Species-specific patterns in corallivory and spongivory among Caribbean parrotfishes

摘要: Parrotfishes are key herbivores on Caribbean reefs but also feed other benthic taxa such as corals and sponges. Here, we used in situ behavioral observations to show that parrotfishes have species-specific feeding patterns of corallivory spongivory. Overall, Scarus guacamaia, taeniopterus, Sparisoma viride were the most frequent corallivores while coeruleus chrysopterum never fed corals. There differences between two genera targeted with preying Colpophyllia natans Orbicella faveolata more frequently likely prey Porites astreoides Siderastrea siderea. The spongivores Sc. aurofrenatum, rubripinne. guacamaia across multiple sponge primarily Agelas spp. Together, our data suggest understanding spongivory for reveal axes functional diversification these important herbivorous fishes.