Habitat Association and Social Structure of the Chocolate Hind, <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Cephalopholis boenak</Emphasis> (Pisces: Serranidae: Epinephelinae), at Ping Chau Island,Northeastern Hong Kong Waters |
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Authors: | Email author" target="_blank">Min?LiuEmail author Yvonne?Sadovy |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Ecology and Biodiversity, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China |
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Abstract: | Synopsis The chocolate hind, Cephalopholis boenak, is the smallest and last remaining grouper of any abundance in Hong Kong waters. We investigated its habitat association
and social structure to understand its sexual pattern and seek possible approaches to protect this species. Juveniles and
adults are distributed in the same habitat and strongly associated with corals, in particular, Pavona decussata when available, for settlement and residence. Social groups of C. boenak are relatively small with a single male, one or two smaller females, and varying numbers of sexually inactive individuals
(which are mature but sexually inactive, or juvenile). Males defend their boundaries by chasing neighbouring males and have
significantly larger home ranges than females. Males visit females and sexually inactive individuals at one or more specific
locations, consistently following similar paths. There was a positive linear correlation between body size and home range
in individuals ≥90 mm TL. We observed male courtship in the reproductive season, within his home range during the late afternoon.
Spawning behaviour is not associated with any particular moon phase and may occur more than once within the reproductive season.
Although C. boenak is a diandric, protogynous hermaphrodite, primary and secondary males could not be distinguished by behavioural patterns
in the field. Population management of this species should include habitat protection. |
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Keywords: | home range male courtship protogynous hermaphroditism population management |
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