Mass Spawning by the Spotted Goatfish, Pseudupeneus Maculatus (Bloch) (Pisces: Mullidae)

A group of 300–400 Pseudupeneus maculatus (Bloch), the spotted goatfish, was observed engaged in mass spawning during the after-noons of 3–4 March 1977 at Reef Bay, St. Johns, U.S. Virgin Islands. Eggs and sperm were released at the top of a short spawning rush over a sandy bottom adjacent to a coral reef. The site was near to a spawning area of the yellowtail parrotfish, Sparisoma rubripinne (Cuv. and Val.) and is the most seaward extension of the reef. This location may representa “superior” spawning site for reef fishes with planktonic eggs. The short spawning rush of this speciesmay be influenced by distance to available shelter.