Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-127).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-127). / Also available by subscription via World Wide Web / x, 127 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Aspects of the growth, reproduction and diet of Chaetodon miliaris, the millet-seed butterflyfish, were studied in an effort to characterize populations of fish exploited by the aquarium fish industry. Age determinations were accomplished by examination of daily growth rings within otoliths. Age estimates were corroborated by growth experiments, analysis of a size-frequency distribution, and the determination of the onset of reproductive maturity. Estimates of the duration of the larval tholichthys stage were also obtained from study of the otoliths. The sex ratio of £. miliaris was 1:1 and individuals matured after one year of growth. The spawning season extended from November through Hay but peaked in February and March. No lunar influence on spawning was found. Estimates of fecundity were high and indicated a relatively large investment in reproduction. Chaetodon miliaris is broadly opportunitistic in its diet, however it feeds principally on zooplankton in the water column. The diet of individual fish varied as a function of the time of year, the collection location and the size of the fish. Individuals from Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, were small and appeared to be reproductively inactive when compared to fish from other areas. Dietary deficiencies are postulated as causing these differences. The overexploitation of populations of the millet-seed butterflyfish as a fisheries resource is improbable due to its fast growth, high fecundity, and the existence of refuge populations. / Thesis for the degree of Master of Science (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Typescript. Bibliography: leaves [93]-102.