Endemics - Tonga

Tongan Blackfin Damsel (Amblyglyphidodon melanopterus)

Like the rest of the fish referenced here, Tongan Blackfin Damsels are found only around a single island in the Tongan Archipelago. In this instance, they are only known to be found on the east side of Monuate Island. Even though they are generally found in less than 10 feet of water, they are still very rare fish in the hobby because of their extremely limited range.

The Blackfin Damsel has a max size of about 4 inches, and the posterior portions of all the fins will get darker the closer it gets to that size. They will maintain pairs during breeding that become less evident outside of that time frame. Males generally guard and aerate eggs, which stick to the substrate.

Black Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus niger)

The Black Foxface is another fish endemic to Tonga and is common only in the northernmost island group, Vavau. Because of the remote nature of this island these fish are even less commonly seen in the hobby, even though it is generally found in less than 45 feet of water or so. Juveniles of the species are usually found in schools; subadults are generally single and adults are either single or in pairs.

They are predominantly a grazing fish and attain a maximum size of 9". This somewhat larger max size means that this fish is much more commonly harvested as a food item than an aquarium inhabitant.

This is a "venomous" fish, where the venom is in its dorsal spines. The venom is very mild, but care should still be taken while handling.

Green Canary Blenny (Meiacanthus tongaensis)

Green Canary Blennies range throughout the Tongan Islands in fairly shallow (less than 50 feet) water. While all of these three fish are quite rare, these are likely the most common and certainly the easiest to find in your Local Fish Store.

This is also a "venomous" fish which is more of a blessing in disguise than a detriment in keeping them. Their venom is fairly mild, and only in their bite which can be painful, but isn't harmful beyond that to the vast majority of people. However, it does make other fish cautious of Canary Blennies, so they are free to spend more time in the water column.

These fish have a maximum size of just under 3 three inches. They are easy to care for and don't need a lot of space; two factors which make them attractive options for hobbyists.

Other Tongan Endemics

There are several other fish which are endemic to Tonga, but regardless of suitability they are basically never seen in the hobby. Among these fish are: a puffer fish, Canthigaster flavoreticulata, a hawkfish, Cirrhitus albopunctatus, and a few blennies from different genus, Meiacanthus procne, Praealticus multistriatus and Salarias nigrocinctus. There may be more fish that are endemic, and we haven't even touched corals; the reef is a complex place.

References:

www.fishbase.org/Amblyglyphidodon-melanopterus

www.fishbase.org/siganus-niger

www.fishbase.org/meiacanthus-tongaensis

www.fishbase.org/tongan-endemic-search

Scott W. Michael, Reef Aquarium Fishes, 1st ed. (T.F.H. Publications Inc, New Jersey, 2005).

Internal QM Sources: Adam Mangino, Eli Fleishauer