Quinqueloculina

Quinqueloculina sp. cf. Q. patagonica d’Orbigny 1839 (Fig. 9:7–12)

Remarks. This species closely resembles Quinqueloculina patagonica d’Orbigny 1839 as described by Hottinger et al. (1993) in that the tests are porcelaneous, elongate, subelliptical in lateral view with broadly rounded margins. Sutures are slightly depressed, curved but distinct and the aperture is terminal, rounded and bordered by a faintly thickened rim and hosts a Y-shaped bifid tooth (Fig. 9:8, 12). Two morphotypes are recognised from the CG collection. Morphotype 1 has a broader aperture and well developed apertural rim (Fig. 9:7–10) whereas morphotype 2 is slightly more slender, has a more rounded, smaller aperture, a less distinct apertural rim and slightly longer bifid tooth (Fig. 9:11, 12).

In comparison to the specimens illustrated by d’Orbigny (1839, pl. 4, figs 14–16) and Hottinger et al. (1993, pl. 55, figs 11–17), the CG morphtype 1 (Fig. 9:7–10) has an aperture that is slightly larger and broader, resulting in an upper margin with a less rounded appearance that makes the apertural rim more distinct. The final chamber of the CG morphotype 1 terminates slightly lower making the inclination of the aperture in relation to the rest of the test less steep than in the specimens illustrated by Hottinger et al. (1993, pl. 55, figs 11–17). Morphotype 2 (Fig. 9:11, 12) is very similar to those described by Hottinger et al. (1993), except that like morphotype 1, the extent of the final chamber does not reach as high on the test and so the apertural angle of inclination is more steep.

The CG specimens also resemble forms assigned to Quinqueloculina sp. by Hatta & Ujiié (1992b). Hatta & Ujiié (1992b) describe their specimens as an elongate Quinqueloculina seminulum (Linnaeus 1758) but also liken them to Quinqueloculina laevigata d’Orbigny 1826. Hottinger et al. (1993) note that this latter species has been synonymised with Q. patagonica. Quinqueloculina sp. of Hatta & Ujiié (1992b) is not quite as elongate as the specimens described by d’Orbigny (1839), Hottinger et al. (1993) and the CG collected specimens, but the aperture of these specimens is almost identical in shape, size, dentition and proportion.

The combination of a slender, elongate test and slightly broad aperture with bifid tooth, distinguish this species from other quinqueloculine taxa. Compared to other CG taxa, Quinqueloculina sp. cf. Q. patagonica closely resembles Q. bosciana. The two species are almost identical in size and shape, but the aperture of this species is larger and broader and lacks a stout neck for the terminal aperture. The dentition of Q. bosciana is a simple tooth with a thickened tip instead of a distinct Y-shaped bifid tooth.

Quinqueloculina patagonica was originally described from the Patagonian coast and Rio Negro, Argentina (d'Orbigny 1839), whereas the specimens collected by Hatta & Ujiié (1992b) came from the Ryukyu Island Arc. The species of Hottinger et al. (1993) were from the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea.

Distribution within study area. Quinqueloculina sp. cf. Q. patagonica was the fifth most abundant quinqueloculine species collected from the CG region. Like many other Quinqueloculina species, abundance was low in shallow, tidally influenced waters such as those from Heron Reef flat and Sykes Reef. Sites of greatest abundance include 1, 2 and 7 in Wistari Lagoon.

Quinqueloculina philippinensis Cushman 1921 (Fig. 9:13–19)

1884 Miliolina reticulata (d’Orbigny); Brady pl. 9, figs 2, 3.

1921b Quinqueloculina kerimbatica var. philippinensis Cushman, p. 438, pl. 89, figs, 2, 3. 1941 Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulata Parr, p. 305 (Brady’s 1884 specimens, not figured). 1974 Quinqueloculina philippinensis Cushman; Ponder, p. 242, pl. 8.

1991 Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulata Parr; Van Marle, p. 64, pl. 3, figs 9, 10. 1994 Quinqueloculina philippinensis Cushman; Loeblich & Tappan, p. 50, pl. 81, figs 1–10. 1995 Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulata Parr; Yassini & Jones, p. 84, figs 184, 185. 2007 Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulata Parr, Horton et al., p. 343, pl. 1, fig. 1. 2009 Quinqueloculina gr. Q. pseudoreticulata Parr; Parker, p. 243, fig. 174a–g. 2012 Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulara Parr; Debenay, p. 125, pl. 7.

Description. See Cushman, (1921b, p. 438, pl. 89, figs 2, 3), Parr (1941, p 305) and Ponder (1974, p. 242, pl. 8).

Remarks. Quinqueloculina philippinensis Cushman 1921 has a broad test with an oval outline, rounded periphery with slightly depressed sutures and uniform chambers. The reticulate surface ornament is absent immediately adjacent to the sutures. The terminal aperture is slightly extended on a short neck, ellipsoid in outline with a small lip and single tooth with a bifid tip (Fig. 9:13–19).

Cushman (1921b) described this species as broad chambered with convex periphery and a distinctive reticulate ornament that either covered the entire chamber, became obsolescent or disappeared entirely in older specimens. Additionally, the Philippine specimens possessed a short cylindrical neck without ornament ending with a phialine lip. Illustrated figures that accompanied the description show a four-chambered specimen with almost no reticulate ornament (Cushman 1921b, pl. 89, fig. 2) and an adult specimen with narrow chambers and large unornamented, deeply depressed areas adjacent to the sutures (Cushman 1921b, pl. 89, fig. 3). Specimens from the CG were always broad chambered, never found without ornament nor were unornamented areas depressed, but rather followed the broad curvature of the chamber (Fig. 9:13, 16). Furthermore, whilst all apertures were atop short, unornamented necks, the length of the neck and roundness of the aperture varies from a neck so short it is nearly absent with a wide, oval aperture (Fig. 9:13–17) to a longer neck and a smaller, more circular aperture (Fig. 9:18, 19). It is this variability that has led to this species being assigned to Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulata Parr 1941. Parr’s (1941) description of this species was applied to only two of the tree specimens illustrated by Brady (1884) from the Challenger expedition. The CG specimens accord with the taxonomic description for Quinqueloculina pseudoreticulata Parr 1941 except that the test periphery may be slightly more acute. However, all other taxonomic attributes match those documented and in addition, some specimens have perfectly rounded chamber margins, a more rounded aperture and a tooth with a less distinctly bifid tip. These relatively minor variations have been illustrated in other publications (Van Marle 1991; Yassini & Jones 1995; Parker 2009; Debenay 2012). Parker (2009) only tentatively assigned his specimens to Q. pseudoreticulata due to the reticulate ornament extending all the way to the sutures and the more open, lachlanella-style aperture shape. However, this type of ornament is clearly illustrated by Van Marle (1991, pl. 3, figs 9, 10), Horton et al. (2007, pl. 1, fig. 1) and Debenay (2012, p. 125) for Q. pseudoreticulata and by Loeblich & Tappan (1994, pl. 81, figs 1–10) for Q. philippinensis. One specimen from the CG is similar to Parker’s (2009) in having the reticulate ornament extending to the suture bands (Fig. 9:12–13) and another possesses the more lachlanella-style, open aperture (Fig. 9: 9). These attributes are herein considered to fall within the range of intraspecific variaition for Q. philippinensis. Similarly, Ponder (1974) discusses in substantial detail, the morphological variation of this species and with Jones (2013), considers Q. pseudoreticulata (amongst other species) junior synonymns of Q. philippinensis.

The original specimens described by Brady (1884) were retrieved from south of New Guinea at a depth of 51 m and has a largely Indo-Pacific distribution (Philippines from 18–914 m—Cushman 1921b; Michaelmas Reef, GBR and the Great Australia Bight—Parr 1941; CG to Port Douglas, GBR—Ponder 1974; Townsville from 2– 30m—Horton et al. 2007; eastern Indonesia—Van Marle 1991; Mahakam Delta from 50–200 m—Coustillas 1983; Pater Noster Platform from 45–319 m—Boichard et al. 1985; eastern Timor Sea from 31–82 m— Loeblich & Tappan 1994; southern Australia—Yassini & Jones 1995; Ningaloo Reef—Parker 2009; New Caledonia from 15 m—Debenay 2012).

Distribution within study area. Quinqueloculina philippinensis only occurred in very low numbers (two to three specimens per site) in all the sampled reefs. It was abundant at site 8 at Sykes Reef and Transects 1, 2 and 3 on Heron Reef flat.

