Distributions and habitat associations of the bridled monocle bream Scolopsis bilineatus (Nemipteridae): a demographic approach

摘要: This study focussed on the demography and ecology of Scolopsis bilineatus at three locations Great Barrier Reef: Lizard Island Group, Orpheus One Tree Island. lived for up to 16 years had four distinct life-history stages, which varied in their distribution patterns, habitat use reproductive behaviour. Pre-maturational sex change occurred whereby all males were derived from immature females, grew faster larger than females. Small females generally formed pairs, influenced spatial distributions small scales. Distributions S. by depth exposure within reefs, particularly juveniles, most fish found shallow, sheltered habitats. Abundance was benthic cover, higher areas high coral cover low where algae abundant. Habitat associations stronger microhabitat scale, shelter sites important adults. Ontogenetic changes found: juveniles occupied sand rubble, adults shelters such as caves overhangs. Adults showed site fidelity over a period 4 days returned specific repeatedly. These findings illustrate importance understanding reef fishes, with reference size-based species.