Friday, May 10, 2013

Singapore's Nature Reserves & Other Nature Spots

I often get blog comments or emails from readers telling me that they have found my blog posts on the nature reserves useful, as they can find out what to expect and what to prepare for their nature trips. Hence, I decided to blog about more of our nature spots as and when I have the time. This page will serve as a content page for the nature spots that I have blogged about so far.



Nature Reserves in Singapore

1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
 
Established in 1883, this is the oldest nature reserve in Singapore. The 163-hectare reserve has the country's highest hill - Bukit Timah - at 163.63m. The forest has very rich biodiversity, with more than 840 flowering plants and over 240 species of vertebrates.
 
2. Central Catchment Nature Reserve
 
At 3,043 hectares, this is Singapore's biggest nature reserve. Established in 1951, it is covered mostly by secondary forest, with only about 154 hectares of small primary dryland forest patches, and 87 hectares of primary freshwater swamp forest.
 
3. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
 
This reserve covers an area of 130 hectares, comprising mangrove forests, freshwater marshes, and secondary forests. It was officially gazetted as a nature reserve on 1 Jan 2002 for its importance as a stop-over point for migratory birds and its rich mangrove biodiversity.
 
4. Labrador Nature Reserve
 
Otherwise known as Labrador Park, this 10-heactare reserve has a secondary forest and one of the few rocky shores and sea-cliffs on the mainland. It was re-gazetted as a nature reserve in 2002 after calls from the public to preserve the area's rich history and nature.
 



Other Nature Spots in Singapore

1. Semakau Landfill
 
Semakau Landfill is Singapore's only landfill in use, and is also the world's first offshore landfill created entirely from the sea from linking two islands. This island, however, still has a natural seashore, with a wide variety of marine animals which can be seen during low spring tide.
 
2. Chek Jawa Wetlands
 

Chek Jawa Wetlands is a 100-hectare protected nature area managed by the National Parks Board of Singapore. It is located at Tanjong Chek Jawa at the eastern coast of Pulau Ubin, an island which can be accessed by bumboats from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
 
3. Sensory Trail
 

The Sensory Trail is a 1.5km nature trail on Pulau Ubin. Initially developed for the visually-handicapped but now open for all to enjoy, this trail allows visitors to see, touch, smell, and taste some of the plants along the trail, and also listen to animal and bird calls.
 
4. Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk
 

The Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk is located in a 6-hectare mangrove forest in Pasir Ris Park, a park managed by NParks in the northeastern part of Singapore. In Malay, "Pasir" means "beach", while "Ris" means "bolt-rope", refering to the long and narrow beach there.
 
5. Berlayer Creek & Bukit Chermin Boardwalk
 


Officially opened on 2 January 2012, the Berlayer Creek and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk runs for about 960m along the 5.6-hectare Berlayer Creek, home to one of the few natural riverine mangrove forests left in Singapore, before it winds towards Keppel Island.
 
More nature spots to be updated here soon! Do visited this space again!

Chordates (Phylum Chordata) of Singapore

Chordates (phylum Chordata) are bilaterally symmetrical animals characterised by having a nerve cord within a flexible rod-shaped structure called a notochord running along their back. They also have pharyngeal slits, which are basically a series of openings that connect the inside of the throat to the outside, though in many chordates these are only present in the embryo. In additional, they have a post-anal tail, which is an extended structure beyond the anal opening, though again it may only be present in the embryo for many species.

There are three subphyla in this phylum as follow:



A) SUBPHYLUM TUNICATA


Tunicates (subphylum Tunicata) are chordates which mostly only have a notochord and a dorsal nerve cord in the larval stages. Adult tunicates are characterised by having a cellulose-like outer covering or "tunic" enclosing their body. They normally have two siphons - an incurrent siphon which takes in water, and an excurrent siphon which expels the water. In Singapore, they are represented by the salps and the ascidians.



B) SUBPHYLUM CEPHALOCHORDATA


Cephalochordates (subphylum Cephalochordata) are commonly referred to as lancelets or amphioxus. They appear fish-like, but unlike fishes they lack paired fins and only has a very poorly developed tail fin. Their nerve cord is within a simple notochord made up of tightly packed cells. They have no eyes, and use tentacle-like structures in front of the mouth to sense their surroundings and filter suspended food particles such as plankton from the water. They breathe through their skin, and hide in the sediment most of the time, though some of the specimens recorded from Singapore were caught with nets near the surface of the water. They are harvested and consumed in the region. The above photo features an unidentified museum specimen caught from the South China Sea.



C) SUBPHYLUM VERTEBRATA

Vertebrates are characterised by having a vertebral column (modified from the notochord in their embryo stage), which is a segmented series of stiff structures separated by mobile joints. Some species are known to retain their notochord till adulthood though. They are also the only group of chordates known to have a proper brain. Here are the classes of vertebrates that are recorded from Singapore:

Class Chondrichthyes


Cartilaginous fishes (class Chondrichthyes) are vertebrates characterised by having a skeleton made up of cartilage instead of bones. They also have tiny tooth-like scales (unlike the plate-like ones found on bony fishes) which make their outer coverings feel like sandpaper when touched. Most of them have limited physiological means to maintain the body temperature within a narrow range (i.e. they are ectothermic animals), but some species are adapted to generate heat and maintain a higher body temperature compared to the surrounding water.

