scholarly journals Competitive hierarchies among three species of juvenile coral reef fishes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Geange ◽  
A Stier ◽  
Jeffrey Shima
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Spatial Distributions ◽  
Asymmetric Competition ◽  
Patterns Of Distribution ◽  
Lower Rank ◽  
Resource Monopolization ◽  
Higher Rank ◽  
Competitive Abilities ◽  
Competitive Hierarchies

Interspecific competition is often asymmetric, and it can limit the spatial distributions of competitively inferior species within a community. When asymmetric competition involves 2 or more component species, the ranking of species' competitive abilities may form competitive hierarchies (all species of higher rank out-compete all species of lower rank) or competitive networks (at least 1 species of lower rank out-competes =1 species of higher rank). Expectations of resource monopolization and patterns of distribution and abundance among species in competitive networks are expected to differ from those in competitive hierarchies. We conducted a field experiment to evaluate the relative competitive abilities of juveniles of 3 closely related species of reef fish (bird wrasse Gomphosus varius, fivestripe wrasse Thalassoma quinquevittatum and the sixbar wrasse T. hardwicke) on Moorea, French Polynesia. We controlled for intrinsic variation in survivorship among species and found that competition among these 3 species was highly asymmetric, resulting in a simple competitive hierarchy (sequence of competitive ability from superior to inferior competitors): fivestripe wrasse > bird wrasse > sixbar wrasse. We surveyed densities of the 3 reef fish species on 55 patch reefs and observed significant negative spatial covariation between superior and inferior competitors, consistent with competitive hierarchies that limit the spatial distributions of the inferior species (sixbar wrasse). Our work demonstrates that intense asymmetric competition and the formation of competitive hierarchies may be an important determinant of resource monopolization and patterns of distribution and abundance in reef fishes. © Inter-Research 2013.

scholarly journals Competitive hierarchies among three species of juvenile coral reef fishes

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Geange ◽  
A Stier ◽  
Jeffrey Shima
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Spatial Distributions ◽  
Asymmetric Competition ◽  
Patterns Of Distribution ◽  
Lower Rank ◽  
Resource Monopolization ◽  
Higher Rank ◽  
Competitive Abilities ◽  
Competitive Hierarchies

Interspecific competition is often asymmetric, and it can limit the spatial distributions of competitively inferior species within a community. When asymmetric competition involves 2 or more component species, the ranking of species' competitive abilities may form competitive hierarchies (all species of higher rank out-compete all species of lower rank) or competitive networks (at least 1 species of lower rank out-competes =1 species of higher rank). Expectations of resource monopolization and patterns of distribution and abundance among species in competitive networks are expected to differ from those in competitive hierarchies. We conducted a field experiment to evaluate the relative competitive abilities of juveniles of 3 closely related species of reef fish (bird wrasse Gomphosus varius, fivestripe wrasse Thalassoma quinquevittatum and the sixbar wrasse T. hardwicke) on Moorea, French Polynesia. We controlled for intrinsic variation in survivorship among species and found that competition among these 3 species was highly asymmetric, resulting in a simple competitive hierarchy (sequence of competitive ability from superior to inferior competitors): fivestripe wrasse > bird wrasse > sixbar wrasse. We surveyed densities of the 3 reef fish species on 55 patch reefs and observed significant negative spatial covariation between superior and inferior competitors, consistent with competitive hierarchies that limit the spatial distributions of the inferior species (sixbar wrasse). Our work demonstrates that intense asymmetric competition and the formation of competitive hierarchies may be an important determinant of resource monopolization and patterns of distribution and abundance in reef fishes. © Inter-Research 2013.

Spatial assemblage structure of shallow-water reef fish in Southwest Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 649 ◽  
pp. 125-140
Author(s):  
DS Goldsworthy ◽  
BJ Saunders ◽  
JRC Parker ◽  
ES Harvey
Keyword(s):  
Shallow Water ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Marine Environment ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Reef Fish Assemblage ◽  
Reef Type ◽  
Present Distribution ◽  
Southwest Australia

Bioregional categorisation of the Australian marine environment is essential to conserve and manage entire ecosystems, including the biota and associated habitats. It is important that these regions are optimally positioned to effectively plan for the protection of distinct assemblages. Recent climatic variation and changes to the marine environment in Southwest Australia (SWA) have resulted in shifts in species ranges and changes to the composition of marine assemblages. The goal of this study was to determine if the current bioregionalisation of SWA accurately represents the present distribution of shallow-water reef fishes across 2000 km of its subtropical and temperate coastline. Data was collected in 2015 using diver-operated underwater stereo-video surveys from 7 regions between Port Gregory (north of Geraldton) to the east of Esperance. This study indicated that (1) the shallow-water reef fish of SWA formed 4 distinct assemblages along the coast: one Midwestern, one Central and 2 Southern Assemblages; (2) differences between these fish assemblages were primarily driven by sea surface temperature, Ecklonia radiata cover, non-E. radiata (canopy) cover, understorey algae cover, reef type and reef height; and (3) each of the 4 assemblages were characterised by a high number of short-range Australian and Western Australian endemic species. The findings from this study suggest that 4, rather than the existing 3 bioregions would more effectively capture the shallow-water reef fish assemblage patterns, with boundaries having shifted southwards likely associated with ocean warming.

Community changes of coral reef fishes in Bunaken National Park, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Fakhrizal Setiawan ◽  
Janny D Kusen ◽  
Georis JF Kaligis
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
National Park ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Fish Communities ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Fish Community Structure ◽  
Reef Fish Community

In order to look at changes in coral and reef fish communities during the period of 2006 to 2013, this research was carried out at Bunaken National Park (BNP) with 26 observation sites. The existing data and information of reef fish communities in the park generally could not be used as representative for describing the whole region. Percentage of coral cover and fish abundance during the study period shows that Bunaken Island is more similar to other locations. Reef fish community structure as seen from ecological index (H' at all sites being categorized, E category labile and low category C) shows the condition of the reef fish community is still good. Changes in the structure of reef fish communities showed declining conditions compared to 2006, and coral cover continued to decrease compared to 1998 and 2007. Good overall reef fish and coral cover have decreased; it is thought to be related to the pressure in BNP. Some of the pressures in the region were (i) increasing numbers of domestic as well as foreign visitors, (ii) increasing number of residents in the region, as well as the burden of waste and trash from the Bay of Manado. Penelitian dilakukan di Taman Nasional Bunaken (Utara dan Selatan)   pada 26 lokasi  pengamatan untuk menganalisis perubahan struktur komunitas ikan karang melalui kajian dari suatu time series data dari beberapa penelitian sebelumnya. Data primer mengenai ikan-ikan karang diperoleh melalui visual sensus bawah air yang bersamaan dengan observasi terumbu karang menggunakan point intercept transect. Nilai persentase tutupan karang dan kelimpahan ikan menunjukkan bahwa pada lokasi pengamatan Pulau Bunaken paling baik dibandingan lokasi lainnya. Struktur komunitas ikan karang yang dianalisis dengan indeks ekologi menunjukkan indeks keanekaragaman (H’) di semua site masuk kategori sedang, indeks kesamaan (E) kategori labil dan indeks Dominansi (C) kategori rendah. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kondisi komunitas ikan karang masih baik, sekalipun  perubahan struktur komunitas ikan karang menunjukkan kondisi yang menurun dibandingkan tahun 2006, begitu juga tutupan karang yang terus turun dibandingkan tahun 1998 dan 2007. Secara keseluruhan baik ikan karang maupun tutupan karang mengalami penurunan, hal ini diduga terkait dengan tekanan yang dialami kawasan TN. Bunaken. Salah satu tekanan terhadap kawasan adalah jumlah turis dari dalam maupun luar negeri yang semakin meningkat tiap tahunnya, penambahan jumlah penduduk di dalam kawasan, serta beban limbah dan sampah dari Teluk Manado.

scholarly journals Coral settlement and recruitment responses to reef fish foraging and trait diversity

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cher F Y Chow ◽  
Caitlin Bolton ◽  
Nader Boutros ◽  
Viviana Brambilla ◽  
Luisa Fontoura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Coral Recruitment ◽  
Coral Settlement ◽  
Trait Divergence ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Recruitment Success ◽  
Trait Diversity

The process of coral recruitment is crucial to the healthy functioning of coral reef ecosystems, as well as recovery following disturbances. Fishes are key modulators of this process by feeding on algae and other benthic taxa that compete with corals for benthic space. However, foraging strategies within reef fish assemblages are highly diverse and the effect of foraging diversity on coral recruitment success remains poorly understood. Here, we test how the foraging traits of reef fishes affect coral settlement and juvenile success at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Using a multi-model inference approach incorporating six metrics of fish assemblage foraging diversity (foraging rates, trait richness, trait evenness, trait divergence, herbivore abundance, and benthic invertivore abundance), we found that herbivore abundance had positive effects on both coral settlement and recruitment success. However, foraging trait diversity had a negative effect on coral settlement but not on recruitment. Coral settlement was higher at sites with less trait diverse fish assemblages, specifically in trait divergence and richness. Moreover, these two trait diversity metrics were stronger predictors of coral settlement success compared to herbivore abundance. Our findings provide evidence that impacts mediated by fish foraging on coral juveniles can potentially be harmful during settlement, but the space-clearing effect overall remains advantageous. We show here that the variation of fish biodiversity across reefs can be a partial driver to spatially uneven patterns of coral recruitment and reef recovery.

scholarly journals COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND TROPHIC STATUS OF REEF FISH IN NATUNA WATERS

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Isa Nagib Edrus ◽  
Pratiwi Lestari
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Species Number ◽  
Community Structures ◽  
Underwater Visual Census ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Coral Health ◽  
Density And Biomass

A field research on reef fish-community structures in Natuna waters was carried out in November 2015. This research aimed to obtain the trophic composition of reef fishes and its correlation to diversity, density, and biomass. Underwater visual census on several transect areas was used to collect data. Results show that the identified reef fishes were about 100 species of target-reef fish belonging to 18 families and 23 species of indicator-reef fish of the Chaetodontidae family. The mean species number of target reef fish and indicator reef fish were 42 and 7 species, respectively. The  mean density of the target reef fish and indicator reef fish were 0.4 and 0.05 individual per m2, respectively. The mean of the reef fish relative stock was 0.6 ton/ha. The composition of the herbivores mostly found in the resilient coral reefs r was 46.45 % and the omnivores and planktivores as marketable targeted fishes were 18.64 % and 14.28 %, respectively. The most predominant or major families were from herbivorous, carnivorous, planktivorous, and corallivorous fishes, including Scaridae (i.e. Scarus spp), Lutjanidae (i.e. Lutjanus spp.), Caesionidae (i,e. Caesio cuning and Pterocaesio caerulaurea), and Chaetodontidae (i.e. Chaetodon baronessa and Chaetodon octofasciatus). The results suggested that the community structures were quite prospectively implemented for fisheries; however, it may not be promising for coral resilience. Furthermore, the coral health status was at moderate level in regard to the high numbers of corallivorous butterflyfishes.

6. Reef fish and other major predators

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Sheppard
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Feeding Ecology ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Symbiotic Relationships ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Reef Communities

Healthy reefs provide a habitat for an immense number of fish that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. No other natural habitat in the ocean shows this diversity and abundance. About a quarter of all marine species may be found on coral reefs even though this habitat occupies only one or two per cent of the area of the earth. ‘Reef fish and other major predators’ describes the diverse feeding ecology of reef fishes; coral reef predators such as the colourful crown of thorns starfish, Acanthaster plancii; symbiotic relationships between different species of fish or with different invertebrates; and the dangers of overfishing in reef communities.

scholarly journals DNA-based identification of predators of the corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) from fish faeces and gut contents

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederieke J. Kroon ◽  
Carine D. Lefèvre ◽  
Jason R. Doyle ◽  
Frances Patel ◽  
Grant Milton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Coral Reef Fish ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Fish Predation ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Gut Contents ◽  
Reef Fish Species

Abstract The corallivorous Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (CoTS, Acanthaster spp.) has been linked with the widespread loss of scleractinian coral cover on Indo-Pacific reefs during periodic population outbreaks. Here, we re-examine CoTS consumption by coral reef fish species by using new DNA technologies to detect Pacific Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris) in fish faecal and gut content samples. CoTS DNA was detected in samples from 18 different coral reef fish species collected on reefs at various stages of CoTS outbreaks in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, nine of which had not been previously reported to feed on CoTS. A comprehensive set of negative and positive control samples confirmed that our collection, processing and analysis procedures were robust, although food web transfer of CoTS DNA cannot be ruled out for some fish species. Our results, combined with the (i) presence of CoTS spines in some samples, (ii) reported predation on CoTS gametes, larvae and settled individuals, and (iii) known diet information for fish species examined, strongly indicate that direct fish predation on CoTS may well be more common than is currently appreciated. We provide recommendations for specific management approaches to enhance predation on CoTS by coral reef fishes, and to support the mitigation of CoTS outbreaks and reverse declines in hard coral cover.

scholarly journals Turtle cleaners: reef fishes foraging on epibionts of sea turtles in the tropical Southwestern Atlantic, with a summary of this association type

2010 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 187-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Sazima ◽  
Alice Grossman ◽  
Ivan Sazima
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Sea Turtles ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Oceanic Islands ◽  
Southwestern Atlantic ◽  
Cleaning Symbiosis ◽  
Turtle Species ◽  
Fernando De Noronha ◽  
Reef Fish Species

In the present study we record several instances of reef fish species foraging on epibionts of sea turtles (cleaning symbiosis) at the oceanic islands of Fernando de Noronha Archipelago and near a shipwreck, both off the coast of Pernambuco State, northeast Brazil. Nine reef fish species and three turtle species involved in cleaning are herein recorded. Besides our records, a summary of the literature on this association type is presented. Postures adopted by turtles during the interaction are related to the habits of associated fishes. Feeding associations between fishes and turtles seem a localized, albeit common, phenomenon.

