharksucher;     sport fishing and     Islands      
                        Pegador; Pega;   aquarium trade. Most               
                        Rémora           abundant remora in                 
                                         warm waters. Occurs                
                                         near as well as far                
                                         from the coast.                    
                                         Attaches temporarily               
                                         to a variety of                    
                                         hosts. Juveniles                   
                                         occasionally act as                
                                         reef station-based                 
                                         cleaners.                          

  *Echidna catenata*    Chain moray;     A benthic and         Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Morena           solitary species      U.S. Virgin  
                        eslabonada       found commonly on     Islands      
                                         reefs and rocky shore              
                                         areas. Feeds on small              
                                         fishes and                         
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Elacatinus dilepis*  Orangesided      Occurs in coral       Puerto Rico; Reef
                        goby; Gobio      formations surrounded U.S. Virgin  
                        anaranjado;      by white sand. Found  Islands      
                        Guaseta          solitary or in pairs               
                                         on small coral heads               
                                         and sponges; also on               
                                         rocky substrates.                  

  *Elagatis             Rainbow runner;  High importance in    Puerto Rico; Reef
  bipinnulata*          Salmon runner;   commercial fisheries  U.S. Virgin  
                        Spanish-jack;    and a valued game     Islands      
                        Yellow tail;     fish. Found in                     
                        Salmón           oceanic and coastal                
                                         waters. Generally                  
                                         near the surface over              
                                         reefs, or sometimes                
                                         far from the coast.                
                                         Forms large schools.               
                                         Feeds on                           
                                         invertebrates and                  
                                         small fishes. Good                 
                                         food fish.                         

  *Eleotris pisonis*    Spinycheek       This is a freshwater  Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        sleeper;         family, which extends U.S. Virgin  Freshwater
                        Sleeper; Morón;  into brackish water.  Islands      wetlands
                        Moroncillo       Found on shallow,                  
                                         muddy, or sandy                    
                                         bottoms. Appears to                
                                         prefer estuarine                   
                                         freshwater                         
                                         tributaries.                       

  *Elops saurus*        Ladyfish;        Usually used for      Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Fiddler; Macabí; bait. Forms large     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        Piojo; Chiro;    schools close to the  Islands      
                        Malacho; Lisa    shore. Feeds mainly                
                        francesa         on crustaceans and                 
                                         small fishes. Spawns               
                                         in the open sea.                   
                                         Noted for their habit              
                                         of skipping along the              
                                         surface of the water               
                                         and for jumping after              
                                         being hooked.                      

  *Emblemaria           Sailfin blenny;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  pandionis*            Blenio vela      trade. Found in areas U.S. Virgin  
                                         with clear water,     Islands      
                                         from rocky shores to               
                                         coral reefs. Often                 
                                         lives in empty worm                
                                         holes, coral rubble,               
                                         or edges of channels               
                                         where holes are                    
                                         available. Shy,                    
                                         leaves hole only for               
                                         brief periods.                     

  *Emblemariopsis       Blackhead        Found in small patch  Puerto Rico; Reef
  bahamensis*           blenny; Blenio   reefs surrounded by   U.S. Virgin  
                        cabecinegro;     fine white sand.      Islands      
                        Vieja                                               

  *Emblemariopsis       Smallhorn        Species associated    Puerto Rico; Reef
  leptocirris*          blenny; Blenio   with reefs.           U.S. Virgin  
                        cornicorto;                            Islands      
                        Vieja                                               

  *Emmelichthyops       Bonnetmouth;     Found in oceanic      U.S. Virgin  Reef
  atlanticus*           Boguita          waters, sometimes     Islands      
                                         over coral heads.                  
                                         Swims in schools to                
                                         depths of 64 m. Feeds              
                                         on zooplankton and                 
                                         small fishes.                      

  *Enchelycore          Mulatto conger;  Used in subsistence   Puerto Rico; Reef
  nigricans*            Viper Moray;     fisheries. A benthic  U.S. Virgin  
                        Morena negra;    and solitary species  Islands      
                        Víbora           common on shallow                  
                                         reefs and along rocky              
                                         shores.                            

  *Enneanectes          Roughhead        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  boehlkei*             triplefin;       trade. Found in patch U.S. Virgin  
                        Blenio           reefs and rocky       Islands      
                        aletimoteado     bottoms. Often perchs              
                                         on the surface of                  
                                         sponges or coral                   
                                         heads.                             

  *Enneanectes jordani* Mimic triplefin; Found on rocky and    Puerto Rico  Reef
                        Blenio piedra    coral bottoms.                     

  *Enneanectes          Redeye           Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  pectoralis*           triplefin;       trade. Lives in and   U.S. Virgin  
                        Blenio           around coral reefs    Islands      
                        ojicolorado      and rocky shores in                
                                         clear water.                       

  *Entomacrodus         Pearl blenny;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  nigricans*            Blenio perlado   trade. Intertidal.    U.S. Virgin  
                                         Found in tidepools,   Islands      
                                         rocky slopes, and                  
                                         places where there                 
                                         are boulders on the                
                                         bottom. Shuttles back              
                                         and forth between                  
                                         rockpools and air.                 
                                         Breathes air when out              
                                         of water. Feeds                    
                                         mainly on algae.                   

  *Epinephelus          Rock hind; Cabra Very important in     Puerto Rico; Reef;
  adscensionis*         mora             commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial reef
                                         Inhabits rocky reefs. Islands      
                                         Usually solitary.                  
                                         Feeds mainly on crabs              
                                         and fishes. Its flesh              
                                         is of good quality.                
                                         Marketed fresh.                    

  *Epinephelus          Red hind;        High importance in    Puerto Rico; Reef;
  guttatus*             Cabrilla; Mero   fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        cabrilla; Mero   recreational fishing  Islands      reef;
                        cherna; Mero     and in aquarium                    Mangroves;
                        colorado; Mero   trade. Found in                    Seagrasses
                        guajiro          shallow reefs and                  
                                         rocky bottoms.                     
                                         Solitary and                       
                                         territorial.                       
                                         Important in terms of              
                                         numbers caught and                 
                                         total weight of                    
                                         landings in the                    
                                         Caribbean. Excellent               
                                         food fish.                         

  *Epinephelus itajara* Goliath grouper; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Jewfish; Spotted commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        jewfish;         Important game fish.  Islands      reef;
                        Itajara; Guasa;  Solitary. Occurs in                Mangroves;
                        Mero; Mero       shallow, inshore                   Seagrasses
                        batata; Mero     areas. Found on rock,              
                        sapo; Mero       coral, or mud                      
                        guasa; Mero      bottoms. Juveniles                 
                        sapo; Judío      found in mangrove                  
                                         areas and brackish                 
                                         estuaries.                         
                                         Territorial. Meat is               
                                         of excellent quality.              

  *Epinephelus morio*   Red grouper;     Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Cherna           commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        americana;       Used in sport fishing Islands      reef;
                        Cherna de        and shown in                       Seagrasses
                        vivero; Negre;   aquariums. Occurs                  
                        Mero guasa;      mainly over rocky and              
                        Cherna;          muddy bottoms.                     
                        Jaboncillo       Uncommon around coral              
                                         reefs. Juveniles may               
                                         be found in shallow                
                                         water. Susceptible to              
                                         red tide toxin.                    
                                         Marketed fresh or                  
                                         frozen.                            

  *Epinephelus          Nassau grouper;  Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
  striatus*             Rockfish;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Hamlet; Cherna;  Used in recreational  Islands      reef;
                        Cherna criolla   fishing and in                     Mangroves;
                                         aquarium trade. Found              Seagrasses
                                         usually close to                   
                                         caves. Juveniles are               
                                         common in seagrass                 
                                         beds. Heavily fished               
                                         and vulnerable to                  
                                         overfishing,                       
                                         particularly when                  
                                         migrating or                       
                                         aggregating to spawn.              

  *Equetus acuminatus*  High-hat;        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Cubbyu; Striped  trade. Occurs in      U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        drum; Verdugo    clear waters of       Islands      
                        rayado           tropical islands,                  
                                         especially near coral              
                                         reefs, but also in                 
                                         adjacent bays over                 
                                         rough bottom. Also                 
                                         often found in                     
                                         seagrass beds. Has                 
                                         been reared in                     
                                         captivity.                         

  *Equetus lanceolatus* Jack-knife fish; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Ribbonfish;      fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Serrana;         aquarium trade. Found Islands      
                        Guapena; Verdugo in bays and deep                   
                                         coral reefs.                       
                                         Juveniles sometimes                
                                         inshore. Feeds mainly              
                                         on small shrimps and               
                                         crabs, but also on                 
                                         worms and mollusks.                

  *Equetus punctatus*   Spotted drum;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Verdugo moteado  trade. Found under    U.S. Virgin  
                                         ledges or near small  Islands      
                                         caves. Usually                     
                                         solitary. Feeds at                 
                                         night on crabs,                    
                                         shrimps, and                       
                                         polychaetes. Has been              
                                         reared in captivity.               

  *Etropus crossotus*   Fringed          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*
                        flounder;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Lenguado;        Found over sandy and  Islands      
                        Lenguado         muddy bottoms. Common              
                        listado;         in estuaries. Feeds                
                        Tapaculo         on big benthic                     
                                         invertebrates and                  
                                         small fishes.                      
                                         Utilized fresh.                    

  *Eucinostomus         Silver mojarra;  One of the largest    Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  argenteus*            Spotfin mojarra; mojarras. Found over  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*;
                        Sandflat         soft bottoms of bays  Islands      Reef
                        mojarra; Mojarra and shallow inshore                
                        blanca           areas, often along                 
                                         sand beaches. Enters               
                                         freshwater. Juveniles              
                                         are seen in lagoons                
                                         of mangroves. When                 
                                         large, it migrates                 
                                         from mangroves to                  
                                         sandy reef flats.                  

  *Eucinostomus gula*   Jenny mojarra;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Silver jenny;    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        Blanquilla       Usually used as bait. Islands      
                                         Found in shallow                   
                                         waters, especially                 
                                         abundant over mud                  
                                         bottoms in                         
                                         mangrove-lined                     
                                         lagoons or creeks.                 
                                         Enters fresh water.                
                                         May occur in                       
                                         aggregations.                      

  *Eucinostomus havana* Bigeye mojarra;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Mojarra ojona    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves
                                         Generally found over  Islands      
                                         vegetated sand                     
                                         grounds and over mud               
                                         bottoms in mangrove                
                                         areas. May form                    
                                         aggregations. Feeds                
                                         on small benthic                   
                                         invertebrates.                     
                                         Marketed fresh but                 
                                         not highly esteemed;               
                                         processed into                     
                                         fishmeal.                          

  *Eucinostomus         Slender mojarra; May occur in slightly U.S. Virgin  Reef
  jonesii*              Mojarra fina     deep water, and on    Islands      
                                         banks that are                     
                                         farther offshore than              
                                         those usually                      
                                         inhabited by                       
                                         Eucinostomus                       
                                         argenteus.                         

  *Eucinostomus         Mottled mojarra; Adults prefer sandy   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  lefroyi*              Mojarra moteada  shores. Young are     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*;
                                         more widespread.      Islands      Reef
                                         Found in waters of                 
                                         high salinity.                     

  *Eucinostomus         Flagfin mojarra; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  melanopterus*         Blackfin         commercial fisheries.              Seagrasses\*
                        mojarra; Mojarra A coastal species                  
                        pabellón         entering estuaries,                
                                         coastal rivers, and                
                                         lagoons. Found over                
                                         sand or mud bottoms.               
                                         Forages at daytime in              
                                         small groups.                      

  *Eugerres plumieri*   Striped mojarra; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                        Patao; Mojarra;  fisheries. Found in                
                        Espelúa          shallow coastal                    
                                         waters. Common in                  
                                         brackish waters over               
                                         mud bottoms in                     
                                         mangrove-lined creeks              
                                         and lagoons. Often                 
                                         enters a considerable              
                                         distance into                      
                                         freshwaters. Feeds on              
                                         plant material,                    
                                         mollusks, and                      
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Euthynnus            Little tunny;    Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  alletteratus*         Little tuna;     commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        False albacore;  Popular gamefish.     Islands      
                        Little tunny;    Reef-associated                    
                        Bonito; Vaca;    species. Found                     
                        Albacora; Salmón inshore over                       
                                         continental and                    
                                         insular shelves.                   
                                         Swims in fast-moving               
                                         compact schools.                   
                                         Opportunistic                      
                                         predator, which feeds              
                                         on almost everything               
                                         within its range.                  

  *Fistularia           Cornet fish;     A solitary species    Puerto Rico; Reef
  tabacaria*            Bluespotted      occurring over grass  U.S. Virgin  
                        cornetfish;      flats and reefs, also Islands      
                        Flauta; Corneta; over hard and rocky                
                        Trompetero       bottoms. Feeds on                  
                                         fishes, small                      
                                         crustaceans, or                    
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Galeocerdo cuvier*   Tiger shark;     Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Leopard shark;   commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Tigre; Tiburón   Gamefish. Found near  Islands      
                        tigre;           surface to depths of               
                        Tintorera;       140 m. Occurs on or                
                        Cabrón           adjacent to                        
                                         continental and                    
                                         insular shelves,                   
                                         frequenting river                  
                                         estuaries, coral                   
                                         atolls, and lagoons.               
                                         Omnivorous nocturnal               
                                         feeder. Reported to                
                                         attack humans.                     

  *Gambusia affinis*    Mosquitofish;    Introduced. Minor     Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        Western          importance in                      wetlands
                        mosquitofish;    fisheries. Used in                 
                        Pez mosquito;    aquarium trade.                    
                        Gupi             Inhabits standing to               
                                         slow-flowing water.                
                                         Most common in                     
                                         vegetated ponds and                
                                         lakes, backwaters and              
                                         quiet pools of                     
                                         streams. Effective in              
                                         mosquito control.                  
                                         Competes with                      
                                         indigenous fish.                   

  *Garmannia saucra*    Leopard goby;    Found in living coral U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Gobio leopardo;  colonies. One of      Islands      
                        Guaseta          several small fishes               
                                         that lives among the               
                                         tentacles of living                
                                         corals.                            

  *Gerres cinereus*     Yellowfin        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        mojarra; Broad   fisheries. Enters     U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        mojarra; Mojarra brackish water,       Islands      Seagrasses;
                        blanca; Mojarra  sometimes even fresh               Freshwater
                        de casta;        water. May occur in                wetlands
                        Muniama;         small aggregations.                
                        Arrayado         Feeds in sand patches              
                                         among reefs by                     
                                         putting its mouth                  
                                         into the sediment and              
                                         expelling sand from                
                                         the gill openings.                 
                                         Feeds on crustaceans.              

  *Ginglymostoma        Nurse shark; Cat Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  cirratum*             shark; La gata;  fisheries. Shown in   U.S. Virgin  
                        Gata             aquariums. A solitary Islands      
                                         and sluggish fish,                 
                                         often encountered                  
                                         lying on the bottom.               
                                         Young may be found                 
                                         among prop roots of                
                                         red mangroves.                     
                                         Nocturnal. May attack              
                                         humans. Edible, but                
                                         mainly valued for its              
                                         hide.                              

  *Gnatholepis          Goldspot goby;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  thompsoni*            Gobio dorado;    trade. Found in open  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Guaseta          sand, rock, and       Islands      
                                         rubble areas. Feeds                
                                         on organisms and                   
                                         organic material by                
                                         taking sand into its               
                                         mouth and expelling                
                                         it through the gill                
                                         openings, filtering                
                                         out its food in the                
                                         process.                           

  *Gobiomorus dormitor* Bigmouth         Adults occur in fresh Puerto Rico; Freshwater
                        sleeper;         water, often well     U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                        Guavina; Mapiro; inland. Found in      Islands      
                        Zepelín          large free flowing                 
                                         clear water streams.               
                                         Lies mostly on the                 
                                         bottom in the slower               
                                         moving part of                     
                                         streams, sometimes on              
                                         logs or large stones               
                                         and on leaf debris or              
                                         gravel. Carnivorous.               

  *Gobionellus          Darter goby;     Occurs from brackish  Puerto Rico  Seagrasses\*
  boleosoma*            Gobio dardo;     water (almost                      
                        Morón; Guaseta   entering freshwater)               
                                         to hypersaline                     
                                         litoral lagoons.                   
                                         Found in quiet waters              
                                         of bays and                        
                                         estuaries, in grassy               
                                         and muddy areas.                   

  *Gobionellus          Highfin goby;    Found on shallow mud  Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  oceanicus*            Gobio esmeralda; or mud-sand bottoms                
                        Setí; Guaseta    in turbid and                      
                                         generally brackish                 
                                         water near estuaries.              
                                         One of the largest                 
                                         gobies found in                    
                                         Puerto Rican coastal               
                                         waters. Capable of                 
                                         wide salinity ranges,              
                                         but more abundant in               
                                         low salinity.                      

  *Gobionellus          Dash goby; Gobio Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  saepepallens*         tasado; Guaseta  trade. A reef         U.S. Virgin  Mangroves; Reef
                                         associated species.   Islands      
                                         Found in open bottoms              
                                         composed of sand and               
                                         fine silt. Observed                
                                         to share a burrow                  
                                         with shrimps.                      

  *Gobionellus          Spotfin goby;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Seagrasses\*
  stigmalophius*        Gobio            commercial fisheries.              
                        aletimanchado;   Used in aquarium                   
                        Guaseta          trade. Found in sand               
                                         and mud bottoms.                   
                                         Shares burrow with                 
                                         the alpheid shrimp.                

  *Gobiosoma chancei*   Shortstripe      Lives in and around   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        goby; Yellowline sponges, especially   U.S. Virgin  
                        goby; Gobio      tube sponges.         Islands      
                        amarillo;                                           
                        Guaseta                                             

  *Gobiosoma evelynae*  Sharknose goby;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Gobio hocicudo;  trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Guaseta          reefs with clear      Islands      
                                         waters, preferably in              
                                         oceanic, insular                   
                                         areas. Found in pairs              
                                         near coral heads. A                
                                         cleaner. Feeds on                  
                                         ectoparasites of                   
                                         fishes.                            

  *Gobiosoma genie*     Cleaner goby;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Cleaning goby;   trade. Found on live  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Gobio limpiador  coral. Removes        Islands      
                                         ectoparasites from                 
                                         other fishes. Has                  
                                         been reared in                     
                                         captivity.                         

  *Gobiosoma            Greenbanded      Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  multifasciatum*       goby; Gobio      trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  
                        verde; Guaseta   tidepools in surfer   Islands      
                                         areas with clear                   
                                         waters. Has been                   
                                         reared in captivity.               
                                         Usually found among                
                                         the spines of                      
                                         rock-boring sea                    
                                         urchins.                           

  *Gobiosoma oceanops*  Neon goby; Gobio Used in aquarium      U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        de neón; Guaseta trade. Lives in coral Islands      
                                         heads. Removes                     
                                         ectoparasites from                 
                                         other fishes. Has                  
                                         been reared in                     
                                         captivity.                         

  *Gobiosoma prochilos* Broadstripe      Found in groups near  Puerto Rico; Reef
                        goby; Whiteline  coral heads. Cleaner  U.S. Virgin  
                        goby; Gobio      fish. Sometimes found Islands      
                        bandablanca;     on the outer surface               
                        Guaseta          of sponges, but not                
                                         inside. Has been                   
                                         reared in captivity.               
                                         Feeds on zoobenthos,               
                                         benthic crustaceans,               
                                         and other                          
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Gobiosoma randalli*  Yellownose goby; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Gobio            trade. Occurs in      U.S. Virgin  
                        cariamarillo;    groups near coral     Islands      
                        Guaseta          heads. Picks external              
                                         parasites found on                 
                                         other fishes.                      

  *Gobiosoma spes*      Vermiculated     Found on muddy        Puerto Rico  Seagrasses\*
                        goby; Gobio      bottoms of brackish                
                        franjeado;       or nearly fresh                    
                        Guaseta          waters.                            

  *Gramma linki*        Yellowlined      Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico  Reef
                        basslet;         trade. Found in steep              
                        Yellowcheek      outer reefs. Prefers               
                        basslet;         deep walls and                     
                        Chernita raya    becomes more abundant              
                        amarilla         with depth, except in              
                                         the eastern Caribbean              
                                         where they are found               
                                         at shallower depths.               

  *Gramma loreto*       Royal gramma;    Often found in caves  Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Fairy basslet;   or under ledges.      U.S. Virgin  
                        Purple and gold  Swims with belly      Islands      
                        basslet; Gramma; toward substratum, so              
                        Chernita bicolor under ledges seems to              
                                         be upside down. Feeds              
                                         on ectoparasites of                
                                         other fishes. Males                
                                         show various types of              
                                         nest care behaviour.               
                                         Has been reared in                 
                                         captivity.                         

  *Grammonus claudei*   Reef-cave        Uncommon species.     Puerto Rico  Reef
                        brotula          Known only from                    
                                         caverns in coral                   
                                         reefs and rocky                    
                                         shores.                            

  *Guavina guavina*     Guavina sleeper; Found over muddy      Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                        Guavina; Cetí;   bottoms, generally in              
                        Guavina morón    brackish waters of                 
                                         estuaries. Also                    
                                         occurs in fresh water              
                                         and hypersaline                    
                                         environments.                      
                                         Pollution from sugar               
                                         mills has reduced                  
                                         this specie's                      
                                         populations from                   
                                         Puerto Rican rivers.               

  *Gymnothorax          Green moray;     Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  funebris*             Black moray;     commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Green congo;     Shown in aquariums. A Islands      
                        Morena verde;    benthic and solitary               
                        Congre           species. Due to its                
                                         large size and                     
                                         aggressiveness, the                
                                         bites of this moray                
                                         are particularly                   
                                         dangerous. Feeds                   
                                         mainly at night on                 
                                         fish and crustaceans.              

  *Gymnothorax          Goldentail       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  miliaris*             moray; Conger    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        moray; Morena    Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        colidorada       trade. A benthic and               
                                         solitary species                   
                                         living in coral reefs              
                                         and rocky shorelines.              
                                         Usually at depths of               
                                         60 m. Active during                
                                         the day and sometimes              
                                         hunting with other                 
                                         predators.                         

  *Gymnothorax moringa* Spotted moray;   A benthic and         Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Common spotted   solitary species.     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        moray; Hamlet;   Abundant in shallow   Islands      
                        Morena moteada;  rocky and grassy                   
                        Morena pintada;  areas, and coral                   
                        Congo            reefs. Its bite is                 
                                         very dangerous.                    
                                         Active during the                  
                                         day. Usually seen                  
                                         with its head                      
                                         protruding from a                  
                                         hole and the rest of               
                                         its body hidden.                   

  *Gymnothorax          Caribbean        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Reef; Mangroves
  ocellatus*            ocellated moray; commercial fisheries.              
                        Moray eel;       A solitary species                 
                        Ocellated moray; often found on deep                
                        Spotted moray;   soft bottom areas and              
                        Chafiro; Morena  banks, rarely on                   
                        de charcos       coral reefs. Also                  
                                         seen in estuaries and              
                                         lagoons. Feeds mainly              
                                         on crustaceans.                    

  *Gymnothorax vicinus* Purplemouth      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        moray; Morena    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial reef
                        boquilila        Lives in rocky shores Islands      
                                         and reefs where water              
                                         is clear. A benthic                
                                         and solitary species.              
                                         Most active at night.              
                                         May cause serious                  
                                         wounds.                            

  *Haemulon album*      White margate;   Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        White grunt;     commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Margaret grunt;  Used in recreational  Islands      Seagrasses
                        Margate; Jallao; fishing and shown in               
                        Viuda; Sama      aquariums. Found in                
                        blanca; Viejo    seagrass beds, sand                
                        blanco; Vallao;  flats, coral reefs,                
                        Vieja; Jallao    and wrecks. Occurs in              
                                         pairs or larger                    
                                         schools.                           

  *Haemulon             Tomtate grunt;   Found in seagrass     Puerto Rico; Reef;
  aurolineatum*         Caesar; Redmouth beds, sand flats, and U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        grunt; Tomtate;  patch reefs. Forms    Islands      reef;
                        Mulita; Mula;    schools. Feeds on                  Seagrasses;
                        Jeniguana        small crustaceans,                 Mangroves
                                         mollusks, plankton,                
                                         algae and other                    
                                         organisms.                         

  *Haemulon bonariense* Black grunt;     Important in          Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        Ronco prieto;    commercial fisheries.              Reef;
                        Arrayado         Shown in aquariums.                Seagrasses
                                         Occurs in shallow                  
                                         areas, over mud to                 
                                         sand-mud bottoms.                  
                                         Found in a variety of              
                                         habitats such as                   
                                         coral reefs, beds of               
                                         algae, or seagrass.                

  *Haemulon             Caesar grunt;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  carbonarium*          Black grunt;     commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Blacktail grunt; Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Seagrasses
                        Carbonero        Occurs in clear rocky              
                                         or coral reefs and                 
                                         mangroves. Often                   
                                         forming schools.                   
                                         Nocturnal feeder.                  

  *Haemulon             Smallmouth       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  chrysargyreum*        grunt; Bronze    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        grunt;           Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Mangroves\*
                        Yellowstripe     Used as bait.                      
                        grunt; Cici;     Juveniles are seen in              
                        Saboga;          seagrass beds                      
                        Corocoro;        (*Thalassia*). Adults              
                        Coñuíto          are observed in coral              
                                         reefs during the day               
                                         but enter open waters              
                                         at night to feed.                  
                                         Commonly found in                  
                                         schools.                           

  *Haemulon             French grunt;    Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
  flavolineatum*        Open             commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        mouthed-grunt;   Shown in aquariums.   Islands      reef;
                        Yellow grunt;    Usually used as bait.              Mangroves;
                        Condenado;       Occurs in large                    Seagrasses
                        Cachicata        schools on rocky and               
                                         coral reefs.                       
                                         Juveniles abundant in              
                                         nearshore seagrass                 
                                         beds. Feeds mainly on              
                                         small crustaceans.                 

  *Haemulon macrostoma* Spanish grunt;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Gray grunt; Sow  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        grunt; Striped   Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Seagrasses
                        grunt;           Inhabits clear reefs.              
                        Colombiano;      Forms dense schools.               
                        Muniama;         Feeds on crustaceans               
                        Corocoro         and sea urchins.                   

  *Haemulon melanurum*  Cottonwick       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        grunt;           commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Cottonwick;      Shown in aquariums.   Islands      
                        French margate   Inhabits clear                     
                        fish; Jeniguana; inshore and offshore               
                        Jeniagua         reefs and adjacent                 
                                         grass beds. Often in               
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         crustaceans. Marketed              
                                         fresh.                             

  *Haemulon parra*      Sailor\'s grunt; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Bastard          commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Segrasses;
                        margaret;        Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Mangroves\*
                        Sailor\'s        Inhabits shallow                   
                        choice; Ronco;   coastal reefs; the                 
                        Roncador;        young on seagrass                  
                        Arrayado         beds, adults in                    
                                         schools in relatively              
                                         open areas. Feeds at               
                                         night on mollusks and              
                                         small fishes.                      

  *Haemulon plumieri*   Grunt; White     Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        grunt;           commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Bococolorado;    Shown in aquariums.   Islands      reef;
                        Boquicolorao;    Used in recreational               Segrasses;
                        Cachicata; Cicí; fishing. Found in                  Mangroves
                        Bariblanca;      dense aggregations                 
                        Arará;           during the day on                  
                        Ronco-ronco      patch reefs or sandy               
                                         bottoms. Juveniles                 
                                         are common in                      
                                         seagrass beds.                     
                                         Frequently exhibits a              
                                         territorial                        
                                         \'kissing\' display.               

  *Haemulon sciurus*    Blue striped     Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        grunt; Boar      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        grunt; Golden    Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Seagrasses
                        grunt; Humpback  Found in small groups              
                        grunt; Yellow    over coral and rocky               
                        grunt; Ronco     reefs and dropoffs.                
                        amarillo;        Juveniles are                      
                        Cachicata;       abundant in seagrass               
                        Boquicolorado    beds. Feeds on                     
                                         crustaceans,                       
                                         bivalves, and                      
                                         occasionally on small              
                                         fishes.                            

  *Haemulon striatum*   Striped grunt;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Ronco listado    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                                         Shown in aquariums.   Islands      
                                         Occurs along exposed               
                                         outer or deeper                    
                                         reefs. Found on                    
                                         semi-hard substrates.              
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         plankton but also                  
                                         eats small                         
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Halichoeres          Slippery dick;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  bivittatus*           Doncella rayada  trade. Commonly found U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                                         in rocky and reef     Islands      Mangroves
                                         areas in shallow                   
                                         waters. Less common                
                                         in seagrass beds.                  
                                         Feeds on other fishes              
                                         and gastropods. May                
                                         feed on seagrass                   
                                         leaves.                            

  *Halichoeres          Painted wrasse;  A reef associated     Puerto Rico  Reef
  caudalis*             Doncella pintada species. Found in                  
                                         deep seaward reefs.                
                                         Generally of no                    
                                         interest to fisheries              
                                         because of its small               
                                         average size.                      

  *Halichoeres          Yellowcheek      Used in sport fishing Puerto Rico; Reef
  cyanocephalus*        wrasse; Doncella and aquarium trade.   U.S. Virgin  
                        amarilla         Found over hard       Islands      
                                         substrates. Juveniles              
                                         up to 8 cm act as                  
                                         specialized cleaners.              
                                         At the cleaning                    
                                         station this wrasse                
                                         swims in a                         
                                         characteristic seesaw              
                                         motion.                            

  *Halichoeres garnoti* Yellowhead       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        wrasse; Doncella trade. Commonly found U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        cabeciamarilla   on shallow and deep   Islands      reef;
                                         reefs and exposed                  Seagrasses;
                                         rocky ledges. Feeds                Mangroves
                                         on various                         
                                         invertebrates.                     
                                         Constantly on the                  
                                         move.                              

  *Halichoeres          Clown wrasse;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  maculipinna*          Doncella payasa  trade. Abundant on    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                                         reef tops and in      Islands      
                                         shallow rocky areas.               
                                         Found to depths of at              
                                         least 25 m. Also                   
                                         found in Sargassum                 
                                         beds. Solitary.                    

  *Halichoeres pictus*  Rainbow wrasse;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Painted wrasse;  trade. Inhabits coral U.S. Virgin  
                        Doncella         reefs, normally high  Islands      
                        arcoiris         above the bottom.                  
                                         Swims with worm-like               
                                         movements. Feeds on                
                                         various                            
                                         invertebrates.                     
                                         Generally of no                    
                                         interest to fisheries              
                                         because of its small               
                                         average size.                      

  *Halichoeres poeyi*   Blackear wrasse; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Capitán; Cotorro trade. Commonly found U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        pequeño; Cotorro in seagrass beds;     Islands      
                        falso; Capitán   uncommon on reefs or               
                        de piedra;       muddy bays. Generally              
                        Doncella         of no interest to                  
                        orejinegra       fisheries because of               
                                         its small average                  
                                         size.                              

  *Halichoeres          Puddingwife      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  radiatus*             wrasse;          fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Puddingwife;     aquarium trade.       Islands      Mangroves\*
                        Capitán de       Adults found on                    
                        piedras          shallow patch reefs                
                                         or seaward reefs down              
                                         to 55 m. Juveniles                 
                                         and subadults in                   
                                         shallower coral                    
                                         reefs. Feeds on                    
                                         mollusks, sea                      
                                         urchins, crustaceans,              
                                         and brittle stars.                 
                                         Marketed fresh.                    

  *Harengula clupeola*  False herring;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef,
                        Blackbill sprat; commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        False pilchard;  Usually used as bait. Islands      
                        Cascarúa;        Occurs in coastal                  
                        Escamúa          waters, estuaries,                 
                                         and lagoons. Small                 
                                         individuals often                  
                                         along sandy beaches.               
                                         Tolerates a broad                  
                                         range of salinity.                 
                                         Forms schools. Its                 
                                         flesh has an                       
                                         unpleasant odor.                   

  *Harengula humeralis* Redear herring;  Of potential interest Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Cuvier, Herring; for fisheries.        U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Redear pilchard; Usually used as bait. Islands      Seagrasses
                        Redear sardine;  Occurs in coastal                  
                        Yellowbill       waters along the                   
                        sprat; Machuelo; shoreline and over                 
                        Sardina de ley   clear coral reefs.                 
                                         May form large                     
                                         schools in beaches,                
                                         mainly over seagrass               
                                         beds (*Thalassia*).                
                                         Often in polluted                  
                                         areas. May feed on                 
                                         seagrass.                          

  *Harengula jaguana*   Scaled herring;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*
                        Pilchard; Scaled commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        sardine; Sardina Occurs in coastal     Islands      
                        escamúa;         waters, over mud and               
                        Cascarúa         sand bottoms, and                  
                                         frequently near                    
                                         brackish or                        
                                         hypersaline                        
                                         estuaries. Forms                   
                                         schools. Marketed                  
                                         fresh or canned.                   

  *Hemiramphus balao*   Balao halfbeak;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Balao; Balajú    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        agujón           Usually used as bait. Islands      
                                         An inshore                         
                                         surface-dwelling                   
                                         fish. Forms sizeable               
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         small fishes and                   
                                         plankton. Mainly used              
                                         as bait for offshore               
                                         gamefishing.                       

  *Hemiramphus          Ballyhoo;        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  brasiliensis*         Halfbeak;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Redtailed balao; Used usually as bait. Islands      
                        Balajú; Balao;   An inshore,                        
                        Escribano        surface-dwelling                   
                                         species. Forms                     
                                         sizeable schools.                  
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         seagrasses and small               
                                         fishes. Mainly used                
                                         as bait for offshore               
                                         gamefishing.                       

  *Heteroconger         Brown garden     Found on sandy        Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  longissimus*          eel; Garden eel; bottom, living in     U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Congre           colonies. Feeds on    Islands      
                        jardinero;       plankton and                       
                        Congrio          detritus. Retreats                 
                                         into its burrow when               
                                         frightened.                        

  *Heteropriacanthus    Glasseye;        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  cruentatus*           Glasseye         fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        snapper; Bigeye; aquarium trade.       Islands      
                        Catalufa; Toro;  Common in lagoon and               
                        Payaso; Cómico;  seaward reefs,                     
                        Ojón; Ojudo;     primarily around                   
                        Ojobuey          islands. Nocturnal.                
                                         During the day                     
                                         usually occurs                     
                                         solitary or in small               
                                         groups but at dusk it              
                                         may gather in large                
                                         numbers. Known to                  
                                         produce sound.                     

  *Hippocampus erectus* Lined seahorse;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Reef;
                        Northern         fisheries. Used in                 Seagrasses
                        seahorse;        aquarium trade.                    
                        Spotted          Usually attached to                
                        seahorse;        gorgonians (coral) or              
                        Caballito rayado seagrasses but may                 
                                         occur in floating                  
                                         Sargassum or swimming              
                                         freely in midwater.                
                                         Move into deeper                   
                                         waters during winter.              
                                         Feeds by sucking in                
                                         small organisms.                   

  *Hippocampus reidi*   Longsnout        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico, Reef;
                        seahorse;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Slender sea      Uncommon in most      Islands      Mangroves\*
                        horse; Caballito areas, but may be                  
                        hocicudo         locally common in                  
                                         certain places.                    
                                         Usually attached to                
                                         gorgonians or                      
                                         seagrasses but may                 
                                         occur in floating                  
                                         Sargassum or swimming              
                                         freely in midwater.                
                                         Has been reared in                 
                                         captivity.                         

  *Holacanthus          Queen angelfish; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  ciliaris*             Blue angelfish;  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Golden           Used in aquarium      Islands      reef;
                        angelfish;       trade. Generally                   Seagrasses
                        Yellow           solitary or in pairs.              
                        angelfish;       Feeds almost                       
                        Isabelita; Ángel exclusively on                     
                        reina; Mariposa  sponges. Young pick                
                                         ectoparasites from                 
                                         other fishes.                      

  *Holacanthus          Rock beauty;     Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  tricolor*             Isabelita        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        medioluto;       Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Palometa;        trade. Found in rocky              
                        Catalineta;      reefs and rich coral               
                        Vaqueta dos      areas. Juveniles                   
                        colores          often associated with              
                                         fire corals.                       

  *Holocentrus          Squirrelfish;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  adscensionis*         Longjaw          commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        squirrelfish;    Shown in aquariums.   Islands      
                        Wenchman; Gallo; Occurs in shallow                  
                        Candil; Chillo   coral reefs and                    
                        de roca;         deeper offshore                    
                        Candilero        waters. Nocturnal. It              
                                         hides in deep                      
                                         crevices or under                  
                                         coral ledges during                
                                         the day. Capable of                
                                         producing sounds.                  

  *Holocentrus          Reef             Found in sandy,       Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  coruscus*             squirrelfish;    rocky, and coral      U.S. Virgin  
                        Wenchman; Gallo  bottoms. More common  Islands      
                        de arrecifes     on seaward reefs than              
                                         on protected reefs.                
                                         Nocturnal. Found deep              
                                         in crevices between                
                                         branches of live                   
                                         corals.                            

  *Holocentrus rufus*   Longspine        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        squirrelfish;    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Gallo; Candil;   Used in aquarium      Islands      reef;
                        Chillo de roca   trade. Nocturnal.                  Seagrasses;
                                         Found near mouths of               Mangroves
                                         caves and holes. At                
                                         night they usually                 
                                         move to sandy areas                
                                         and grass beds to                  
                                         feed on crabs,                     
                                         shrimps, gastropods,               
                                         and brittle stars.                 

  *Hypleurochilus       Barred blenny;   Lives in a wide range Puerto Rico; Reef
  bermudensis*          Oyster blenny;   of habitats, from     U.S. Virgin  
                        Blenio de ostras rocky inshore areas   Islands      
                                         and shallow coral                  
                                         gardens to reefs of                
                                         moderate depth well                
                                         offshore. Also found               
                                         in areas of gravel                 
                                         and rubble or large                
                                         stands of fire coral.              

  *Hypleurochilus       Orangespotted    Occurs in rocky areas Puerto Rico; Reef
  springeri*            blenny; Blenio   along quiet shores,   U.S. Virgin  
                        anaranjado       usually in less than  Islands      
                                         3 m depth. Feeds on                
                                         worms, crustaceans,                
                                         and filamentous                    
                                         algae.                             

  *Hypoatherina         Reef silverside; Found on coral reefs. Puerto Rico; Reef;
  harringtonensis*      Cabezón de       Feeds on zooplankton. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        arrecifes;       Occurs in large       Islands      
                        Pejerrey         schools in shallow                 
                                         waters.                            

  *Hypophthalmichthys   Silver carp      Introduced. Important Puerto Rico  Rivers
  molitrix*                              in fisheries. Used in              
                                         aquaculture. Requires              
                                         standing or                        
                                         slow-flowing                       
                                         conditions such                    
                                         impoundments or                    
                                         backwaters of large                
                                         rivers. Feeds on                   
                                         phytoplankton amd                  
                                         microzooplankton.                  
                                         Used to clean                      
                                         reservoirs and other               
                                         waters of clogging                 
                                         algae.                             

  *Hypoplectrus         Yellowbelly      A solitary species    Puerto Rico; Reef
  aberrans*             hamlet;          found in rocky and    U.S. Virgin  
                        Yellowbellied    coral reefs. Feeds on Islands      
                        hamlet; Vaca     crustaceans                        
                                         (especially shrimps).              

  *Hypoplectrus         Yellowtail       A solitary species    Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  chlorurus*            hamlet; Vaca     found near the bottom U.S. Virgin  
                                         of coral rich areas.  Islands      
                                         Feeds on crustaceans               
                                         and fishes.                        

  *Hypoplectrus         Golden hamlet;   Important in          Puerto Rico  Reef
  gummigutta*           Vaca             commercial fisheries.              
                                         Previously known from              
                                         deep reefs but has                 
                                         been found in shallow              
                                         waters (1-8 m).                    
                                         Territorial.                       

  *Hypoplectrus         Shy hamlet; Vaca Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  guttavarius*                           trade. A solitary     U.S. Virgin  
                                         species found in      Islands      
                                         rocky or coral reefs.              
                                         Travels in pairs and               
                                         remains close to the               
                                         bottom.                            

  *Hypoplectrus indigo* Indigo hamlet;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Vaca             trade. A solitary     U.S. Virgin  
                                         species found in      Islands      
                                         coral reefs. Swims                 
                                         near the bottom.                   

  *Hypoplectrus         Black hamlet;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  nigricans*            Vaca             trade. A solitary     U.S. Virgin  
                                         species occuring in   Islands      
                                         shallow reefs. Often               
                                         found near the bottom              
                                         around soft and hard               
                                         corals. Feeds on                   
                                         fishes and                         
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Hypoplectrus puella* Barred hamlet;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        Vaca             trade. A solitary     U.S. Virgin  
                                         species found in      Islands      
                                         rocky and coral                    
                                         reefs. Swims near the              
                                         bottom. Always seen                
                                         near cover. It is                  
                                         distributed along a                
                                         wide depth gradient.               

  *Hypoplectrus         Butter hamlet;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  unicolor*             Vaca             trade. Found swimming U.S. Virgin  Mangroves\*;
                                         around reefs, near    Islands      Seagrasses\*
                                         the bottom. Mainly                 
                                         carnivorous. Has been              
                                         reared in captivity.               

  *Hyporhamphus         Common halfbeak; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  unifasciatus*         Halfbeak;        commercial fisheries.              Reefs;
                        Ballyhoo;        Usually used as bait.              Seagrasses\*
                        Silverstriped    An inshore,                        
                        halfbeak; Balao; surface-dwelling                   
                        Pico fósforo     species frequently                 
                                         entering estuaries.                
                                         Forms sizeable                     
                                         schools. Uncommon                  
                                         over reefs. Its diet               
                                         includes seagrass                  
                                         leaves.                            

  *Ichthyapus           Surf eel;        A reef associated     Puerto Rico; Reef
  ophioneus*            Finless snake    species. Burrows in   U.S. Virgin  
                        eel; Tieso de    sand in surf areas.   Islands      
                        marullos                                            

  *Ictalurus punctatus* Channel catfish; Introduced. High      Puerto Rico  Rivers
                        Graceful         importance in                      
                        catfish; Barbudo fisheries. Used in                 
                        de canal; Bagre  aquaculture and in                 
                        de canal; Lisa;  aquarium trade.                    
                        Barbudo moteado; Gamefish. Lives in                 
                        Pez gato         rivers and streams;                
                                         prefers clean, well                
                                         oxygenated water.                  
                                         Also seen in ponds                 
                                         and reservoirs. Feeds              
                                         on small fish,                     
                                         crustaceans, clams,                
                                         and snails.                        

  *Inermia vittata*     Boga             Minor importance in   U.S. Virgin  Reef
                                         commercial fisheries. Islands      
                                         Used occasionally as               
                                         bait. Occurs in open               
                                         water. Sometimes                   
                                         found near the coast,              
                                         mainly near oceanic                
                                         islands. Sometimes                 
                                         found over coral                   
                                         heads. Feeds on                    
                                         zooplankton and small              
                                         fishes.                            

  *Jenkinsia            Dwarf round      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*;
  lamprotaenia*         herring; Blue    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves\*;
                        fry; Dwarf       Usually used as bait. Islands      Reef
                        herring; Small   Often found inshore.               
                        herring;         Forms schools. Feeds               
                        Sweethead fry;   on zooplankton.                    
                        Mijúa; Minjúa    Preyed upon by many                
                                         larger fishes and                  
                                         squids.                            

  *Joturus pichardi*    Bobo mullet; Hog Subsistence           Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        mullet; Lisa     fisheries. Adults                  wetlands;
                        morón            inhabit upper reaches              Mangroves
                                         of rivers but enter                
                                         brackish waters where              
                                         spawning probably                  
                                         occurs. Herbivorous;               
                                         scrapes algae from                 
                                         stones on the bottom               
                                         with its fleshy lips.              
                                         Sometimes eats                     
                                         prawns. Important                  
                                         food fish in some                  
                                         areas.                             

  *Kaupichthys          False moray;     A benthic and         U.S. Virgin  Reef
  hyoproroides*         Anguila morena   solitary species      Islands      
                                         found in and around                
                                         coral reefs and rocky              
                                         shores.                            

  *Kaupichthys          Collared eel;    A benthic and         Puerto Rico; Reef
  nuchalis*             Anguila          solitary species      U.S. Virgin  
                        collarina        occurring in and      Islands      
                                         around coral reefs.                
                                         Sometimes lives in                 
                                         tubular sponges,                   
                                         which may be its                   
                                         primary habitat.                   

  *Kyphosus incisor*    Yellow sea chub; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Reef;
                        Chub; Yellow     commercial fisheries.              Seagrasses
                        chub; Chopa      Used in sport                      
                        amarilla         fishing. Found in                  
                                         shallow waters,                    
                                         mainly over rocky                  
                                         bottoms in coral reef              
                                         areas. Also among                  
                                         floating Sargassum                 
                                         weeds. Feeds on algae              
                                         including Sargasssum,              
                                         and some seagrass                  
                                         material. Marketed                 
                                         fresh.                             

  *Kyphosus sectator*   Bermuda sea      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        chub; Bermuda    fisheries. Sport      U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        chub;            fishing. Shown in     Islands      
                        Rudderfish;      aquariums. Lives in                
                        Chopa blanca     shallow waters, over               
                                         turtle grass, sand or              
                                         rocky bottoms and                  
                                         around coral reefs.                
                                         Young commonly found               
                                         among floating                     
                                         Sargassum weeds.                   
                                         Feeds on plants,                   
                                         small crabs, and                   
                                         mollusks.                          

  *Labrisomus           Puffcheek        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  bucciferus*           blenny; Blenio   trade. Occurs from    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        caretón; Vieja   rocky and rubbly      Islands      
                                         shores with algal                  
                                         mats to reefs and                  
                                         seagrass beds.                     

  *Labrisomus           Quillfin blenny; Inhabits mid-depth    U.S. Virgin  Reef
  filamentosus*         Filamentous      coral reefs with      Islands      
                        blenny; Blenio   abundant algae. Rests              
                        filamentoso;     on pectoral and                    
                        Vieja            dorsal fins, blending              
                                         with surroundings.                 
                                         May be easily                      
                                         approached.                        

  *Labrisomus gobio*    Palehead blenny; Occurs from rocky and Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Blenio pálido;   rubbly shores with    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Vieja            algal mats to reefs   Islands      
                                         and seagrass beds.                 
                                         Remains quietly on                 
                                         the bottom, blending               
                                         with the                           
                                         surroundings.                      

  *Labrisomus guppyi*   Mimic blenny;    Found in rocky and    Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Blenio mimo;     rubbly shores with    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Vieja            algal mats, reefs,    Islands      
                                         and seagrass beds.                 

  *Labrisomus           Longfin blenny;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  haitiensis*           Blenio de        trade. Found from     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        arrecifes; Vieja rocky and rubbly      Islands      
                                         shores with algal                  
                                         mats to reefs and                  
                                         seagrass beds.                     

  *Labrisomus           Spotcheek        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  nigricinctus*         blenny; Blenio   trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  
                        mancha negra;    shallow rocky or      Islands      
                        Vieja            coral bottoms with                 
                                         clear water. Most                  
                                         abundant in water                  
                                         shallower than 4 m.                
                                         Seeks refuge under                 
                                         rocks, rubble and sea              
                                         urchins.                           

  *Labrisomus           Hairy blenny;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  nuchipinnis*          Blenio peludo;   trade. Occurs in      U.S. Virgin  
                        Vieja            rocky and rubbly      Islands      
                                         shores with algal                  
                                         mats, reefs, and                   
                                         seagrass beds.                     
                                         Generally at depths                
                                         of a few cm. This                  
                                         species is the                     
                                         largest of the                     
                                         labrisomids in the                 
                                         Caribbean region.                  
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         crustaceans and                    
                                         gastropods.                        

  *Lachnolaimus         Hogfish;         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  maximus*              Capitán;         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Doncella de      Used in sport fishing Islands      reef;
                        pluma; Peje      and in aquarium                    Seagrasses
                        perro            trade. Found over                  
                                         open bottoms or coral              
                                         reef areas. Feeds                  
                                         mainly on mollusks,                
                                         also eats crabs and                
                                         sea urchins. Flesh                 
                                         highly esteemed;                   
                                         marketed fresh and                 
                                         frozen.                            

  *Lactophrys           Spotted          Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  bicaudalis*           trunkfish;       trade. Found in clear U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Chapín; Gallina; water around coral    Islands      
                        Chapín moteado   reefs. Sometimes                   
                                         under ledges and near              
                                         small holes. Feeds on              
                                         a variety of small                 
                                         bottom invertebrates,              
                                         and some seagrass                  
                                         material. When                     
                                         excited releases                   
                                         toxins that can kill               
                                         other fishes.                      

  *Lactophrys           Honeycomb        Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  polygonius*           cowfish; Chapín; commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Gallina; Chapín  Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        panal            trade. Occurs in                   
                                         clear water around                 
                                         coral reefs. Feeds on              
                                         sponges, shrimps, and              
                                         other invertebrates.               
                                         Uncommon. Consumed                 
                                         fresh, generally                   
                                         roasted.                           

  *Lactophrys trigonus* Buffalo          Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        trunkfish;       commerical fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Trunkfish;       Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Chapín; Gallina  trade. Found in                    
                                         seagrass beds, coral               
                                         rubble areas, and                  
                                         offshore reefs. Feeds              
                                         on small benthic                   
                                         invertebrates and                  
                                         some seagrass leaves.              
                                         Highly esteemed food               
                                         fish in the                        
                                         Caribbean.                         

  *Lactophrys           Smooth           Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  triqueter*            trunkfish;       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves\*;
                        Chapín; Gallina; Used in aquarium      Islands      Seagrasses
                        Chapín liso      trade. Solitary or in              
                                         small groups. Feeds                
                                         on a variety of small              
                                         bottom invertebrates,              
                                         which it exposes by                
                                         using a jet of water               
                                         ejected through its                
                                         mouth. Toxins                      
                                         released when excited              
                                         can kill other                     
                                         fishes.                            

  *Lasiancistrus                         A freshwater species. Puerto Rico  Rivers
  guacharote*                            Often found in                     
                                         flowing water of                   
                                         small creeks to small              
                                         rivers. Demersal.                  

  *Lepomis auritus*     Redbreast        Introduced. Gamefish  Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        sunfish; Chopa   and used in aquarium               wetlands;
                        de pecho         trade. Found in rocky              Rivers
                        colorado; Chopa  and sandy pools of                 
                        pechicolorado    creeks and small to                
                                         medium rivers. Also                
                                         found in rocky and                 
                                         vegetated lake                     
                                         margins. Considered a              
                                         potential pest.                    

  *Lepomis gulosus*     Warmouth; Chopa  Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        negra; Chopa     aquaculture and                    wetlands
                        prieta           recreational fishing.              
                                         Usually found over                 
                                         mud in vegetated                   
                                         lakes, ponds, swamps,              
                                         and quiet water areas              
                                         of streams.                        

  *Lepomis macrochirus* Bluegill; Chopa; Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico; Freshwater
                        Chopa criolla    aquaculture, sport    U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                                         fishing, and in the   Islands      
                                         aquarium trade. Often              
                                         found in lakes,                    
                                         ponds, reservoirs,                 
                                         and sluggish streams.              
                                         Active mainly during               
                                         dusk and dawn. Feeds               
                                         upon snails, small                 
                                         crayfish, insects,                 
                                         worms, and small                   
                                         minnows.                           

  *Lepomis microlophus* Redear sunfish;  Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico; Freshwater
                        Chopa; Chopa     recreational fishing. U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                        caracolera       Lives in ponds,       Islands      
                                         swamps, and lakes.                 
                                         Also found in                      
                                         vegetated pools with               
                                         mud or sand bottoms                
                                         of small to medium                 
                                         rivers. Also occurs                
                                         in warm, clear and                 
                                         quiet waters rich in               
                                         vegetation and                     
                                         branches. Feeds on                 
                                         mollusks.                          

  *Liopropoma carmabi*  Candy basslet;   Found in deep coral   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Candy bass;      reefs. Remains hidden U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta listada; in deep, dark         Islands      
                        Merito dulce     recesses. Rarely                   
                                         shallower than 24 m.               

  *Liopropoma mowbrayi* Cave bass;       A solitary species    Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Guaseta jorobada living in deep rocky  U.S. Virgin  
                                         and reef areas. Stay  Islands      
                                         hidden in caves, deep              
                                         undercuts and dark                 
                                         recesses in reefs.                 

  *Liopropoma rubre*    Peppermint bass; Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Swissguard       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        basslet; Guaseta A solitary species    Islands      
                        menta            found in deep holes                
                                         of coral reefs.                    
                                         Common, but rarely                 
                                         seen.                              

  *Lipogramma           Threeline        Found beneath rocky   Puerto Rico  Reef
  trilineatum*          basslet;         and coral ledges.                  
                        Chernita         Also found in deep                 
                        trirrayada       reefs.                             

  *Liposarcus           Sailfin catfish; Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  multiradiatus*        Radiated ptero;  aquarium trade. Found              wetlands
                        Sailfish catfish in streams and lakes,              
                                         and in weedy                       
                                         mud-bottomed canals.               
                                         Nocturnal. Feeds on                
                                         algae, worms, insect               
                                         larvae, and other                  
                                         bottom-dwelling                    
                                         aquatic organisms.                 

  *Lophogobius          Crested goby;    Found in tidal        Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  cyprinoides*          Gobio crestado;  creeks, mangroves,                 
                        Guaseta          and other quiet fresh              
                                         to fully saline                    
                                         coastal waters.                    

  *Lucayablennius       Arrow blenny;    Lives in coral reefs. Puerto Rico; Reef
  zingaro*              Blenio puya;     Drifts with its tail  U.S. Virgin  
                        Vieja            bent to prey on small Islands      
                                         fish. Retreats into                
                                         holes or empty worm                
                                         tubes. Often seen                  
                                         with schools of                    
                                         masked gobies.                     

  *Lutjanus analis*     Mutton snapper;  High importance in    Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Mutton fish;     fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Pargo; Pargo     sport fishing. Occurs Islands      Mangroves
                        criollo; Sama;   in continental shelf               
                        Pargo cebadal    areas and clear                    
                                         waters around                      
                                         islands. Adults found              
                                         among rocks and                    
                                         corals; juveniles                  
                                         over sandy, vegetated              
                                         bottoms. Feeds both                
                                         day and night. Flesh               
                                         considered good                    
                                         quality.                           

  *Lutjanus apodus*     Schoolmaster     Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        snapper;         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Schoolmaster;    Occurs in shallow,    Islands      Seagrasses
                        Cají; Cajisote;  clear, warm coastal                
                        Pargo amarillo;  waters over coral                  
                        Pargo rubio      reefs. Juveniles are               
                                         found over sand                    
                                         bottoms with or                    
                                         without seagrasses,                
                                         and over muddy                     
                                         bottoms of lagoons or              
                                         mangroves. Feeds                   
                                         mainly on                          
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Lutjanus             Cubera snapper;  Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  cyanopterus*          Cuban snapper;   commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Guacinuco; Pargo Used in sport         Islands      
                        cubera; Pargo    fishing. Adults are                
                        mulato; Cubera;  found mainly around                
                        Pargo guacinuco  ledges over rocky                  
                                         bottoms or around                  
                                         reefs. Young                       
                                         sometimes inhabit                  
                                         mangrove areas. Feeds              
                                         mainly on fishes,                  
                                         shrimps, and crabs.                

  *Lutjanus griseus*    Gray snapper;    Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Mangrove         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        snapper; Red     Used in sport fishing Islands      Seagrasses
                        snapper; Pargo   and aquarium trade.                
                        prieto; Pargo    Inhabits coastal and               
                        gris; Pargo      offshore waters.                   
                        mulato; Pargo de Sometimes in lower                 
                        mangle;          reaches of rivers                  
                        Caballerote      (especially the                    
                                         young). Forms large                
                                         aggregations. Feeds                
                                         during the night,                  
                                         mainly on                          
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Lutjanus jocu*       Dog snapper;     Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Dogtoothed       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        snapper; Pargo   Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Seagrasses
                        rubio; Pargo     Adults are common                  
                        colorado; Pargo  around rocky or coral              
                        sama; Pargo      reefs. Young are                   
                        dientón; Jocú    found in estuaries                 
                                         and occasionally                   
                                         entering rivers.                   
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         crustaceans (shrimps,              
                                         crabs), and fishes.                

  *Lutjanus mahogoni*   Mahogany         Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        snapper; Rayado  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        de yerba;        Used in recreational  Islands      reef;
                        Arrayado de      fishing. Found in                  Seagrasses;
                        yerbas; Pargo    clear shallow waters               Mangroves
                        ojón; Ojanco     over rocky bottoms                 
                                         near coral reefs,                  
                                         less frequently in                 
                                         sandy or seagrass                  
                                         areas. Forms large                 
                                         aggregations during                
                                         the day. Feeds at                  
                                         night.                             

  *Lutjanus synagris*   Lane snapper;    Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Mexican snapper; commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Rayado;          Sport fishing; shown  Islands      reef;
                        Redtailed        in aquariums. Found                Seagrasses;
                        snapper; Spot    over all types of                  Mangroves
                        snapper;         bottom, but mainly                 
                        Manchego;        around coral reefs                 
                        Arrayado;        and vegetated sandy                
                        Mancheva; Pargo  areas. Forms large                 
                        guanapo          aggregations,                      
                                         especially during the              
                                         breeding season.                   
                                         Feeds at night. Good               
                                         food fish.                         

  *Lutjanus vivanus*    Silk snapper;    Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Chillo;          commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Vermeille;       Used in sport         Islands      
                        Vivaneau; Pargo  fishing. Common near               
                        colorado; Pargo  the edge of the                    
                        de lo alto       continental and                    
                                         island shelves. Also               
                                         found in deeper                    
                                         waters, usually                    
                                         ascending to shallow               
                                         water at night.                    
                                         Marketed fresh. Said               
                                         to be a good food                  
                                         fish.                              

  *Lythrypnus           Mahogany goby;                         Puerto Rico  Reef
  crocodilus*           Crocodile goby;                                     
                        Gobio caimán;                                       
                        Guaseta                                             

  *Lythrypnus nesiotes* Island goby;     Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Gobio isleño;    trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta          or rocky habitats.    Islands      

  *Lythrypnus spilus*   Bluegold goby;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico  Reef
                        Gobio            trade. Lives in coral              
                        azuldorado;      reefs.                             
                        Guaseta                                             

  *Malacanthus          Sand tilefish;   Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  plumieri*             Sandfish;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Jolocho;         Primarily a           Islands      
                        Jorocho;         shallow-water benthic              
                        Matajuelo blanco species found on sand              
                                         and rubble bottoms.                
                                         Builds mounds of                   
                                         rubble and shell                   
                                         fragments near reefs               
                                         and grass beds. Tends              
                                         to bite when handled.              

  *Malacoctenus         Goldline blenny; Inhabit clear,        Puerto Rico; Reef
  aurolineatus*         Blenio banda     shallow water from    U.S. Virgin  
                        dorada; Vieja    tidepools to grass    Islands      
                                         beds and reefs; often              
                                         in eroded limestone                
                                         areas inhabitated by               
                                         rock-boring urchins.               
                                         Usually near sea                   
                                         urchins.                           

  *Malacoctenus         Diamond blenny;  Inhabit patch reefs   U.S. Virgin  Reef;
  boehlkei*             Blenio de        or other deeper water Islands      Seagrasses
                        cristal; Vieja   coral formations.                  
                                         Live in association                
                                         with giant anemones                
                                         (*Condylactis                      
                                         gigantea*). Often                  
                                         finds refuge in the                
                                         tentacles when                     
                                         threatened.                        

  *Malacoctenus         Brazilian        Generally found on    Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  delalandei*           blenny; Blenio   sandy bottoms and                  
                        brasileño; Vieja seagrass beds                      
                                         (*Thalassia*). Feeds               
                                         mainly on crustaceans              
                                         but also on                        
                                         gastropods and worms.              

  *Malacoctenus         Imitator blenny; Found in surfaces of  Puerto Rico; Reef
  erdmani*              Blenio imitador; rocks, in             U.S. Virgin  
                        Vieja            depressions, and      Islands      
                                         among clumps of                    
                                         algae, among broken                
                                         coral debris and                   
                                         rocks in only a few                
                                         feet of water.                     

  *Malacoctenus gilli*  Dusky blenny;    Found in sandy        Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Blenio oscuro;   bottoms with rocks or U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Vieja            boulders, seagrass    Islands      
                                         beds, and patch                    
                                         reefs.                             

  *Malacoctenus         Rosy blenny;     Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  macropus*             Blenio rosado;   trade. Occurs in a    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Vieja            wide variety of       Islands      Mangroves
                                         shoreline habitats                 
                                         and patch reefs.                   
                                         Found in sponge beds               
                                         in shallow waters and              
                                         grassy areas.                      

  *Malacoctenus         Saddled blenny;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  triangulatus*         Blenio           trade. Inhabits coral U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        dorsomanchado;   reefs and rocky       Islands      Seagrasses
                        Vieja            shores. Often found                
                                         in crevices, or among              
                                         weed and rubble.                   
                                         Feeds on crustaceans.              

  *Malacoctenus         Barfin blenny;   Lives in shallow      Puerto Rico; Reef
  versicolor*           Blenio           sandy and rocky areas U.S. Virgin  
                        aletimanchado;   of coral reefs.       Islands      
                        Vieja                                               

  *Manta birostris*     Giant manta;     Common in nearshore   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Manta ray;       waters, near coral    U.S. Virgin  
                        Atlantic manta;  and rocky reefs;      Islands      
                        Devilfish; Giant sometimes found over               
                        devil ray;       deep water.                        
                        Manta;           Penetrates shallow                 
                        Mantarraya       muddy bays and the                 
                                         intertidal zone. Also              
                                         occurs off river                   
                                         mouths. Found                      
                                         solitary or in loose               
                                         aggregations. This is              
                                         the world\'s largest               
                                         ray.                               

  *Megalops atlanticus* Tarpon;          Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Silverfish;      fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Freshwater
                        Silverking;      aquaculture and shown Islands      wetlands
                        Sábalo; Tarpón;  in aquariums. Sport                
                        Sábalo real      fishing. Often found               
                                         in river mouths and                
                                         bays, entering fresh               
                                         waters. Able to live               
                                         in hot, saline or                  
                                         fresh, de-oxygenated               
                                         waters. Feeds on                   
                                         insects and                        
                                         crustaceans (surface               
                                         feeding).                          

  *Melichthys niger*    Black            Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        triggerfish;     commerical fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Black durgon;    Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Pigger;          trade. Found in clear              
                        Japonesa; Tobi;  seaward reefs. More                
                        Galafate;        common around oceanic              
                        Galafate negro   islands. Feeds mainly              
                                         on algae and                       
                                         zooplankton; also                  
                                         feeds on                           
                                         phytoplankton and                  
                                         seagrass leaves.                   

  *Microdesmus luscus*  Blind wormfish;  A species associated  Puerto Rico  Reef
                        Gusano ciego     with rock or coral                 
                                         reef habitat.                      

  *Micrognathus         Banded pipefish; Found in pockets of   Puerto Rico; Reef
  crinitus*             Harlequin        coral rubble (low     U.S. Virgin  
                        pipefish; Pez    coral growth on white Islands      
                        flauta rayado    sand bottom), usually              
                                         in the vicinity of                 
                                         sea fans.                          

  *Microgobius carri*   Seminole goby;   Used in aquarium      U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Gobio            trade. Burrows in the Islands      
                        rayamarillo;     bottom of open                     
                        Guaseta          stretches of coarse                
                                         sand, usually at                   
                                         depths between 6-21                
                                         m. Often found                     
                                         floating over the                  
                                         burrow.                            

  *Microgobius meeki*   Mangrove goby;   Found in shallow,     Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                        Gobio de         mud-bottom mangrove                
                        mangles; Guaseta areas. Survives in                 
                                         hypersaline waters.                
                                         Feeds on zoobenthos                
                                         and benthic                        
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Micropogonias        Whitemouth       High importance in    Puerto Rico; Mangroves
  furnieri*             croaker;         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Croaker;         Found over muddy and  Islands      
                        Hardhead; Burro; sandy bottoms in                   
                        Corvina          coastal waters, and                
                        boquiblanca;     in estuaries where                 
                        Verrugato;       the nursery and                    
                        Corvino          feeding grounds are                
                                         located. Forms                     
                                         schools. Undergoes                 
                                         seasonal migration.                
                                         Feeds on crustaceans               
                                         and plant fragments.               

  *Micropogonias        Atlantic         Important in          Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  undulatus*            croaker;         commercial fisheries.              
                        Hardhead;        Used in sport                      
                        Corvina;         fishing. Occurs                    
                        Roncadina;       usually over mud and               
                        Corvina          sandy mud bottoms in               
                        ondulada;        coastal waters, and                
                        Corvino          in estuaries where                 
                                         nursery and feeding                
                                         grounds are located.               
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         worms, crustaceans,                
                                         and fishes. Excellent              
                                         food fish.                         

  *Micropterus coosae*  Redeye bass;     Gamefish. Inhabits    Puerto Rico  Rivers
                        Lobina           rocky runs, pools of               
                        ojicolorada      creeks, and small to               
                                         medium rivers.                     
                                         Juveniles occur in                 
                                         shallow runs and                   
                                         riffles over sand and              
                                         gravel river bottoms.              
                                         Feeds on aquatic                   
                                         insects, crayfishes,               
                                         and small fishes.                  

  *Micropterus          Largemouth bass; Introduced. Minor     Puerto Rico; Freshwater
  salmoides*            Green trout;     importance in         U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                        Lobina           commercial fisheries. Islands      
                                         Used in aquaculture,               
                                         sport fishing. Shown               
                                         in aquariums.                      
                                         Inhabits clear,                    
                                         vegetated lakes,                   
                                         ponds, and swamps.                 
                                         Also in backwaters                 
                                         and pools of creeks                
                                         and rivers. Sometimes              
                                         cannibalistic.                     
                                         Excellent food fish.               

  *Microspathodon       Yellowtail       Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef;
  chrysurus*            damselfish;      fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Jewelfish;       aquarium trade. Found Islands      Seagrasses
                        Damisela         in very shallow                    
                        coliamarilla     waters of coral                    
                                         reefs. Territorial.                
                                         Feeds primarily on                 
                                         algae. Juveniles                   
                                         occasionally pick                  
                                         parasites from other               
                                         species of fish.                   

  *Monacanthus          Fringed          Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  ciliatus*             filefish; Lija   fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        ribeteada;       aquarium trade.       Islands      
                        Pereza; Peje     Occurs over sandy and              
                        puerco           rocky bottoms, but                 
                                         more often in                      
                                         seagrass beds. Young               
                                         are often associated               
                                         with floating                      
                                         Sargassum. Feeds on                
                                         plants (seagrass),                 
                                         algae, and small                   
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Monacanthus setifer* Pygmy filefish;  Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
                        Speckled         fisheries. More       U.S. Virgin  
                        filefish; Lija   common in offshore    Islands      
                        pigmea; Pereza   areas, around                      
                                         floating seaweed and               
                                         islands. Juveniles                 
                                         are associated with                
                                         floating seaweeds.                 
                                         Feeds on plants and                
                                         small invertebrates.               
                                         Generally considered               
                                         as trashfish, rarely               
                                         consumed.                          

  *Monacanthus tuckeri* Slender          Found over sandy and  Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        filefish; Lija   rocky bottoms. Drifts U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        delgada; Pereza  among gorgonians (a   Islands      
                                         type of coral). Feeds              
                                         on algae and                       
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Moringua edwardsi*   Spaghetti eel;   Young and females     Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Anguila fideíllo burrow in sandy       U.S. Virgin  
                                         tidepools and reef    Islands      
                                         areas. Males inhabit               
                                         deeper waters. Feeds               
                                         on burrowing                       
                                         invertebrates that                 
                                         live in the sand.                  

  *Mugil cephalus*      Flathead mullet; High importance in    Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
                        Black mullet;    commercial fisheries.              Freshwater
                        Callifaver       Used in aquaculture,               wetlands
                        mullet; Common   sport fishing and                  
                        mullet; Grey     aquarium trade.                    
                        mullet; Striped  Enters estuaries and               
                        mullet; Lisa     rivers. Usually in                 
                        rayada           schools over sand or               
                                         mud bottom and dense               
                                         vegetation. Adults                 
                                         inhabit fresh waters.              
                                         Reproduction occurs                
                                         in the sea.                        

  *Mugil curema*        White mullet;    Commercially valuable Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Silver mullet;   species in Puerto     U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        Jarea; Lisa      Rico. Used in         Islands      Seagrasses
                        criolla; Lisa    aquaculture. Occurs                
                        blanca; Cramo;   in sandy coasts,                   
                        Josea            littoral pools, and                
                                         muddy bottoms of                   
                                         brackish lagoons and               
                                         estuaries. Lives                   
                                         within a wide range                
                                         of salinity,                       
                                         temperature and                    
                                         oxygen levels. Feeds               
                                         on plant material.                 

  *Mugil gyrans*        Fantail mullet;  Occurs in coastal     Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
                        Mullet; Lisa     waters, brackish      U.S. Virgin  
                        abanico          water lagoons, and    Islands      
                                         the lower reaches of               
                                         rivers (sometimes in               
                                         freshwater). Prefers               
                                         clearer-water                      
                                         shallows than other                
                                         mullets. Juveniles                 
                                         occur inshore. Feeds               
                                         on algae, small                    
                                         crustaceans, and                   
                                         detritus.                          

  *Mugil liza*          Striped mullet;  Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Liza; Lisa; Lisa fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Freshwater
                        macho;           aquaculture. Inhabits Islands      wetlands
                        Lebranche;       coastal marine waters              
                        Lebrancho        and brackish                       
                                         estuaries. Also found              
                                         in hypersaline                     
                                         lagoons. May enter                 
                                         freshwater. Undergoes              
                                         trophic migrations                 
                                         along the coasts.                  
                                         Feeds on organic                   
                                         detritus and                       
                                         filamentous algae.                 

  *Mulloidichthys       Yellow goatfish; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  martinicus*           King mullet;     commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Salmonete        Found over sandy      Islands      Mangroves
                        amarillo; Chope  areas of lagoon and                
                                         seaward reefs. Often               
                                         in schools. Juveniles              
                                         are common in                      
                                         seagrass beds.                     

  *Mycteroperca         Comb grouper;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  acutirostris*         Guajil espinoso  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves; Reef
                                         Used in sport         Islands      
                                         fishing. Juveniles                 
                                         live in turtle grass               
                                         beds, mangrove areas,              
                                         and shallow waters                 
                                         among soft corals and              
                                         coral reefs. Adults                
                                         are found on rocky                 
                                         bottoms with high                  
                                         relief. Feeds on                   
                                         plankton.                          

  *Mycteroperca bonaci* Black grouper;   High commercial       Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Black rockfish;  importance in         U.S. Virgin  
                        Marbled          fisheries. Gamefish.  Islands      
                        rockfish;        Shown in aquariums.                
                        Guajil; Mero     Inhabits rocky and                 
                        pinto; Guajil    coral reefs.                       
                        prieto; Aguajil; Solitary. Adults feed              
                        Diente de sable  mainly on fishes;                  
                                         juveniles on                       
                                         crustaceans. Common                
                                         but difficult to                   
                                         approach. Marketed                 
                                         fresh. Flesh is of                 
                                         excellent quality.                 

  *Mycteroperca         Yellowmouth      Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
  interstitialis*       grouper; Blake;  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Hamlet;          Shown in aquariums.   Islands      
                        Harlequin        Found mainly on rocky              
                        rockfish;        or coral bottoms.                  
                        Princess         Small and                          
                        rockfish; Salmon middle-sized                       
                        rockfish; Scamp; individuals commonly               
                        Abadejo;         occur in                           
                        Bacalao; Guajil  mangrove-lined                     
                        boquiamarillo    lagoons. Feeds on                  
                                         fishes. Sex-reversal               
                                         observed.                          

  *Mycteroperca rubra*  Mottled grouper; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        Comb grouper;    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Guajil espinoso  Occurs over rocky and Islands      
                                         sandy bottoms. Young               
                                         individuals are                    
                                         common in                          
                                         mangrove-lined                     
                                         lagoons. Also seen in              
                                         coral reefs. Feeds on              
                                         mollusks and small                 
                                         fishes.                            

  *Mycteroperca tigris* Tiger grouper;   Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Tiger rockfish;  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Guajil pinto;    Shown in aquariums. A Islands      
                        Mero pinto       solitary species                   
                                         found in coral reefs               
                                         and rocky areas.                   
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         fishes.                            

  *Mycteroperca         Yellowfin        High commercial       Puerto Rico; Reef;
  venenosa*             grouper;         importance in         U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Rockfish;        fisheries. Used in    Islands      
                        Aguaji; Bonaci   recreational fishing               
                        arara; Guajil;   and shown in                       
                        Mero pinto;      aquariums. Juveniles               
                        Guajil           occur in shallow                   
                        colirrubio       turtle grass beds;                 
                                         adults found on rocky              
                                         and coral reefs.                   
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         fishes and squids.                 
                                         Sex-reversal has been              
                                         observed.                          

  *Myrichthys           Sharptail eel;   Often found swimming  Puerto Rico; Reef;
  breviceps*            Seasnake; Tieso  near the bottom in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        colilargo;       clear water, from     Islands      Mangroves
                        Congre           harbors to reefs.                  
                                         Common in sand areas               
                                         and seagrass beds.                 
                                         Found in shallow                   
                                         areas to depths of 9               
                                         m. Feeds mainly on                 
                                         crabs.                             

  *Myrichthys           Goldspotted eel; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  ocellatus*            Goldenspotted    trade. Common near    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        eel; Goldspotted islands and in rocky  Islands      
                        snake eel; Tieso or coral areas. May                
                        manchas doradas  move beneath the                   
                                         sand. Found in                     
                                         seagrass beds and                  
                                         areas with sand and                
                                         coral rubble. Feeds                
                                         mainly on crabs.                   
                                         Forages at night for               
                                         prey.                              

  *Myripristis jacobus* Blackbar         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        soldierfish;     commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Seenorass;       Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Squirrelfish;    trade. Found from                  
                        Toro; Torito;    shallow coral reefs                
                        Cundeamor        to offshore deeper                 
                                         waters. A nocturnal                
                                         species aggregating                
                                         around coral reefs                 
                                         and deeper rocky                   
                                         reefs. Sometimes                   
                                         found swimming upside              
                                         down.                              

  *Myrophis             Broadnose worm   Inhabits tidal creeks Puerto Rico; Mangrove
  platyrhynchus*        eel; Gusano      or protected and      U.S. Virgin  
                        hocicudo         semi-protected bays,  Islands      
                                         never in the surf                  
                                         zone.                              

  *Negaprion            Lemon shark;     Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves; Reef
  brevirostris*         Limón;           commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Tintorera;       Used in sport         Islands      
                        Tiburón limón;   fishing. Occurs                    
                        Cazón; Caconeta  solitary or in small               
                                         groups. Feeds mainly               
                                         on fish. Young remain              
                                         in sheltered coastal               
                                         nurseries. Adults may              
                                         undertake long                     
                                         seasonal migrations.               
                                         Has been involved in               
                                         several attacks on                 
                                         people.                            

  *Neoniphon marianus*  Longjaw          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        squirrelfish;    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Gallo bocón      Rarely found in       Islands      
                                         shallow water, but                 
                                         appears to be the                  
                                         most common                        
                                         squirrelfish in the                
                                         depth range of 30-60               
                                         m or more. Used as                 
                                         food fish.                         

  *Nes longus*          Orangespotted    Found on silty open   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        goby; Gobio      bottoms. Usually in   U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        puntinaranja;    less than 9 m depth.  Islands      
                        Guaseta          Shares burrow with                 
                                         the alpheid shrimp.                

  *Nicholsina usta      Emerald          Subsistence           U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  usta*                 parrotfish; Loro fisheries. Inhabits   Islands      
                        esmeralda;       seagrass beds and                  
                        Cotorro          open bottoms,                      
                                         especially in shallow              
                                         water. Larger adults               
                                         live in deeper water.              

  *Ocyurus chrysurus*   Yellowtail       Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        snapper;         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Yellowtail;      Used in aquaculture   Islands      reef;
                        Cola;            and sport fishing.                 Seagrasses;
                        Colirrubia;      Inhabits coastal                   Mangroves
                        Rabirrubia;      waters, mostly around              
                        Rabittabia;      coral reefs. Often in              
                                         aggregations. Feeds                
                                         mainly at night.                   
                                         Spawning occurs                    
                                         throughout the year.               

  *Odontoscion dentex*  Reef croaker;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Corvina de       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        arrecifes;       Inhabits caves and    Islands      
                        Corvino          crevices, or found                 
                                         among corals.                      
                                         Solitary or in                     
                                         groups. Feeds at                   
                                         night mainly on                    
                                         shrimps and small                  
                                         fishes, and their                  
                                         larvae.                            

  *Ogcocephalus         Shortnose        Found in flat bottoms Puerto Rico; Reef;
  nasutus*              batfish;         of sand, coral        U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Redbellied       rubble, seagrass, or  Islands      
                        batfish; Diablo  mud. Occurs from the               
                        carichato;       water\'s edge to at                
                        Murciélago       least 275 m depth.                 
                                         Feeds on mollusks,                 
                                         crabs, fishes, worms,              
                                         and algae. May be                  
                                         caught by hand.                    

  *Ogilbia cayorum*     Key brotula;     Inhabits shallow      Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        Brotula de cayos waters from shore to  U.S. Virgin  
                                         outer reefs. Cryptic. Islands      
                                         Locally abundant.                  

  *Oligoplites saurus*  Leatherjack;     Used in sport         Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*;
                        Cueriduro;       fishing. Found        U.S. Virgin  Mangroves; Reef
                        Leather jacket;  inshore, along sandy  Islands      
                        Leathercoat;     beaches, bays, and                 
                        Needlejack;      inlets. Enters                     
                        Runner;          estuaries and fresh                
                        Leatherback;     water. Forms                       
                        Zapatero;        large-fast moving                  
                        Cueriduro;       schools. It has                    
                        Quiebra          spines connected to                
                                         venomous glands that               
                                         can cause wounds.                  
                                         Feeds on crustaceans.              

  *Ophichthus gomesii*  Shrimp eel;      Subsistence           Puerto Rico  Reef
                        Tieso negro;     fisheries. Inhabits                
                        Congre           soft bottoms. Occurs               
                                         in bays and                        
                                         backwaters to                      
                                         offshore banks. The                
                                         most common eel on                 
                                         Florida shrimp                     
                                         grounds. Rarely                    
                                         consumed.                          

  *Ophichthus ophis*    Spotted snake    Used in subsistence   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        eel; Tieso       fisheries. Usually    U.S. Virgin  
                        manchado; Congre used as bait. Lives   Islands      
                                         in a permanent                     
                                         burrow, often in very              
                                         shallow water. Heads               
                                         protrude from the                  
                                         sand. Nocturnal.                   
                                         Feeds on octopus and               
                                         fish. Easily                       
                                         approached. Feared by              
                                         fishermen.                         

  *Ophioblennius        Redlip blenny;   Larvae are often      Puerto Rico; Reef
  atlanticus*           Blenio           found in deep water.  U.S. Virgin  
                        boquicolorado    The adults are        Islands      
                                         restricted to shallow              
                                         waters and dwell                   
                                         among rocks and coral              
                                         reefs, where there is              
                                         considerable wave                  
                                         action. Bites very                 
                                         severely, with its                 
                                         two very long and                  
                                         sharp canine teeth.                

  *Ophioblennius        Redlip blenny;   Used in the aquarium  Puerto Rico  Reef
  macclurei*            Blenio           trade. Found in                    
                        boquicolorado    shallow, clear waters              
                                         with coral or rock                 
                                         bottoms. Territorial.              

  *Opisthognathus       Mottled jawfish; Used in the aquarium  Puerto Rico; Reef
  maxillosus*           Quijada moteada  trade. Inhabits an    U.S. Virgin  
                                         elaborate burrow,     Islands      
                                         often fairly deep (30              
                                         cm), and with a                    
                                         terminal chamber. The              
                                         vertical passage                   
                                         lined with coral and               
                                         shell fragments.                   

  *Opistognathus        Yellowhead       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  aurifrons*            jawfish; Quijada trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        cabecirrubia     burrows made of       Islands      
                                         crushed coral or                   
                                         sand. Hovers                       
                                         vertically, above or               
                                         near its hole. The                 
                                         male courts the                    
                                         female by swimming in              
                                         an arched position                 
                                         with his fins spread               
                                         towards her. Male                  
                                         broods the eggs                    
                                         orally.                            

  *Opistognathus        Banded jawfish;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  macrognathus*         Longjaw jawfish; trade. Inhabits sandy U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Quijada listada  bottoms near coral    Islands      
                                         reefs. Feeds on                    
                                         gastropods, crabs,                 
                                         and fishes.                        

  *Opistognathus        Dusky jawfish;   Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico  Reef
  whitehursti*          Quijada prieta   trade. Inhabits rock               
                                         and sand bottoms or                
                                         the eroding edges of               
                                         weed beds. Egg mass                
                                         incubated in the                   
                                         mouth of males.                    

  *Opistonema oglinum*  Atlantic thread  Important in          Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        herring;         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        Threadfin        Usually used for      Islands      Seagrasses
                        herring; Thread  bait. Inhabit harbors              
                        herring;         and shallow coastal                
                        Arengue;         areas. Forms schools.              
                        Machuelo;        Feeds by filtering                 
                        Arenque de       plankton but also                  
                        altura; Sardina  take small fishes,                 
                        de altura;       crabs, and shrimps.                
                        Sardina de                                          
                        lancha                                              

  *Oreochromis aureus*  Blue tilapia;    Introduced. High      Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        Tilapia azul;    commercial importance              wetlands;
                        San pedro        in fisheries. Used in              Rivers
                                         aquaculture and                    
                                         aquarium trade.                    
                                         Usually used as bait.              
                                         Found in warm ponds,               
                                         impoundments, lakes,               
                                         and streams. Forms                 
                                         schools. Sometimes                 
                                         territorial.                       
                                         Reproduces in both                 
                                         fresh and brackish                 
                                         water.                             

  *Oreochromis          Mozambique       Introduced. High      Puerto Rico; Freshwater
  mossambicus*          tilapia;         commercial importance U.S. Virgin  wetlands;
                        Largemouth       in fisheries. Used in Islands      Mangroves
                        kurper;          aquaculture, sport                 
                        Mozambique       fishing and aquarium               
                        mouthbrooder;    trade. Common in                   
                        Java tilapia;    estuaries and coastal              
                        Tilapia; Tilapia lakes. Also found in               
                        prieta; Chopa;   warm weedy pools of                
                        Palometa;        streams, canals, and               
                        Tilapia          ponds. Mainly                      
                        mozambica; San   diurnal. May form                  
                        pedro            schools. Omnivorous.               

  *Oreochromis          Nile tilapia;    Introduced. High      Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  niloticus niloticus*  Mozambique       commercial importance              wetlands;
                        tilapia; Tilapia in fisheries. Used in              Rivers
                        nilótica; San    aquaculture. Occurs                
                        pedro            in freshwater                      
                                         habitats like rivers,              
                                         lakes, sewage canals,              
                                         and irrigation                     
                                         channels. Mainly                   
                                         diurnal. Feeds mainly              
                                         on phytoplankton or                
                                         benthic algae.                     
                                         Marketed fresh and                 
                                         frozen.                            