Quinqueloculina rariformis McCulloch 1981 (Fig. 9:20, 21)

Description. See McCulloch (1981, p. 51, pl. 15, fig. 12) and Debenay (2012, p. 125, pl. 7). Distribution. This species was only found at site 10 of the ST/HW transect on Heron Reef flat and at site 1 in Wistari Lagoon.

Quinqueloculina seminula (Linnaeus 1758) (Fig. 10:1, 2)

1758 Serpula seminulum, Linnaeus, p. 76.

1964 Quinqueloculina seminula (Linnaeus); Loeblich & Tappan, fig. 349: 1a–c. 1980 Quinqueloculina seminulum (Linnaeus); Boltovskoy et al. p. 47, pl. 29, figs 7–13. 1988 Quinqueloculina laevigata (d’Orbigny); Haig, pl. 6, figs 18–21.

1994 Quinqueloculina incisa Vella; Loeblich & Tappan, p. 49, pl. 80, figs 13–15. 1997 Quinqueloculina sp. 3; Haig, p. 272, fig. 4: 8, 9.

1999 Quinqueloculina incisa Vella; Hayward et al., p. 102, pl. 4, figs 25, 26. 2009 Quinqueloculina seminula (Linnaeus); Parker, p. 251, figs 180a–l, 181a–j, 182a–f. 2012 Quinqueloculina seminula (Linnaeus); Debenay, p. 127, pl. 6.

Description. See Boltovskoy et al. (1980, p. 47, pl. 29, figs 7–13); Hayward et al. (1999, p. 102, pl. 4, figs 25, 26) and Parker (2009, p. 251, figs 180a–l, 181a–j, 182a–f).

Remarks. This widespread taxon is characterised by an elongate, quinqueloculine coiled test, with an ovate cross-section and a smooth, opaque test wall. Aboral end of test is normally truncated whilst the oral end is slightly produced with a terminal arc-shaped aperture bearing a stout bifid, Y-shaped tooth that often rises above the height of the apertural rim. Chamber margins are rounded with inflated chambers, depressed sutures that are curved and slightly oblique (Fig. 10:1, 2).

In comparison to other CG Quinqueloculina, Quinqueloculina seminula (Linneaus 1758) is distinct in its smooth, unornamented, clean test wall in combination with its Y-shaped bifid dentition, broad arc-shaped aperture and inflated chambers.

Perhaps more than any quinquloculine taxon, Q. seminula displays a range of slightly different morphologies (Brady 1884; Cushman 1924; Bock et al. 1971; Hatta & Ujiié 1992b; a; Hayward et al. 1999). The main variations include the shape of the aperture, the nature of the bifid tooth, how produced the oral end of the test is, how inflated the chambers are and whether the sutures are longitudinally straight, curved or slightly oblique. This variation has led to Quinqueloculina incisa Vella 1957 and Quinqueloculina laevigata d’Orbigny 1839 being considered conspecific taxa with Q. seminula (Haig 1988; Loeblich & Tappan 1994; Hayward et al. 1999). However, Q. incisa does not have a produced oral end and has a large, circular aperture bordered by a peristomal lip with a dental septum that has a trough-like platform (Vella 1957, pl. 24, figs 118–121). Quinqueloculina laevigata has more elongate and less inflated chambers than Q. seminula, the bifid dentition is more T-shaped than Y-shaped and the oral end is not produced (d’Orbigny 1839, pl. 3, figs 31–33). Care must be taken to assigning these three species as their morphological characteristics are so similar and are here considered separate. Further genetic studies of this species may prove the opinions of others (Haig 1988; Loeblich & Tappan 1994; Hayward et al. 1999) that these three are conspecific and the abovementioned differences merely morphological variation within the single taxon.

Quinqueloculina seminula was originally reported from the Adriatic Sea by Linnaeus (1758). Since then, this taxon has been frequently reported globally and thus has a cosmopolitan distribution. Due to an inadequate original description and missing holotype, Loeblich & Tappan (1964) selected a neotype from the type locality in the the Adriatic Sea providing a strong guide for identification (fig. 349: 1a–c) for the genus Quinqueloculina. Parker (2009) illustrated the neotype and redescribed this species with Ningaloo Reef specimens whose morphotypes varied slightly in the nature of their bifid dentition. Boltovskoy et al. (1980) reported this species from the inner shelf and occasional outer shelf areas of the southwest Atlantic and in brackish waters of the Río de la Plata, Arroio Chuí and Lagoa dos Patos. Haig (1988) assigned specimens to Q. laevigata that were commonly found in the Papuan Lagoon. Loeblich & Tappan (1994) reported specimens under the name of Q. incisa Vella from the Sahul Shelf from a depth of 20 m, but these clearly belong to Q. seminula. Haig (1997) reported this species under open nomenclature from his Exmouth Gulf collection, but related it to Loeblich & Tappan’s (1994) Q. incisa from the Sahul Shelf. Hayward et al. (1999) also described this species as a moderately common species from all three main islands of New Zealand and the Auckland Islands in exposed, inner shelf depths and sheltered fully marine environments and Debenay (2012) from coastal lagoons, marshes, estuaries and bays from New Caledonia.

Distribution within study area. Quinqueloculina seminula was only collected from One Tree and Wistari Lagoons. The greatest abundance was at site 52 in One Tree Lagoon 2 and site 19 in Wistari Lagoon. No more than eighteen specimens were found per site. One live specimen of Q. seminula was collected from site 54 in One Tree Lagoon 3.

Quinqueloculina subgranulata (Cushman 1918) (Fig. 10:3–5)

1918 Triloculina subgranulata Cushman, p. 290, pl. 96, fig. 4.

1978 Triloculina subgranulata Cushman; Cheng & Zheng, p. 184, pl. 11, figs 4–8. 1988 Quinqueloculina eamsii (Rasheed); Haig, p. 233, pl. 6, figs 1–4.

1993 Pseudotriloculina subgranulata (Cushman); Hottinger et al., p. 56, pl. 47: 8–13; pl. 48: 1–8. 2009 Quinqueloculina subgranulata (Cushman); Parker, p. 259, figs 187a–e.

Description. See Cushman (1918, p. 290, pl. 96, fig. 4); Hottinger et al. (1993, p. 56, pl. 47: 8–13; pl. 48: 1–8) and Parker (2009, p. 259, figs 187a–e).

Remarks. Specimens assigned to Quinqueloculina subgranulata have a broad test with rounded margins, inflated chambers, a large aperture with a thick peristomal rim and a large bifid tooth. This taxon also has a finely granulated test wall and depressed sutures (Fig. 10:3–5). Specimens collected from the CG tend to have a large final chamber that does not extend as far up the test periphery towards the terminal aperture as it does in other illustrated examples of this taxon (Cheng & Zheng 1978; Haig 1988; Hottinger et al. 1993; Parker 2009). Most specimens collected from the CG are quinqueloculine (Fig. 10:3, 5) as opposed to previous publications that describe an often cryptoquinqueloculine chamber arrangement for this taxon resulting in their designation to Triloculina (Cushman 1918; Cheng & Zheng 1978; Parker 2009).

In addition to the quinqueloculine chamber arrangement, the aperture of some of the CG specimens bore a more Lachlanella - type shape and a more elongate bifid tooth. For instance, Cushman’s (1918, pl. 96, fig. 4) original specimens and half of Parker’s (2009, figs 187h–j) specimens have this type of aperture, but the specimens reported by Cheng & Zheng (1978, pl. 11, figs 4–8), Haig (1988, pl. 6, figs 1–4), Hottinger et al. (1993, pl. 47: 8– 13; pl. 48: 1–8) and the remaining half of Parker’s (2009, Figs 187a–c) specimens have a more circular aperture with a slightly stouter bifid tooth like the specimens collected from the CG.

This species was originally reported from Murray Island near the GBR by Cushman (1918) and has global distribution (Guandong Province, China—Cheng & Zheng 1978; Papuan Lagoon—Haig 1988; Gulf of Aqaba— Hottinger et al. 1993; Ningaloo Reef—Parker 2009).

Distribution within study area. Quinueloculina subgranulata typically occurred in relatively low numbers ranging from one to twelve specimens per site, particularly from Heron Reef flat. The sites of greatest abundance were at the western end of Wistari Lagoon and from one site on the eastern side of One Tree Lagoon 1 where abundance ranged from twenty-one to thirty-nine specimens per site. Sites 1, 2 and 7 in Wistari Lagoon and site 39 in One Tree Lagoon 1 were the sites of greatest abundance. Quinqueloculina subgranulata was not collected from Sykes Reef or the channel sample.

Quinqueloculina subparkeri McCulloch 1977 (Fig. 10:6, 7)

1977 Quinqueloculina subparkeri McCulloch, p. 511, pl. 217: 15, 16; pl. 218: 2–6, 12. 2009 Quinqueloculina subparkeri McCulloch; Parker, p. 260, figs 188a–c, 189a–c, 190a–g. 2012 Quinqueloculina subparkeri McCulloch; Debenay, p. 127, pl. 7.

Description. See McCulloch (1977, p. 511, pl. 217: 15, 16; pl. 218: 2–6, 12) and Parker (2009, figs 188a–c, 189a– c, 190a–g).

Remarks. Specimens assigned to this species have a distinctly stout test that is often wider than long with a quinqueloculine chamber arrangement and pinched peripheral chambers. The roughened test wall bears an ornament of distinctive transverse crenulations. Neck short, stubby, or even absent, with a terminal aperture bearing a single short, thick tooth (Fig. 10:6, 7). The distinctive crenulated ornament serves to distinguish this species from other Quinqueloculina species. Quinqueloculina subparkeri has a short, stout test, the lack of a Lachlanella - type aperture, fine, longitudinal costae and a short, stout single tooth as opposed to the slender, long tooth with a thickened tip.

McCulloch (1977) and Parker (2009) both discussed the great variety of morphotypes displayed by this taxon, especially in relation to the ornament and definition of the chamber arrangement. In contrast, the available material from the CG appears to be morphologically stable.

McCulloch’s (1977) specimens were reported from Clipperton Island, Parker’s (2009) from Ningaloo Reef and Debenay’s (2012) from the southwestern lagoon of New Caledonia from 35 m.

Distribution within study area. Like Q. parkeri, Q. subparkeri was not collected from the CG in high abundance. However, this species differs to Q. parkeri in that it was found more frequently in lagoonal areas and distinctly less often in reef flat areas. Sites of greatest abundance include site 52 in One Tree Lagoon 2 and sites 39 and 40 in Heron Lagoon. This species was not collected from Sykes Reef.

Quinqueloculina subpolygona Parr 1945 (Fig. 10:8–10)

1945 Quinqueloculina subploygona Parr, p. 196, pl. 12, figs 2a–c.

1971 Quinqueloculina polygona d’Orbigny; Bock et al., p. 20, pl. 7, figs 1–3. 1993 Lachlanella subpolygona (Parr); Hottinger et al., p. 51, pl. 37, figs 4–10. 1995 Quinqueloculina subpolygona Parr; Yassini & Jones, p. 85, figs 156, 157. 1999 Quinqueloculina subpolygona Parr; Hayward et al., p. 104, pl. 5, figs 11–13. 2009 Quinqueloculina subpolygona Parr; Parker, p. 262, figs 191a–j, 192a–l. 2012 Quinqueloculina subpolygona Parr; Debenay, p. 127, pl. 8.

Description. See Parr (1945, p. 196, pl. 12, figs 2a–c); Hayward et al. (1999, p. 104, pl. 5, figs 11–13) and Parker (2009, p. 262, figs 191a–j, 192a–l).

Remarks. This species is characterised by having a test approximately 1.5 times as long as broad, distinct bicarinate chambers with convex walls between carinae and a roughened wall texture. The oral end is produced to form a short neck with a long, narrow, Lachlanella - type aperture that has a thin lip and a long, slender tooth with bifid or thickened tip.

The precise morphological details of this taxon are known due to a description and illustration by d’Orbigny (1839) which was later affirmed by Cushman (1929) of Quinqueloculina polygona d’Orbigny 1839. However, Le Calvez (1977) noted the lack of a suitable neotype for Q. polygona d’Orbigny 1839. Despite this, as discussed during Le Calvez’s (1977) revision of d’Orbigny’s collections, due to its later publication within literature by authors such as Cushman (1929;1932), the name and assignation held.

Quinqueloculina polygona was originally illustrated by d’Orbigny (1839) as a distinctly bicarinate test with smooth, quadrate-like chambers, convex walls and carinate margins. The aperture is rounded and produced atop an extended neck. Parr’s (1945) description of Q. subpolygona indicated that this species differed from Q. polygona by its stouter, less elongate test with more defined carina and less consistency with chamber size and arrangement.

Quinqueloculina subpolygona Parr 1945 has a distinctly rough test wall texture with strongly carinated peripheries, broad test shape and a produced Lachlanella - type aperture. Morphologically similar species from the CG include Quinqueloculina sp. cf. Q. agglutinans and Quinqueloculina sp. 7. Quinqueloculina sp. cf. Q agglutinans is distinguished by having grains agglutinated to the test wall, more inflated chambers and a broader aperture with a larger bifid tooth. In contrast, the chambers of Quinqueloculina sp. 7 are more compressed, the test is more elongate, slender and flat and the aperture is produced atop a slender neck.

The type locality for Q. subpolygona is a sandy beach along the west bank of the Barwon River, 400–600 m inland from the river mouth at Barwon Heads, Victoria (Parr 1945) and has since been reported with a global distribution (Florida Bay—Bock et al. 1971; Gulf of Aqaba—Hottinger et al. 1993; southeastern Australia— Yassini & Jones 1995; New Zealand, Kermadec, Chatham and Snares Islands—Hayward et al. 1999; Ningaloo Reef— Parker 2009; New Caledonia from 5–35 m—Debenay 2012). Noteworthy is the slight variation in the width and development of the aperture and dentition in Q. subpolygona from each of these localities. Similar variation is common in Q. polygona from the CG.

Distribution within study area. Quinqueloculina subpolygona was not particularly abundant compared to other Quinqueloculina species from the CG, with less than eight specimens collected per site. This species is only collected from lagoon environments and was absent from Heron Reef flat, Sykes Reef and the channel sample. The sites of greatest abundance include sites 53 and 54 in One Tree Lagoons 1 and 2 and site 12 in Wistari Lagoon.

Quinqueloculina transversestriata (Brady 1881) (Fig. 10:11–15)

1881 Miliolina transversestriata Brady, p. 45, pl. 4, fig. 6.

1884 Triloculina transversestriata (Brady); Brady, p. 177, pl. 4, fig. 6.

1978 Triloculina transversestriata (Brady); Cheng & Zheng, p. 184, pl. 12, fig. 11. 1988 Quinqueloculina transversestriata (Brady); Haig, p. 234, pl. 8, fig. 22–24. 2012 Quinqueloculina transverstriata (Brady); Debenay, p. 127, pl. 7.

Description. See Brady (1881, p. 45, pl. 4, fig. 6) and Debenay (2012, p. 127, pl. 7).

Remarks. Quinqueloculina transversestriata (Brady 1881) is characterised by an elongate, angular, slender test with peripheral carinae and an ornament consisting of transverse or diagonal riblets or striae. The terminal aperture is small, circular, lacks a neck and has a short, stout tooth that thickens at the tip (Fig. 10:11–12).

Published specimens (Brady 1881; 1884; Cheng & Zheng 1978; Haig 1988; Debenay 2012) display considerable variation in the angle, thickness, number and expression of the transverse riblets or striae. Specimens from the CG are similar to those published by Debenay (2012) in that their striae do not extend the entire chamber width, but instead start from the peripheral carina and progress inwards, becoming fainter the closer they are to the suture (Fig. 10:10, 12, 13). Specimens described by Haig (1988) also share this feature, though to a slightly lesser extent, and the striae are thicker and fewer in number compared to the CG specimens. The specimens reported by Cheng & Zheng (1978) also have this attribute, in addition to finer striae. Brady’s (1881; 1884) specimens however, have distinct striae progressing the entire width of the chamber. The striae of CG specimens traverse the chamber at a less steep angle than other specimens (Fig. 10:11, 14).

Brady’s (1881; 1884) specimens were originally collected off Raine Island, Torres Strait from a depth of 283 m and have a western Pacific distribution (Xisha Islands, Guandong Province—Cheng & Zheng 1978; Papuan Lagoon—Haig 1988; New Caledonia from 25 m—Debenay 2012).

Distribution within study area. Quinqueloculina transversestriata was only collected from Heron, Wistari and One Tree Reefs and Lagoons and was absent from the channel sample and Sykes Reef. Abundance and occurrence is distinctly lower in reef flat samples compared to lagoon samples. Greatest abundance was found at site 8 in Heron Lagoon and sites 52 and 53 in One Tree Lagoon 2. Two live specimens of Q. transverstriata were collected, one from site 47 in One Tree Lagoon 3 and the other from site 8 in Heron Lagoon.