How wave exposure, group size and habitat complexity influence foraging and population densities in fishes of the genus Halichoeres (Perciformes: Labridae) on tropical rocky shores

• Published in: Marine biology Vol. 160; no. 9; pp. 2383 - 2394
• Main Authors: Nunes, José de Anchieta C. C., Sampaio, Cláudio L. S., Barros, Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.09.2013; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal populations; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Coral reefs; Demecology; Distribution; Distribution patterns; Environmental aspects; Fish; Fish populations; foraging; Freshwater & Marine Ecology; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; group size; Habitat selection; Habitats; Halichoeres; Halichoeres brasiliensis; interspecific variation; Labridae; Life Sciences; Marine; Marine & Freshwater Sciences; Marine biology; Microbiology; Microhabitats; Oceanography; Original Paper; Perciformes; Pisces; Population biology; Population density; Predation; Rainforests; Sea water ecosystems; Shores; Synecology; Zoology; Brazil; Habitat Complexity; Rocky Shore; Reef Fish; Coral Reef; Terminal Phasis; Feeding behavior; Group size; Hard substrate; Labridae; Foraging behavior; Coastal zone; Vertebrata; Pisces; Population dynamics; Habitat; Sea surface wave; Breaking zone; Population density
• ISSN: 0025-3162; 1432-1793
• DOI: 10.1007/s00227-013-2233-5

Wave exposure and habitat complexity have been used to explain variations in the distribution patterns and behavior of many reef fishes. This study analyzed the influence of both factors on density and foraging activity, and the influence of group size on foraging in three species of the genus Halichoeres (Labridae) on tropical rocky shores. It was shown that initial phases (IP) and terminal phases (TP) Halichoeres , were influenced by wave exposure, although foraging in Halichoeres brasiliensis TP was not influenced by wave exposure. The IP in all three species were positively associated with rugosity and algal cover while the TP was positively associated with depth. Habitat complexity also influences foraging in these species. Group size influenced foraging activity, except in H. brasiliensis TP. We also found variations in microhabitat patches used for foraging between species and differences in the stomach contents between species and phases, showing that functional roles change in response to ontogenetic shifts.