The influence of colony size and coral health on the occupation of coral-associated gobies (Pisces: Gobiidae) |
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Authors: | L Schiemer S Niedermüller J Herler |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria;(2) Morphology Section, Department of Theoretical Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria |
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Abstract: | Fishes of the genus Gobiodon are habitat specialists by their association with Acropora corals. Little is known about the parameters that define host coral quality for these fishes, in particular their breeding
pairs. Data were collected in the northern Red Sea using 10 × 1-m belt transects in different reefs and zones. Gobiid density
was highly correlated with coral density over all sites and zones, and the more specialized goby species preferred coral species
that are less vulnerable to environmental stress. Moreover, the occupation rate of corals by goby breeding pairs significantly
increased with colony size and decreased with partial mortality of colonies. Logistic regression showed that both coral size
(being most important) and partial mortality are key factors influencing the occupation by breeding pairs. This study provides
the first evidence that breeding pairs of coral-associated gobiids have more advanced habitat requirements than con-specifics
in other social states. As coral reefs are threatened worldwide and habitat loss and degradation increase, this information
will help predict the potential effects on those reef fishes obligatorily associated with live corals. |
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Keywords: | Red Sea Coral reefs Gobiodon Breeding pairs Partial mortality Reef degradation |
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