  *Oreochromis urolepis Wami tilapia     Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Rivers
  hornorum*                              aquaculture and                    
                                         aquarium trade. This               
                                         species is                         
                                         occasionally                       
                                         territorial. Feeds on              
                                         unicellular algae and              
                                         detritus, including                
                                         decayed fragments of               
                                         macrophytes.                       
                                         Potential pest.                    

  *Oreochromis urolepis Rufigi tilapia   Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  urolepis*                              aquaculture and                    wetlands;
                                         aquarium trade.                    Rivers
                                         Occurs in warm weedy               
                                         ditches and canals.                

  *Parablennius         Seaweed blenny;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  marmoreus*            Blenio de algas  trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                                         eroded basins and     Islands      
                                         boulders covered by                
                                         algae, sea fans and                
                                         other organisms.                   
                                         Sometimes around                   
                                         mangrove roots. Young              
                                         are sometimes found                
                                         in floating                        
                                         Sargassum.                         
                                         Omnivorous, but feeds              
                                         mostly on algae.                   

  *Paraclinus barbatus* Goatee blenny;   Demersal marine.      U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Blenio barbudo;                        Islands      
                        Vieja                                               

  *Paraclinus           Coral blenny;    Occurs in pockets of  Puerto Rico  Reef
  cingulatus*           Blenio de        coral rubble on reefs              
                        corales; Vieja   or in tidepools.                   

  *Paraclinus           Banded blenny;   Occurs in protected   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  fasciatus*            Blenio listado;  shallow waters, in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Vieja            coral, rock or sand   Islands      
                                         bottoms especially in              
                                         seagrass beds.                     

  *Paraclinus           Horned blenny;   Associated with       Puerto Rico; Reef
  grandicomis*          Blenio cornudo;  mollusks, sponges,    U.S. Virgin  
                        Vieja            and anemones.         Islands      

  *Paraclinus           Blackfin blenny; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  nigripinnis*          Blenio           trade. Found in rocky U.S. Virgin  
                        aletinegro;      tide pools, eroded    Islands      
                        Vieja            limestone slopes, and              
                                         basins. Also around                
                                         rocks covered with                 
                                         algae and surrounded               
                                         by sand. Also seen in              
                                         areas with coral.                  

  *Paralichthys         Tropical         Minor importance in   U.S. Virgin  Reef
  tropicus*             flounder;        commercial fisheries. Islands      
                        Lenguado         Found over muddy and               
                        tropical;        sandy bottoms in                   
                        Tapaculo         shallow waters, but                
                                         also known to occur                
                                         at depths of at least              
                                         55 m. A reef                       
                                         associated species.                

  *Paranthias furcifer* Creole-fish;     Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Chilla rubia;    fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        Rabirrubia de lo aquarium trade and as Islands      
                        alto             fish bait. Lives in                
                                         coral reefs and hard               
                                         bottom areas. Forms                
                                         feeding aggregations               
                                         well above the reef.               
                                         Feeds mainly in                    
                                         midwater on                        
                                         zooplankton. Retreats              
                                         instantly when                     
                                         alarmed.                           

  *Pempheris            Glassy sweeper;  Occurs in clear water Puerto Rico; Reef
  schomburgkii*         Copper sweeper;  with coral bottom.    U.S. Virgin  
                        Barrigón         Found in aggregations Islands      
                        clareado;        in dark crevices and               
                        Barredor         caves. Nocturnal. Its              
                                         name probably refers               
                                         to the juveniles,                  
                                         which are so                       
                                         transparent that the               
                                         backbone can be seen               
                                         in the living fish.                

  *Phaeoptyx conklini*  Freckled         Commonly found on     Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        cardinalfish;    shallow rocky and     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        Cardenal moteado coral bottoms, in     Islands      
                                         empty conch shells,                
                                         rubble, or empty                   
                                         containers. Abundant               
                                         where *Acropora                    
                                         palmata* (a type of                
                                         coral) abound.                     

  *Phaeoptyx            Dusky            Found on coral,       Puerto Rico; Reef;
  pigmentaria*          cardinalfish;    gravel, or shell      U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        Cardenal prieto  bottoms. Hides in     Islands      
                                         deep caves during the              
                                         day. At night, drift               
                                         above reefs, often                 
                                         near open basket                   
                                         stars.                             

  *Phaeoptyx xenus*     Sponge           Occurs in coral reefs Puerto Rico; Reef
                        cardinalfish;    and rocky bottoms,    U.S. Virgin  
                        Cardenal de      frequently inhabiting Islands      
                        esponjas         cylindrical sponges.               
                                         A mouthbrooder                     
                                         species.                           

  *Pimephales promelas* Fathead minnow;  Introduced. Usually   Puerto Rico  Rivers
                        Black-head       used as bait.                      
                        minnow; Rosey    Inhabits muddy pools               
                        reds; Mino       of headwaters,                     
                        cabezón          creeks, and small                  
                                         rivers. Also found in              
                                         ponds. Tolerates                   
                                         harsh conditions                   
                                         (e.g., turbid, hot,                
                                         poorly oxygenated,                 
                                         intermittent                       
                                         streams). Potential                
                                         pest.                              

  *Platybelone argalus  Keeltail         Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef
  argalus*              needlefish;      fisheries. Occurs     U.S. Virgin  
                        Keeled           offshore;             Islands      
                        needlefish;      particularly abundant              
                        Agujón de quilla around islands.                    
                                         Schools in sheltered               
                                         parts of the reef.                 
                                         Feeds mainly on small              
                                         fishes.                            

  *Platygillellus       Saddle           Inhabits sand and     Puerto Rico; Reef
  rubrocinctus*         stargazer; Dardo rubble areas around   U.S. Virgin  
                        listado; Mirón;  coral reefs or        Islands      
                        Mirador          exposed rocks. The                 
                                         reddish-brown bands                
                                         along the sides of                 
                                         the fish serve as                  
                                         camouflage when the                
                                         fish partially buries              
                                         itself in sand.                    

  *Plectrypops          Cardinal         Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  retrospinis*          soldierfish;     trade. Remains in     U.S. Virgin  
                        Gallo cardenal   deep enclosures       Islands      
                                         during the day. Found              
                                         in holes and caves in              
                                         coral reefs.                       

  *Poecilia reticulata* Guppy; Gupi      Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico; Freswater
                                         aquarium trade. Found U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                                         from highly turbid    Islands      
                                         water in ponds,                    
                                         canals and ditches at              
                                         low elevations to                  
                                         pristine mountain                  
                                         streams at high                    
                                         elevations. Tolerates              
                                         a wide salinity                    
                                         range. Feeds on                    
                                         zooplankton, small                 
                                         insects, and                       
                                         detritus.                          

  *Poecilia vivipara*   Top minnow; Gupi Introduced.           Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        mino             Widespread in mildly               Freshwater
                                         brackish water in                  wetlands
                                         canals and drainage                
                                         ditches at the edges               
                                         of swamps. Rarely                  
                                         found in freshwater.               
                                         Feeds on mosquito                  
                                         larvae and it has                  
                                         been used for                      
                                         mosquito control in                
                                         ponds and reservoirs.              

  *Polydactylus         Littlescale      Minor importance in   U.S. Virgin  Reef
  oligodon*             threadfin;       commercial fisheries. Islands      
                        Barbudo          Occurs along sandy or              
                        aletinegro       muddy shores. Reef                 
                                         associated species.                

  *Polydactylus         Threadfin;       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  virginicus*           Barbú; Barbudo   commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                                         Often occurs in very  Islands      Seagrasses
                                         shallow water along                
                                         beaches. Also found                
                                         in estuaries and                   
                                         hypersaline lagoons                
                                         and sand flats near                
                                         reefs. Common around               
                                         islands. Nocturnal.                
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         crustaceans, also                  
                                         seagrass material.                 

  *Pomacanthus          Gray angelfish;  Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  arcuatus*             Isabelita gris;  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Chirivita;       Used in aquarium      Islands      Seagrasses
                        Mariposa;        trade. Usually                     
                        Palometa         solitary,                          
                                         occasionally in                    
                                         pairs. Juveniles are               
                                         part-time cleaners.                
                                         Flesh reported to be               
                                         of excellent quality.              

  *Pomacanthus paru*    French           Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        angelfish;       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Angelfish;       Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Isabelita negra; trade. Common in                   
                        Chirivita; Ángel shallow reefs.                     
                        francés          Usually in pairs,                  
                                         often near sea fans.               
                                         Spawning pairs are                 
                                         strongly territorial.              
                                         Flesh considered to                
                                         be of good quality.                

  *Pomadasys crocro*    Burro grunt;     Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Freshwater       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*;
                        grunt; Ti copa;  Shown in aquariums.   Islands      Freshwater
                        Viejo; Ronco     Inhabits rivers and                wetlands
                        blanco           creeks. Found along                
                                         sandy shores and on                
                                         mud bottoms in                     
                                         brackish                           
                                         mangrove-lined                     
                                         lagoons. Only member               
                                         of the grunt family                
                                         capable of living in               
                                         freshwater for                     
                                         extended periods.                  

  *Priacanthus          Atlantic bigeye; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  arenatus*             Bigeye;          fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  
                        Catalufa; Toro;  sport fishing and     Islands      
                        Rey; Sol;        aquarium trade. Found              
                        Payaso; Ojobuey; on coral reefs and                 
                        Cómico           rocky bottoms. Forms               
                                         small aggregations                 
                                         near the bottom. A                 
                                         nocturnal feeder.                  
                                         Most of its prey are               
                                         larvae. Flesh                      
                                         considered excellent               
                                         quality; marketed                  
                                         fresh.                             

  *Priolepis hipoliti*  Rusty goby;      Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Gobio mohoso;    trade. Found on       U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta          shallow bottoms of    Islands      
                                         coral reefs with                   
                                         clear water. Usually               
                                         occurs on undersides               
                                         of ledges and roofs                
                                         of caves. Feeds on                 
                                         small crustaceans.                 

  *Prognathodes         Longsnout        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  aculeatus*            butterflyfish;   trade. Inhabits deep  U.S. Virgin  
                        Caribbean        coral-rich reefs and  Islands      
                        longsnout        drop-offs. Feeds on                
                        butterflyfish;   small invertebrates.               
                        Poey\'s          Often seen nibbling                
                        butterflyfish;   on the tubefeet of                 
                        Mariposa         sea urchins or the                 
                        hocicuda         tentacles of                       
                                         tubeworms. Solitary,               
                                         but sometimes in                   
                                         pairs. Seeks refuge                
                                         when approached.                   

  *Pseudogramma         Reef bass;       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  gregoryi*             Jaboncillo de    trade. Inhabits areas U.S. Virgin  
                        arrecifes        with live coral.      Islands      
                                         Common in rubble.                  
                                         Feeds on crustaceans               
                                         and worms.                         

  *Pseudupeneus         Spotted          Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
  maculatus*            goatfish;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Salmonete        Inhabits shallow      Islands      reef;
                        colorado;        waters to depths of                Seagrasses;
                        Salmonete        90 m, especially over              Mangroves\*
                        moteado          sand and rock bottoms              
                                         in reef areas. Young               
                                         juveniles often found              
                                         on seagrass beds.                  
                                         Feeds on small                     
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Psilotris alepis*    Scaleless goby;  Found on shallow      U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Scaless goby;    bottoms of coral      Islands      
                        Gobio desnudo;   reefs, usually less                
                        Guaseta          than 5 m.                          

  *Psilotris            Toadfish goby;   Inhabits coral reefs. Puerto Rico  Reef
  batrachodes*          Gobio sapo;                                         
                        Guaseta                                             

  *Psilotris celsus*    Highspine goby;  Inhabits coral reefs. Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Gobio vela;                            U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta                                Islands      

  *Ptereleotris         Hovering goby;   Found on sandy or     Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  helenae*              Helen\'s         coral rubble bottoms. U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        dartfish; Gobio  Inhabits \'U-shaped\' Islands      
                        flotador;        burrows. Often in                  
                        Guaseta          pairs. Feeds on                    
                                         zooplankton. Hovers                
                                         with head down near                
                                         burrrow.                           

  *Puntius conchonius*  Rosy barb; Mino  Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
                        rosado           aquarium trade. Lives              wetlands;
                                         in lakes and fast                  Rivers
                                         flowing hill streams.              
                                         Beautiful; most                    
                                         impressively colored               
                                         during the mating                  
                                         period. Feeds on                   
                                         worms, crustaceans,                
                                         insects, and plant                 
                                         matter.                            

  *Pythonichthys        Loose-skin eel;  A benthic species     Puerto Rico  Reef
  sanguineus*           Anguila pellejúa found on reefs or                  
                                         rocky areas.                       

  *Remora remora*       Common remora;   Reef-associated       Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Remora; Rémora;  species. Usually      U.S. Virgin  
                        Pegador; Pega    associated with       Islands      
                                         sharks but also                    
                                         attaches itself to                 
                                         other large fishes,                
                                         sea turtles, and even              
                                         ships. Sometimes                   
                                         free-swimming. Young               
                                         individuals are more               
                                         active as parasite                 
                                         pickers. Feeds on                  
                                         parasitic copepods.                

  *Rhizoprionodon       Caribbean        Common in bays and    Puerto Rico; Reef
  porosus*              sharpnose shark; estuaries often       U.S. Virgin  
                        Atlantic         entering rivers.      Islands      
                        sharpnose shark; Feeds mainly on small              
                        Sharpnose shark; fishes. Viviparous.                
                        Cazón; Playón;   Utilized salted or                 
                        Tiburoncito      frozen for human                   
                                         consumption and                    
                                         processed into fish                
                                         meal.                              

  *Rhomboplites         Vermilion        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  aurorubens*           snapper; Bastard fisheries. Found in   U.S. Virgin  Artificial reef
                        snapper; Small   moderately deep       Islands      
                        red snapper;     waters. Common over                
                        Mingo snapper;   rock, gravel or sand               
                        Besugo; Rubia;   bottoms near the                   
                        Tunaro; Buchúa;  continental edge and               
                        Cagón de lo      islands. Young fish                
                        alto; Buchona;   occur in shallower                 
                        Chilla rubia;    depths. Often forms                
                        Pargo cunaro;    large schools. Feeds               
                        Sardo            on fishes, shrimps,                
                                         crabs, etc.                        

  *Risor ruber*         Tusked goby;     Occurs in large       Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Gobio dientón;   loggerhead sponges    U.S. Virgin  
                        Guaseta          and other similar     Islands      
                                         sponges.                           

  *Rivulus marmoratus*  Mangrove         Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Mangroves
                        rivulus;         trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  
                        Matanzas         shallow, mud-bottomed Islands      
                        rivulus;         ditches, bays,                     
                        Rivulus;         mangroves, salt                    
                        Guajacón; Rivulo marshes, and other                 
                        de mangle        brackish-water                     
                                         environments. Also in              
                                         crab burrows. Can                  
                                         tolerate heavy                     
                                         pollution of fresh or              
                                         salty waters. The                  
                                         only known                         
                                         self-fertilizing                   
                                         vertebrate.                        

  *Rypticus saponaceus* Greater          Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        soapfish;        fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Soapfish; Jabón; aquarium trade.       Islands      Seagrasses
                        Jaboncillo       Solitary. Often found              
                                         lying motionless                   
                                         against rocks.                     
                                         Secretes abundant                  
                                         mucus which makes its              
                                         surface slimy, and                 
                                         when disturbed the                 
                                         slime turns into a                 
                                         soapy foam. The mucus              
                                         contains a toxic                   
                                         protein.                           

  *Rypticus             Spotted          Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  subbifrenatus*        soapfish;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Jaboncillo       A solitary species    Islands      
                        manchado         found around reefs                 
                                         and rocky areas.                   
                                         Adults seem to prefer              
                                         clearer waters than                
                                         juveniles.                         

  *Sardinella aurita*   Round            High importance in    Puerto Rico; Mangroves
                        sardinella; Gilt commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        sardine; Spanish Usually used as bait. Islands      
                        sardine; Sardina Schools in coastal                 
                        española         waters from inshore                
                                         to the edge of shelf.              
                                         Juveniles tend to                  
                                         stay in nursery                    
                                         areas, but on                      
                                         maturity rejoin adult              
                                         stocks offshore.                   
                                         Strongly migratory.                

  *Sargocentron         Reef             Inhabits sandy,       Puerto Rico; Reef
  coruscum*             squirrelfish;    rocky, and coral      U.S. Virgin  
                        Wenchman; Gallo  bottoms. More common  Islands      
                        de arrecifes     on seaward reefs than              
                                         on protected reefs.                
                                         Retreat into recesses              
                                         when alarmed.                      
                                         Nocturnal. Found deep              
                                         in crevices between                
                                         branches of live                   
                                         corals. Oviparous.                 

  *Sargocentron         Dusky            Inhabits inshore      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  vexillarium*          squirrelfish;    reefs and tidepools.  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Gallito          Hides in small        Islands      
                                         recesses. Common, but              
                                         rarely seen.                       
                                         Nocturnal species.                 

  *Scartella cristata*  Molly miller;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Blenio marmorado trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                                         shallow rocky areas   Islands      
                                         and tide pools. Hide               
                                         in empty *Strombus                 
                                         gigas* shells, holes               
                                         or troughs of rocks,               
                                         or between algae.                  
                                         Herbivorous.                       

  *Scarus coelestinus*  Midnight         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Judío; Loro;     Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Cotorro          trade. Occurs from                 
                                         rocky coastal reefs                
                                         to seaward reefs.                  
                                         Often in schools.                  
                                         Feeds by scraping off              
                                         algae from rocks or                
                                         dead coral. Its diet               
                                         also includes                      
                                         seagrass leaves.                   

  *Scarus coeruleus*    Blue parrotfish; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Brindao; Loro    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        azul; Cotorro    Used in aquarium      Islands      
                                         trade. Inhabits coral              
                                         reefs. Juveniles                   
                                         found on seagrass                  
                                         beds (*Thalassia*).                
                                         Feeds on benthic                   
                                         plants and small                   
                                         organisms in the                   
                                         sand. Forms large                  
                                         spawning                           
                                         aggregations.                      

  *Scarus croicensis*   Striped          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Cotorro; Loro    Used in aquarium      Islands      reef;
                        rayado           trade. Found over                  Seagrasses;
                                         shallow, clear                     Mangroves
                                         waters, generally                  
                                         over seagrass beds                 
                                         (*Thalassia*). Also                
                                         found on rocky or                  
                                         coral areas. Forms                 
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         plants.                            

  *Scarus guacamaia*    Rainbow          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Guacamayo; Loro  Used in aquarium      Islands      Segrasses
                        verde; Cotorro   trade. Young are                   
                                         found in mangrove                  
                                         areas. Feeds on                    
                                         benthic algae, also                
                                         seagrasses. Has a                  
                                         cave as home where it              
                                         retires at night or                
                                         when danger                        
                                         threatens. Uses the                
                                         sun as an aid to                   
                                         locate the cave.                   

  *Scarus iseri*        Striped          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        Cotorro; Loro    Used in aquarium      Islands      Mangroves\*
                        rayado           trade. Found over                  
                                         shallow, clear                     
                                         waters, generally                  
                                         over seagrass beds                 
                                         (*Thalassia*). Also                
                                         found on rocky or                  
                                         coral areas. Forms                 
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         plants.                            

  *Scarus taeniopterus* Princess         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Princesa; Loro;  Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Cotorro          trade. Found on                    
                                         bottoms with coral or              
                                         rock. Juveniles often              
                                         occur in association               
                                         with seagrass                      
                                         (*Thalassia*). Forms               
                                         large feeding                      
                                         aggregations and                   
                                         feeds on plants.                   
                                         Sleeps in a mucus                  
                                         cocoon.                            

  *Scarus vetula*       Queen            Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Reina; Vieja;    Used in aquarium      Islands      Seagrasses
                        Loro; Cotorro    trade. Inhabits coral              
                                         reefs and adjacent                 
                                         habitats. Feeds on                 
                                         algae scraped from                 
                                         rocks or dead coral,               
                                         also seagrass leaves.              
                                         Sleeps in a mucus                  
                                         cocoon. Often seen in              
                                         groups.                            

  *Scomberomorus        King mackerel;   Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  cavalla*              Kingfish;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Carite; Sierra   Used in sport         Islands      
                                         fishing. Often found               
                                         in outer reef areas.               
                                         Feeds primarily on                 
                                         fishes. Large schools              
                                         have been found to                 
                                         migrate over                       
                                         considerable                       
                                         distances along the                
                                         Atlantic U.S. coast.               

  *Scomberomorus        Spanish          High importance in    U.S. Virgin  Reef
  maculatus*            mackerel;        commercial fisheries. Islands      
                        Sierra; Alasana; Gamefish.                          
                        Pelicán; Pintado Reef-associated                    
                                         species. Migrates in               
                                         large schools over                 
                                         great distances along              
                                         the shore. Larvae are              
                                         found in surface                   
                                         waters. Feeds mainly               
                                         on small fishes, also              
                                         shrimps and                        
                                         cephalopods.                       

  *Scomberomorus        Cero; Sierra;    Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  regalis*              Alasana;         commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Pelicán; Pintado Used in sport         Islands      
                                         fishing. Abundant in               
                                         clear waters around                
                                         coral reefs,                       
                                         occasionally forming               
                                         schools. Feeds on                  
                                         fish, squids, and                  
                                         shrimps. Good food                 
                                         and game fish.                     

  *Scorpaena            Coral            Inhabits small patch  Puerto Rico; Reef
  albifimbria*          scorpionfish;    reefs.                U.S. Virgin  
                        Rascana                                Islands      
                        coralina;                                           
                        Rascacio                                            

  *Scorpaena bergii*    Goosehead        A reef associated     Puerto Rico  Reef
                        scorpionfish;    species. Inhabits                  
                        Rascana          shallow clear waters               
                        cabezona;        from shore to 75 m                 
                        Rascacio         depth. Harmless.                   

  *Scorpaena            Barbfish;        Commonly found in     Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*;
  brasiliensis*         Rascana barbuda; bays, harbors, and on U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Rascacio         the continental       Islands      
                                         shelf. Inhabits soft               
                                         bottoms. Master of                 
                                         camouglage, lies                   
                                         motionless, blending               
                                         with the                           
                                         surroundings.                      

  *Scorpaena            Plumed           Found in seagrass     Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  grandicornis*         scorpionfish;    beds, grassy bays,    U.S. Virgin  Reef; Mangroves
                        Grass            and channels. Moves   Islands      
                        scorpionfish;    only when disturbed.               
                        Scorpionfish;    Causes wounds, which               
                        Rascana; Rascana are extremely                      
                        cornuda;         painful, but not                   
                        Rascacio         fatal. Voracious                   
                                         carnivorous with                   
                                         preference for shiny               
                                         juvenile fish such as              
                                         mojarras, also feeds               
                                         upon crustaceans.                  

  *Scorpaena plumieri   Spotted          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  plumieri*             scorpionfish;    commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Mangroves\*;
                        Rascana moteada; Often found in        Islands      Seagrasses\*
                        Rascacio;        shallow coral reef                 
                        Veneno; Rascaso  and rocky areas. Lies              
                                         motionless on the                  
                                         bottom. Displays                   
                                         characteristic bright              
                                         white spots when                   
                                         disturbed.                         

  *Scorpaenodes         Reef             Sometimes drifts      U.S. Virgin  Reef
  caribbaeus*           scorpionfish;    above hard            Islands      
                        Rascana de       substratum, reef                   
                        arrecifes;       bottoms and areas of               
                        Rascacio         rocky rubble mixed                 
                                         with sand. Hides on                
                                         ceilings of shallow                
                                         caves or ledges.                   
                                         Common.                            

  *Scorpaenodes         Deepreef         Occurs mostly on deep Puerto Rico  Reef
  tredecimspinosus*     scorpionfish;    coral reefs, and                   
                        Rascana de coral steep coral-covered                
                        hondo; Rascacio  slopes.                            

  *Selar                Bigeye scad;     High importance in    Puerto Rico; Reef
  crumenophthalmus*     Goggle-eye;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Goggle-eyed      Game fish. Used as    Islands      
                        scad; Goggler;   bait. Prefers clear                
                        Jack; Chicharro; oceanic waters around              
                        Cobeo; Jurel     islands. Sometimes in              
                        ojón             turbid waters. Mainly              
                                         nocturnal. Feeds on                
                                         shrimps, zooplankton,              
                                         and fish larvae.                   
                                         Forms groups of                    
                                         thousands of hundreds              
                                         of fish.                           

  *Selene vomer*        Lookdown;        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangroves
                        Dollarfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Hairfinned dory; Used in recreational  Islands      
                        Horsehead;       fishing and shown in               
                        Jorobado;        aquariums. Found in                
                        Corcobado;       shallow coastal                    
                        Coronado         waters. Juveniles may              
                                         be seen in estuarine               
                                         areas and off sandy                
                                         beaches. Found in                  
                                         schools. Flesh has                 
                                         excellent flavor.                  

  *Seriola dumerili*    Greater          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        amberjack;       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Amberjack; Great Used in aquaculture   Islands      
                        amberfish; Jenny and sport fishing.                 
                        lind; Rock       Shown in aquariums.                
                        salmon;          Inhabits deep reefs;               
                        Medregal;        occasionally enters                
                        Doronado         coastal bays. Feeds                
                                         on fishes. Juveniles               
                                         associate with                     
                                         floating plants or                 
                                         debris in oceanic or               
                                         offshore waters.                   

  *Seriola rivoliana*   Almaco jack;     Important in          U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Amber; Falcate   commercial fisheries. Islands      
                        amberjack;       Used in sport                      
                        Crevalle;        fishing. Inhabits                  
                        Escolar;         outer reef slopes and              
                        Medregal         offshore banks. Forms              
                                         small groups. Adults               
                                         are pelagic and                    
                                         demersal. Young are                
                                         often seen around                  
                                         floating objects.                  
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         fishes, but also on                
                                         invertebrates.                     

  *Serranus annularis*  Orangeback bass; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Guaseta          trade. Inhabits rocky U.S. Virgin  
                        lomonaranja      areas and deep reefs. Islands      
                                         Rest on the bottom                 
                                         near the entrance of               
                                         protective recesses.               
                                         Occurs in pairs.                   

  *Serranus baldwini*   Lantern bass;    Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Guaseta lámpara  trade. Lives in rocky U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                                         and weedy areas.      Islands      reef;
                                         Often found in                     Seagrasses
                                         seagrass beds but                  
                                         also seen around                   
                                         rocks, coral rubble,               
                                         or old shells. Feeds               
                                         on shrimp and small                
                                         fish.                              

  *Serranus tabacarius* Tobaccofish;     Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Chilla negra;    trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Guaseta negra    shallow rocky or      Islands      reef;
                                         coral bottoms with                 Seagrasses
                                         clear water. Tends to              
                                         stay near the bottom.              
                                         In groups on deeper                
                                         reefs.                             

  *Serranus tigrinus*   Harlequin bass;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Guaseta          trade. Common in      U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Harlequín        areas with rock or    Islands      reef;
                                         scattered coral.                   Seagrasses
                                         Solitary or in pairs.              
                                         Feeds mainly upon                  
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Serranus tortugarum* Chalk bass;      Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Guaseta terrosa  commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                                         Found over rubble,    Islands      
                                         silty, or sandy                    
                                         bottoms. Often in                  
                                         small groups hovering              
                                         over a patch of coral              
                                         rubble or an old                   
                                         conch shell. Feeds on              
                                         plankton. Difficult                
                                         to approach.                       

  *Sicydium plumieri*   Sirajo goby;     Feeds by scrapping    Puerto Rico; Rivers
                        Sirajo; Olivo;   algae off rocks in    U.S. Virgin  
                        Cetí;            the streams. Uses its Islands      
                        Chupapiedra;     sucker to move up                  
                        Setí             vertical wet                       
                                         surfaces. The larvae               
                                         of this goby are                   
                                         valued as a local                  
                                         delicacy. Post-larvae              
                                         migrate to the                     
                                         estuaries and then                 
                                         back to the river.                 

  *Sicydium punctatum*  Tritri           Abundant in rivers of Puerto Rico  Rivers
                                         coastal volcanic                   
                                         topography. Excavates              
                                         nests below gravel                 
                                         bottom. Male provides              
                                         most of the parental               
                                         care. A ventral                    
                                         sucking disc found on              
                                         the fish\'s belly                  
                                         allows it to hold                  
                                         onto the stream\'s                 
                                         rock substrate.                    

  *Sparisoma atomarium* Greenblotch      Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish; Loro trade. Lives in deep  U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        parchoverde;     rocky and coral reefs Islands      Mangroves
                        Cotorro          with steep walls.                  
                                         Generally seen in                  
                                         seagass beds or on                 
                                         reefs with thick                   
                                         algal cover.                       

  *Sparisoma            Redband          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  aurofrenatum*         parrotfish; Loro commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        bandacolorada;   Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Cotorro          trade. Inhabits coral              
                                         reefs. Young usually               
                                         in adjacent seagrass               
                                         beds. Often rests on               
                                         the bottom. Feeds on               
                                         plants. Solitary or                
                                         in small groups.                   

  *Sparisoma            Redtail          Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  chrysopterum*         parrotfish; Loro commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        colirojo; Vieja; Used in aquarium      Islands      reef;
                        Cotorro; Loro    trade. Occurs in                   Seagrasses;
                        verde            coral reefs and                    Mangroves
                                         adjacent habitats,                 
                                         the young especially               
                                         in seagrass beds.                  
                                         Juveniles or                       
                                         primary-phase adults               
                                         rapidly assume a                   
                                         mottled pattern to                 
                                         camouflage with                    
                                         substratum.                        

  *Sparisoma radians*   Bucktooth        Often found in        Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        parrotfish;      seagrass beds in      U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Loro; Loro       shallow, protected    Islands      Reef;
                        dientón; Vieja;  waters. Feeds mainly               Artificial reef
                        Cotorro          on epiphytes and                   
                                         seagrass blades,                   
                                         leaving crescent bite              
                                         marks. Darts into                  
                                         seagrass when                      
                                         frightened.                        

  *Sparisoma            Redfin           Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  rubripinne*           parrotfish;      fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Yellowtail       aquarium trade.       Islands      
                        parrotfish; Loro Juveniles can rapidly              
                        aletirrojo;      assume a mottled                   
                        Cotorro; Vieja   pattern when resting               
                        colorada         on the bottom.                     
                                         Spawning is usually a              
                                         group activity, with               
                                         males and females                  
                                         similarly colored.                 
                                         Feeds on benthic                   
                                         algae and seagrasses.              

  *Sparisoma viride*    Stoplight        Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        parrotfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Cotorro; Loro;   Used in aquarium      Islands      reef;
                        Loro verde;      trade. Lives in coral              Mangroves;
                        Chaporra; Loro   reefs. Young may be                Seagrasses
                        colorado         found in seagrass                  
                                         beds. Produces a                   
                                         significant amount of              
                                         sediment through                   
                                         bioerosion using its               
                                         strong beak-like jaws              
                                         and constantly                     
                                         regrowing teeth.                   

  *Sphoeroides          Green puffer;    Found over soft       Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  greeleyi*             Caribbean        bottoms generally                  
                        puffer; Tamboril with vegetation such               
                        caribeño         as seagrasses                      
                                         (*Thalassia*).                     
                                         Prefers turbid                     
                                         waters. Feeds on                   
                                         marine invertebrates.              
                                         Locally consumed but               
                                         its visceral organs                
                                         may be toxic.                      

  *Sphoeroides          Southern puffer; Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*
  nephelus*             Tamboril moteado fisheries. Inhabits   U.S. Virgin  
                                         bays, estuaries, and  Islands      
                                         protected coastal                  
                                         waters. Feeds                      
                                         primarily on                       
                                         shellfish, also eats               
                                         some fish.                         

  *Sphoeroides          Bandtail puffer; Abundant in all       Puerto Rico; Reef;
  spengleri*            Tamboril         inshore habitats      U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        colilistado;     where there is        Islands      reef;
                        Tambor           adequate cover, such               Seagrasses
                                         as seagrass beds and               
                                         reef flats. Also seen              
                                         in bottoms of sand                 
                                         and coral rubble.                  
                                         Feeds on mollusks,                 
                                         crustaceans,                       
                                         echinoderms, algae,                
                                         and seagrass.                      
                                         Generally common.                  

  *Sphoeroides          Checkered        Common in bays, tidal Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  testudineus*          puffer; Marble   creeks and protected  U.S. Virgin  Mangroves; Reef
                        puffer; Tamboril coastal waters,       Islands      
                        cuadriculado;    especially on                      
                        Tambor           seagrass beds. Rare                
                                         or absent on coral                 
                                         reefs. To ward off                 
                                         predators, it                      
                                         inflates itself like               
                                         a balloon. Highly                  
                                         toxic; used to poison              
                                         cats and dogs. Feeds               
                                         on crustaceans and                 
                                         mollusks.                          

  *Sphyraena barracuda* Great barracuda; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
                        Picuda; Picuda   fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                        brava; Picúa;    sport fishing; shown  Islands      Seagrasses
                        Picúa brava;     in aquariums.                      
                        Barracuda        Juveniles occur among              
                                         mangroves, estuaries               
                                         and shallow sheltered              
                                         reef areas. Adults                 
                                         occur in a wide range              
                                         of habitats. Rarely                
                                         attacks humans.                    
                                         Diurnal and solitary.              
                                         Feeds on fish.                     

  *Sphyraena            Northern sennet; Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
  guachancho*           Sennet;          commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Guachanche       Occurs in shallow and Islands      
                        barracuda;       generally turbid                   
                        Guachanche;      coastal water over                 
                        Guaguanche;      muddy bottoms. Often               
                        Guaguancho;      around river                       
                        Picúa parda;     estuaries. Forms                   
                        Picuda parda;    schools. Feeds mainly              
                        Guachancho;      on fishes and                      
                        Guavancho;       shrimps. Marketed                  
                        Picuílla         fresh and salted.                  

  *Sphyraena picudilla* Southern sennet; Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Small barracuda; commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                        Little           Used in recreational  Islands      Mangroves
                        barracuda;       fishing. Inhabits                  
                        Picuda lanceta;  coastal waters. Found              
                        Picudilla;       in rocky or coral                  
                        Picuílla; Picúa  reefs. More abundant               
                        chin; Picúa      over muddy bottoms.                
                        lanceta          Juveniles occur in                 
                                         seagrass beds. Often               
                                         occurs in large                    
                                         schools, sometimes                 
                                         near the surface.                  

  *Sphyrna lewini*      Scalloped        Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        hammerhead;      fisheries. Gamefish.  U.S. Virgin  
                        Cornuda;         Found over            Islands      
                        Morfillo;        continental and                    
                        Cornuda cortada; insular shelves and                
                        Tiburón martillo adjacent deep water.               
                                         Often close inshore                
                                         and entering bays and              
                                         estuaries. Adults                  
                                         solitary, in pairs,                
                                         or schools; young in               
                                         large schools.                     
                                         Potentially dangerous              
                                         to people.                         

  *Sphyrna mokarran*    Great            Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef
                        hammerhead;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Cornúa;          Found close inshore   Islands      
                        Martillo;        and well offshore,                 
                        Cornuda; Tiburón over the continental               
                        martillo         shelves, island                    
                                         terraces, and                      
                                         lagoons. Feeds on                  
                                         stingrays, fish,                   
                                         crabs, lobsters, and               
                                         other sharks. A                    
                                         viviparous species.                
                                         Potentially dangerous              
                                         to people.                         

  *Starksia atlantica*  Smooth-eye       Found in coral reefs. U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        blenny; Blenio                         Islands      
                        ojón; Vieja                                         

  *Starksia hassi*      Ringed blenny;   Inhabits deep coral   Puerto Rico; Reef
                        Blenio           reefs. Found in rich  U.S. Virgin  
                        listablanca;     coral tops of         Islands      
                        Vieja            dropoffs to at least               
                                         175 m.                             

  *Starksia lepicoelia* Blackcheek       Found in coral reefs. U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        blenny; Blenio                         Islands      
                        oreja prieta;                                       
                        Vieja                                               

  *Starksia nanodes*    Dwarf blenny;    Inhabits patch reefs  U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Blenio enano;    and coral heads in    Islands      
                        Vieja            relatively deep                    
                                         water.                             

  *Starksia sluiteri*   Chessboard       A reef associated     Puerto Rico  Reef
                        blenny; Slutier  species. Found in                  
                        blenny; Blenio   crevices and on                    
                        de slutier;      rubble to depths of                
                        Vieja            at least 40 m.                     

  *Stathmonotus         Naked blenny;    Inhabits eroded       Puerto Rico; Reef
  gymnodermis*          Blenio pelado;   limestone shorelines  U.S. Virgin  
                        Vieja            where the bottom is   Islands      
                                         scattered with small               
                                         stinging corals,                   
                                         brain corals, sea                  
                                         fans, and other                    
                                         organisms.                         

  *Stathmonotus         Blackbelly       Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  hemphilli*            blenny; Blenio   trade. Lives in       U.S. Virgin  
                        pechinegro;      limestone rubble in   Islands      
                        Vieja            clear, shallow water.              

  *Stathmonotus stahli* Eelgrass blenny; Usually found in      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Seagrass blenny; seagrass beds. Also   U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        Blenio           in rubble areas       Islands      
                        talasiero; Vieja covered by mats of                 
                                         algae and sponges, or              
                                         in beds of finger                  
                                         coral. Generally                   
                                         found in less than 10              
                                         m depth.                           

  *Stegastes adustus*   Dusky damselfish Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                                         trade. Found in rocky U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                                         shores exposed to     Islands      Mangroves
                                         wave action. Often in              
                                         tide pools. Feeds                  
                                         mainly on algae and                
                                         detritus.                          
                                         Territorial.                       
                                         Generally common.                  

  *Stegastes diencaeus* Longfin          Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        damselfish;      trade. Lives in coral U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Damisela         and rocky reefs of    Islands      Seagrasses
                        aletilarga;      sheltered lagoons and              
                        Damisela de miel inshore areas.                     
                                         Territorial.                       

  *Stegastes fuscus*    Brazilian        Inhabits shallow,     Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        damsel;          coral or rocky        U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Demoiselle;      bottoms and sometimes Islands      Seagrasses
                        Dusky            found near the shore               
                        damselfish;      in areas with little               
                        Leopoldito;      visibility. A diurnal              
                        María molle      species. Feeds mainly              
                                         on algae and                       
                                         detritus, also some                
                                         seagrass leaves.                   

  *Stegastes            Beaugregory;     Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  leucostictus*         Gregorio;        trade. Occurs in      U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Damisela azul    seagrass beds, coral  Islands      Seagrasses
                                         or rocky reefs and                 
                                         sandy areas. Also                  
                                         found around mangrove              
                                         shores and sponge                  
                                         beds. Remains within               
                                         50 cm from the                     
                                         substrate.                         

  *Stegastes partitus*  Bicolor          Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        damselfish;      trade. Found in       U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Damisela bicolor shallow coral reefs   Islands      reef;
                                         and isolated patch                 Mangroves;
                                         reefs in deeper                    Seagrasses
                                         water. Feeds mainly                
                                         on algae.                          
                                         Aggressively                       
                                         territorial but only               
                                         around a small area.               

  *Stegastes pictus*    Yellowtip        Found in shallow      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        damselfish       rocky reefs in        U.S. Virgin  
                                         association with      Islands      
                                         colonies of                        
                                         *Millepora                         
                                         alcicornis* (a type                
                                         of coral). Feeds                   
                                         mainly on benthic                  
                                         algae. Aggresively                 
                                         territorial.                       

  *Stegastes            Threespot        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  planifrons*           damselfish;      trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        Yellow           inshore and offshore  Islands      Seagrasses
                        damselfish;      coral reefs. Found                 
                        Damisela         within caves at                    
                        amarilla         night. Often seen                  
                                         anywhere there is                  
                                         abundant algae on                  
                                         reefs. Juveniles eat               
                                         external parasites of              
                                         fishes. Guards large               
                                         territories.                       

  *Stegastes            Cocoa            Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef;
  variabilis*           damselfish;      trade. Inhabits       U.S. Virgin  Mangroves\*;
                        Damisela         inshore and offshore  Islands      Seagrasses\*
                        chocolate        coral reefs. Adults                
                                         feed mainly on                     
                                         benthic algae.                     
                                         Juveniles feed on                  
                                         invertebrates. Often               
                                         solitary. Juveniles                
                                         are aggressively                   
                                         territorial.                       
                                         Aggressive when                    
                                         breeding.                          

  *Stephanolepis        Planehead        Found on sand or mud  Puerto Rico; Seagrasses\*
  hispidus*             filefish; Lija   bottoms. Associated   U.S. Virgin  
                        cabecichata;     with Sargassum. Feeds Islands      
                        Pereza           on benthic                         
                                         invertebrates. Edible              
                                         but generally                      
                                         rejected by                        
                                         fishermen.                         

  *Strongylura marina*  Atlantic         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        needlefish;      commercial fisheries.              Seagrasses;
                        Agujón; Agujón   Used in sport                      Freshwater
                        del Atlántico    fishing. Found in                  wetlands
                                         coastal areas and                  
                                         mangrove-lined                     
                                         lagoons. Enters                    
                                         freshwater. Feeds                  
                                         mainly on small                    
                                         fishes. Marketed                   
                                         fresh.                             

  *Strongylura timucu*  Timucu;          Subsistence           Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Tholepin; Agujón fisheries. Adults     U.S. Virgin  Mangroves;
                        timucu           found on reef flats,  Islands      Seagrasses
                                         lagoons, or in                     
                                         freshwater. Juveniles              
                                         found among floating               
                                         algae. Feeds mainly                
                                         on small fishes. When              
                                         disturbed, may leap                
                                         and skitter at the                 
                                         surface.                           

