Effects of territorial damselfish on an algal-dominated coastal coral reef |
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Authors: | Daniela M Ceccarelli Geoffrey P Jones Laurence J McCook |
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Institution: | (1) Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville QLD, 4811, Australia;(2) Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3, Townsville QLD, 4810, Australia;(3) Present address: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, P.O. Box 1379, Townsville QLD, 4810, Australia |
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Abstract: | Territorial damselfish are important herbivores on coral reefs because they can occupy a large proportion of the substratum
and modify the benthic community to promote the cover of food algae. However, on coastal coral reefs damselfish occupy habitats
that are often dominated by unpalatable macroalgae. The aim of this study was to examine whether damselfish can maintain distinctive
algal assemblages on a coastal reef that is seasonally dominated by Sargassum (Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef). Here, three abundant species (Pomacentrus tripunctatus, P. wardi and Stegastes apicalis) occupied up to 60% of the reef substrata. All three species promoted the abundance of food algae in their territories. The
magnitudes of the effects varied among reef zones, but patterns were relatively stable over time. Damselfish appear to readily
co-exist with large unpalatable macroalgae as they can use it as a substratum for promoting the growth of palatable epiphytes.
Damselfish territories represent patches of increased epiphyte load on macroalgae, decreased sediment cover, and enhanced
cover of palatable algal turf. |
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Keywords: | Herbivory Territorial damselfish Benthic assemblages Fleshy macroalgae |
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