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We report an unusual high density of the foureye butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus) in Punta Francés coral reef, Isle of Youth, Cuba. Foureye butterflyfish were swimming together in associations of 10 to 34 individuals throughout a survey carried out on spur and groove habitat, in July, 2014. This species is commonly observed single or in pairs in the Caribbean coral reefs, tending to contribute significantly to the reef fish abundance in the region. We consider important to record this particular behavior, despite we are unable to explain the causes with the current available data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) is an important species for recreational fisheries throughout its range, and has been categorized as Vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature because of habitat loss and overfishing. Tarpon is abundant in Cuban waters and has been exploited as a food source by subsistence and commercial fisheries, and as part of a catch-and-release recreational fishery within marine protected areas. Despite its fisheries value, very little is known about its ecology and conservation status in Cuba, which is vital to understanding the regional context in which this species develops. The species' importance and knowledge gaps motivated the design of a research project aimed at understanding habitat use and conservation needs of tarpon in Cuba. This project includes the Caguanes National Park (PNC) as one of the proposed study areas. The PNC presents potential nursery habitats for tarpon, is characterized by intense periods of drought alternated by floods, and was recently impacted by extreme meteorological events (Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Tropical Storm Alberto in 2018) that notably affected mangrove habitats. Juvenile tarpons have been observed in the PNC during studies of habitat connectivity in Cuba. There is no recreational catch-and-release fishing in the area, but it has been proposed to include this fishery as part of a sustainable tourism approach. The inclusion of the PNC as a study site would be a useful experience in developing science-based management and collaboration that contribute to conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine protected areas (MPAs) have become a key component in the conservation of marine life and habitats worldwide. In Cuba, their use has also gained momentum, particularly the National Parks, the second stricter management category in the country. Surprisingly, despite well-proven efficacy of fishes as indicators of habitat status, few studies have been conducted to assess National Parks' effectiveness in protecting the fish communities. This paper aims at analyzing the current state of knowledge and conservation status of reef fish publications about their fishes. The use of different alternatives of the visual census method undermines the comparison of reef fish assemblages among areas. Nevertheless, a common lack of big and commercially important fish species was observed in all national parks but Jardines de la Reina. Scarcity of scientific publications about reef fish assemblages in these national parks triggers the need to conduct management-oriented research that contributes to the protection and sustainability of fish communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]