Class Actinopterygii


Ray-finned fishes (class Actinopterygii) are ectothermic vertebrates characterised by their fins being supported by rays of bony/horny structures, much like those paper folding fans supported by rays of sticks. To make it easier for users to refer to, I have divided this class into two sections: i) Marine Ray-finned Fishes; and ii) Freshwater Ray-finned Fishes. Ray-finned fishes have bony skeletons (instead of cartilaginous ones). Most species have a layer of scales covering their bodies, while some may have very reduced scales or no scales at all.
>> more on marine & freshwater ray-finned fishes

Class Amphibia


Amphibians (class Amphibia) are ectothermic vertebrates that have two distinctive stages of life - the juveniles are mostly aquatic and breathe with gills, until they undergo metamorphosis to develop lungs and (usually) limbs, and eventually become air-breathing adults. Most amphibians can breathe through their skin as well, and in fact, some species are known to rely solely on their skin for air exchanges. Their skin is not waterproof, and hence they must remain moist to prevent dehydration. They lay gelatinous eggs.

Class Reptilia


Reptiles (class Reptilia) are ectothermic vertebrates that are able to produce water-tight eggs. They are mostly covered in scales. Many reptiles have four legs, though the snakes and some lizards have no legs at all.

Class Aves


Birds (class Aves) are vertebrates characterised by the possession of feathers. Many of them have hollow bones, lacking marrow. Birds are endothermic, being able to generate body heat and maintain the body temperature within a narrow range. And like many of the reptiles and a few mammals, birds are able to produce water-tight eggs

Class Mammalia


Mammals (class Mammalia) are endothermic vertebrates characterised by the possession of hair on their body; the ability to produce milk in females to feed their young; and the possession of three middle ear bones. Most mammals give birth to live young, though a few species of extant mammals still produce water-tight egg.



References
  • Baker, N. & K. Lim, (Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society Singapore). 2008. Wild animals of Singapore. Draco Publishing and Distribution Pte. Ltd. 180 pp.
  • Bedford, F. P. 1900. Notes on the occurrence of amphioxus at Singapore. Nature 6: 444-445.
  • Burnie, D. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 pp.
  • Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from http://www.eol.org.
  • Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase, version (02/2013). Retrieved Apr 16, 2013, from http://www.fishbase.org.
  • Lim, K.K.P & J. K. Y. Low. 1998. A guide to common marine fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 163 pp.
  • Lim, K.P. & L. K. Lim. 1992. A Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Ruppert, E.E. and R.D. Barnes. 1991. Invertebrate Zoology (International Edition). Saunders College Publishing. U.S.A. 1056 pp.
  • World Register of Marine Species. 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from http://www.marinespecies.org.

Ascidians & Other Tunicates (Phylum Chordata: Subphylum Tunicata) of Singapore

Tunicates (phylum Chordata, subphylum Tunicata) are close relatives of the vertebrates. They possess a notochord (usually only in the larval stages), a dorsal nerve cord (only in the larval stages), and a U-shaped gut. Most species lose the notochord as they mature, whereas in the vertebrates the notochord in the embryo eventually develops into the vertebral column (also known as the backbone) as they grow.

Adult tunicates are characterised by having a cellulose-like outer covering or "tunic" enclosing their body. They normally have two siphons - an incurrent siphon which takes in water, and an excurrent siphon which expels the water. Being filter feeders, they feed on the plankton in the water that enters the incurrent siphon.

Most tunicates are hermaphroditic with both male and female reproductive organs. In some species, fertilisation takes place externally as they release both eggs and sperm into the water. Others release the sperm into the water but brood the eggs internally, fertilising them with the sperm brought in by the siphon. Several species are also able to reproduce asexually by budding.

Here are some of the tunicates that I have seen in local waters, but unfortunately, no paper on the identification of tunicates in local waters has been published yet, and hence they are mostly unidentified. Hopefully someone who drops by my blog can help to identify them!



A) CLASS THALIACEA

Members of this order are commonly referred to as salps, though sometimes people only use this term to specifically refer to those of the order Salpida. They are pelagic tunicates that float either alone or in colonies, sometimes forming long chains up to several metres long. The two siphons are located at opposite ends, and hence also provide the thrust for movement as water enters from one end and gets expelled from another. Salps are generally transparent and jelly-like, and are sometimes mistaken for jellyfish. Like other tunicates, they are filter feeders.

salps
The above photo shows two transparent unidentified salps.



B) CLASS ASCIDIACEA

Ascidians are sessile tunicates that are usually attached to the substrate or other structures. They can be solitary or colonial, though solitary species sometimes occur in clumps. For the colonial (or compound) species, many individuals (or zooids) live together in a common gelatinous matrix.

Ascidians
Colonial ascidians are often mistaken for sponges. To differentiate them from the latter, take a closer look to spot the individual zooids, as shown in the above photo. Unlike the salps, the two siphons of ascidians are usually oriented such that they face the same side (usually upwards). Ascidians are also commonly called sea squirts as they tend to eject water from their siphons when disturbed.

