Checklist of shore and epipelagic fishes of Eastem Island, with twelve new records

Abstract

A historical resume is given for the ichthyological research at Easter lsland, followed by a list of the 162 species of shore and epilagic fishes presently known for the island. Twelve are new records, and Six are new Species, the descriptions of which are in press (except one in preparation). Of the total fish fauna of the island. 28 species are epipelagic, and 129 species are shore fishes (occurring in less than 200 m). Twenty-eight shore-fish species are currently known only from Easter Island, thus a percentage or endemism of 2 1.7%, second within the lndo-Pacific region on l) to 25% for the Hawaiian lslands. Twelve species appear to be only strays to the island. It is expected that more such waifs will be recorded in the future.