Pomacanthus Arcuatus Research Articles

Functional diversity in herbivorous fishes on Caribbean reefs: The role of macroalgal traits in driving interspecific differences in feeding behavior

Understanding how functional traits drive plant-herbivore interactions often illuminates the mechanisms driving niche partitioning and functional diversity in this important guild of consumers. On coral reefs, a diverse suite of herbivorous fishes is key for controlling algal abundance and impacting benthic community dynamics. Here, we focus on how algal traits shape complementarity in feeding for a diverse suite of large herbivorous fishes on a coral reef in the wider Caribbean. We used feeding assays in the field to document feeding patterns of the different herbivorous fishes across 50 species of macroalgae. Then, we used a suite of macroalgal traits such as dry mass, nutrient content, calcification, and chemical defenses to assess how these traits influenced patterns of consumption. Algal defenses were the major traits determining the overall vulnerability of algae to herbivores, with uncalcified algae from undefended genera being consumed 40% more rapidly than algae that were either calcified or chemically defended. Nutrient content of algae explained little in patterns of overall herbivory. We found significant niche diversification in feeding both among and within genera with the three major genera having unique feeding patterns on different suites of algae (Acanthurus spp. - red macroalgae, Sparisoma spp. - brown and green macroalgae, and Scarus spp. - benthic filamentous algae). With respect to how algal traits influenced patterns of feeding in individual species, we found that: (1) some herbivore species were almost exclusively influenced by avoiding algal defenses, (2) some species showed strong interactions between algal defenses and nutrient content that determined their feeding, and (3) some species (Kyphosus spp., Pomacanthus arcuatus) targeted chemically-defended algae with high nutrient content. Our work highlights the role that algal traits play in influencing patterns in the diversity and redundancy of feeding in herbivorous fishes on coral reefs.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Pomacanthus arcuatus (Perciformes, Pomacanthidae)

Pomacanthus arcuatus is one of most important genera of Pomacanthidae. However, the systemically classification and taxonomic studies have so far been limited. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of P. arcuatus. The mitogenome has 16,718 base pairs (54.4% A + T content) and made up of total of 37 genes (13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNAs and 2 ribosomal RNAs), and a putative control region. This study will provide useful genetic information for future phylogenetic and taxonomic classification of Pomacanthidae.

Spongivory by Fishes on Southwestern Atlantic Coral Reefs: No Evidence of Top-Down Control on Sponge Assemblages

Predator-prey dynamics can affect assemblage structure and ecosystem processes representing a central theory in ecology. In coral reef ecosystems, recent evidences have suggested that sponge assemblages in regions with high diversity, like the Caribbean, are controlled by reef fishes (i.e. top-down control); however, this has been poorly studied in low diversity coral reefs. This study investigated the influence of fish predators on sponge assemblage structure in South Atlantic coral reefs, systems with high endemism and relatively low hermatypic coral diversity. We investigates (i) whether sponge cover is negatively correlated to spongivorous fish density, (ii) potential spongivory effects on competitive interactions between sponges and hermatypic corals and (iii) foraging preferences of spongivorous fishes. Benthic cover and spongivorous fish density were assessed by photo samplingt and visual census, respectively. We did not observe a negative correlation of the total density of sponge fish with total sponge cover . However, a significant negative correlation between density of fish species Pomacanthus arcuatus and cover of sponge species Scopalina ruetzleri was found. Spongivorous fish consumed preferentially the sponges Desmapsamma anchorata, Niphates erecta, Aplysina cauliformis and Scopalina ruetzleri, the first two species considered palatable and the second two with chemically defense mechanism. An increase to angelfish density was not related with the number of coral-sponge encounters. Thus, the effects of spongivorous fishes on sponges cover and competitive interactions with hermatypic corals is weaker in Southwestern Atlantic than previously reported in Caribbean coral reefs. We discuss how local human impacts (e.g. fishing and nutrients input) can influence the observed patterns.

Relationships between fish size and otolith measurements for 33 fish species caught by bottom trawl in Haizhou Bay, China

Information from otoliths, together with data such as fish length and growth, can be a useful tool for population identification, aging, and feeding studies as well as stock assessments (Harvey et al., 2000; H€ ussy et al., 2010; Jawad et al., 2011). Since Trout (1954) and Templemann and Squires (1956) studied the relationship between cod size and otolith measurements, relationships between fish size and otolith dimensions have been explored for many species (Jawad et al., 2012). For example, Steward et al. (2009) used the relationship between fish length and otolith dimensions to predict age in gray angelfish, and Ag€ uera and Brophy (2011) used otolith shape analysis for the discrimination of Atlantic saury stocks. Haizhou Bay is an open bay on the western margin of the southern Yellow Sea and historically an important fishing ground. The bay still serves as a critical spawning and nursery habitat for many commercial fish species, such as Larimichthys polyactis, Setipinna taty and Engraulis japonicas (Editorial Board of Annals of Bays in China, 1993). The relationship between fish length and otolith dimensions can be described by using a simple linear regression (Harvey et al., 2000; Jawad and Al-Mamry, 2012), but these relationships between fish size and their otolith dimensions are lacking in the literature for species living in the Haizhou Bay. The objective of this study was to determine the relationships between fish length and otolith dimensions (otolith length, width, long radius and short radius) using simple linear regression for 33 species in Haizhou Bay. These results can provide a foundation for further research on these species, which may require knowledge of these relationships.

Length-based indicators of fishery and ecosystem status: Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, Belize

For the spear gun fishery at Glover's Reef, Belize, we used catch length frequencies to infer whether each of the eight most common species was likely to be overfished (spawning stock biomass<target) or experiencing overfishing (fishing mortality rate F>natural mortality rate M). We used Monte Carlo simulations to determine whether the results were sensitive to uncertainty about natural mortality, asymptotic length, growth rate and length at maturity. We found that black grouper Mycteroperca bonaci is overfished, and Nassau grouper Epinephelus striatus, schoolmaster snapper Lutjanus apodus and mutton snapper Lutjanus analis are probably overfished, but hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus, stoplight parrotfish Sparisoma viride, French angelfish Pomacanthus paru and gray angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus are probably not overfished. All species except French angelfish were experiencing overfishing across a range of life history parameters. Nassau grouper, black grouper and mutton snapper were often caught below the size at maturity Lm. The results were sensitive to different assumed values of the life history parameters. Life history parameters can vary regionally for many reef fishes, and there have been few life history studies in the western Caribbean; such studies would greatly improve estimates of stock status. We also calculated six multispecies indicators of fishery status. The mean length relative to Lm was greater than 1.0 and constant between 2005 and 2011. Mean trophic level, mean maximum size, and fraction piscivores increased between 2005 and 2011, partly due to the fact that parrotfish, previously an important component of the catch, have been prohibited beginning in 2009. Mean catch per unit effort declined. Given that black grouper, Nassau grouper, mutton snapper and schoolmaster snapper are found to be overfished and experiencing overfishing under most values of the life history parameters, we recommend size or catch limits for these species.

Investigating the behavioural responses of trapped fishes using underwater video surveillance

An underwater video surveillance system known as TrapCam was used to continuously record (15 ×c. 24 h periods) fish behaviour within and immediately surrounding an experimental fish trap situated in a coral reef ecosystem in the United States Virgin Islands. Of the 100 fishes (18 species, 12 families) trapped, surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) and snappers (Lutjanidae) were most common. Thirteen distinctively identifiable behaviours were observed for trapped fishes. Species did not differ significantly in the proportion of time allocated to different behaviours (ANOSIM, R = 0·142). Doctorfish Acanthurus chirurgus and grey angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus allocated the largest proportion of their recorded time to enter and exit the trap. Fishes spent an average of 15 min in the trap before escaping. Sixty-seven per cent of trap approaches consisted of an individual of the same species as one already trapped suggesting that conspecific attraction may have occurred. Fifteen per cent of trapped species were observed with abrasions to the head and 70% were observed approaching the trap corners. The results of this study provide a greater understanding of the behavioural interactions between fishes and traps that can help explain patterns of catch composition, the physical condition of fishes in traps and inform design of gear modifications to optimize by-catch reduction in the trap fishery.

High intraspecific variation in the diet of the french angelfish Pomacanthus paru in the south-western Atlantic

Grazing by reef fishes is among the most important biotic factors controlling the structure of benthic communities in coral reefs and tropical rocky shores (e.g., HIXON, 1983). Exclusion experiments have widely demonstrated that fish grazing is a key factor determining algal abundance, with direct and indirect effects on corals and other competing benthic organisms (e.g., SAMMARCO, 1983; LEWIS, 1986; HUGUES et al., 2007). Grazer exclusion reduces the resilience of coral reefs in face of disturbances such as hurricanes, bleaching events, and climate change (HUGUES et al., 2007; MUMBY, 2009). Underwater observations and palatability, caging and transplantation experiments indicate that grazing by reef fish also has strong influence on the abundance, distribution and shape of sponges (PAWLIK, 1998; WULFF, 2000; RUZICKA; GLEASON, 2009; LOH; PAWLIK, 2009). Angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae) are very common and conspicuous reef fishes with a circum-global distribution on tropical and warm temperate reefs. Pomacanthids feed mainly on the structurally resilient and firmly attached benthic prey items avoided by most predators (KONOW; BELLWOOD, 2005). Sponges are the dominant item in the diet of several species of the genera Holacanthus and Pomacanthus, which are therefore often called spongivorous, while algae are usually a secondary item (e.g., RANDALL; HARTMAN, 1968; HOURIGAN et al., 1989; WULFF, 1994; VERDIN et al., 2010). The diet of adult Western Atlantic angelfishes has only been studied in a few localities in the Caribbean (RANDALL; HARTMAN, 1968; HOURIGAN et al., 1989; WULFF, 1994; DUNLAP; PAWLIK, 1996; PAWLIK, 1998; SWEARINGEN; PAWLIK, 1998). In the South-western Atlantic only juveniles have been studied (SAZIMA et al., 1999; ANDREA et al., 2007). Francini-Filho and Moura (2010) observed the feeding of adult Pomacanthus arcuatus and P. paru on the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum in Abrolhos, without giving any attention to other items of their diet. Ferreira et al. (2004) and Ruzicka and Gleason (2008) stressed the need to determine the extent of geographical variation in diet composition of spongivorous reef fishes, including angelfishes, to better understand the latitudinal variation of predation and herbivory intensity on Western Atlantic coral reefs. However, virtually nothing is yet known about the feeding habits of South-western Atlantic adult angelfishes. The French angelfish Pomacanthus paru inhabits coral reefs and rocky shores from Florida (USA) to Santa Catarina State (Southern Brazil) (e.g., RANDALL; HARTMAN, 1968; FERREIRA et al., 2004). Due to its high abundance, colour pattern and large size, it is one of the most conspicuous and recognizable species of the family Pomacanthidae in the Caribbean (DELOACH, 1999). In Brazil P. paru is the most abundant angelfish and shows a patchy distribution, with peaks of abundance in Parcel Manoel Luis (0.52

Using otolith morphometrics to quickly and inexpensively predict age in the gray angelfish ( Pomacanthus arcuatus)

We examined sagittal otoliths from 398 gray angelfish ( Pomacanthus arcuatus) collected from the lower Florida Keys between September 2000 and September 2003. Fish ranged in size from 78 to 442 mm total length (TL). Males had a mean TL of 329 mm ( n = 192), females had a mean TL of 308 mm ( n = 166), and an additional 56 fish were unsexed (mean TL = 239 mm). Sectioned otoliths displayed clear increments that were used to estimate fish ages. Marginal increment analysis validated the formation of a single annulus per year. The relationship between TL and age was described by the von Bertalanffy growth equation L t = 325.1[1 − exp(−0.0601( t + 0.828))] for females and L t = 388.5[1 − exp(−0.383( t + 0.923))] for males. Females and males grew rapidly for the first 5 years of life and eventually reached asymptotic lengths of ∼325 and ∼388 mm, respectively, with a maximum estimated age of 24 years. Morphometric parameters evaluated for use in the age model for gray angelfish included fish length and weight and otolith length, width, thickness, and weight. As with fish length, otolith length and width became asymptotic between the ages of 4 and 7. Otolith weight increased throughout the life of the fish, but the rate of increase slowed with age. Only otolith thickness was linear with fish age. Stepwise forward regression resulted in the following equation: ln (age + 1) = 1.157 + 2.542 × ln(otolith thickness) indicating that otolith thickness, which explained 89% of the variation, was the best predictor of age. Additional variables did not improve the regression, nor did dividing the data into subsets based on growth rate. Once the otolith thickness–age relationship was established, the simple process of measuring otolith thickness was as effective for determining the age of gray angelfish as the far more difficult process of sectioning and reading the otoliths. Use of similar models in ageing other species, along with periodic validation to ensure that the otolith parameter–age relationship has not changed over time, could simplify age data collection for population models. This, in turn, could potentially allow fisheries to be better managed at a significantly reduced cost.

Close karyotypical relationship between two species of marine angelfishes from South Atlantic:Pomacanthus arcuatusandP. paru(Perciformes, Pomacanthidae)

AbstractSeveral cytogenetical studies on marine Perciformes have demonstrated a conservative chromosomal pattern. Despite of some exceptions, even more specialized groups such as those from coral reefs have followed this trend. Nevertheless, the number of karyotypical information on fish from this environment is relatively reduced. In this work, cytogenetical data were obtained from two species of family Pomacanthidae (Perciformes), widespread throughout the Brazilian coast and associated to reefs: Pomacanthus paru and P. arcuatus. Both species have the same chromosomal constitution. The respective karyotypes are composed by one subtelocentric pair and 23 acrocentric pairs (2n=48). Single NORs are located on short arms of the subtelocentric pair. Heterochromatic blocks are restricted to centromeres and NORs. An accentuated NOR size heteromorphism between homologous was detected and analyses by chromomycin A3 demonstrated that it can be attributed to structural chromosome differences. A model of NOR evolut...

Ability of Pederson Cleaner Shrimp To Remove Juveniles of the Parasitic Cymothoid Isopod, Anilocra Haemuli, From the Host

Eight species of prospective cleaners, four fishes (sharknosed goby Gobiosoma evelynae, and juveniles of bluehead (wrasse) Thalassoma bifasciatum, Spanish hogfish Bodianus rufus and gray angelfish Pomaccanthus arcuatus) and four shrimps (cleaner shrimp Lysmata grabhami, Pederson cleaner shrimp Periclimenes pedersoni, banded coral shrimp Stenopus hispidus and golden coral shrimp Stenopus scutellatus) were evaluated in aquaria for their ability to remove newly settled juveniles of the fish-parasitic cymothoid isopod Anilocra haemuli from French grunts Haemulon flavolineatum. Periclimenes pedersoni removed all isopods almost immediately. No other cleaners removed any isopods over a 24 hr challenge period. This study is the first evidence that cleaner shrimps can remove juvenile cymothoid isopods.

Scanning Electron Microscope Study ofBrooklynella hostilis(Protista, Ciliophora) Isolated from the Gills of Gray and French Angelfish in Florida

Abstract Protistan parasites associated with a disease syndrome in tropical fish from the lower east coast of Florida to the upper Florida Keys were investigated. One of these pathogens inducing mortality in aquariumheld French angelfish Pomacanthus paru and gray angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus is Brooklynella hostilis. This cyrtophorine ciliate was isolated from the gills and examined for the first time with scanning electron microscopy.

