Home > The importance of live coral for small-sized herbivorous reef fishes in physically challenging environments

The importance of live coral for small-sized herbivorous reef fishes in physically challenging environments


Posted on 23 August 2012

TitleThe importance of live coral for small-sized herbivorous reef fishes in physically challenging environments
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsJohansson, CL, Bellwood DR, Depczynski M
JournalMarine and Freshwater Research
Volume63
Issue8
Pagination672-679
Date Published2012
ISSN1323-1650
Keywordsbiodiversity, coral, fish, herbivory
AbstractTropical coral reefs are facing increasing levels of disturbance, with predictions of ongoing reductions in live coral cover. The response of herbivorous fishes to loss of coral cover was investigated by analysing the relationship between the abundance of different sized herbivorous fishes and live coral cover, on a high flow reef slope and a sheltered back reef on Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. We found positive relationships between coral cover and the abundance of small (10–20 cm) excavating and scraping parrotfishes on the slope, but a negative relationship between corals and small (10–15 cm) grazers. These relationships were not evident on back reefs. Generally, the abundance of large individuals were not correlated with live coral in either habitat. We suggest that in physically demanding environments small parrotfishes may utilise the structural complexity of corals to resist strong water flow and/or to reduce predation. Small acanthurid grazers may school to reduce energy costs and minimise predation risk. The loss of coral cover appears to be particularly important for small fishes in high energy habitats, especially non-schooling species.
URLhttp://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MF12011.htm
DOI10.1071/MF12011
Short TitleMar. Freshwater Res.
Refereed DesignationRefereed