Herbivory on coral reefs: algal susceptibility to herbivorous fishes

摘要: The susceptibility of several tropical algal species to fish grazing was studied on the Belizean barrier reef off Caribbean coast Central America. Short-term transplant experiments indicate that plant vary markedly in their rates biomass loss by a shallow-water guild herbivorous fishes. Algal transplanted from habitats with low pressure are highly susceptible grazing, while occurring high herbivore densities resistant grazing. show differential two major components guild, Acanthurus (surgeonfishes) and Sparisoma (parrotfishes). Variability fishes not clearly correlated morphological or chemical characteristics have been previously suggested as defenses against herbivory. Plants found be such Halimeda, exhibit both secondary compounds which do appear reduce In contrast, Caulerpa, Sargassum, Turbinaria, Padina, also possess alleged and/or defenses, nevertheless