Differential effects of thermal and chemical stressors on tissue balls from scleractinian corals

Coral cell aggregates (tissue balls) from four species (Acropora muricata, Fungia repanda, Pavona cactus and Pocillopora damicornis) were used as an indicator to investigate the effects on the corals of thermal stress and of chemical extracts from three sponges (Adocia sp., Haliclona sp. and Lissodendoryx sp.) and one ascidian (Didemnum molle). The formation and disintegration of tissue balls were studied through exposure to a temperature range of 23–30 °C at time intervals of 0–90 min, and to sponge and ascidian crude extracts at concentrations of 50–200 µg ml^?1 at temperatures of 23 and 30 °C and at time intervals of 10, 60 and 120 min. The negative effect of temperature on overall tissue ball density (number per cm² of coral surface) was greatest at higher temperatures (28 and 30 °C) but varied among coral species. Tissue balls of P. damicornis were the most robust whereas those of A. muricata were the most sensitive. High concentrations of extracts of Adocia sp., Haliclona sp. and Lissodendoryx sp. generally inhibited the formation of tissue balls or caused their disintegration, or both, most markedly at 30 °C. Adocia sp. induced the least negative effects and Haliclona sp. the most. No tissue balls were formed in the presence of D. molle extracts (50 and 100 µg ml^?1), indicating a high level of interference with tissue ball formation. The differential susceptibility to thermal and chemical stressors exhibited by the corals under study have possible implications for the interactions of the corals with other sedentary reef organisms under climate change-driven ocean warming.     

浙江南部沿岸附着生物与钻孔生物 Ⅱ.洞头附着生物与钻孔生物生态研究

附着生物对航运、港工建筑、发电厂、水产养殖等危害性极大,因而很早便引起人们的普遍重视.我们在调查研究我国沿岸的附着生物中,把洞头岛列为调查点.并于1978年6月-1979年5月进行周年挂板试验.洞头岛位于浙江东南部瓯江口外.试点设在岛西北面新码头外特设的浮筏,水流畅通,低潮水深5米左右,透明度低,水温年变化在7.8-28℃,最低二月份,最高8月份,年平均水温18℃,终年盐度均在27‰以上,最高达到34‰.试验方法基本上按海洋调查规范进行,挂板分表、底两层,表层只挂木板,用尼龙丝系在水面以搜集藻类,底层试板固定在铁框架里,铁框用铁链垂直悬挂在水下2-3米深处.     

浙江南部沿岸附着生物与钻孔生物——Ⅲ.南几岛的附着生物与钻孔生物生态

附着生物与钻孔生物的分布是随着外界环境因素的不同而异,一般都受到了温、盐、流等外界因素的影响.因此,合理布局试验点,是全面了解我国沿岸附着生物生态,系统地掌握生物学资料的关键.十几年来,为了满足国防和国民经济建设上的需要,我所及其他单位已对中国沿岸的附着生物和钻孔生物做了大量的试验和调查研究,仅东海沿岸,从长江口、舟山海区、石浦到福建沿岸就做了近20处的试验.     

Skin toxins in coral‐associated Gobiodon species (Teleostei: Gobiidae) affect predator preference and prey survival

Predation risk is high for the many small coral reef fishes, requiring successful sheltering or other predator defence mechanisms. Coral‐dwelling gobies of the genus Gobiodon live in close association with scleractinian corals of the genus Acropora. Earlier studies indicated that the low movement frequency of adult fishes and the development of skin toxins (crinotoxicity) are predation avoidance mechanisms. Although past experiments showed that predators refuse food prepared with goby skin mucus, direct predator–prey interactions have not been studied. The present study compares the toxicity levels of two crinotoxic coral gobies – Gobiodon histrio, representative of a conspicuously coloured species, and Gobiodon sp.3 with cryptic coloration – using a standard bioassay method. The results show that toxin levels of both species differ significantly shortly after mucus release but become similar over time. Predator preferences were tested experimentally in an aquarium in which the two gobies and a juvenile damselfish Chromis viridis were exposed to the small grouper Epinephelus fasciatus. Video‐analysis revealed that although coral gobies are potential prey, E. fasciatus clearly preferred the non‐toxic control fish (C. viridis) over Gobiodon. When targeting a goby, the predator did not prefer one species over the other. Contrary to our expectations that toxic gobies are generally avoided, gobies were often captured, but they were expelled quickly, repeatedly and alive. This unusual post‐capture avoidance confirms that these gobies have a very good chance of surviving attacks in the field due to their skin toxins. Nonetheless, some gobies were consumed: the coral shelter may therefore also provide additional protection, with toxins protecting them mainly during movement between corals. In summary, chemical deterrence by crinotoxic fishes seems to be far more efficient in predation avoidance than in physical deterrence involving body squamation and/or strong fin spines.     

Population dynamics and chemical ecology of New Zealand Demospongiae Latrunculia sp. nov. and Polymastia croceus (Poecilosclerida: Latrunculiidae: Polymastiidae)

For 3 years aspects of the population dynamics, growth, and bioactivity (measure of biologically active metabolite biosynthesis) of the Demospongiae Latrunculia sp. nov. and Polymastia croceus (Kelly‐Borges & Bergquist) were examined on a subtidal reef on the Wellington south coast, New Zealand. For both species, survival of adult sponges was high in all seasons, whereas juvenile sponges had poor survival. Recruitment of Latrunculia sp. nov. occurred in all seasons indicating that this species is reproductively active throughout the year. P. croceus recruited mostly in autumn, supporting previous work that found the sponge to be reproductively active in summer and early autumn only. For both sponge species, growth rates varied greatly between individuals and were unaffected by initial sponge size within the range examined. Sponges generally grew during winter and spring as the water temperature rose, and shrank during summer and autumn as the water temperature fell. This growth pattern may relate to seasonal variation in food abundance, and for P. croceus it may result also from seasonal differences in reproductive investment. After 2 years, Latrunculia sp. nov. and P. croceus had on average, halved and doubled in size, respectively. Latrunculia sp. nov. showed a seasonal pattern of bioactivity, being most active in spring possibly to prevent the surface overgrowth of fouling organisms. P. croceus had no seasonal pattern of bioactivity, but individuals were either very active or inactive. The bioactive metabolites in both species possibly aid in competitive interactions and prevent predation and biofouling.     

Food Selection in Two Corallivorous Butterflyfishes, Chaetodon austriacus and C. trifascialis, in the Northern Red Sea

Abstract. Using an in situ observational approach, the food preferences among hard corals were examined for the two obligate coral‐feeding butterflyfishes Chaetodon austriacus and C. trifascialis in the Northern Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Egypt. Chaetodon austriacus is a generalist coral feeder that feeds mainly on three genera of abundant hard corals (Acropora, Porites and Pocillopora). In contrast, C. trifascialis is a specialist coral feeder on Acropora spp. and Pocillopora verrucosa. In general, C. austriacus had a lower feeding rate than C. trifascialis (both species in the Northern Red Sea reefs had high feeding rates compared with other reefs). Ivlev's electivity index was calculated for the two species. This index shows that C. austriacus prefers Montipora and Pocillopora, and avoids Lobophyllia and Favites. On the other hand, C. trifascialis prefers Acropora valida and avoids Porites solida. Thus, the feeding preference and avoidance of these chaetodontids depend on both biting rate and food availability in the environment rather than on biting rate alone.     

Effects of Soft Corals on Scleractinian Coral Recruitment. II: Allelopathy, Spat Survivorship and Reef Community Structure

Abstract. Two field experiments were performed on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, at Orpheus Island and Lizard Island, respectively, to investigate the effects of allelopathic soft corals on survivorship and community structure of scleractinian coral spat. Ceramic tiles were placed around the allelopathic soft corals Sinularia flexibilis (Quoy & Gaimard 1833) and Sarcophyton glaucum (Quoy & Gaimard 1833), and controls. One control consisted of settlement plates surrounding a scleractinian coral (non‐allelopathic planktivore); another control had no adult soft or scleractinian coral present. The experimental soft corals affected the recruitment of various taxonomic groups of coral spat differentially, as evidenced by the diversity of coral spat settling in treatments and controls. At Orpheus Island (O.I., n = 1038 spat) and Lizard Island (L.I., n = 7032 spat), there were significant differences between recruitment success of the two dominant coral taxa, Pocilloporidae (O.I., 61.4 %; L.I., 20.5 %) and Acroporidae (O.I., 33.7 %; L.I., 53 %). Settlement plates exposed to Sinularia flexibilis at either site had the lowest proportion of acroporid recruits. Diversity indices (Shannon‐Wiener Indices) varied significantly between treatments at both Orpheus and Lizard Islands. This appears to be due to selective inhibition of acroporid spat by Sinularia flexibilis at both sites. Growth of coral spat was higher on settlement plates in the presence of Sarcophyton at Lizard Island. Settlement of most associated epibiota was generally inhibited under these conditions. Coral spat survivorship was highest in the presence of Sinularia at Orpheus ­Island; at Lizard Island, this was the case with the Sarcophyton treatment. Higher survivorship, and in some cases growth, of coral spat near soft corals was apparently due to reduced competition for space between spat and associated epibiota. This hypothesis is supported by the results of a sister experiment where a coating of Sinularia flexibilis extract on settlement tiles significantly decreased fouling by sessile epibiota. Soft corals have an allelopathic effect on recruitment and early development of scleractinian corals and, consequently, on early coral reef community succession.     

The influence of reef type and seasonality on population structure of coral‐reef fishes within Malindi Marine Park,Kenya

Effective conservation requires knowledge of the effects of habitat on distribution and abundance of organisms. Although the structure of coral reef fish assemblages is strongly correlated with attributes of reef structure, data relating reef types to fish assemblages are scarce. In this study we describe the influence of gross habitat characteristics and seasonality on coral reef fish assemblages of fringing and patch reefs in Kenya. Results showed that total fish abundance was not significantly different between the reefs; however, the fringing reef had higher species diversity during both the northeast (42 spp.) and southeast (36 spp.) monsoon seasons when compared to the patch reef. The more fished species (e.g. Siganus sutor and Lethrinus mahsena) were more abundant on the patch reef in both seasons. Statistical analysis indicated common species between the reefs were more abundant on the fringing reef. Seasons affected abundance of the more vagile species (S. sutor), whereas the reef‐attached sky emperor, L. mahsena was affected more by reef type than by seasons. No significant interaction effects of habitat and seasons were found, indicating independence of habitat and environmental variability in affecting fish assemblages on the reefs. Smaller sized fish dominated the fringing reef more than the patch reef, whereas the skewness index (Sk) indicated a normal‐sized frequency distribution on the patch reef. Trophic structure of the fishes varied more within than between reefs, whereas fish assemblage structure was affected more by seasons on the fringing reef. These results suggest that conservation measures such as marine protected area (MPA) design and setting should consider effects of reef morphology and environmental variability on coral‐reef fish assemblage structure.     

东海西南近岸海域污损生物群落特征

于2013年12月~2014年11月在东海西南近岸海域进行污损生物周年挂板试验,全年共记录污损生物10门49科69属84种,群落组成以近岸暖水种为主,为典型的亚热带内湾型群落,附着盛期为4–9月,夏季污损生物的附着强度最高。固定生活类型的悬浮物食者是该近岸海域污损生物群落的附着主体,网纹藤壶（Amphibalanus reticulatus）是最主要的优势种和代表种,其它优势种还有长鳃麦杆虫（Caprella equilibra）、中胚花筒螅（Ectopleura crocea）、太平洋侧花海葵（Anthopleura nigrescens）、今岛柄涡虫（Stylochus ijimai）、克氏无襟毛虫（Spirobranchus kraussii）、近江牡蛎（Crassostrea rivularis）、翡翠贻贝（Perna viridis）、廉形叶钩虾（Jassa falcata）、强壮板钩虾（Stenothoe valida）、光辉圆扇蟹（Sphaerozius nitidus）和大室别藻苔虫（Biflustra grandicella）等。污损生物群落个体间因附着空间和食物竞争而存在着相互依存或互相制约的关系,又依照对环境因子的适应性而存在着一定的时空分布规律。温度是决定污损生物地理分布的最主要环境因素,物种的温度属性是不同气候带污损生物群落组成差异的本质体现,污损生物的种类数、附着期和附着量与水温有着密切的关系;另外,盐度、水流、光、水产养殖等自然环境或人为因素也是影响污损生物附着的重要影响因子。     

Macrobenthic colonization on the derelict Fisheries Vessel Khronometer,Cristo Rey Submarine Park,Argentina

We investigated the fouling community on the Fisheries Vessel (F/V) Khronometer during a 3‐year period, from its sinking, by means of video transects. The results demonstrate that the shipwreck presented high macroinvertebrate coverage from the first survey (100 days after sinking). The most conspicuous organisms were cnidarians, followed by amphipods and serpulids (tubes). The hydroid Ectopleura crocea was the most abundant colonizer in the early stages; the sea anemone Anthothoe chilensis and the azooxanthellate soft coral Tripalea clavaria were abundant 2 years after the vessel sank. Interestingly, shipwreck coverage and species composition at the end of the sampling period (940 days after sinking) were similar to those of the wood vessel Cristo Rey, which sank 36 years before the Khronometer. Besides, some different taxa from that seen on video transects were identified from samples taken during dives, corresponding to isolated organisms with scarce abundance or cryptic habits. Moreover, four reef fish species were recorded. Shipwrecks represent interesting places for recreational activities such as diving and fishing. This is the only study about the early development of an invertebrate community on artificial reefs in Buenos Aires coast, Argentina. Monitoring natural and artificial substrata could help to understand the ecological patterns occurring around them and provide information to help manage artificial reefs in sustainable ways.     

Food and feeding habits of Octopus insularis in the Veracruz Reef System National Park and confirmation of its presence in the southwest Gulf of Mexico

Octopuses are active predators that feed on a wide range of prey including crustaceans, fishes, and mollusks. They are important components of coral reef systems and support local and artisanal fisheries in the Gulf of México. Octopus insularis has been found to be one of the most relevant components in catches from the coral reef system of Veracruz in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, and its role in the ecosystem requires assessment. To corroborate the morphological identification of O. insularis, six octopuses were identified by genetic methods. And to understand the trophic relationships between this octopus species and its prey, 394 octopuses caught during 2016 and 2017 by an artisanal fleet were sampled and their stomach contents analyzed. Results showed that crustaceans are the most frequently consumed group, with the genera Mithraculus and Etisus being the most important in the diet. Fishes, bivalves, and gastropods were identified as uncommon prey items in the diet. Their presence in the stomachs could be related to the movement of this octopus outside of the coral reef. Considering that our samples were of medium‐ and large‐sized individuals, cannibalism could be discarded for O. insularis in this size range in the Veracruz reef system. These findings suggest a generalist and opportunistic predation of O. insularis on the most abundant and available prey in the study area, namely the crustaceans. These represents an effective transfer of biomass from the low trophic levels to top predators in the coral reef system.     

浙江北关港污损生物的群落结构及其主要影响因子

于2016年3月至2017年2月在浙江北关港附近海域进行污损生物周年挂板试验,全年共记录大型污损生物9门44科53属59种,种类组成以近岸暖水种为主,属于典型的亚热带内湾型污损生物群落。固着生活类型的悬浮物食者是该海域污损生物群落的优势群体,群落最主要的优势种是网纹藤壶（Amphibalanus reticulates）,其次为长鳃麦秆虫（Caprella equilibra）、中胚花筒螅（Ectopleura crocea）、太平洋侧花海葵（Anthopleura nigrescens）、廉形叶钩虾（Jassa falcata）和强壮藻钩虾（Stenothoe valida）等种类。该海域污损生物全年各月均有附着,6-10月板的覆盖面积均达100%,附着盛期为6-8月,月板、季板、半年板和年板的平均附着密度和生物量分别为（21 371±8 722） ind/m2和（1 667.5±506.0） g/m2,（31 605±17 671） ind/m2和（5 879.1±2 576.5） g/m2,（31 188±10 834） ind/m2和（13 989.6±4 755.4） g/m2,（18 425±5 757） ind/m2和（6 581.9±2 175.9） g/m2,其中夏季附着强度最高。污损生物群落个体间因栖息空间和食物竞争而存在着相互依存或互相制约的关系,又依照对环境的适应性而存在着一定的时空分布规律。分析表明,温度是决定污损生物地理分布的最主要环境因素;另外,盐度、水体透明度以及光照等自然环境也是影响污损生物附着的重要影响因素。     

Predominance of parallel‐ and cross‐predation in anglerfish

Several studies in the last 20 years have revealed that morphological asymmetry in fish can be characterized as ‘antisymmetry’. Antisymmetry is a lateral dimorphism in which each population consists of individuals with well‐developed left sides (lefties) and well‐developed right sides (righties). This dimorphism influences predator–prey interactions. In some piscivorous fishes, it has been found that predators can catch more prey of the opposite morphological type to themselves (cross‐predation) than of the same morphological type (parallel‐predation). Our previous work clarified that the predominance of cross‐predation is caused by lateralized behaviors of predators and prey that correspond to their morphological antisymmetry. Moreover, based on the results of our behavioral observations, we hypothesized that parallel‐predation can predominate when predators encounter the potential prey frontally. To test this hypothesis, in the present study we investigated the relationship between lateral morphological types of anglerfish (Lophiomus setigerus) and those of the prey fishes found in their stomachs. Anglerfish attract potential prey using their first dorsal fin (illicium) as a lure, and their frontal encounters with potential prey fishes were photographed in situ and observed in an aquarium. The results of a stomach contents analysis indicated that parallel‐predation predominated in five benthopelagic prey fish species (perches and eels). By contrast, five benthic prey fishes (gobies and weevers) exhibited the predominance of cross‐predation. These results not only demonstrate the predominance of parallel‐predation in a natural fish community, but also suggest that the relationship between morphological types of predator and prey species can be reversed depending on the lifestyle of prey.     

Spatial distribution of crustaceans associated with shallow soft‐bottom habitats in a coral reef lagoon

The ecology and diversity of the shallow soft‐bottom areas adjacent to coral reefs are still poorly known. To date, the few studies conducted in these habitats dealing with macroinvertebrate fauna have focused on their abundance spatial patterns at high taxonomic levels. Thus, some aspects important to evaluate the importance and vulnerability of these habitats, such as species diversity or the degree of habitat specialization, have often been overlooked. In this study we compared the crustacean assemblages present in four different habitats at Magoodhoo Island coral reef lagoon (Maldives): coral rubble, sandy areas and two different seagrass species (Thalassia hemprichii and Cymodocea sp.). Forty‐two different crustacean species belonging to 30 families and four orders were found. ‘Site’ was a significant factor in all of the statistical analyses, indicating that tropical soft‐bottom habitats can be highly heterogeneous, even at a spatial scale between tens and hundreds of meters. Although traditionally it has been considered that seagrass beds host greater species diversity and abundance of organisms than adjacent unvegetated habitats, no differences in the univariate measures of fauna (abundance of organisms, number of species and Shannon diversity) were observed among habitats. However, sandy areas, coral rubble and seagrass beds exhibited different species composition of crustacean communities. The percentage of taxa considered as potential habitat specialists was 27% and the number of species exclusively occurring in one habitat was especially high in seagrass beds. Thus, degradation of this vegetated habitat would result in a great loss of biodiversity in tropical shallow soft‐bottom habitats.     

Observer presence may alter the behaviour of reef fishes associated with coral colonies

Although underwater visual census (UVC) is the most frequently used technique for quantifying reef fish assemblages, remote video analysis has been gaining attention as a potential alternative. In the South Atlantic Ocean, Millepora spp. (class Hydrozoa) are the only branching coral species; however, little is known about the ecological role that they play for reef fish communities. We compared these two observation methods (remote video and UVC) to estimate reef fish abundance and species richness associated with colonies of the fire‐coral Millepora alcicornis at Tamandaré Reefs, Northeast Brazil. Additionally, the two different techniques were used to compare species behaviour in association with fire‐corals in order to examine the biases associated with each technique and provide useful information for behavioural ecologists studying fish–coral associations. There were no differences in reef fish abundance or species richness sampled by remote video or UVC. However, a significant difference in the behaviour of associated fish was recorded between the two methods. In the presence of a diver carrying out a UVC, fish were observed spending more time sheltered amongst the coral branches compared with passively swimming on coral colonies with the remote video technique. Specifically, on the remote video recordings agonistic interactions between fish and passive swimming accounted for 33.3% and 22.2% of the census time, respectively. By comparison, when observed by a diver fish spent 34.8% of their time sheltering amongst the coral branches. We demonstrate that both techniques are similarly effective for recording fish abundance and species richness associated with fire‐corals. However, differences were observed in the ability of each method to detect the behaviour of coral‐associated fishes. Our findings show that behavioural ecologists studying complex fish–coral associations need to ensure that their aims are clearly defined and that they choose the most appropriate technique for their study in order to minimize methodological biases.     

厦金海域珊瑚体内重金属水平和分布特征

采用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪测定了厦金海域8种珊瑚中Cr、Mn、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Cd、Sn、Sb、Pb重金属的含量,通过数据处理、主成分分析方法,分析了重金属分布特征和其主要来源。采用单因子污染指数法对珊瑚重金属的污染水平进行了评价。结果表明,其平均浓度水平从大到小依次为:ZnMnSnCrCuAsNiPbSbCdCo。在8种珊瑚中,星柳珊瑚(Astrogrogia sp.)、等柳珊瑚(Paris fruticosa)、Paraplexaura sp.的重金属含量较高,花柳珊瑚(Anthogorgia sp.)和Guaiagorgia anas的含量较低。台湾海域珊瑚中Cu、Zn、Pb、Ni的含量、委内瑞拉海域珊瑚中Zn、Pb、Ni的含量远高于厦金海域珊瑚体内相同重金属含量,大堡礁珊瑚中Cu含量较厦金海域的略高。通过相关性分析发现,Cr、Co、Ni、Zn和Sn的种间差异较为显著。根据主成分分析,厦金海域珊瑚体内重金属元素可能的污染来源有:农业污染、港口生活污水和工业污水的排放、船舶油漆、涂料侵蚀、电镀工业。单因子污染指数法评价结果表明,6种重金属元素中,大佰屿、白哈礁和角屿的主要污染物是Mn。白哈礁、大佰屿站位的珊瑚体内重金属Mn处于重度污染水平,角屿站位的处于中度污染水平。     

AN ECOLOGICAL STUDY OF FOULING ORGANISMS IN XISHA ISLANDS

Monthly and seasonal panel experiments were carried out in the Yongxing Island from September 1979 to August 1981. Altogether 119 species of fouling organisms are collected, of which, Hydroides elegans, Serpula vermicular is, Scrupocellaria longispinosa, Amathia distant, Enteromorpha spp. and Ostrea spp. are dominant species. Fouling of organisms may occur all the year round with evident seasonal variations, Species succession in the process of community formation is very evident and the climax has arrived after two years. Great variation exists between fouling organisms in different years and at different stations.     

Exploring composition and behaviour of fish fauna by in situ observations in the Bari Canyon (Southern Adriatic Sea,Central Mediterranean)

Canyons play a fundamental role in enhancing the abundance and diversity of marine organisms through the transport of organic matter and food resources, the presence of complex physical habitats and the absence of trawl fishing. During four baited lander deployments carried out in the Bari Canyon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Central Mediterranean), at depths of 443–788 m, about 43 h of video records were taken, for a total of 619,200 video frames. A total of 12 benthopelagic fish species (five chondrichthyes and seven osteichthyes) were identified. The blackspot seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo) was the most often observed fish species. The depth of 787 m represents a new depth record for this fish in the Adriatic Sea. Groups of up to 40 individuals of P. bogaraveo were attracted to the bait and were shown in single frames. The individuals were observed both exploring the area and feeding actively on the bait. The European conger (Conger conger) was recorded at each deployment. Clear scavenger behaviour was also observed in this teleost fish and in the shark Etmopterus spinax. The shark species Centrophorus granulosus and Hexanchus griseus, which are considered ‘vulnerable’ on the published IUCN Mediterranean Regional Red List, were also recorded but, although attracted by the bait, they were never seen feeding on it. Other fish species, harvested on fishing grounds, such as Merluccius merluccius, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Polyprion americanus, were also recorded. This study represents the first in situ documentation, at very low impact, of the fish fauna in the Bari Canyon, providing new insights into its small scale distribution and behaviour, the first in situ direct observation of the variable feeding behaviour of P. bogaraveo and its gregarious habits, as well as indicating that this canyon could act as a refuge area for species that are vulnerable to fishing on the open slope.     

Spatial and temporal changes in reef fish assemblages on disturbed coral reefs,north Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Benthic structure of coral reefs determines the availability of refuges and food sources. Therefore, structural changes caused by natural and anthropogenic disturbances can have negative impacts on reef‐associated communities. During the 1990s, coral reefs from Bahía Culebra were considered among the most diverse ecosystems along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica; however, recently they have undergone severe deterioration as consequence of chronic stressors such as El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and harmful algal blooms. Reef fish populations in this area have also been intensely exploited. This study compared reef fish assemblages during two periods (1995–1996 and 2014–2016), to determine whether they have experienced changes as a result of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. For both periods, benthic composition and reef fish abundance were recorded using underwater visual censuses. Live coral cover (LCC) decreased from 43.09 ± 18.65% in 1995–1996 to 1.25 ± 2.42% in 2014–2016 (U = 36, p < 0.05). Macroalgal cover (%) in 2014–2016 was sixfold higher than mean values reported for the Eastern Tropical Pacific region. Mean (±SD) fish species richness in 1995–1996 (36.67 ± 14.20) was higher than in 2014–2016 (23.00 ± 9.14; U = 20, p < 0.05). Over 40% of reef fish orders observed in 1995–1996 were not detected in the 2014–2016 surveys, including large‐bodied predators. Reduction in abundance of fish predators such as sharks, grunts, and snappers is likely attributed to changes in habitat structure. Herbivorous such as parrotfishes and pufferfishes increased their abundance at sites with low LCC, probably in response to predators decline and increased algal cover. These findings revealed significant degradation and drastic loss of structural complexity in coral reefs from Bahía Culebra, which now are dominated by macroalgae. The large reduction in structural complexity of coral reefs has resulted in the loss of diversity and key ecological roles (e.g., predation and herbivory), thus potentially reducing the resilience of the entire ecosystem.     

天津近海鱼类群落结构及功能群组成初步研究

鱼类群落结构和功能群组成是了解水域生态系统的结构和功能的基础,本研究基于2018年4月、6—11月底拖网鱼类资源调查数据,分析了天津近海鱼类群落结构和功能群组成。调查共捕获鱼类23种,隶属于6目14科20属,主要以暖温性底层鱼类和中上层鱼类为主。优势种以矛尾鰕虎鱼(Chaetueichthysstigmatias)、六丝矛尾鰕虎鱼(Chaetueichthyshexanema)、短吻红舌鳎(Cynoglossusjoyneri)等小型鱼类为主,其中矛尾鰕虎鱼为各月共有优势种。根据月间CLUSTER聚类分析结果,可将天津近海鱼类群落分为3个组,其中,4月为一组,6—9月为一组,10—11月为一组。根据各鱼种饵料组成进行聚类分析,天津近海鱼类群落由浮游动物食性功能群、广食性功能群、杂食性功能群、虾/鱼食性功能群、鱼食性功能群和底栖动物食性功能群,其中杂食性功能群、虾/鱼食性功能群和广食性功能群为主要功能群。