The Banggai Cardinalfish Natural History, Conservation, and Culture of Pterapogon kauderni

About this book

The Banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni, is a fascinating species that possesses a series of remarkable biological characteristics making it unique among coral reef fishes. It has been the focus of studies in reproduction, ecology, population genetics and evolution. In addition, since its rediscovery in the late 1990s, it has become tremendously popular in the international ornamental fish trade, and indiscriminate collecting has led to its inclusion in the 2007 IUCN Red List as an endangered species.

This book is divided into three main parts: a general introduction to the fish, including a historical synopsis with an overview of the Banggai Archipelago; a comprehensive treatment of the species' natural history (distribution, morphology, reproduction, embryology, ecology, genetics, systematics and evolution); an account of the conservation of the species, including descriptions of its fishery, attempts to protect it under CITES, and introduction programmes. The book also includes an appendix offering information on captive breeding, juvenile mortality reduction, and common diseases. This book is a unique resource for ichthyology students and researchers working on fish biology, ecology and conservation, and for marine ornamental fish hobbyists and aquarium professionals.

Contents

Preface x
Acknowledgments xiii

Part I Introduction 1
1 Introduction 3
2 Historic Review 6
3 The Banggai Archipelago 11
4 Field Research in the Banggai Islands 21

Part II Natural History 29
5 Geographic Distribution 31
6 General Survey of Morphology 46
7 Reproductive Biology 58
8 Ecology 94
9 Genetics 123
10 Systematics and Evolution 128

Part III Conservation 145
11 The Fishery of Pterapogon kauderni 147
12 Conservation of Pterapogon kauderni, a Challenge Still Ahead 158
13 The Lembeh Conundrum, from a Careless Action to a Grave Conservation Situation 166

Part IV Appendix 173
14 Captive Breeding and Rearing of Pterapogon kauderni 175

References 186
Index 198

Customer Reviews

Biography

Dr Alejandro A. Vagelli is the Director of Science and Conservation at the New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences, and as adjunct professor teaches Marine Biology, Ichthyology, and Marine Conservation at Rutgers University. He is the world's leading authority on the Banggai cardinalfish, Pterapogon kauderni, and was one of the first people to breed the species successfully in captivity. He has published numerous scientific articles on its biology, ecology, and conservation, and his fieldwork in Indonesia led to the inclusion of the species in the IUCN Red List.