scholarly journals Olfactory responses of coral-reef fishes to coral degradation and crown-of-thorns (Acanthaster planci)

2016 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy G. Coppock ◽  
Naomi M. Gardiner ◽  
Geoffrey P. Jones
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Chemical Cues ◽  
Fish Assemblages ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Acanthaster Planci ◽  
Olfactory Responses ◽  
Olfactory Stimuli ◽  
Coral Reef Ecosystems

Coral degradation is a major threat towards the biodiversity of coral-reef ecosystems, either through the physical effects of environmental change, or biological agents such as crown-of-thorns (Acanthaster planci). Coral loss is leading to significant declines in reef-fish assemblages, particularly those dependent on live coral as settlement sites. Most reef fishes use olfactory stimuli at settlement; however, their ability to detect chemical stimuli from degraded corals or A. planci is unknown. Here, olfactory responses of juvenile reef fishes to the presence of stressed corals and A. planci were tested. Juveniles of eight common coral-associated species were subjected to a series of pair-wise choice tests, where the period of time spent in two differing water sources was noted. All species demonstrated a significant attraction towards healthy coral (≥76%), avoiding cues emitted by stressed coral colonies. When given the choice between a control water (untreated reef water) and water containing chemical cues from A. planci, most species elicited no response. Finally, when given the choice between chemical cues derived from feeding A. planci or the control, all species avoided A. planci (≥70%). Our results indicated that juvenile reef fish are capable of distinguishing the state of coral health, but not directly from disturbance agents.

scholarly journals Reef Fishes Colonization Rate Around Artificial Reef in Putus-putus Island, South-East Minahasa District

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Laurentius T. X. Lalamentik ◽  
Unstain N. W. J. Rembet ◽  
Adnan S. Wantasen
Keyword(s):  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Environmental Parameters ◽  
Reef Fishes ◽  
Artificial Reefs ◽  
Colonization Rate ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Number Of Individuals

A comprehensive research effort was directed to increase the ecological role of Putus-Putus island coral reefs. This study was an implementation of artificial reef technology as fish colonization locality. The artificial reefs were made of 20x20x100 cm-concrete blocks placed in 6 levels and located at the depth of 8-10 m. Reef fish observations were done three times in two locations. Environmental parameters, such as temperature, salinity and visibility, were also measured. Environmental parameters (temperature, salinity a. Water temperature (29.65oC and 29.64oC) supported the coral growth as well. Salinity distribution  was not significantly different among the study sites.  This study also found 37 reef fish species belonging to 18 families. Number of species varied with observed time and localities. Total number of individuals increased with number of fish species. Mean number of individuals and species of reef fish in locality B were higher than those in locality A. Moreover, the reef fish colonization rate in the study site followed the model y = 4.3801e0.5249x with R2= 0.9297 in the strait and y = 5.0397e0.5493x  with R2= 0.9297 for the Bay. Keywords: Artificial reefs, reef fish. Abstrak Suatu upaya penelitian yang komprehensif diarahkan untuk peningkatan fungsi ekologi terumbu karang Pulau Putus-Putus. Penelitian ini berupa penerapan teknologi terumbu buatan sebagai tempat hunian ikan. Terumbu buatan terbuat dari balok cor beton berukuran 20x20x100 cm bersusun 6 dan ditempatkan pada kedalaman 8-10 m. Pengamatan ikan karang dilakukan 3 kali di 2 lokasi berbeda. Parameter lingkungan, seperti suhu, salinitas, dan kecerahan, juga diukur.    Hasil pengukuran yang diperoleh (29,65 oC dan 29,64 oC) termasuk suhu yang optimal untuk pertumbuhan karang. Dari hasil penelitian, ditemukan 37 spesies yang masuk dalam 18 famili ikan karang. Jumlah spesies yang ditemukan bervariasi pada setiap waktu dan lokasi pengamatan. Pengambilan spesies ikan karang dilakukan pada 2 lokasi dengan masing-masing lokasi dilakukan 3 kali pengambilan sampel. Berdasarkan hasil yang diperoleh (tabel 03) dapat dilihat bahwa jumlah individu bertambah seiring dengan banyaknya jumlah spesies ikan karang yang didapat. Rata-rata jumlah individu dan jumlah spesies ikan karang pada lokasi B lebih banyak. Laju hunian ikan karang di lokasi penelitian mengikuti model y = 4.3801e0.5249x dengan R2= 0,9297 untuk lokasi Selat dan y = 5.0397e0.5493x  dengan R2= 0,9297 untuk lokasi Teluk. Kata kunci : Terumbu buatan, ikan karang

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document