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Diversity
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Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish
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Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish

A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine Diversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2021) | Viewed by 24383

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Sonia Bejarano

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
Interests: functional ecology; functional traits and species vulnerability to perturbations; coral reef ecosystem functions and resilience; spatial and temporal variability of herbivorous fish and herbivory rates;impacts of fisheries on coral reef ecosystems
Prof. Andrew Hoey

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
Interests: herbivory; ecological resilience; parrotfishes; rabbitfishes; reef fish ecology; habitat structure; functional ecology; reef processes; ecology of macroalgae
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Herbivorous fish can have a profound effect on the distribution, abundance, and diversity of marine plant communities. Changes in feeding behaviour, abundance, or biodiversity can modify the levels and/or make-up of herbivory and may lead to drastic transformations of highly productive ecosystems into less prolific ones. The biology, ecology, and ecosystem roles of key marine tropical herbivorous fish species have attracted considerable research attention over several decades. Recently, however, important interspecific differences have been found within the herbivorous fish guild in food acquisition mechanisms, type and nutritional content of plant/algal material targeted, and their ecological impact. These findings have challenged the previously accepted tendency to quantify overall herbivore abundance as a direct proxy for herbivory and have led to the emergence of novel approaches (e.g., trait-based) to investigate temporal and spatial patterns of herbivore biodiversity. This Special Issue provides a platform to advance the understanding of i) spatial and temporal patterns of multiple facets of herbivorous fish biodiversity, ii) changes in herbivore biodiversity in response to perturbations, iii) nutritional ecology of herbivores, iv) the effectiveness of conservation strategies in preserving high levels of herbivore biodiversity, and v) climate-driven latitudinal changes in herbivore biodiversity. We particularly welcome biodiversity-oriented studies that further our knowledge on the functional ecology and evolution of herbivorous fishes and find parallels or contrasts across marine and freshwater ecosystems and tropical, subtropical, and temperate latitudes.

Dr. Sonia Bejarano
Prof. Andrew Hoey
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Herbivorous fish
  • Functional traits
  • Functional diversity
  • Nutritional ecology
  • Marine protected areas
  • Fishing regulations
  • Environmental gradients
  • Ecosystem function

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 6305 KiB  
Article
Seascape Configuration Leads to Spatially Uneven Delivery of Parrotfish Herbivory across a Western Indian Ocean Seascape
by Linda Eggertsen, Whitney Goodell, César A. M. M. Cordeiro, Thiago C. Mendes, Guilherme O. Longo, Carlos E. L. Ferreira and Charlotte Berkström
Diversity 2020, 12(11), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12110434 - 18 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4232
Abstract
Spatial configuration of habitat types in multihabitat seascapes influence ecological function through links of biotic and abiotic processes. These connections, for example export of organic matter or fishes as mobile links, define ecosystem functionality across broader spatial scales. Herbivory is an important ecological [...] Read more.
Spatial configuration of habitat types in multihabitat seascapes influence ecological function through links of biotic and abiotic processes. These connections, for example export of organic matter or fishes as mobile links, define ecosystem functionality across broader spatial scales. Herbivory is an important ecological process linked to ecosystem resilience, but it is not clear how herbivory relates to seascape configuration. We studied how herbivory and bioerosion by 3 species of parrotfish were distributed in a multi-habitat tropical seascape in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). We surveyed the abundance of three species with different life histories—Leptoscarus vaigiensis (seagrass species), Scarus ghobban (juvenile-seagrass/adults-reefs) and Scarus rubroviolaceus (reef species) —in seagrass meadows and on reefs and recorded their selectivity of feeding substrate in the two habitats. Herbivory rates for L. vaigiensis and S. ghobban and bioerosion for S. rubroviolaceus were then modelled using bite rates for different size classes and abundance and biomass data along seascape gradients (distance to alternative habitat types such as land, mangrove and seagrass). Bioerosion by S. rubroviolaceus was greatest on reefs far from seagrass meadows, while herbivory rates by S. ghobban on reefs displayed the opposite pattern. Herbivory in seagrass meadows was greatest in meadows close to shore, where L. vaigiensis targeted seagrass leaves and S. ghobban the epiphytes growing on them. Our study shows that ecological functions performed by fish are not equally distributed in the seascape and are influenced by fish life history and the spatial configuration of habitats in the seascape. This has implications for the resilience of the system, in terms of spatial heterogeneity of herbivory and bioerosion and should be considered in marine spatial planning and fisheries management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish)
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20 pages, 787 KiB  
Article
Stable Isotope Dynamics of Herbivorous Reef Fishes and Their Ectoparasites
by William G. Jenkins, Amanda W. J. Demopoulos, Matthew D. Nicholson and Paul C. Sikkel
Diversity 2020, 12(11), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12110429 - 14 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3512
Abstract
Acanthurids (surgeonfishes) are an abundant and diverse group of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs. While their contribution to trophic linkages and dynamics in coral reef systems has received considerable attention, the role of linkages involving their parasites has not. As both consumers of [...] Read more.
Acanthurids (surgeonfishes) are an abundant and diverse group of herbivorous fishes on coral reefs. While their contribution to trophic linkages and dynamics in coral reef systems has received considerable attention, the role of linkages involving their parasites has not. As both consumers of fish tissue and prey to microcarnivores, external parasites may play a significant role in trophic transfer between primary consumers (and hence their predominantly algae-based diet) and the broader coral reef community. Stable isotope analysis is a common tool for studying trophic linkages which can be used for studies involving parasites. We examined the stable isotope ecology (13C and 15N) of copepod (Caligus atromaculatus) and monogenean (Neobenedenia sp.) ectoparasites collected from two species of Caribbean acanthurids (Acanthurus coeruleus and Acanthurus bahianus). There were significant intraspecific differences in isotope discrimination factors between parasites collected from the two different host species as well as interspecific differences between parasites collected from the same host species. Discrimination factors for 15N were consistently positive but varied in magnitude depending on host and parasite species and were slightly lower than what would be expected for consumers. The 13C discrimination factors for both monogeneans and copepods collected from A. coeruleus were consistently positive but were negative for copepods collected from A. bahianus. These findings emphasize the complexity of the stable isotope trophic interactions occurring between parasites and their hosts, highlighting the value of these types of host-parasite isotopic studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish)
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19 pages, 1961 KiB  
Article
Seascape Configuration and Fine-Scale Habitat Complexity Shape Parrotfish Distribution and Function across a Coral Reef Lagoon
by Maria Eggertsen, Dinorah H Chacin, Joshua van Lier, Linda Eggertsen, Christopher J Fulton, Shaun Wilson, Christina Halling and Charlotte Berkström
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100391 - 13 Oct 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4539
Abstract
Structural complexity spanning fine to broad spatial scales can influence the distribution and activity of key organisms within marine ecosystems. However, the relative importance of hard (e.g., corals) and/or soft (e.g., macroalgae) structural complexity for marine organisms is often unclear. This study shows [...] Read more.
