Long-term increases in abundance of anemonefish and their host sea anemones in an Australian marine protected area

摘要: Understanding the population dynamics of host sea anemones and their symbiotic anemonefish is important given that pressures such as aquarium collecting bleaching events are adversely impacting abundance in some Indo–Pacific locations. We examined long-term trends anemone at four sites within a ‘no-take’ zone North Solitary Island, Australia, by comparing data from 2008 to surveys done 1994 1995. Species richness was stable, comprising two anemones, Entacmaea quadricolor Heteractis crispa, three anemonefishes, Amphiprion akindynos, A. latezonatus, melanopus. In 2008, densities most abundant species, E. were substantially higher than previously recorded, with increases up 532% 133%, respectively. There strong relationship between akindynos cover, whereas latezonatus had deeper waters. Densities this species remained similar over time, although there decline one site. crispa melanopus found comparatively low numbers. Potential reasons for overall increase include: protection severe swell events, lack major ability reproduce rapidly asexual reproduction, increasing duration marine park protection.