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Effects of territorial damselfish on an algal-dominated coastal coral reef

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Abstract

Territorial damselfish are important herbivores on coral reefs because they can occupy a large proportion of the substratum and modify the benthic community to promote the cover of food algae. However, on coastal coral reefs damselfish occupy habitats that are often dominated by unpalatable macroalgae. The aim of this study was to examine whether damselfish can maintain distinctive algal assemblages on a coastal reef that is seasonally dominated by Sargassum (Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef). Here, three abundant species (Pomacentrus tripunctatus, P. wardi and Stegastes apicalis) occupied up to 60% of the reef substrata. All three species promoted the abundance of food algae in their territories. The magnitudes of the effects varied among reef zones, but patterns were relatively stable over time. Damselfish appear to readily co-exist with large unpalatable macroalgae as they can use it as a substratum for promoting the growth of palatable epiphytes. Damselfish territories represent patches of increased epiphyte load on macroalgae, decreased sediment cover, and enhanced cover of palatable algal turf.

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Acknowledgements

This study was made possible through an Augmentative Research Grant from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to D.M.C. The preparation of the manuscript was aided by comments from Line Bay and Dr. Andrew Lewis.

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Author notes

  1. Laurence J. McCook

    Present address: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, P.O. Box 1379, Townsville QLD, 4810, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Coral Reef Biodiversity, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville QLD, 4811, Australia

    Daniela M. Ceccarelli & Geoffrey P. Jones

  2. Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB3, Townsville QLD, 4810, Australia

    Laurence J. McCook

Authors
  1. Daniela M. Ceccarelli
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  2. Geoffrey P. Jones
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  3. Laurence J. McCook
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Correspondence to Daniela M. Ceccarelli.

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Communicated by Communicated by Biological Editor M.I. McCormick

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Ceccarelli, D.M., Jones, G.P. & McCook, L.J. Effects of territorial damselfish on an algal-dominated coastal coral reef. Coral Reefs 24, 606–620 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-005-0035-z

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