Polycarpa sp.
The solitary sea squirt in the above photo is probably a Polycarpa sp. It is commonly seen in coastal areas, growing to about 10cm tall.

solitary sea squirt
This solitary sea squirt is usually found in areas with fast flowing water, attached to rocks or coral rubble.

solitary sea squirt
This solitary sea squirt is commonly seen under overhanging rocks.

solitary sea squirt
This smooth, translucent sea squirt is usually seen under rocks.

solitary sea squirt
This translucent sea squirt has a slightly rougher texture, and is also found under rocks.

ascidian
This unknown compound ascidian is occasionally seen attached to rocks and coral rubble in coastal areas.

Aplidium sp.
This pale orange colonial ascidian is probably an Aplidium sp. It can be seen on reeflats.

colonial ascidians
Many of these colourful blob-like colonial ascidians can be seen attached to rocks and jetty pillars on some of Singapore's shores.

colonial ascidians
These pink colonial ascidians are usually seen near coral reefs.

colonial ascidians
These orange blob-like colonial ascidians are usually seen attached to rocks and pillars of jetties.

colonial ascidians
These pale orange colonial ascidians are usually seen attached to seagrasses.

colonial ascidians
These pink colonial ascidians are usually found under rocks.

Diplosoma sp.
These blue and green colonial ascidians are from the family Didemnidae, most probably a Diplosoma sp. They are commonly seen growing on seagrass blades, seaweed and sometimes just on the bottom.

Diplosoma sp.
These greenish colonial ascidians with whitish margins are from the family Didemnidae, likely to be a Diplosoma sp. as well. They can be seen growing on the ground, or on seagrasses and seaweed.

Didemnidae
These green colonial ascidians are also from the family Didemnidae, and are usually found on the sides of rocks.

colonial ascidian
This enrusting colonial ascidian is usually found under rocks and coral rubble.

colonial ascidian
This encrusting colonial ascidian is often mistaken for sponges. It can be found on rocks and coral rubble.

colonial ascidian
These bright orange colonial ascidians are usually found attached to seagrasses or seaweed.

colonial ascidian
These pale colonial ascidians with black margins are usually found under rocks or on the pillars of jetties.



References
  • Allen, G. & R. Steene. 1999. Indo-Pacific Coral Reef Field Guide. Singapore. Tropical Reef Research. 378 pp.
  • Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from http://www.eol.org.
  • Gittenberger, A. The Dutch Ascidians Homepage. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from http://www.ascidians.com.
  • Ruppert, E.E. and R.D. Barnes. 1991. Invertebrate Zoology (International Edition). Saunders College Publishing. U.S.A. 1056 pp.
  • World Register of Marine Species. 2012. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from http://www.marinespecies.org.

Cartilaginous Fishes (Phylum Chordata: Class Chondrichthyes) of Singapore

Cartilaginous fishes (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Chondrichthyes) are vertebrates (animals with a backbone and a hollow tube of nervous tissue called a spinal cord) characterised by having a skeleton made up of cartilage instead of bones. They also have tiny tooth-like scales (unlike the plate-like ones found on bony fishes) which make their outer coverings feel like sandpaper when touched.

Most of them have limited physiological means to maintain the body temperature within a narrow range (i.e. they are ectothermic animals), but some species are adapted to generate heat and maintain a higher body temperature compared to the surrounding water.

The mouths of cartilaginous fishes are usually located on the underside of their heads, unlike those of bony fishes which are usually located at the front tip.

They generally have keen senses of sight and smell, and possess electroreceptor organs which allow them to detect the electromagnetic fields produced by all living organisms.

Depending on the species, these fishes may lay eggs (oviparous), bear live young (viviparous), or bear live young from eggs brood within the body (ovoviviparous).

In Singapore, they are represented by the sharks and rays, and here are a few local examples.



A) ORDER CARCHARHINIFORMES

Sharks from this order mostly have two dorsal fins with no spines, one anal fin, and five gill slits. The eyes come with a nictitating fold or membrane (somewhat like a translucent eyelid).

Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
The Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) is a small shark (maximum length about 2m) with a short, bluntly rounded snout, oval eyes, and sharp teeth. It is yellowish brown above and white below, with a prominent black blotch on its first dorsal fin. It is usually seen in coastal waters, feeding mostly on fishes and sometimes, crustaceans and molluscs. This species is viviparous (i.e. it bears live young). The above photo was unfortunately of a dead one found on Pulau Semakau.



B) ORDER ORECTOLOBIFORMES

Sharks of this family have two dorsal fins with no spines. The mouth is very short and usually well in front of the eyes. They have specialised nostrils that come with barbels.

Slender Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium indicum)
The Slender Bamboo Shark (Chiloscyllium indicum) has a relatively shot snout. The body is brownish to greyish above with numerous dark spots or bars. It has a prominent longitudinal ridge on the middle of its back, and another pair of low ridges by the sides. This small shark gets to about 65cm long,and is usually found on sandy and muddy bottoms in coastal waters. It is oviparous (i.e. it lays eggs). The above sharks were caught in a fish trap set up by a fisherman.



C) ORDER TORPEDINIFORMES

This order comprises the electric rays, which are flattened cartilaginous fishes that are able to produce an electric discharge to stun their prey or to deter predators. All species are ovoviviparous, i.e. bearing live young from eggs brood within the body of the mother.

