Context-dependent corallivory by parrotfishes in a Caribbean reef ecosystem |
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Authors: | Deron E Burkepile |
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Institution: | (1) Marine Science Program, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181, USA |
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Abstract: | This study assesses the patterns of corallivory by parrotfishes across reefs of the Florida Keys, USA. These reefs represent
a relatively unique combination within the wider Caribbean of low coral cover and high parrotfish abundance suggesting that
predation pressure could be intense. Surveys across eight shallow forereefs documented the abundance of corals, corallivorous
parrotfishes, and predation scars on corals. The corals Porites porites and Porites astreoides were preyed on most frequently with the rates of predation an order of magnitude greater than has been documented for other
areas of the Caribbean. In fact, parrotfish bite density on these preferred corals was up to 34 times greater than reported
for corals on other reefs worldwide. On reefs where coral cover was low and corals such as Montastraea faveolata, often preferred prey for parrotfishes, were rare, predation rates on P. porites and P. astreoides, and other less common corals, intensified further. The intensity of parrotfish predation increased significantly as coral
cover decreased. However, parrotfish abundance showed only a marginal positive relationship with predation pressure on corals,
likely because corallivorous parrotfish were abundant across all reefs. Parrotfishes often have significant positive impacts
on coral cover by facilitating coral recruitment, survival, and growth via their grazing of algae. However, abundant corallivorous
parrotfishes combined with low coral cover may result in higher predation on corals and intensify the negative impact that
parrotfishes have on remaining corals. |
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