INITIAL CHECKLIST OF FISHES FROM HENDERSON ISLAND, PITCAIRN GROUP

Notes are given on the presence and distribution of reef fishes at Hen derson Island (24 degrees 21'S, 128 degrees 19'W) from two separate vi sits in 1971 and 1991. Limited collections were made in 1971, whilst 1 991 records are based on confirmed sightings and in situ photographs. 183 species from 49 families are listed, with museum numbers and lengt hs being given for collected specimens. This is thought to represent 8 0-90% of species present. The family with the greatest representation is the Labridae with 21 species. Only 31% of species appear to be shar ed with neighbouring Ducie Atoll, 390 km to the east, from where 138 s pecies have been recorded, though this low percentage may simply refle ct the greater recording effort undertaken at Henderson. Levels of end emism in the Pitcairn Group as a whole appear low (<2%). (C) 1995 The Linnean Society of London