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<p>Goatfishes (family Mullidae) are a common fish group and important fishery target in coral reefs. This study examined the species-specific and size-related spatial distribution of seven goatfish species in relation to environmental characteristics as well as their variations in substrate utilization for foraging in an Okinawan coral reef. All size classes (5–32&#xa0;cm in total length) of four species (<i>Parupeneus barberinoides</i>, <i>P. barberinus</i>, <i>P. pleurostigma</i>, and <i>Mulloidichthys flavolineatus</i>) showed greater densities at sites with a greater coverage of sand in inner reefs and significant positive utilization of sand as feeding substrates. For <i>P. multifasciatus</i>, smaller (≤ 10 cm) and larger-sized individuals (11–25 cm) showed greater density at sites with a greater coverage of macroalgae in inner reefs and greater coverage of coral rubble in exposed and inner reefs, respectively. <i>Parupeneus multifasciatus</i> also showed positive utilization of rock and coral rubble as feeding substrates. Most size class individuals of <i>P. cyclostomus</i> (≤ 10 cm and 16–25 cm) and <i>M. vanicolensis</i> (11–25&#xa0;cm) showed greater densities at sites with a greater coverage of rock, branching <i>Acropora</i> spp. and other corals. <i>Parupeneus cyclostomus</i> also utilized rock, dead corals, and coral rubble as feeding substrates but such utilization was not significant. <i>Mulloidichthys vanicolensis</i> showed no feeding behavior. This study indicated that a greater coverage of sand, coral rubble, and rock has positive effects on the spatial distribution of goatfish assemblages, suggesting that the coverage of non-coralline substrates is an important indicator for selecting candidate marine protected areas for maintaining the diversity of goatfish species.</p>

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Species-specific and size-related spatial distribution, and feeding substrates of goatfishes (family Mullidae) in relation to environmental characteristics on an Okinawan coral reef

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月18日

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  • Atsushi Nanami

摘要

Goatfishes (family Mullidae) are a common fish group and important fishery target in coral reefs. This study examined the species-specific and size-related spatial distribution of seven goatfish species in relation to environmental characteristics as well as their variations in substrate utilization for foraging in an Okinawan coral reef. All size classes (5–32 cm in total length) of four species (Parupeneus barberinoides, P. barberinus, P. pleurostigma, and Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) showed greater densities at sites with a greater coverage of sand in inner reefs and significant positive utilization of sand as feeding substrates. For P. multifasciatus, smaller (≤ 10 cm) and larger-sized individuals (11–25 cm) showed greater density at sites with a greater coverage of macroalgae in inner reefs and greater coverage of coral rubble in exposed and inner reefs, respectively. Parupeneus multifasciatus also showed positive utilization of rock and coral rubble as feeding substrates. Most size class individuals of P. cyclostomus (≤ 10 cm and 16–25 cm) and M. vanicolensis (11–25 cm) showed greater densities at sites with a greater coverage of rock, branching Acropora spp. and other corals. Parupeneus cyclostomus also utilized rock, dead corals, and coral rubble as feeding substrates but such utilization was not significant. Mulloidichthys vanicolensis showed no feeding behavior. This study indicated that a greater coverage of sand, coral rubble, and rock has positive effects on the spatial distribution of goatfish assemblages, suggesting that the coverage of non-coralline substrates is an important indicator for selecting candidate marine protected areas for maintaining the diversity of goatfish species.