  *Syacium micrurum*    Channel          Minor importance in   U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        flounder;        commercial fisheries. Islands      
                        Lenguado de      Found on soft bottoms              
                        canales;         of the continental                 
                        tapaculo         plateau. Feeds on                  
                                         worms and                          
                                         crustaceans. Exhibits              
                                         sexual dimorphism.                 

  *Symphurus arawak*    Caribbean        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
                        tonguefish;      trade. A reef         U.S. Virgin  
                        Lenguado         associated species.   Islands      
                        caribeño         Found in bays and                  
                                         shallow coastal                    
                                         waters.                            

  *Symphurus plagiusa*  Duskycheek       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        tonguefish;      commercial fisheries.              Seagrasses
                        Blackcheek       Occurs over mud or                 
                        tonguefish;      sand bottoms.                      
                        Tonguefish;      Normally found along               
                        Lenguado;        sand banks near the                
                        Lenguado         mouth of rivers.                   
                        carinegro del    Nocturnal feeder.                  
                        Golfo            Feeds on small                     
                                         benthic                            
                                         invertebrates,                     
                                         crustaceans, plant                 
                                         material (seagrass),               
                                         and others.                        

  *Syngnathus           Caribbean        Inhabits weedy or     U.S. Virgin  Reef;
  caribbaeus*           pipefish; Pez    sandy bottoms of      Islands      Seagrasses
                        flauta caribeño  shallow inshore                    
                                         waters.                            

  *Synodus foetens*     Inshore          Used in subsistence   U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        lizardfish;      fisheries. Gamefish.  Islands      
                        Galliwasp;       Adults are found on                
                        Doncella;        shallow and deep sand              
                        Lagarto de       flats among grass.                 
                        orillas          Also seen inshore in               
                                         saltwater creeks,                  
                                         rivers, bays, and                  
                                         deep channels within               
                                         lagoons. A solitary                
                                         voracious predator.                
                                         Juveniles are                      
                                         pelagic.                           

  *Synodus intermedius* Sand diver;      Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        Lizardfish;      commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Doncella;        Used in aquarium      Islands      
                        Lagarto; Guavina trade. Found on sandy              
                                         bottom around                      
                                         boulders or in sandy               
                                         corridors in patch                 
                                         reefs. Uncommon near               
                                         the shore.                         

  *Synodus synodus*     Diamond          Primarily found in    Puerto Rico; Reef
                        lizardfish;      shallow inshore       U.S. Virgin  
                        Lizardfish; Red  waters. Rests on hard Islands      
                        lizardfish;      surfaces rather than               
                        Lagarto colorado on sand. Also occurs               
                                         in reef areas, but                 
                                         ventures into open                 
                                         water as deep as 90                
                                         m.                                 

  *Thalassoma           Bluehead;        Inhabits reef areas,  Puerto Rico; Reef;
  bifasciatum*          Bluehead wrasse; inshore bays, and     U.S. Virgin  Artificial
                        Doncella         seagrass beds. Sex    Islands      reef;
                        cabeciazul;      reversal observed.                 Seagrasses;
                        Rabone           Feeds on a great                   Mangroves
                                         variety of small                   
                                         benthic organisms,                 
                                         zooplankton, and the               
                                         ectoparasites of                   
                                         other fishes.                      

  *Tilapia rendalli*    Redbreast        Introduced. Important Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
                        tilapia;         in fisheries. Used in              Freshwater
                        Redbreasted      aquaculture and                    wetlands
                        bream; Congo     aquarium trade.                    
                        tilapia; Tilapia Gamefish. Prefers                  
                        moteada; San     quiet, well-vegetated              
                        pedro; tilapia   water along river                  
                        pechicolorada;   littorals or                       
                        Chopa            backwaters,                        
                                         floodplains and                    
                                         swamps. Tolerates a                
                                         wide range of                      
                                         temperature and                    
                                         salinity. Potential                
                                         pest.                              

  *Tomicodon fasciatus* Barred           Found on rock         Puerto Rico; Reef
                        clingfish;       substratum close to   U.S. Virgin  
                        Hourglass        shore. It has color   Islands      
                        clingfish;       variability.                       
                        Renacuajo rayado                                    

  *Trachinocephalus     Snakefish;       Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef
  myops*                Culebra; Lagarto commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                                         Found over sandy      Islands      
                                         bottoms of deep outer              
                                         reef slopes. Common                
                                         in estuaries. Rests                
                                         on or more often                   
                                         burrows into                       
                                         substrate, leaving                 
                                         eyes exposed. Feeds                
                                         on fishes and small                
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Trachinotus blochii* Snubnose         Minor importance in   Puerto Rico  Reef
                        pompano; Golden  commercial fisheries.              
                        permit; Goldfin  Used in aquaculture                
                        permit; Permit;  and recreational                   
                        Palometa;        fishing. Shown in                  
                        Spinous dory;    aquariums. Juveniles               
                        Tropical permit  found in sandy                     
                                         shorelines, and                    
                                         shallow sandy or                   
                                         muddy bays near river              
                                         mouths. Adults move                
                                         out in schools to                  
                                         clear seaward reefs.               

  *Trachinotus          Permit; Cobbler; Important in          Puerto Rico; Reef; Mangrove
  falcatus*             Palometa;        commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  
                        Pámpano; Pámpano Used in aquaculture   Islands      
                        jorobado         and esteemed as a                  
                                         game fish. Shown in                
                                         aquariums. Solitary                
                                         or in small schools.               
                                         Smaller fish tolerate              
                                         brackish water.                    
                                         Spawns offshore.                   
                                         Excellent food fish.               
                                         Feeds on                           
                                         invertebrates and                  
                                         crustaceans.                       

  *Trachinotus goodei*  Palometa; Banner Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        pompano;         fisheries. Used in    U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Cobbler;         aquaculture and sport Islands      
                        Gafftopsail;     fishing. Adults form               
                        Great pompano;   schools in clear                   
                        Longfin pompano; coastal areas,                     
                        Old wife;        usually near coral                 
                        Permit; Pampano; formations. Juveniles              
                        Pompano;         common in clean sandy              
                        Palometa;        beaches. Feeds on                  
                        Pámpano          crustaceans, worms,                
                        aletilargo       insect pupae,                      
                                         mollusks, and fish.                

  *Tylosurus crocodilus Hound            Important in          U.S. Virgin  Reef
  crocodilus*           needlefish;      commercial fisheries. Islands      
                        Houndfish;       Gamefish. Found over               
                        Agujón caimán;   lagoon and seaward                 
                        Guamá            reefs. Solitary or in              
                                         small groups. Feeds                
                                         on fishes. It can                  
                                         cause puncture wounds              
                                         with its sharp snout               
                                         when jumping out of                
                                         the water.                         

  *Urobatis             Yellow stingray; Shown in aquariums.   Puerto Rico; Reef;
  jamaicensis*          Round stingray;  Found along sandy     U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses\*
                        Yellow spotted   beaches. Especially   Islands      
                        stingray; Raya   in sandy areas in and              
                        amarilla         around coral reefs.                
                                         Raises front end of                
                                         disc to attract prey               
                                         seeking shelter.                   
                                         Capable of causing                 
                                         dangerous wounds with              
                                         its venomous spine.                

  *Uropterygius         Marbled moray;   Found usually on or   U.S. Virgin  Reef
  macularius*           Morena veteada   near coral reefs up   Islands      
                                         to 30 m depth, but                 
                                         occasionally to 137                
                                         m.                                 

  *Xanthichthys         Sargassum        Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Reef
  ringens*              triggerfish;     trade. Inhabits reef  U.S. Virgin  
                        Puerquito;       slopes, usually well  Islands      
                        Cocuyo           below 30 m, where in               
                                         some places, they are              
                                         among the most common              
                                         fish. Young live                   
                                         among floating                     
                                         Sargassum. Solitary                
                                         or in small groups.                
                                         Feeds on crabs and                 
                                         sea urchins. Spawns                
                                         in deep water.                     

  *Xiphophorus          Green swordtail; Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  hellerii*             Red swordtail;   aquarium trade. Found              wetlands
                        Swordtail; Pez   in rapidly flowing                 
                        cola de espada;  streams and rivers,                
                        Pez coliespada   preferring heavily                 
                                         vegetated habitats.                
                                         Occurs in warm                     
                                         springs, weedy                     
                                         canals, and ponds.                 
                                         Feeds on worms,                    
                                         crustaceans, insects,              
                                         and plant matter.                  
                                         Used for genetics                  
                                         research.                          

  *Xiphophorus          Southern         Introduced. Used in   Puerto Rico  Freshwater
  maculatus*            platyfish;       aquarium trade.                    wetlands
                        Platy; Plati     Occurs in warm                     
                                         springs, canals, and               
                                         ditches with                       
                                         typically slow-moving              
                                         water, silt bottoms                
                                         and weedy banks.                   
                                         Feeds on worms,                    
                                         crustaceans, insects,              
                                         and plant matter.                  
                                         Used for genetic                   
                                         research.                          

  *Xyrichtys            Rosy razorfish;  Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  martinicensis*        Straight tail    trade. Common in open U.S. Virgin  Reef
                        razorfish;       sandy areas. Feeds on Islands      
                        Navajón rosado   small invertebrates.               
                                         Dives head first into              
                                         the sand when                      
                                         frightened. Generally              
                                         common. Of no                      
                                         interest to fisheries              
                                         because of its small               
                                         average size.                      

  *Xyrichtys novacula*  Pearly           Minor importance in   Puerto Rico; Reef;
                        razorfish;       commercial fisheries. U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
                        Navajón perlado; Used in sport fishing Islands      
                        Doncellita       and aquarium trade.                
                                         Inhabits clear                     
                                         shallow areas with                 
                                         sandy bottoms, in the              
                                         vicinity of seagrass               
                                         beds and corals.                   
                                         Feeds mainly on                    
                                         mollusks, crabs, and               
                                         shrimps. Builds nests              
                                         with coral debris.                 

  *Xyrichtys splendens* Green razorfish; Used in aquarium      Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                        Navajón verde    trade. Common in      U.S. Virgin  Reef
                                         shallow, sandy areas  Islands      
                                         in and around                      
                                         seagrass beds.                     
                                         Prefers clear waters.              
                                         Generally of no                    
                                         interest to fisheries              
                                         because of its small               
                                         average size.                      
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(**\***) in column "Habitat Used": Means that the species found in that
particular habitat was reported for a country within the Caribbean
region, but not specifically for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

**TABLE 2. SPECIES OF CRUSTACEANS FOUND IN WETLANDS OF THE U.S.
CARIBBEAN**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Crustacean      **Common      **Interesting Facts**    **Region**   **Habitat
  Species**         Name**                                              Used**
  ----------------- ------------- ------------------------ ------------ -------------
  *Alpheus          Green         Common on subtropical    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
  normanni*         snapping      and tropical seagrass    U.S. Virgin  
                    shrimp;       beds. Stays below the    Islands      
                    Snapping      meadow surface in                     
                    shrimp        burrows during the day.               
                                  Nocturnal. Feeds on                   
                                  juveniles of the hard                 
                                  clam (*Mercenaria sp.*).              

  *Atya innocous*   Jonga;        Potential importance in  Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
                    Guábara;      fisheries. Common in                  Rivers
                    Chágara       both rushing mountain                 
                                  and lowlying sluggish                 
                                  streams. Migrates as                  
                                  larvae to coastal                     
                                  environments and                      
                                  migrates back to rivers               
                                  as postlarvae. It                     
                                  reaches a maximum length              
                                  of 7 cm.                              

  *Atya lanipes*    Guábara;      Potential importance in  Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                    Chágara       commercial fisheries.    U.S. Virgin  Rivers;
                                  Freshwater species as    Islands      Estuaries
                                  adults. Migrates as                   
                                  larvae to coastal                     
                                  environments and                      
                                  migrates back to rivers               
                                  as postlarvae.                        

  *Atya scabra*     Guábara;      Potential importance in  Puerto Rico  Rivers;
                    Chágara       commercial fisheries.                 Estuaries
                                  Migrates as larvae to                 
                                  coastal environments and              
                                  migrates back to rivers               
                                  as postlarvae.                        

  *Brachycarpus     Two claw      Found near shore among   Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
  biunguiculatus*   shrimp        corals or rocks on                    Reef
                                  reefs. Known to be a                  
                                  cleaning shrimp. Mostly               
                                  nocturnal. Live as                    
                                  male-female pairs in                  
                                  smaller protected                     
                                  recesses. Timid animals.              

  *Callianassa      Ghost shrimp  Found in or near         U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  acanthochirus*                  seagrass beds on shallow Islands      
                                  tropical lagoons.                     
                                  Captures and stores                   
                                  drifting detritus of                  
                                  seagrass and algae in                 
                                  their burrows.                        

  *Callianassa      Ghost shrimp  Found in or near         U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  longiventris*                   seagrass beds on shallow Islands      
                                  tropical lagoons.                     
                                  Captures and stores                   
                                  drifting detritus of                  
                                  seagrass and algae in                 
                                  their burrows.                        

  *Callianassa      Ghost shrimp  Found in shallow         U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  quadracuta*                     tropical lagoons. Builds Islands      
                                  volcano-shaped mounds of              
                                  ejected sediment during               
                                  feeding and burrowing in              
                                  seagrass habitats. High               
                                  density of this shrimp                
                                  is negatively correlated              
                                  to seagrass                           
                                  productivity.                         

  *Callianassa      Ghost shrimp  Found in shallow         U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses
  rathbunae*                      tropical lagoons. Builds Islands      
                                  volcano-shaped mounds of              
                                  ejected sediment during               
                                  feeding and burrowing in              
                                  seagrass habitats. High               
                                  density of this shrimp                
                                  is negatively correlated              
                                  to seagrass                           
                                  productivity.                         

  *Callinectes      Blue crab;    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  bocourti*         Red blue      fisheries. Occurs in                  Seagrasses
                    crab; Cocolía shallow brakish waters                
                                  over mud to sandy                     
                                  bottoms. Capable of                   
                                  living in polluted                    
                                  areas. Feeds on bivalve               
                                  mollusks, fish, other                 
                                  crustaceans, organic                  
                                  debris, vegetation, and               
                                  benthic infauna.                      

  *Callinectes      Blue crab;    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  danae*            Cocolía       fisheries. Occurs from                Seagrasses
                                  muddy estuaries in                    
                                  mangroves and                         
                                  algae-broken shell                    
                                  bottoms, to beaches and               
                                  open ocean.                           
                                  Cannibalistic. Feeds on               
                                  mollusks, fish, other                 
                                  crustaceans, organic                  
                                  debris, vegetation, and               
                                  benthic infauna.                      

  *Callinectes      Blue crab;    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  exasperatus*      Cocolía       fisheries. Occurs in                  Seagrasses
                                  marine, estuarine, and                
                                  maybe fresh water, in                 
                                  association with                      
                                  mangroves and river                   
                                  mouths, up to 7.5 m                   
                                  depth. Feeds on bivalve               
                                  mollusks, fish, other                 
                                  crustaceans, organic                  
                                  debris, vegetation, and               
                                  benthic infauna.                      

  *Callinectes      Blue crab;    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico; Mangroves;
  larvatus*         Cocolía       fisheries. Occurs in a   U.S. Virgin  Seagrasses;
                                  variety of shallow       Islands      Reef
                                  environments: sand, mud               
                                  flats, algae-grass                    
                                  flats, mangroves, etc.                
                                  Often in intertidal                   
                                  pools. Feeds on                       
                                  mollusks, fish, other                 
                                  crustaceans, organic                  
                                  debris, vegetation, and               
                                  benthic infauna.                      

  *Callinectes      Blue crab;    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  ornatus*          Ornate blue   fisheries. Occurs in                  Seagrasses
                    crab; Cocolía sandy or muddy bottoms                
                                  from shore to 75 m. Also              
                                  in bays and river                     
                                  mouths. Tolerates a                   
                                  broad salinity range.                 
                                  Feeds on bivalve                      
                                  mollusks, fish, other                 
                                  crustaceans, organic                  
                                  debris, vegetation, and               
                                  benthic infauna.                      

  *Callinectes      Blue crab;    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Mangroves;
  sapidus*          Cocolía       fisheries. Occurs in                  Seagrasses
                                  freshwater, estuaries,                
                                  and shallow ocean, in                 
                                  mud bottoms. Active                   
                                  swimmer. More active                  
                                  during daylight.                      
                                  Tolerant of extremes.                 
                                  Blue crabs are highly                 
                                  fecund. Feeds mainly on               
                                  mollusks and hard clams.              

  *Cardisoma        Blue land     Subsistence fisheries.   Puerto Rico; Mangroves
  guanhumi*         crab; White   One of the largest crabs U.S. Virgin  
                    land crab;    in the world. It hides   Islands      
                    Great land    during the day in                     
                    crab; Juey    burrows near swamps.                  
                    común; Juey;  Considered a pest in                  
                    Juey azul;    Puerto Rico. Mostly a                 
                    Juey de       vegetarian crab. Peak                 
                    tierra        activity time is at dawn              
                                  and dusk. Found up to 5               
                                  km away from the coast.               

  *Epilobocera      River crab;   Subsistence fisheries.   Puerto Rico; Freshwater
  sinuatifrons*     Buruquena     Found in rivers. Active  U.S. Virgin  wetlands
                                  predator. Can be found   Islands      
                                  in caves.                             

  *Gnathophyllum    Striped       Found in lagoons, bays   Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
  americanum*       bumblebee     ,and along external                   Reef
                    shrimp        reefs. Usually observed               
                                  in association with sea               
                                  stars, sea urchins, and               
                                  sea cucumbers.                        

  *Hippolyte        Caridean      Clings to seagrass       Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  curacaoensis*     shrimp        blades during daylight                
                                  but swims more                        
                                  frequently at night.                  

  *Hippolyte        False Zostera                          Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  pleuracanthus*    shrimp                                              

  *Hippolyte        Zostera       Herbivorous shrimp.      Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  zostericola*      shrimp;                                             
                    Broken back                                         
                    shrimp;                                             
                    Atlantic                                            
                    shirmp                                              

  *Jonga serrei*    Shrimp        Typically a freshwater   Puerto Rico  Rivers
                                  species, but could be                 
                                  found in marine                       
                                  habitats, or probably                 
                                  have marine larvae.                   

  *Latreutes        Slender       Common in floating       Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  fucorum*          sargassum     Sargassum, surface                    
                    shrimp        waters, and grass flats.              
                                  Clings to seagrass                    
                                  blades during daylight                
                                  but swims more                        
                                  frequently at night.                  

  *Latreutes        Caridean      Found in littoral waters Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  parvulus*         shrimp        from sponges among                    
                                  shells, dead coral,                   
                                  hydroids, and on                      
                                  seagrass flats. Occurs                
                                  from surface to 44 m.                 
                                  Not very common anywhere              
                                  in its range.                         

  *Leander          Brown grass   Found in floating        Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  tenuicornis*      shrimp        sargassum, above the                  
                                  sediment surface, and                 
                                  among seagrass blades                 
                                  during day and night.                 

  *Lysmata moorei*  Caridean      Mostly nocturnal.        Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                    shrimp                                              

  *Macrobrachium    Cinnamon      Potential importance in  Puerto Rico  Rivers;
  acanthurus*       river shrimp  commercial fisheries.                 Freshwater
                                  Inhabits rivers and                   wetlands
                                  bays. It is found under               
                                  rocks or among submerged              
                                  vegetation on the edges.              
                                  Feeds on vegetation and               
                                  small invertebrates.                  

  *Macrobrachium    Big claw      Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Rivers;
  carcinus*         river shrimp  fisheries. Inhabits                   Estuaries
                                  rivers and low-ground                 
                                  ponds. Territorial and                
                                  omnivorous. It is                     
                                  cannibalistic, what                   
                                  makes its breeding                    
                                  difficult. Post larval                
                                  shrimp migrate from                   
                                  estuaries to upstream                 
                                  pools.                                

  *Macrobrachium    Freshwater    Potential importance in  Puerto Rico  Rivers;
  crenulatum*       prawn         commercial fisheries.                 Estuaries
                                  Lives in holes, under                 
                                  rocks, submerged roots,               
                                  or under organic                      
                                  materials. Feeds on                   
                                  detritus. Post larval                 
                                  shrimp migrates from                  
                                  estuaries to rivers.                  

  *Macrobrachium    Freshwater    Subsistence fisheries.   Puerto Rico  Rivers;
  faustinum*        prawn         Inhabits slow flowing                 Marshes
                                  rivers and marshes in                 
                                  low lying areas, and                  
                                  fast flowing streams in               
                                  hilly regions.                        

  *Macrobrachium    Cascade river Potential importance in  Puerto Rico  Rivers
  heterochirus*     prawn;        commercial fisheries.                 
                    Crayfish;                                           
                    Freshwater                                          
                    prawn;                                              
                    Langostino                                          

  *Metapenaeopsis   Shrimp        Found in mud, sand,      Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
  goodei*                         gravel, broken shell,                 Reef
                                  rock, coral reefs, and                
                                  sometimes algae. Occurs               
                                  from the surface to 329               
                                  m.                                    