Chinese Numbfish (Narcine lingula)
The Chinese Numbfish (Narcine lingula) has a brown coloration with dark brown blotches. It has two dorsal fins and an unforked tail fin. The head is equipped with electric organs, allowing it to produce electric discharges to stun small animals to feed on. This species can grow to about 33cm long.



C) ORDER MYLIOBATIFORMES

Rays of this order have greatly enlarged pectoral fins by the sides of the head, and a long tail. The dorsal fin is usually very much reduced or absent, and the tail fin is usually absent. The snout often functions as an electroreceptive organ, which can detect the electromagnetic fields produced by the prey, which may be buried under the soft substrate. The rays that I managed to photograph in Singapore are from the family Dasyatidae, commonly known as the whiptail stingrays or whiprays. They generally have long, whip-like tails with at least one long venomous spine. However, they only lash their tail if they feel threatened, so as to defend themselves against possible predators. A human stung by the spine will feel an excruciating pain, but it is rarely fatal. The sides of the head form a continuous margin connected to the pectoral fins. They breathe by drawing water through a small hole behind the eye, and then eject the water through the gill slits that are located on the underside of the disc. They are live-bearing (ovoviviparous), giving birth to fully developed young. Many species are consumed by human.

Honeycomb Stingray (Himantura uarnak)
The Honeycomb Stingray (Himantura uarnak) is a large stingray that can reach lengths of more than 2m. It can be recognised by the conspicuous dark spots on a light brown disc. These spots are usually well-spaced in juveniles, but may form reticulated patterns as they mature. It has one sting on its very long tail, which can be more than three times the width of the disc. It can be found on sandy substrates, feeding on small animals such as fishes or invertebrates.

Mangrove Whipray (Himantura walga)
The Mangrove Whipray (Himantura walga) can be recognised by its pointed snout and a plain brownish coloration. It is usually found in mangrove forests and other muddy areas. This species can grow to about 60cm long, with the disc reaching about 25cm wide. It has several venomous spines on its tail.

Blue-spotted Fantail Ray (Taeniura lymma)
The Blue-spotted Fantail Ray (Taeniura lymma) has an oval-shaped disc with a rounded snout, and broad skin folds under the back end of the disc. It has a brownish coloration, with the disc marked with bright blue spots. It can reach lengths of over 70cm, with one to two venomous spines on its tail.



References
  • Allen, G. R. 1997. Marine fishes of South-east Asia. Periplus Editions, Hong Kong. 292 pp.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Fisheries and aquaculture fact sheets. Retrieved Apr 16, 2013, from http://www.fao.org/fishery/factsheets/en.
  • Froese, R. & D. Pauly. Editors. 2013. FishBase, version (02/2013). Retrieved Apr 16, 2013, from http://www.fishbase.org.
  • Lim, K.K.P & J. K. Y. Low. 1998. A guide to common marine fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, Singapore. 163 pp.

Marine Ray-finned Fishes of Singapore

Ray-finned fishes (phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, superclass Osteichthyes, class Actinopterygii) are vertebrates (animals with a backbone and a hollow tube of nervous tissue called a spinal cord) characterised by their fins being supported by rays of bony/horny structures, much like those paper folding fans supported by rays of sticks.

Like other members of the superclass Osteichthyes, they have bony skeletons (instead of cartilaginous ones), and have limited physiological means to maintain the body temperature within a narrow range (i.e. they are ectothermic animals). Most species have a layer of scales covering their bodies, while some may have very reduced scales or no scales at all.

Depending on the species, these fishes may lay eggs (oviparous), bear live young (viviparous), or bear live young from eggs brood within the body (ovoviviparous).

Here are some examples of marine ray-finned fishes that can be seen in Singapore.



A) ORDER ANGUILLIFORMES

Members of this order, commonly called eels, are typically snake-like with elongate bodies. The scales are usually reduced or absent altogether. In most species, the dorsal, anal and tail fins are connected, forming a continuous structure.

Family Muraenidae

Muraenid fish, more commonly called moray eels, usually have an elongate, firm and muscular body. Many species have tubular nostrils with a very keen sense of smell, which aid them in their hunting. They have strong jaws and sharp teeth, and give painful bites if disturbed.

Brown-spotted Moray (Gymnothorax reevesii)
The Brown-spotted Moray (Gymnothorax reevesii) has dark brown to purple blotches on its pale body. It can reach lengths of over 60cm, and hunts small fishes and invertebrates. It is usually found in coral reefs and rocky shores, and can tolerate silty conditions.

Estuarine Moray (Gymnothorax tile)
The Estuarine Moray (Gymnothorax tile) has a purplish to reddish-brown body, marked with numerous pale speckles which may be less obvious in adults. It can grow to about 60cm long, and is found in estuaries and coastal reefs. This solitary carnivore hunts small fishes and invertebrates to feed on.

Family Ophichthidae

Members of this family generally have cylindrical and elongate bodies, giving them snake-like or worm-like appearances. The tip of the tail is often hard and pointed. They have sharp snouts and muscular bodies that are well-adapted for burrowing, and many species hide in the bottom sediment in the day, and only come out to forage at night. The larvae are pelagic though.

Green Worm-eel (Muraenichthys sp.)
The Green Worm-eel (Muraenichthys sp.) has a greenish back and a pale and somewhat translucent body. The fins are much reduced, and hence it is sometimes mistaken for a worm or a small snake. It burrows very well, and is usually found in coral reefs or reef flats. This small eel reaches a maximum length of about 20cm.

Collared Snake Eel (Ophichthus evermanni)
The Collared Snake Eel (Ophichthus evermanni) has pale and dark brown blotches on its long body. This eel grows to about 80cm long, and usually hunts alone in estuaries and coastal areas at night.



B) ORDER SILURIFORMES

Members of this order are very varied in their shapes and sizes, but most have up to four pairs of barbels around their mouths and lack scales. They are usually called catfishes due to the barbels.

Family Ariidae

Catfishes from this family lack scales, but bony plates are usually present on the head and near the dorsal fin. The head is large and rounded to depressed, and the mouth is surrounded by two or three pairs of barbels. The tail fin is forked. The males usually carry the eggs in its mouth until they hatch.


The above is an unidentified ariid catfish seen in local water.

Family Plotosidae

Catfishes from this family lack scales or bony plates. The head is broad and slightly depressed, and the mouth is surrounded by four pairs of barbels. They have an eel-like, unforked tail. The spines on the fins give painful, venomous sting, and hence they should not be handled. Most species are consumed by locals.

Striped Eeltail Catfish (Plotosus lineatus)
The Striped Eeltail Catfish (Plotosus lineatus) has an eel-like tail, and two white stripes can be seen on the sides, though they may be faint in adults. It is usually found in coastal areas, foraging for small animals near the bottom. It has venomous spines which give painful stings, and hence should be be handled with bare hands. The adult grows to about 30cm long, and is usually solitary or in small shoals. The juveniles gather in dense schools of up to several hundred individuals.



C) ORDER BATRACHOIDIFORMES

Members of this order have broad and flattened heads, often with barbels and/or fleshy flaps around the large mouth. The gill covers usually have venomous spines, and can inflict painful stings when handled.

Family Bactrachoididae

This is the only family in the order Batrachoidiformes. Members are usually called toadfishes as many species produce a croaking sound when they are threatened or caught. Most species are bottom-dwellers, and hide in the soft substrates or cracks and crevices among rocks and corals.

Three-spined Toadfish (Batrachomoeus trispinosus)
The Three-spined Toadfish (Batrachomoeus trispinosus) can be recognised by its large and flattish head, the three spines on its front dorsal fin, and the dark brown bars on its tail and body. This fish can be found from the estuarine areas to coral reefs, feeding on small animals living on the seabed. It grows to about 30cm long.



D) ORDER LOPHIIFORMES

Members of this order are commonly referred to as anglerfishes, as their first dorsal-fin spine has been modified into a luring apparatus. Their pectoral fins mostly leg-like, allowing them to crawl slowly over the substrate.

Family Antennariidae

Members of this family are usually referred to as frogfishes due to their leg-like pectoral fins and that they are usually seen "squatting", much like frogs. The first dorsal-fin spine has a well-developed bait at the tip. The mouth is large, and they hunt by camouflaging well with the environment and ambushing small fishes passing by, sometimes luring them by wriggling the bait.

Spotted-tail Frogfish (Lophiocharon trisignatus)
The Spotted-tail Frogfish (Lophiocharon trisignatus) has very variable body colours, ranging from greenish to olive to brown and sometimes even black. The ones with pale colours can usually be identified by the translucent spots on the tail fin, but these spots may not be obvious on darker specimens. It can be found in seagrass meadows, coral reefs, among coral rubble. This species grows to about 18cm long.



E) ORDER MUGILIFORMES

Members of this order, usually referred to as mullets, typically have pectoral fins that are located fairly high up towards their back compared to other fishes. They are usually toothless or have small teeth, feeding on algae and detritus.

Family Mugilidae

This is the sole family in this order, comprising fishes with broad heads, small mouth, and pectoral fins that are inserted high on the body towards the back. The pectoral fins are especially obvious when viewed from the top. They usually live in shoals. Most species are found in coastal waters, with many species being able to tolerate brackish. They are important food fishes in the region.

Squaretail Mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis)
The Squaretail Mullet (Ellochelon vaigiensis) can usually be recognised by its squarish tail fin. This species is commonly found in coastal areas, such as coral reefs, estuaries and tidal rivers, either solitary or in shoals. It is consumed in the regions, and grows to about 55cm long.



F) ORDER ATHERINIFORMES

Members of this order usually have two dorsal fins, and the one in front has flexible spine. The anal fin is usually preceded by a spine.

Family Atherinidae

Atherinid fishes are typically small, elongate, silvery fishes with two widely separated dorsal fins. They usually appear translucent, and most have an obvious horizontal band running along the middle of the sides. Most species live close to the shore and near the surface. Some species are consumed, many of them in the form of dried fishes, while others are used as baits or made into cat food.

Tropical Silverside (Atherinomorus duodecimalis)
The Tropical Silverside (Atherinomorus duodecimalis) is a small torpedo-shaped fish that can be recognised by the silvery appearance, greyish back, and a horizontal stripe on the sides. It is usually found in open coastal waters, mostly in schools near the surface. This small fish gets to about 10cm long.



G) ORDER BELONIFORMES

Members of this order typically have a fixed or non-protrusible upper jaw. Many species have elongate bodies and long slender jaws.

Family Belonidae

Belonid fishes, also referred to as needlefishes, can be recognised by their elongate bodies, and jaws that are extended into long beaks with sharp teeth. They are carnivorous, feeding mostly on small fishes which they catch sideways in their beaks. Many species are consumed.


The Spottail Needlefish (Strongylura strongylura) has a long, greenish body that is rounded in cross-section. There is a prominent black spot on its rounded tail fin. This predatory species hunts small fishes to feed on, and grows to about 46cm long.

Family Hemiramphidae

Members of this family are commonly called halfbeaks as their lower jaws are usually much longer than their upper jaws. Most species are omnivorous, feeding on both plant matter floating near the water surface and small animals. Many species are popular food fishes in the region.

Black-barred Halfbeak (Hemiramphus far)
The Black-barred Halfbeak (Hemiramphus far) can be recognised by the short black bars on the sides of its body. This species is often seen in schools near the water surface in coastal areas. It can get to about 44cm long, and feeds on plant matter and phytoplankton.

Quoy's Halfbeak (Hyporhamphus quoyi)
The Quoy's Halfbeak (Hyporhamphus quoyi) has a forked tail and a relatively shorter lower jaw with a reddish tip. It is usually seen in coastal areas near the surface. This species grows to about 35cm.

Striped-nose Halfbeak (Zenarchopterus buffonis)
The Striped-nose Halfbeak (Zenarchopterus buffonis) is commonly seen in shoals in tidal rivers, mangroves and other coastal areas. The tail is roundish to squarish. The longer lower jaw has a black stripe along the middle, and an obvious white spot at the tip. It grows to about 23cm long.



H) ORDER GASTEROSTEIFORMES

Members of this order usually have their bodies encased in bony plates (i.e. dermal plates). The mouth is usually small.

Family Pegasidae

Members of this family are usually referred to as seamoths for their fan-like pectoral fins, which flattens out when they are at rest, hence resembling the wings of moths (with some imagination). They are typically small fishes with depressed bodies that are completely covered with a layer of dermal plates. They can "walk" over the substrate with their tentacle-like pelvic fins.

Slender Seamoth (Pegasus volitans)
The Slender Seamoth (Pegasus volitans) can be recognised by its flattened head with a long snout, slender and tapering body, and fan-like pectoral fins. The body is usually marked with numerous small spots. The colour is rather variable, and the animal can be olive, brownish or black. It can get to about 16cm long.



I) ORDER SYNGNATHIFORMES

Members of this order usually have elongate bodies that are encased in a series of bony plates. The mouth is usually very small and for most species, located at the end of a tube-like snout.

Family Syngnathidae

This family comprises the seahorses and true pipefishes. Their body is typically slender and elongate, and is encased in a series of bony rings. They may or may not have a prehensile tail. Their snouts are long and tube-like, and the toothless mouth is located at the tip. Most species feed on tiny benthic and planktonic organisms. Interestingly, the females deposit their eggs on the belly or base of the tails of the males, either in a pouch or a special surface full of blood vessels. The males will fertilise the eggs and carry them until they hatch. Many species are dried and sold in the curio trade, or used in traditional medicine in Asia.

Tigertail Seahorse (Hippocampus comes)
The Tigertail Seahorse (Hippocampus comes) is usually seen in the reef, often holding on to branching sponges or seaweed with its prehensile tail. It got its common name from the dark stripes on its tail, which resemble tiger stripes with some imagination. The body colour can vary from yellow with darker patches, or black with lighter patches. It can be recognised by its small and low coronet with five distinct knobs or spines. The snout is long and slender. This species can grow to about 18cm long. Like other seahorses, the females have a tube-like ovipositor which will be inserted into the males' brood pouches to deposit the eggs.

Spotted Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)
The Spotted Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) is usually seen in seagrass meadows, and is known to be able to tolerate brackish water. It can be yellow, orange, brown or black in colour. The tail is prehensile. It can be differentiated from the previous species by the more obvious coronet which is usually overhanging at the back. The body is usually covered in tiny darker spots. It can grow to about 17cm long. Like other seahorses, the females have a tube-like ovipositor which will be inserted into the males' brood pouches to deposit the eggs. In some places, they are also called the yellow seahorse as many of them are yellowish in colour.

Alligator Pipefish (Syngnathoides biaculeatus)
The Alligator Pipefish (Syngnathoides biaculeatus) is usually found in sheltered coastal areas among seagrasses, seaweed or floating weeds. It got its common name from its shape, which bears some resemblance to the alligator, with the long snout, tapering body and a long tail without a tail fin. The colour can be green, brown or grey, depending on the habitat. The males carry the eggs on its belly. It has a prehensile tail, which it uses to hold on to the surrounding seagrass or seaweed. This species can get to about 29cm long.

Short-bodied Pipefish (Choeroichthys brachysoma)
The Short-bodied Pipefish (Choeroichthys brachysoma) is usually found in tide pool, seagrass meadows and coral reefs. It is brown in colour, with two series of small black spots along each side of body, and some may have several white speckles. The snout is long, the body tapering, and the tail terminates with a small fan-like fin. The male carries the eggs on the belly. This species gets to about 7cm long.

