List of marine fishes of Mauritius

Marine Fishes of Mauritius encompasses a diverse array of species that inhabit the waters surrounding the island nation of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean. Mauritius, with its rich marine biodiversity, is home to a wide variety of fish species, ranging from small reef dwellers to large pelagic fishes. This article aims to provide an overview of some of the most notable marine fish species found in Mauritian waters.

Overview

Mauritius is surrounded by a vast expanse of ocean and has a complex marine ecosystem. The island's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) covers about 2.3 million square kilometers of ocean. This vast marine territory hosts numerous habitats, including coral reefs, lagoons, and open ocean waters, each supporting unique fish communities.

Coral Reef Fishes

Coral reefs around Mauritius are vibrant ecosystems that provide shelter and food for a multitude of fish species. Some notable reef fishes include:

• Clownfish (Amphiprioninae): Known for their bright colors and symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
• Parrotfish (Scaridae): Important for their role in bioerosion and coral reef health.
• Butterflyfish (Chaetodontidae): Characterized by their colorful patterns and often found near coral reefs.

Pelagic Fishes

The open waters around Mauritius are home to several species of pelagic fishes, which live in the water column away from the sea bottom. Important pelagic species include:

• Tuna (Thunnini): Several species of tuna, including the Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) and Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), are found in Mauritian waters.
• Marlin (Istiophoridae): Fast-swimming predators known for their long bill and impressive size.
• Mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus): Also known as the dolphin fish, mahi-mahi are known for their dazzling colors and are a popular target for sport fishing.

Deep Sea Fishes

The deep waters around Mauritius also host a variety of fish species adapted to life in the dark depths of the ocean. Some of these include:

• Lanternfish (Myctophidae): Small, bioluminescent fish that play a crucial role in the marine food web.
• Deep-sea Anglerfish (Ceratiidae): Known for their unique method of predation using a bioluminescent lure.

Conservation

The marine ecosystems of Mauritius face several threats, including overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the sustainability of Mauritius's marine biodiversity. Protected areas and sustainable fishing practices are among the measures being implemented to protect these valuable marine resources.

See Also

• Coral reefs of Mauritius
• Marine conservation in Mauritius
• Fishing in Mauritius

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