Unusual Black Croaker Mating Coloration- Comments?

[drbill]

A while back I was following a group of black croakers that established residence in Catalina's Casino Point dive park. During a recent observation, I filmed one which appeared to have some very unusual "coloration" (OK, they're just in black-and-white) and was courting females.

I've shared the pictures with some ichthyologists (fish biologists) who said they'd never seen this particular pattern. Some poor scientists spend most of their time in the lab in front of a computer. Was wondering if any of you divers have seen patterns like the one in the pictures from my newspaper column on the sighting:

http://www.starthrower.org/products/DDDB/DDDB_150-199/DDDB_153 black croaker.htm

Thanks for any feedback.

Dr. Bill

 

[Taxgeek]

I saw a bunch like that at Anacapa a few weekends ago (Aug. 13,14). We were having trouble ID-ing them - now I know why! The white bar is very distinctive. I may have a snippet or two of the coloration in my video - will check. Didn't notice any mating pairs though.

 

[drbill]

The white bar is usually quite pale during the non-mating period, at least based on my observations. It becomes distinct during mating. However the white spots were quite unusual in that one individual from what I've seen.

Will be interested in what you found, Taxgeek.

 

[scottfiji]

Dr. Bill, I saw the same coloration on August 18th in Malibu, here is my photo:

http://gallery.scubapost.net/v/scottfiji/BigRock20050818/BigRock20050819+014.jpg.html

I immediately recognized it as a croaker, but I had never seen that coloration before. I've seen it one more time since then. I didn't see any mating.

Funny you posted this, I had been meaning to follow up on this unusual subject.

Scott

 

[drbill]

Thanks for posting your picture, Scott. Interesting. I'll have to tell my ichthyologist friends about yours as well.

 

[scottfiji]

Dr. Bill, btw, nice column you wrote on the Black Croaker.

Scott

 

[drbill]

Thanks, Scott... my columns have attracted a pretty good following both on-line and in the local newspaper. Hope to syndicate them soon so I can actually pay for more than just my air!

 

[scottfiji]

Dr Bill,

I saw several more of the croakers-of-unusual color today, in their normal hang out spot. Some big, some small. All solitary, except for one pair. I also saw a normal colored black-croaker in the cave where he always lives.

I hope we can solve this mystery!

Scott

photos -
http://gallery.scubapost.net/v/scottfiji/BigRock20050902

 

[drbill]

I've spotted black croakers the last three dives at Empire Landing Quarry. They were all dark in color with very, very pale bands.