Broad-scale spatial distribution, microhabitat association and habitat partitioning of damselfishes (family Pomacentridae) on an Okinawan coral reef.

ABSTRACT: Spatial distribution of coral reef fishes is related to diverse environmental variables. This study aimed to elucidate the (1) broad-scale spatial distribution, (2) microhabitat-scale substrate association, (3) degree of dependence on live corals and (4) habitat partitioning of 26 damselfish species on an Okinawan coral reef. Broad-scale analysis revealed that fish assemblages could be divided into three groups in relation to the degree of wave exposure, and the coverage of live corals as well as non-coralline substrates: (1) 11 species that were found in exposed reefs with greater coverage of rock; (2) nine species that that were found in inner reefs with greater coverage of live corals, dead corals and macroalgae; and (3) six species that were found in inner reefs with a greater coverage

SUBMITTER: Nanami A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11831974 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature