First Record of the Chaetodontid Genus Prognathodes from the Hawaiian Islands

Abstract

A total of 32 individuals of a chaetodontid fish resembling Prognathodes guezei (Mauge & Bauchot) were recorded on photographs and videotape taken from the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory's deep-sea submersibles Makali'i and Pisces-V between 1982 and 1990. These sightings represent the first record of the genus Prognathodes from the Hawaiian Islands. The fish were observed at depths of 106-187 m off Hawai'i, at Penguin Bank, and at French Frigate Shoals (Northwestern Hawaiian Islands). Most sightings were made on the western side of Hawai'i, particularly near Kealakekua Bay.