Ascension : Conservation Weekly
Submitted by The Islander (Conservation Office) 14.03.2013 (Article Archived on 28.03.2013)

This species is a tiny (about 2cm in length); very pretty, bright blue fish. The Splendid Angelfish live in colonies of about a hundred.

ANGELFISH,RESPLENDID/”Splendid Angelfish” (Centrophge resplendens)

This species is a tiny (about 2cm in length); very pretty, bright blue fish. The Splendid Angelfish live in colonies of about a hundred. They swim within and above a circle, measuring about a metre in diameter, of light stone with a central hollow.

The habitat of this species consists of rock and rubble at depths of from 15m to at least 40m. It has been reared in captivity. It is only found in Ascension Waters; therefore this beautiful fish is endemic to Ascension Island. The type of climate this type of species live in is in tropical waters between 12◦S-14◦S.

            It is a harmless fish and the Resilience is a high, minimum population doubling time less than 15months.

 
Angelfish, Resplendent  

LubbocksYellowtail Damselfish

This species has a distinctive yellow tail that attracts a lot of attention. It is a small fish with a very dark body which occasionally flashes a brilliant royal blue if closer to the surface.

It is found everywhere in small numbers, but can be seen in shoals off reef cliffs. It’s quite an aggressive little fish, it chases fish much lager than itself, it also is only found on Ascension Island.

(Facts used from Inshore Sealife, John and Jane Bingeman)

Please be advised that due to on-going field work the Conservation Office will open from 7.30am -10am on week days. We open on Saturdays, 10am-12noon, and signs will be posted on the door when the office is closed. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Volunteers welcome. Please contact Natasha Williams or Jolene Sim.  Ascension Island Conservation Department. Georgetown. Tel: 6359. Email:  natasha.williams@ascension.gov.ac  or jolene.sim@ascension.gov.ac