  *Micratya poeyi*  Freshwater    Typically a freshwater   Puerto Rico  Rivers
                    shrimp        species, but could be                 
                                  found in marine                       
                                  habitats, or probably                 
                                  have marine larvae.                   

  *Panulirus argus* Spiny         High importance in       Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                    lobster;      fisheries. Active at     U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                    Caribbean     night. Feeds on a wide   Islands      Mangroves
                    spiny         variety of foods such as              
                    lobster;      clams, mussels, crabs,                
                    Langosta      worms, and occasionally               
                    espinosa;     plants. Juveniles are                 
                    Langosta      found in seagrasses. It               
                    común         sheds (molts) its shell               
                                  up to 25 times in the                 
                                  first five years of                   
                                  life.                                 

  *Panulirus        Spotted spiny Important in commercial  Puerto Rico; Reef
  guttatus*         lobster;      fisheries. Lives on      U.S. Virgin  
                    Brazilian     reefs. Primarily a       Islands      
                    lobster;      nocturnal feeder. Seeks               
                    Langostino;   refuge during the day,                
                    Langosta      emerges and feeds on                  
                    moteada       variety of foods at                   
                                  night. When disturbed,                
                                  it swims quickly                      
                                  backwards using powerful              
                                  movements of its tail.                

  *Panulirus        Smoothtail    Important in commercial  Puerto Rico; Reef;
  laevicauda*       lobster;      fisheries. Abundant in   U.S. Virgin  Mangroves
                    Smoothtail    Brazilian waters but is  Islands      
                    spiny         rarely found in the                   
                    lobster;      Caribbean. Mainly found               
                    Langosta      in mangrove                           
                    espinosa;     environments. This                    
                    Langosta      species can reach a                   
                    verde         maximum of 31 cm.                     

  *Penaeus          Red or Pink   Commercial importance.   Puerto Rico  Estuaries
  brasiliensis*     spotted       Typically a marine                    
                    shrimp;       species that invade                   
                    Caribbean     estuarine habitats.                   
                    brown shirmp; Reddish color. This is                
                    Camarón       considered the biggest                
                    rosado con    species, the females can              
                    manchas;      reach 25 cm and the                   
                    Camarón       males 19 cm.                          

  *Penaeus          Northern pink Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  duorarum*         shrimp; Pink  fisheries. Occurs in                  
                    shrimp; Pink  coastal waters and                    
                    spotted, Pink estuaries on sand,                    
                    night shrimp; shell-sand, or coral-mud              
                    Langostino    bottoms. Actively swims,              
                    rosado        burrows, and crawls.                  
                                  Opportunistic omnivore.               
                                  The young are often                   
                                  found abundantly in                   
                                  seagrasses.                           

  *Penaeus          Southern pink Species of high          Puerto Rico; Estuaries
  notialis*         shrimp;       importance in commercial U.S. Virgin  
                    Camarón       fisheries. Prefers mud,  Islands      
                                  sandy mud or sandy                    
                                  patches among the rocks.              
                                  The juveniles are                     
                                  estuarine, the adults                 
                                  strictly marine.                      

  *Penaeus          Southern      Important species in     Puerto Rico; Estuaries
  schmitti*         whites; White commercial fisheries.    U.S. Virgin  
                    shrimp;       The adults are marine,   Islands      
                    Camarón       the juveniles estuarine.              
                    blanco        It is found from the                  
                                  shore down to about 47                
                                  meters.                               

  *Penaeus          Brown shrimp; Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Estuaries;
  subtilis*         Camarón       fisheries. Uses brackish              Marshes
                    marrón;       environments (coastal                 
                    Camarón       lagoons, marshes and                  
                                  estuaries) during small               
                                  periods of their life                 
                                  cycle.                                

  *Periclimenes     American      Inhabits coastal waters. Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
  americanus*       grass shrimp  Prefers sandy or rocky                Mangroves
                                  bottom, often between                 
                                  algae or coral, or among              
                                  turtle grass or debris.               
                                  Swims alone or in small               
                                  groups at the surface at              
                                  night.                                

  *Periclimenes     Caridean      Occurs in sand and       Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  iridescens*       shrimp        algae, also in corals.                

  *Potimirrim       Shrimp        Typically a freshwater   Puerto Rico  Rivers
  americana*                      species, but could be                 
                                  found in marine                       
                                  habitats, or probably                 
                                  have marine larvae.                   

  *Potimirrim       Shrimp        Typically a freshwater   Puerto Rico  Rivers
  glabra*                         species, but could be                 
                                  found in marine                       
                                  habitats, or probably                 
                                  have marine larvae.                   

  *Potimirrim       Shrimp        Typically a freshwater   Puerto Rico  Rivers
  mexicana*                       species, but could be                 
                                  found in marine                       
                                  habitats, or probably                 
                                  have marine larvae.                   

  *Processa         Caridean      Found in shallow marine  Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  bermudensis*      shrimp        waters including high                 
                                  salinity estuaries,                   
                                  grass flats, sand and                 
                                  shells. Mostly                        
                                  nocturnal. It has                     
                                  daytime burrowing                     
                                  habits.                               

  *Processa         Caridean      Mostly nocturnal. It has Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  riveroi*          shrimp        daytime burrowing                     
                                  habits.                               

  *Salmoneus sp.*   Caridean                               Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                    shrimp                                              

  *Thor manningi*   Caridean      Occurs above the         Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
                    shrimp        sediment surface and                  Reef
                                  among seagrass blades.                
                                  Also in living or dead                
                                  coral, algae. Has a                   
                                  sexual system in which                
                                  females pass through a                
                                  brief male phase. There               
                                  are some who remain male              
                                  all their lives, a sort               
                                  of \"super male type\".               

  *Tozeuma          Caridean      Common in beds of        Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  carolinense*      shrimp; Arrow vegetation or similar                 
                    shrimp        habitats in shallow                   
                                  water. Often swims in a               
                                  vertical position and                 
                                  rests in a clinging                   
                                  position on seagrass                  
                                  blades. It blends well                
                                  with the background.                  
                                  Feeds by grazing on                   
                                  epifauna on grasses.                  

  *Trachycaris      Caridean                               Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  restrictus*       shrimp                                              

  *Ucides cordatus* Juey pelú     Important in commercial  Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                                  fisheries. Lives in                   
                                  mangroves where it                    
                                  excavates burrows in the              
                                  substratum, mainly mud.               
                                  During high tide remains              
                                  in the burrow, leaves at              
                                  low tide to look for                  
                                  food. Omnivorous                      
                                  species.                              

  *Xyphocaris       Caridean      Typically a freshwater   Puerto Rico  Seagrasses;
  elongata*         shrimp;       species, but could be                 Mangroves
                    Camarón       found in marine                       
                                  habitats, or probably                 
                                  have marine larvae.                   
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(**\***) in column "Habitat Used": Means that the species found in that
particular habitat was reported for a country within the Caribbean
region, but not specifically for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

**TABLE 3. SPECIES OF MOLLUSKS FOUND IN WETLANDS OF THE U.S. CARIBBEAN**

  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Mollusk          **Common       **Interesting Facts**     **Region**   **Habitat
  Species**          Name**                                                Used**
  ------------------ -------------- ------------------------- ------------ -------------
  *Aplysia sp.*      Sea hare;      Conch without external    Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                     Liebre de mar  shell. Found on sand. Can              
                                    exude a reddish substance              
                                    when handled. Its diet                 
                                    may include seagrass                   
                                    leaves.                                

  *Arene                            Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  tricarinata*                      habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Atrina sp.*       Almeja         Found partially burried   Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                                    in the sand. They are                  
                                    attached to the bottom                 
                                    with proteic fibers                    
                                    forming strong anchors.                

  *Batillaria        West Indian    They grow to a maximum    Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  minima*            false cerith;  size of about 15 mm.                   
                     Snail; Caracol Their shells have an                   
                                    elongated conical shape.               

  *Biomphalaria sp.*                Freshwater mollusk. Found Puerto Rico  Forested
                                    in freshwater forested                 wetlands
                                    wetlands (bloodwood                    
                                    swamp) in Puerto Rico.                 

  *Brachidontes      Hooked mussel  Found on the surface of   Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  recurvus*                         mangrove roots.                        

  *Bulla striata*    Striate        Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
                     bubble;        habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                     Atlantic       forested wetlands                      
                     bubble         (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico. Also found                
                                    in grassy areas. Common                
                                    species.                               

  *Cassis flammea*   Flame helmet;  Adults are found in       Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
                     Gallina        seagrasses.               U.S. Virgin  
                                                              Islands      

  *Cassis            Cameo helmet;  Adults, early and late    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
  madagascarensis*   Gallina        juveniles are found in    U.S. Virgin  
                                    seagrasses. Also found on Islands      
                                    sand bottoms.                          

  *Cassis tuberosa*  Helmet shell;  Adults, early and late    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
                     Caribbean      juveniles are found in    U.S. Virgin  
                     helmet;        seagrasses. Adults also   Islands      
                     Gallina        found in hard bottoms.                 
                                    Feeds upon sea urchins.                

  *Cerithium sp.*    Horn shell;    Can be found on mud in    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                     Caracol        mangrove swamps.          U.S. Virgin  Mangroves
                                                              Islands      

  *Chione cancelata* Almeja         Feeds on organic          Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                                    detritus.                              

  *Codakia           Tiger lucine;  Found buried within soft  Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
  orbicularis*       Almeja         sediments between         U.S. Virgin  
                                    seagrass roots. Occurs in Islands      
                                    sediments with low                     
                                    oxygen. Can withstand                  
                                    high temperatures and                  
                                    salinity. Feeds on                     
                                    organic detritus.                      

  *Codakia           Dwarf tiger    Found buried within soft  Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  orbiculata*        lucine; Almeja sediments between                      
                                    seagrass roots. Occurs in              
                                    sediments with low                     
                                    oxygen. Can withstand                  
                                    high temperatures and                  
                                    salinity. Feeds on                     
                                    organic detritus.                      

  *Conax sp.*        Chipe          Important in commercial   Puerto Rico   
                                    fisheries and subsistence              
                                    fisheries. Found in                    
                                    estuaries.                             

  *Crassostrea       Mangrove       Important in commercial   Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  rhizophorae*       oyster; Ostión fisheries and subsistence              
                     de mangle      fisheries. Found in                    
                                    brackish water forming                 
                                    clusters on the prop                   
                                    roots of the red                       
                                    mangrove, as well as                   
                                    pilings and rocks. Small               
                                    with a long purple shell.              
                                    Considered a delicacy by               
                                    humans.                                

  *Cymatium sp.*     Seashell;      Has ornamented shells.    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
                     Caracol                                  U.S. Virgin  
                                                              Islands      

  *Cymatium          Dwarf hairy    Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  vespaceum*         triton         habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Diplodonta        Almeja         Found buried within soft  Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  punctata*                         sediments between                      
                                    seagrass roots. Found in               
                                    sediments with low                     
                                    oxygen. Can withstand                  
                                    high temperatures and                  
                                    salinity. Feeds on                     
                                    organic detritus.                      

  *Diplodonta        Almeja         Found burried within soft Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  semiaspera*                       sediments between                      
                                    seagrass roots. Found in               
                                    sediments with low                     
                                    oxygen. Can withstand                  
                                    high temperatures and                  
                                    salinity. Feeds on                     
                                    organic detritus.                      

  *Fasciolaria       True Tulip;    Adults are found in hard  Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
  tulipa*            Conch; Caracol bottoms, reefs, and       U.S. Virgin  
                                    seagrasses. Has           Islands      
                                    ornamented conchs. Can be              
                                    found in a great variety               
                                    of colors.                             

  *Gouldia                          Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  insularis*                        habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Heterodonax       Almeja         Feeds on organic          Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  bimaculatus*                      detritus.                              

  *Hipponix          White hoof     Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  antiquatus*        shell          habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Isognomon alatus* Flat           Found in intertidal and   Puerto Rico  Mangroves
                     tree-oyster    subtidal surfaces of                   
                                    mangrove roots.                        

  *Lucina blanda*    Almeja         Found burried within soft Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                                    sediments between                      
                                    seagrass roots. Found in               
                                    sediments with low                     
                                    oxygen. Can withstand                  
                                    high temperatures and                  
                                    salinity. Feeds on                     
                                    organic detritus.                      

  *Lucina pectinata* Thick lucine;  Important in commercial   Puerto Rico   
                     Clam; Almeja;  fisheries. Used in                     
                     Lucina         biomedical experiments:                
                                    the protein Hemoglobin I               
                                    is extracted from this                 
                                    clam.                                  

  *Mercenaria        Southern       It has some importance in Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  campechiensis*     quahog; Cherry commercial fisheries.                  
                     stone clams;   Abundant on sandy or                   
                     Almeja dura    muddy shores. Filter                   
                                    feeder.                                

  *Mercenaria        Northern       Very important in         Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  mercenaria*        quahog, Hard   commercial fisheries.                  
                     clam,          Used in aquaculture.                   
                     Cherrystone,   Commonly found in bays or              
                     Littleneck;    protected areas. Burrows               
                     Round clam;    shallowly in sediments of              
                     Almeja         either mud or sand. A                  
                                    filter feeder.                         

  *Mercenaria        Northern       A subspecies of M.        Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  mercenaria notata* quahog; Almeja mercenaria of smaller                  
                     dura           size. Found in sediments               
                                    of either mud or sand.                 
                                    Filter feeder.                         

  *Microcardium                     Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  tinctum*                          habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Modiolus          Mussel;        Suspension-feeding        Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  americanus*        American       mussel.                                
                     horsemussel                                           

  *Modulus sp.*      Conch; Caracol                           Puerto Rico  Seagrasses

  *Nerita            Tessellate     Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  tessellata*        nerite;        habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                     Checkered      forested wetlands                      
                     nerite         (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Neritima                         Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  virginea*                         habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Phacoides         Bivalve        Organism characterized as Puerto Rico  Mangroves
  pectinatus*        mollusk        a deep burrower in                     
                                    mangrove mud.                          

  *Phyllonotus sp.*  Conch; Caracol Has ornamented conchs.    Puerto Rico  Seagrasses

  *Physa acuta or P. Tadpole        Freshwater mollusk. Found Puerto Rico  Forested
  cubensis*          snails; Pouch  in freshwater forested                 wetlands
                     snails         wetlands (bloodwood                    
                                    swamp) in Puerto Rico.                 
                                    They are widespread,                   
                                    abundant, and tolerant of              
                                    pollution.                             

  *Pinna sp.*        Almeja         Found partially burried   Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
                                    in the sand. They are                  
                                    attached to the bottom                 
                                    with proteic fibers                    
                                    forming strong anchors.                

  *Rissoina bryera*                 Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
                                    habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Strombus          Milk Conch;    Adults, early and late    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
  costatus*          Harbour conch; juveniles are found in    U.S. Virgin  Reef
                     Caracol blanco seagrasses. Adults also   Islands      
                                    found in hard bottoms.                 

  *Strombus gallus*  Rooster-tail   Found on coralline        Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                     conch          fragments and marine      U.S. Virgin  Reef
                                    grass bottoms             Islands      
                                    (seagrasses). Uncommon                 
                                    species.                               

  *Strombus gigas*   Pink conch;    Important in commercial   Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                     Queen conch;   fisheries. Found in hard  U.S. Virgin  Reef;
                     Carrucho       bottoms, reef, rubble,    Islands      Forested
                                    sand/shell and                         wetlands
                                    seagrasses. Shells are                 
                                    large, up to 30 cm in                  
                                    length, pinkish and                    
                                    beautiful. Feeds mainly                
                                    on algae, also seagrass.               
                                    Larvae eat plankton.                   
                                    Adults are most active at              
                                    night.                                 

  *Strombus pugilis* West Indian    Adults, early and late    Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                     fighting       juveniles are found in    U.S. Virgin  Reef
                     conch;         seagrasses. Adults are    Islands      
                     Carruchito     also found in hard                     
                     peleador; Uña  bottoms.                               

  *Strombus raninus* Hawk-wing      Adults are found in       Puerto Rico; Seagrasses;
                     conch          seagrasses.               U.S. Virgin  Reef
                                                              Islands      

  *Tagelus sp.*      Pitijuye       Important in commercial   Puerto Rico   
                                    fisheries and subsistence              
                                    fisheries. Found in                    
                                    estuaries.                             

  *Tellina           Almeja         Feeds on organic          Puerto Rico  Seagrasses
  laevigata*                        detritus.                              

  *Thiara granifera* Quilted        Found in freshwater from  Puerto Rico  Forested
                     melania        rivers, streams, and                   wetlands
                                    lakes to drainage                      
                                    ditches, irrigation                    
                                    canals, cement ponds, and              
                                    swamps. Feeds on algae,                
                                    microorganisms, and small              
                                    particles of organic                   
                                    matter. Sold in the pet                
                                    trade industry. Tolerates              
                                    pollution.                             

  *Truncatella                      Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
  caribaensis*                      habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           

  *Vasum muricatum*  Caribbean vase Adults are found in       Puerto Rico; Seagrasses
                                    seagrasses.               U.S. Virgin  
                                                              Islands      

  *Zebina browniana* Smooth risso   Mollusk of marine         Puerto Rico  Forested
                                    habitat. Found in                      wetlands
                                    forested wetlands                      
                                    (bloodwood swamp) in                   
                                    Puerto Rico.                           
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(**\***) in column "Habitat Used": Means that the species found in that
particular habitat was reported for a country within the Caribbean
region, but not specifically for Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands.

# GLOSSARY

**Amphipod**: A small shrimp-like crustacean.

**Benthic**: Organisms that live on the bottom of a water body. They are
not free-floating like pelagic organisms.

**Brackish**: Slightly salty.

**Camouflage**: An animal\'s disguise, usually through color, that
enables it to blend in with its surroundings.

**Catadromous**: Fish that migrates from fresh water to saltwater to
spawn.

**Coastline**: The line that forms the boundary between land and the
water.

**Copepod**: A member of a large group of species of very small shrimp
like crustaceans; common in marine and, to a lesser extent, freshwater
systems.

**Cryptic**: Refers to a behavior or coloration that tends to conceal an
animal.

**Debris**: The remains of something that has been destroyed or broken
up.

**Demersal**: Refers to fish and animals that live near the bottom of a
water body.

**Diurnal**: Active during the day.

**Ecosystem**: A community of plants and animals interacting with one
another and with their environment.

**Estuary**: A semi-enclosed body of water with an open connection to
the sea, where saltwater and freshwater mix.

**Filter feeder**: An organism that filters out nutrients such as
plankton, bacteria, or detritus from the water.

**Fishery/fisheries**: The act, process, and industry of catching fish,
crustaceans, mollusks, or other aquatic organisms for commercial,
recreational, subsistence or other purpose.

**Groundwater**: Underground water that is generally found in the pore
space of rocks or sediments.

**Habitat**: The place and conditions in which an organism lives.

**Herbivore**: An animal that eats plants.

**Hermaphrodite**: An animal or plant, which has both male and female
reproductive organs.

**Hypersaline**: Term used to characterize waters with salinity greater
than 40 ppt due to land-derived salts.

**Insular**: Related to, characteristic of, or situated on an island.

**Intertidal**: Refers to the zone between high and low tides, which is
alternately exposed to the air and to the sea.

**Littoral zone**: Area on or near the shore of a body of water.

**Mouthbrooder**: Fish that care for the eggs/larva/fry by holding them
in their mouth, thus protecting them from danger by third party fish.

**Neritic**: Refers to fish and organisms that live in nearshore waters.

**Nursery**: The part of a fish\'s or animal\'s habitat where the young
grow up.

**Omnivorous**: Feeding on all kinds of foods, plant or animal material.

**Oviparous**: Reproducing by eggs that hatch outside the female\'s
body.

**Pelagic**: Refers to fish and other organisms that live in the open
sea, in the water column, away from the sea bottom.

**Plankton**: Passively floating or weakly motile aquatic plants
(phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton).

**Predator**: An animal that hunts and kills other animals for its food.

**Runoff**: That part of precipitation or irrigation water that flows
from the land to streams or other surface waters.

**Salinity**: Measure of the salt content of water or other liquids.

**Sargassum**: A brown algae forming dense floating masses in tropical
Atlantic waters such as the Sargasso Sea.

**Sessile**: Organisms that are permanently attached or fixed to a
surface. Oysters for example are sessile organisms.

**Shellfish**: Any aquatic animal that has a shell, such as crustaceans
and mollusks.

**Spawn/spawning**: Process of releasing and fertilizing eggs.

**Subsistence fishery/fisheries**: A fishery in which the harvested
resource is used directly without sale for profit; not considered a
leisure or sporting activity.

**Subtidal**: Zone below the low-tide mark, which is always submerged in
the water.

**Tidal**: Pertaining to, affected by, or having tides.

**Zoobenthos**: Animals that live on or near the bottom of a water body.

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