Scholarlink

<p>Species-specific spatial distribution in relation to diverse environmental characteristics regulates the species diversity and coexistence of coral reef fishes. This study aims to clarify: (1) broad-scale spatial variation in fish density, (2) microhabitat-scale substrate association, (3) degree of dependence to live corals, (4) habitat partitioning, and (5) fish size variations (smaller size vs. larger size) in these four ecological aspects of five grouper species (<i>Epinephelus ongus</i>, <i>E. fasciatus</i>, <i>Cephalopholis miniata</i>, <i>C. urodeta</i>, and, <i>C. argus</i>). Three species (<i>E. ongus</i>, <i>E. fasciatus</i> and, <i>C. miniata</i>) and two species (<i>C. urodeta</i> and <i>C. argus</i>) showed significantly greater densities in inner reefs and exposed reefs, respectively. Smaller-sized and larger-sized individuals of <i>E. ongus</i> showed significantly positive associations with bottlebrush <i>Acropora</i> and staghorn <i>Acropora</i>, respectively. For <i>E. fasciatus</i>, smaller-sized individuals showed a significantly positive association with bottlebrush <i>Acropora</i>, whereas larger-sized individuals showed no significant association with any substrates. For <i>C. miniata</i>, smaller-sized individuals showed no significant association with any substrates, whereas larger-sized individuals showed a significantly positive association with rock. Smaller-sized and larger-sized individuals of <i>C. urodeta</i> and <i>C. argus</i> showed a significantly positive association with rock. The degree of dependence on live corals varied among the five species and between the two size classes. Inter-specific habitat partitioning was found among the five species in broad and/or microhabitat scales, whereas two size classes of <i>E. ongus</i> and <i>E. fasciatus</i> overlapped in intra-specific habitat use at both broad and microhabitat scales. These ecological aspects should be considered for the effective management of grouper assemblages.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Spatial distribution, microhabitat association, dependence to live corals, and habitat partitioning among five grouper species (family Epinephelidae) in an Okinawan coral reef

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月13日

查看全文
  • Atsushi Nanami

摘要

Species-specific spatial distribution in relation to diverse environmental characteristics regulates the species diversity and coexistence of coral reef fishes. This study aims to clarify: (1) broad-scale spatial variation in fish density, (2) microhabitat-scale substrate association, (3) degree of dependence to live corals, (4) habitat partitioning, and (5) fish size variations (smaller size vs. larger size) in these four ecological aspects of five grouper species (Epinephelus ongus, E. fasciatus, Cephalopholis miniata, C. urodeta, and, C. argus). Three species (E. ongus, E. fasciatus and, C. miniata) and two species (C. urodeta and C. argus) showed significantly greater densities in inner reefs and exposed reefs, respectively. Smaller-sized and larger-sized individuals of E. ongus showed significantly positive associations with bottlebrush Acropora and staghorn Acropora, respectively. For E. fasciatus, smaller-sized individuals showed a significantly positive association with bottlebrush Acropora, whereas larger-sized individuals showed no significant association with any substrates. For C. miniata, smaller-sized individuals showed no significant association with any substrates, whereas larger-sized individuals showed a significantly positive association with rock. Smaller-sized and larger-sized individuals of C. urodeta and C. argus showed a significantly positive association with rock. The degree of dependence on live corals varied among the five species and between the two size classes. Inter-specific habitat partitioning was found among the five species in broad and/or microhabitat scales, whereas two size classes of E. ongus and E. fasciatus overlapped in intra-specific habitat use at both broad and microhabitat scales. These ecological aspects should be considered for the effective management of grouper assemblages.