Settlement strategies and distribution patterns of coral-reef fishes

摘要: Patterns of habitat use established at settlement may be a primary determinant the distribution coral-reef fishes within and among habitats. However, due to difficulty observing fish larvae in wild, behaviour individuals has rarely been observed. Here, we examined five species damselfishes (family Pomacentridae) by conducting multi-choice experiments large outdoor aquaria Lizard Island on Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Late-stage that were competent settle collected using light traps placed circular night where they could choose live coral, dead branching coral rubble bare sand We patterns choice with no prior experience reef (naive larvae). The effect environment preferences was then determined studying juveniles soon after exposed same experimental protocol. also importance interspecific interactions late-stage between newly settled adults determining exhibited juveniles. made distinct choices but varied widely species. Chromis viridis (Cuvier) selected always as group. Post-settlement C. stronger schooling moved around more frequently than larvae. Pomacentrus moluccensis (Bleeker) consistently preferentially habitats conspecifics, either settlers or adults, present. P. amboinensis both standing avoided rubble. coelestis (Jordan Starks) initially equal frequency presented an increasing throughout day. In contrast, early post-settlers significantly greater other Therefore, associated coelestis. chrysurus distributed evenly agonistic observed hours settling. Also, post-settlement containing adults. For pomacentrids tested, selection our similar Island. explain spacing precise conspecifics settling have major influence