First Record of the Seagrass Wrasse, Novaculoides Macrolepidotus (actinopterygii: Perciformes: Labridae), from Reunion Island, Southwestern Indian Ocean, with a Brief Description of Its Colour Pattern Variation, Escape and Reproductive Behaviour

Background. Little is known about the seagrass wrasse, Novaculoides macrolepidotus. In January 2012 it was recorded for the fi rst time from Reunion Island. As its population increased over the years, fi eld observations were made on colour pattern variation, escape and reproductive behaviour. Regarding a cryptic and poorly documented species, these observations, despite their anecdotal form, need to be made available to ichthyologists. The aim of the present paper was to present this fi rst record with associated fi eld observations and to increase interest of ichthyologists in this species. Material and methods. Observations were made while snorkelling on the west coast of Reunion Island on the fringing reef of L’Ermitage (district of Saint Gilles les Bains). The fi rst specimen was observed on 28 January 2012 in a monospecifi c seagrass bed of Syringodium isoetifolium. Later surveys on the same reef between 2012 and 2016 provided additional observations of the species. Results. Colour pattern and body proportions of the fi rst observed specimen well agree with N. macrolepidotus as described by Randall and Earle (2004). Subsequently observed specimens expressed a previously undescribed colour pattern variation. Escape and reproductive behaviour was observed and are discussed. Conclusion. A reproducing population of N. macrolepidotus has apparently established at Reunion Island. The present fi eld observations of the behaviour of this species should be followed by more detailed ethological studies.