Localised intraspecific variation in the swimming phenotype of a coral reef fish across different wave exposures

摘要: Wave-driven water flow is a major force structuring marine communities. Species distributions are partly determined by the ability to cope with variation in flow, such as differences assemblage of fish species found given environment being linked swimming (based on fin shape and mode locomotion). It remains unclear, however, whether similar assembly rules apply within species. Here we show phenotypic among sites traits functionally damselfish Acanthochromis polyacanthus. These differ wave energy observed patterns A. polyacanthus closely mirrored those seen at interspecific level. Fish from high-exposure had more tapered fins higher maximum metabolic rates than conspecifics sheltered sites. This translates 36 % larger aerobic scope 33 faster critical speed for exposed Our results suggest that functional relationships phenotypes not only structure assemblages, but can also divergence Close links between locomotor phenotype local conditions appear be important well across environmental gradients.