Structural complexity spanning fine to broad spatial scales can influence the distribution and activity of key organisms within marine ecosystems. However, the relative importance of hard (e.g., corals) and/or soft (e.g., macroalgae) structural complexity for marine organisms is often unclear. This study shows how both broad-scale (seascape configuration of coral structure) and fine-scale habitat complexity (structure height, number of holes, and presence of macroalgae) can influence the abundance and spatial ecology of reef fish. Underwater visual census of fish, surveys of habitats, remote underwater videos, and behavioral observations by following individual fish were used to quantify fine-scale habitat characteristics (e.g., complexity, coral structure height, macroalgae presence) and the abundance, size structure, and behavior (rates of herbivory, tortuosity ratios and total distance travelled) of abundant parrotfish. Both seascape configuration and macroalgae influenced the patterns of fish abundance and rates of herbivory. However, these relationships varied with trophic groups and ontogenetic stages. Abundance of adult and intermediate-phase parrotfishes was positively influenced by densely aggregated coral structures, whereas juvenile abundance was positively influenced by the presence of macroalgae. Foraging path and bite rates of an abundant parrotfish, Chlorurus spilurus, were not influenced by coral structure configuration or height, but the presence of macroalgae increased the bite rates of all juvenile parrotfish. Our results suggest that a combination of seascape configuration, fine-scale habitat complexity, and microhabitat selectivity influence reef fish community structure and foraging behavior, thus altering herbivory. However, these relationships can differ among functional groups of fish and life-history stages. Information on these fish–habitat interactions is critical for identifying habitats that facilitate ecological functions and ensures the successful management and conservation of essential habitats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish)
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17 pages, 3043 KiB  
Article
Inter-Habitat Variability in Parrotfish Bioerosion Rates and Grazing Pressure on an Indian Ocean Reef Platform
by Robert T. Yarlett, Chris T. Perry, Rod W. Wilson and Alastair R. Harborne
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 381; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100381 - 02 Oct 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2987
Abstract
Parrotfish perform a variety of vital ecological functions on coral reefs, but we have little understanding of how these vary spatially as a result of inter-habitat variability in species assemblages. Here, we examine how two key ecological functions that result from parrotfish feeding, [...] Read more.
Parrotfish perform a variety of vital ecological functions on coral reefs, but we have little understanding of how these vary spatially as a result of inter-habitat variability in species assemblages. Here, we examine how two key ecological functions that result from parrotfish feeding, bioerosion and substrate grazing, vary between habitats over a reef scale in the central Maldives. Eight distinct habitats were delineated in early 2015, prior to the 2016 bleaching event, each supporting a unique parrotfish assemblage. Bioerosion rates varied from 0 to 0.84 ± 0.12 kg m−2 yr−1 but were highest in the coral rubble- and Pocillopora spp.-dominated habitat. Grazing pressure also varied markedly between habitats but followed a different inter-habitat pattern from that of bioerosion, with different contributing species. Total parrotfish grazing pressure ranged from 0 to ~264 ± 16% available substrate grazed yr-1 in the branching Acropora spp.-dominated habitat. Despite the importance of these functions in influencing reef-scale physical structure and ecological health, the highest rates occurred over less than 30% of the platform area. The results presented here provide new insights into within-reef variability in parrotfish ecological functions and demonstrate the importance of considering how these interact to influence reef geo-ecology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish)
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16 pages, 2691 KiB  
Article
Site-Level Variation in Parrotfish Grazing and Bioerosion as a Function of Species-Specific Feeding Metrics
by Ines D Lange, Chris T Perry, Kyle M Morgan, Ronan Roche, Cassandra E Benkwitt and Nicholas AJ Graham
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100379 - 02 Oct 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4325
Abstract
Parrotfish provide important ecological functions on coral reefs, including the provision of new settlement space through grazing and the generation of sediment through bioerosion of reef substrate. Estimating these functions at an ecosystem level depends on accurately quantifying the functional impact of individuals, [...] Read more.
Parrotfish provide important ecological functions on coral reefs, including the provision of new settlement space through grazing and the generation of sediment through bioerosion of reef substrate. Estimating these functions at an ecosystem level depends on accurately quantifying the functional impact of individuals, yet parrotfish feeding metrics are only available for a limited range of sites, species and size classes. We quantified bite rates, proportion of bites leaving scars and scar sizes in situ for the dominant excavator (Cetoscarus ocellatus, Chlorurus strongylocephalus, Ch. sordidus) and scraper species (Scarus rubroviolaceus, S. frenatus, S. niger, S. tricolor, S. scaber, S. psittacus) in the central Indian Ocean. This includes the first record of scar frequencies and sizes for the latter three species. Bite rates varied with species and life phase and decreased with body size. The proportion of bites leaving scars and scar sizes differed among species and increased with body size. Species-level allometric relationships between body size and each of these feeding metrics were used to parameterize annual individual grazing and bioerosion rates which increase non-linearly with body size. Large individuals of C. ocellatus, Ch. strongylocephalus and S. rubroviolaceus can graze 200–400 m2 and erode >500 kg of reef substrate annually. Smaller species graze 1–100 m2 yr−1 and erode 0.2–30 kg yr−1. We used these individual functional rates to quantify community grazing and bioerosion levels at 15 sites across the Maldives and the Chagos Archipelago. Although parrotfish density was 2.6 times higher on Maldivian reefs, average grazing (3.9 ± 1.4 m2 m−2 reef yr−1) and bioerosion levels (3.1 ± 1.2 kg m−2 reef yr−1) were about 15% lower than in the Chagos Archipelago (4.5 ± 2.3 and 3.7 ± 3.0, respectively), due to the dominance of small species and individuals in the Maldives (90% <30 cm length). This demonstrates that large-bodied species and individuals contribute disproportionally to both grazing and bioerosion. Across all sites, grazing increased by 66 ± 5 m2 ha−1 and bioerosion by 109 ± 9 kg ha−1 for every kg increase in parrotfish biomass. However, for a given level of parrotfish biomass, grazing and bioerosion levels were higher on Maldivian reefs than in the Chagos Archipelago. This suggests that small-bodied fish assemblages can maintain ecosystem functions, but only if key species are present in sufficiently high numbers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish)
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18 pages, 2310 KiB  
Article
Unravelling Seascape Patterns of Cryptic Life Stages: Non-Reef Habitat Use in Juvenile Parrotfishes
by Katie T. Sievers, Rene A. Abesamis, Abner A. Bucol and Garry R. Russ
Diversity 2020, 12(10), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/d12100376 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3730
Abstract
Juvenile fish often use alternative habitats distinct from their adult phases. Parrotfishes are an integral group of coral reef fish assemblages, are targeted in fisheries, are sensitive to reef disturbances, and have been documented as multiple-habitat users. Considering the abundance of research conducted [...] Read more.
Juvenile fish often use alternative habitats distinct from their adult phases. Parrotfishes are an integral group of coral reef fish assemblages, are targeted in fisheries, are sensitive to reef disturbances, and have been documented as multiple-habitat users. Considering the abundance of research conducted on parrotfishes, very little is known about their juvenile ecology at the species level due to their cryptic and variable coloration patterns. We collected juvenile parrotfishes in non-reef habitats (macroalgal beds, seagrass beds, and lagoons) in the Philippines and used DNA analysis to determine species composition. The results were then compared with data on adult parrotfish abundance from underwater visual census (UVC) surveys in coral reef and non-reef habitats. Collections identified 15 species of juvenile parrotfishes in non-reef habitats, and of these, 10 were also recorded in UVCs as adults. Informed by adult surveys, 42% of the 19 parrotfish species observed as adults were classified as multi-habitat users based on their presence in coral reef and non-reef habitats. When accounting for the occurrence of species as juveniles in non-reef habitats, 93% of the species collected as juveniles would be considered multi-habitat users. Species identified as juveniles in non-reef habitats comprised 50% of the average adult parrotfish density on coral reefs and 58–94% in non-reef habitats. The species richness of juveniles in non-reef habitats was greater than that of adults occupying the same habitats, and the most common adult species observed in UVCs was not collected as juveniles in non-reef habitats. Finally, UVC suggested that 97% of juvenile parrotfish <10-cm total length was present in non-reef habitats compared to coral reefs. These results provide further evidence for ontogenetic movement across habitat boundaries for parrotfish species in a diverse and highly connected tropical seascape. This is one of the few studies to quantify links between nursery and adult habitat in parrotfishes, highlighting the importance of including non-reef habitats in ecological studies of an iconic group of coral reef fish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Ecology of Herbivorous Fish)
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