Pipefish (Hippichthys sp.)
The Hippichthys Pipefishes (Hippichthys spp.) are usually found among seagrass or seaweed. They have a long and slender body, and obvious bands can usually be seen. Some species may be spotted. The colour can be quite variable within the same species, ranging from bright colours to green and yellowish, to dark colours like brown or black.

Family Centriscidae

Members of this family are commonly called razorfishes for their extremely compressed, razor-like bodies. They have a layer of thin bony plates covering their body, and a very long and sharp first dorsal spine. They usually swim vertically with the mouth facing downwards.

Longspine Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus)
The Longspine Razorfish (Aeoliscus strigatus), like other razorfishes, has a highly compressed body covered in thin bony plates. It has a long, tube-like snout, and a long, moveable spine in its dorsal fin. This spine points upwards while the fish swims vertically with the snout oriented downwards. This species is often seen in schools in coral reefs or seagrass meadows, feeding mainly on zooplankton. It can grow to lengths of about 15cm.



J) ORDER TETRAODONTIFORMES

Members of this order generally lack spines in their anal fins and possess much reduced pelvic fins. The mouth is relatively small, though they may have massive and powerful jaws with enlarged teeth.

Family Monacanthidae

The members of this family are usually called filefishes or leatherjackets, as most species have tiny spines on their scales, giving their skin a rough texture. They have a small mouth with pointed teeth. Members also have two dorsal fins, with the first one having a prominent spine that can be locked in an upright position by another much smaller spine. All species are able to change their colours to blend into the surrounding. Several species are consumed in the region.

Seagrass Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus)
The Seagrass Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus) is commonly seen among seagrass and seaweed. It can be recognised by the triangular back profile, a triangular skin flap on the belly, and a fan-shaped tail fin without any filament. The body is usually marked with olive or brownish mottles. This species grows to about 7cm long, feeding on invertebrates on the substrate.

Fan-bellied Filefish (Monacanthus chinensis)
The Fan-bellied Filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) is found in seagrass meadows and coral reefs. This species is much larger than the previous one, growing to about 38cm long. Apart from the size, it can also be differentiated by the filaments it has at the tips of the fan-shaped tail fin. The sides of the body are usually marked with broad oblique brown bars.

Prickly Leatherjacket (Chaetodermis penicilligerus)
The Prickly Leatherjacket (Chaetodermis penicilligerus) is found in seagrass meadows and among seaweeds in coral reefs. It is easily recognised by its hairy appearance with the numerous hair-like structures on its body. This species grows to a maximum length of about 32 cm.

Family Triacanthidae

Members of this family are commonly known as tripodfishes, due to their slender and pointed pelvic fins, which resemble the legs of a tripod with some imagination. The body is slightly compressed and covered by moderately thick skin with numerous tiny scales. Most species are bottom dwellers, feeding on small invertebrates.

Longtail Tripodfish (Tripodichthys blochii)
The Longtail Tripodfish (Tripodichthys blochii) can be recognised by its slender and pointed pelvic fins, relatively long snout and spiny dorsal fin with pale membranes. It is usually seen in coastal areas and feeds on bottom-dwelling invertebrates. This species can get to about 15m long.

Family Tetraodontidae

Members of this family are commonly referred to as puffers or blowfish, due to their ability to inflate themselves with water or air to deter predators. They generally have large heads, with the eyes located high up. The jaws are modified into a beak with four heavy and powerful teeth. They often have numerous tiny spines on their bodies, which become more visible when they are inflated. Most species are poisonous, and many are known to excrete poison from their skin to deter predators. Every year, many people die from eating puffers due to unprofessional methods of preparation, as these fishes need to be carefully prepared before they can be consumed.

Yelloweye Puffer (Arothron immaculatus)

The Yelloweye Puffer (Arothron immaculatus) is found in sandy areas, seagrass meadows and coral reefs. It can be recognised by its greyish-brown to brown body, sometimes marked with darker blotches. The tail fin is yellow with a black border. This species grows to a maximum length of about 30cm.

Oblong Blowfish (Takifugu oblongus)
The Oblong Blowfish (Takifugu oblongus) is usually found in shallow coastal areas, including areas with brackish water. It can be recognised by the olive to brownish body that is marked with numerous pale spots on the back, and pale vertical bars by the sides. Sometimes, two or more dark bands can be seen on the back. This species can grow to about 40cm long.

Family Diodontidae

Members of this family are commonly called porcupinefishes due to the numerous big spines covering their bodies. Like the puffers, they are able to inflate their body with air or water as well. They have a large and broad head with a relatively large mouth, with the teeth fused to form a powerful beak for crushing their prey, which are usually hard-shelled, bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Some species are poisonous, though several are eaten by locals in the region without special methods of preparation.

Masked Porcupinefish (Diodon liturosus)
The Masked Porcupinefish (Diodon liturosus) is usually found in coral reefs and coral rubble areas. It can be recognised by the dark blotches with pale borders on the yellowish brown body, covered in numerous spines. This species feeds on crustaceans and molluscs. The above photo was taken in Malaysia.



