First insights into the impacts of benthic cyanobacterial mats on fish herbivory functions on a nearshore coral reef.

ABSTRACT: Benthic cyanobacterial mats (BCMs) are becoming increasingly common on coral reefs. In Fiji, blooms generally occur in nearshore areas during warm months but some are starting to prevail through cold months. Many fundamental knowledge gaps about BCM proliferation remain, including their composition and how they influence reef processes. This study examined a seasonal BCM bloom occurring in a 17-year-old no-take inshore reef area in Fiji. Surveys quantified the coverage of various BCM-types and estimated the biomass of key herbivorous fish functional groups. Using remote video observations, we compared fish herbivory (bite rates) on substrate covered primarily by BCMs (> 50%) to substrate lacking BCMs (< 10%) and looked for indications of fish (opportunistically) consuming BCMs. Samples of

SUBMITTER: Ford AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8009962 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature