New and rare tropical and subtropical fishes from northern New Zealand

Abstract

when sea surface temperature (SST) was higher than average. Major influxes of tropical and subtropical fishes apparently occur during warm summers, although some warm periods were not accompanied by influxes, and a few tropical and subtropical fishes arrived when SST was average or below average. The most likely upstream source of reef fish larvae is Norfolk Island, and the principal transport mechanism is probably the East Auckland Current. The discovery in north-eastern New Zealand of single individuals of Parma kermadecensis and the yellow form of Chrysiptera rapanui, both previously regarded as Kermadec Islands endemics, provides evidence for occasional larval transport from the Kermadecs to north-eastern New Zealand.

Distribution, seasonality, lengths, and feeding behaviour of whale sharks(Rhincodon typus)observed in New Zealand waters

“…These data suggest that although they are infrequently observed, whale sharks probably migrate annually to New Zealand waters during spring and summer like many other subtropical pelagic fishes (Ayling & Cox 1982;Grace 1985;Francis et al 1999). However, although the midsummer peak in sightings is consistent with records of whale sharks from other temperate regions there is little direct evidence that whale sharks undertake regular seasonal migrations (Gudger 1952;Whitley 1965;Beckley et al 1997;Colman 1997;Wilson et al 2001).…”

“…This is certainly the case for whale sharks. Of the years with the highest number of whale shark sightings, 1996, 1998, and 1999 were warmer than usual, whereas 1997 was colder than the long-term average for north-east North Island (Francis et al 1999). Whale sharks were also reported in 1991,1992,1994,and 1995, all years that were colder than usual (Francis et al 1999).…”

“…However, although the midsummer peak in sightings is consistent with records of whale sharks from other temperate regions there is little direct evidence that whale sharks undertake regular seasonal migrations (Gudger 1952;Whitley 1965;Beckley et al 1997;Colman 1997;Wilson et al 2001). Francis et al (1999) observed that although influxes of tropical and subtropical marine species occur around northern New Zealand during warmer than usual summers, some probably also arrive in average and cool summers. This is certainly the case for whale sharks.…”

Evaluating edge-of-range genetic patterns for tropical echinoderms, <I>Acanthaster planci</I> and <I>Tripneustes gratilla</I>, of the Kermadec Islands, southwest Pacific

“…Most insurgent tropicals are presumed to have originated from Norfolk Island and to a lesser degree, Lord Howe Island (Francis et al 1999). Although simulations of larval dispersal from raoul Island to mainland New Zealand indicate that transit times would be in excess of fifty days, dispersal from the southern most island of the Kermadec archipelago (L'Esperance rock) may be as little as twenty days (sutton et al 2012), well within the pelagic larval duration of many benthic reef species.…”

“…tropical vagrants (and some reproductive populations) are known to occur along the northeast coast of mainland New Zealand (molluscs, reviewed by Powell 1976; marine reptiles, reviewed by Gill 1997; fishes, reviewed by Francis et al 1999). Most insurgent tropicals are presumed to have originated from Norfolk Island and to a lesser degree, Lord Howe Island (Francis et al 1999).…”