Deep Reefs off Kure Atoll Harbor Fish Species Unique to Hawaiʻi

A school of Elegant Anthias (Caprodon unicolor), one of the most common fishes at 320 feet, Kure Atoll. These are Hawaiian endemic fishes (not known from anywhere else on Earth except Hawaii). Deep reefs at Kure Atoll were discovered to have the highest levels of endemism known from any marine ecosystem on Earth. Credit: Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum and NOAA

On May 26, the scientific journal Marine Biodiversity published an article describing the highest level of endemism known from any marine ecosystem on Earth – at Kure Atoll within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Endemic species are those that are limited to a particular geographic ranges. Hawaiian endemics are those species that are only found in Hawaiʻi and nowhere else.

A male Hawaiian Pigfish (Bodianus bathycapros) at 320 feet, Kure Atoll. This species has not previously been seen by divers, and the male color form was completely unknown (males and females have different coloration). These are Hawaiian endemic fishes (not known from anywhere else on Earth except Hawaii). Deep reefs at Kure Atoll were discovered to have the highest levels of endemism known from any marine ecosystem on Earth. Credit: Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum and NOAA

During an expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian aboard NOAA ship Hiʻialakai last September, PMNM scientists used closed-circuit rebreathers and trimix gas mixes to access depths of over 300 feet, and documented an unparalleled level of endemism on deep reefs off Kure Atoll.

Struhsaker's Damselfish (Chromis struhsakeri), one of the most common fishes at 320 feet, Kure Atoll. These are Hawaiian endemic fishes (not known from anywhere else on Earth except Hawaii). Deep reefs at Kure Atoll were discovered to have the highest levels of endemism known from any marine ecosystem on Earth. Credit: Richard Pyle/Bishop Museum and NOAA

The article, entitled, “100% Endemism in Mesophotic Reef Fish Assemblages at Kure Atoll, Hawaiian Islands,” can be accessed online at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12526-016-0510-5.

Read the press release.