K) ORDER PLEURONECTIFORMES

Members of this order are commonly called flatfishes due to their highly compressed bodies. The juveniles are bilaterally symmetrical, but one eye will slowly migrate to the other side of the body as they mature. Hence, the adults are not bilaterally symmetrical, with both eyes on the same side of the body. They usually lie on the substrate, sometimes concealed under the sand except for the pair of protruding eyes which allow them to look out for prey and predators.

Family Soleidae

Members of this family, commonly called soles, are highly compressed flatfishes with both eyes on the right side of their bodies. They are usually oval-shaped, and lack spines in their fins.

Peacock Sole (Pardachirus pavoninus)
The Peacock Sole (Pardachirus pavoninus) is found in coastal sandy areas. It can be recognised by its oval-shaped body, the eyes on the right side of the body, and the numerous pale spots with dark margins. This species grows to about 25cm long.

Family Paralichthyidae

Members of this family, commonly called sand flounders, have ovate bodies, large head, and both eyes on the left side of the bodies for adult fishes. The eyes are separately by a bony ridge, and they have two nostrils on each side of head. There is an obvious line (i.e. the lateral line) by the side of the body, with a distinct curve just above the pectoral fins.

Pseudorhombus sp.
Several species of Pseudorhombus Flounders (Pseudorhombus spp.) can be found in Singapore, usually in shallow waters on sandy or muddy substrates. They can be identified by the patterns on their body, but it is often hard to determine in the field.

Family Cynoglossidae

Members of this family are flatfishes with both eyes on the left side of the body of adult fishes. The highly compressed body tapers to a point at the tail end, giving the fish a tongue-like shape, and hence they are often referred to as tongue-soles.

Tongue-sole
The above is an unidentified tongue-sole found in shallow waters in a seagrass meadow.



L) ORDER SCORPAENIFORMES

Members of this order are distinguished by a ridge on the cheek, formed from the extension of one of the bones on the skeleton. They are hence sometimes called mail-cheeked fishes. Many have spines or bony plates on their heads and bodies, and a number are venomous.

Family Platycephalidae

Members of this family are commonly called flatheads for their depressed heads. The eyes are on top, allowing them to have a good view of their surrounding since they are bottom dwellers. Their bodies are often elongate, and their mouths are large. The lower jaw is slightly longer than the upper jaw.

Fringe-eyed Flathead (Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus)
The Fringe-eyed Flathead (Cymbacephalus nematophthalmus) can be recognised by the 6 to 9 skin tentacles just above each eye which give it its common name. There are several bony ridges on its head with spines on them, and there are usually a few darker bars on its back and sides. This solitary species is usually found on the bottom of coastal sandy areas and coral reefs, feeding on smaller animals. It can reach lengths of about 58cm.

Family Synanceiidae

Members of this family are usually called stonefish for their rock-like appearances. They have a hypodermic-needle-like spine in their dorsal fins which is connect to venom glands near the base. Most people who were stung stepped onto them by accident, since they are generally very well-camouflaged. The pressure releases a highly poisonous neurotoxin into the wound, which can be fatal to humans.

Hollow-cheeked Stonefish (Synanceja horrida)
The Hollow-cheeked Stonefish (Synanceja horrida) is usually found in coral reefs or nearby rubble and muddy areas (where they can be partially to almost completely buried). It has a pair of small eyes on top of its head, with a deep depression below each eye. The skin is leathery and warty, usually of a dull colour which allows the fish to blend into the surrounding. As with other stonefishes, the venomous spine is located on its back in the dorsal fin. This species ambushes small fishes that unknowingly swim near to its upward-facing mouth. It can grow to about 47cm long.

Family Scorpaenidae

Members of this family are commonly called scorpionfishes, due to the venomous spines in their fins and on their heads, giving painful stings to those who handled them. Most species are bottom dwellers, or live near the bottom. Many of the larger species are consumed in the region.

Painted Scorpionfish (Parascorpaena picta)
The Painted Scorpionfish (Parascorpaena picta) can be identified by the robust body, and the second spine above the upper jaw in front of the eyes is directed forward. It is usually found in the reef, and can grow to about 17cm long. It has venomous spines.

Longspine Scorpionfish (Paracentropogon longispinis)
The Longspine Scorpionfish (Paracentropogon longispinis) has a laterally compressed body with the dorsal fin beginning right above the eyes, giving it a crested appearance. This bottom dweller with venomous spines can be seen in coral reefs and seagrass meadows. It gets to about 10cm long.



M) ORDER PERCIFORMES

This huge order comprises mostly members possessing dorsal fins with hard and spiny in the front portion, and soft-branching rays towards the rear. In some species, these two portions are split into two separate fins: the spiny dorsal fin and the soft dorsal fin.

Perciformes Fishes (Order Perciformes)
As there are many families and species of this order recorded from Singapore, I will provide more details in a separate blog entry: Perciformes Fishes (Phylum Chordata: Order Perciformes) of Singapore.



References
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  • Weber, M. & L.F. De Beaufort,.1922. The fishes of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. IV. Heteromi, Solenichthyes, Synentognathi, Percesoces, Labyrinthici, Microcyprini. E. J. Brill, Leiden. 410 pp.