Nocturnal substrate association of four coral reef fish groups (parrotfishes, surgeonfishes, groupers and butterflyfishes) in relation to substrate architectural characteristics.

ABSTRACT: Although numerous coral reef fish species utilize substrates with high structural complexities as habitats and refuge spaces, quantitative analysis of nocturnal fish substrate associations has not been sufficiently examined yet. The aims of the present study were to clarify the nocturnal substrate associations of 17 coral reef fish species (nine parrotfish, two surgeonfish, two grouper and four butterflyfish) in relation to substrate architectural characteristics. Substrate architectural characteristics were categorized into seven types: (1) eave-like space, (2) large inter-branch space, (3) overhang by protrusion of fine branching structure, (4) overhang by coarse structure, (5) uneven structure without large space or overhang, (6) flat and (7) macroalgae. Overall, fishes were primarily a

SUBMITTER: Nanami A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11262305 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature