Scholarlink

<p>Soft corals are dominant benthic components of coral reefs, yet their ecological role for fishes remains unclear, as most studies focus on their deterrence and toxicity. Recent research highlights their function as habitats. This study assessed the ecological importance of soft corals to reef fishes by examining fish abundance, richness, community assemblage, and residence times across four soft coral genera<i>: Lobophytum</i>, <i>Sarcophyton</i>, <i>Sclerophytum</i>, and <i>Isis</i>. Stationary underwater video cameras recorded fish associations in Panacalan Reef, Municipality of Anda, Pangasinan Province, Philippines. A total of 428 fishes from 36 species were documented, with <i>Halichoeres melanurus</i>, <i>Cheilinus chlorourus</i>, and <i>Pomacentrus burroughi</i> dominant across all genera. Unique dominant species were also observed; the farmerfish <i>Stegastes lacrymatus</i> and the planktivore <i>Dascyllus reticulatus</i> were most abundant in <i>Isis</i>. Fish association was highest with <i>Isis</i>, where abundance, richness, and residence time peaked. Possible reasons include its structural complexity (greater protection), a larger surface area for food availability, and an absence of strong chemical deterrents. In contrast, sarcophytid corals, particularly <i>Lobophytum</i>, had the lowest fish association, possibly due to weaker structural protection and chemical defenses that limited utilization. Species-specific behaviors, including mobility and swimming patterns, and diet, also influenced associations. Most species recorded were known soft coral associates, underscoring the functional importance of soft corals as fish habitats. Soft corals contribute to reef complexity, promoting fish diversity and abundance, and additional taxa may support even greater fish abundance and species richness. Further research on soft coral chemistry is recommended to explain variation in fish utilization among species.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Community structure and residence time of fishes associated with select soft coral taxa in Anda, Pangasinan, northwestern Philippines

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月18日

查看全文
  • Romina Therese S. Lim,
  • Cleto L. Nañola Jr.,
  • Maria Vanessa Baria-Rodriguez

摘要

Soft corals are dominant benthic components of coral reefs, yet their ecological role for fishes remains unclear, as most studies focus on their deterrence and toxicity. Recent research highlights their function as habitats. This study assessed the ecological importance of soft corals to reef fishes by examining fish abundance, richness, community assemblage, and residence times across four soft coral genera: Lobophytum, Sarcophyton, Sclerophytum, and Isis. Stationary underwater video cameras recorded fish associations in Panacalan Reef, Municipality of Anda, Pangasinan Province, Philippines. A total of 428 fishes from 36 species were documented, with Halichoeres melanurus, Cheilinus chlorourus, and Pomacentrus burroughi dominant across all genera. Unique dominant species were also observed; the farmerfish Stegastes lacrymatus and the planktivore Dascyllus reticulatus were most abundant in Isis. Fish association was highest with Isis, where abundance, richness, and residence time peaked. Possible reasons include its structural complexity (greater protection), a larger surface area for food availability, and an absence of strong chemical deterrents. In contrast, sarcophytid corals, particularly Lobophytum, had the lowest fish association, possibly due to weaker structural protection and chemical defenses that limited utilization. Species-specific behaviors, including mobility and swimming patterns, and diet, also influenced associations. Most species recorded were known soft coral associates, underscoring the functional importance of soft corals as fish habitats. Soft corals contribute to reef complexity, promoting fish diversity and abundance, and additional taxa may support even greater fish abundance and species richness. Further research on soft coral chemistry is recommended to explain variation in fish utilization among species.