Four Cases of Unusual Crustacean-Fish Associations and Comments on Parasitic Processes

Abstract Unusual short-term associations provide insight into the long-term development or modification of parasitism. A superinfestation of a trap-held crevalle jack Caranx hippos by juvenile cymothoid isopods Cymothoa oestrum suggested loss of the mechanism controlling numbers of isopods on a host, and overcrowding on the host overcame this isopod's strict site specificity. Crabs (Decapoda) have not been reported as parasites of fishes, but unidentified crab zoeae superinfested the gills of a trap-held gray angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus. Adult burrowing crabs Raninoides lamarcki invaded the gills of trap-held gray snapper Lutjanus griseus; this suggested how a relatively large crustacean could become an opercular chamber parasite and how wound feeding could occur. An apparent prey-to-predator transfer of the cymothoid isopod Anilocra acuta to a free-swimming king mackerel Scomberomorus cavalla also represented a move from an external to a pharyngeal-attachment position in this site-specific isopod. Tra...

The feeding ecology of three species of Caribbean angelfishes (family Pomacanthidae)

The foraging behavior and associated morphology of the feeding apparatus of three sympatric species of angelfishes, Holacanthus tricolor, Pomacanthus arcuatus and Pomacanthus paru were studied at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. All three had overlapping diets, consisting of algae and numerous species of sponges. The two Pomacanthus species also fed on gorgonians. The morphology of the dentition, jaws and gill rakers was similar in all three species. Male Holacanthus tricolor defended territories overlapping the foraging areas of two to four females. Within the male's territory, females defended smaller territories against other females of the same size, but tolerated smaller females. In contrast, both Pomacanthus spp. formed pairs which defended intraspecific feeding territories.

Distribution and Relative Abundance of Butterflyfishes and Angelfishes Across a Lagoon and Barrier Reef, Andros Island, Bahamas

Juveniles of Chaetodon capistratus, C. striatus, C. ocellatus, C. sedentarius, Pomacanthus arcuatus, P. paru, Holacanthus ciliaris, and H. tricolor occurred in the shallow lagoon habitats. Adults and subadults of these species were associated with the deeper barrier reef and seaward platform habitats. C. aculeatus occurred only on the outer seaward platform. In strip transects at a seaward platform site, C. capistratus and H. tricolor were found with significantly greater abundance than P. paru and C. striatus.

Courtship, spawning and inferred social organization of American angelfishes (Genera Pomacanthus, Holacanthus and Centropyge; pomacanthidae)

Courtship, spawning and social organization are described for six species of American angelfishes, with notes provided on three additional species. In all species discussed, as well as all those in the western Pacific for which data are available, spawning occurs daily, throughout all or most of the lunar cycle, and involves pairing only. Both permanent sexual dichromatism and temporary dichromatism during courtship and spawning occur sporadically in the family and do not yet clearly correlate with any specific social regime. Sexual size dimorphism (males larger than females) is manifest by the genera Centropyge, Genicanthus, Holacanthus, and possibly Pomacanthus. Although protogynous hermaphroditism is documented for some angelfishes, it may be premature to conclude this for all, given the highly variable nature of their grouping. Social organizations vary from apparent monogamy (Pomacanthus paru) to male-dominated harems (Holacanthus ciliaris, H. tricolor, Centropyge argi) and to apparently promiscuous explosive breeding assemblages (Pomacanthus arcuatus) and a lek-like system (Holacanthus passer). Variation within some species may be as extreme. This flexibility suggests that selective pressures may not be unidirectional over a species' entire range. Consequently, manifested characteristics may vary geographically or may be some compromise determined by the degree of population panmyxia and the number and fecundity of individuals in each selective regime.

A Study of the Behavior of Some Tagged South Florida Coral Reef Fishes

Several of the larger species of fishes found on the unique patch reefs of south Florida were trapped and tagged over a one-year period. Many of these were recaptured, some as many as 10 to 41 times, and almost invariably on their home reefs (point of initial capture). In repeated recaptures of the same individual we suspect trap conditioning, but even so we conclude that the species was restricted to its home reef. Transplants of small numbers of white grunts indicated a tendency to home. Tenacity of home reef occupation was also indicated by lack of displacement of tagged fishes by a severe hurricane which occurred during the study. There are indications that entrance of fishes into the traps was sea- sonally affected, with the most activity occurring in the warm months. We do not know if decreased numbers of fishes or a change in behavior, or both, accounted for this seasonality, but in at least one instance (gray angelfish) the species appeared to be relatively abundant during all sea- sons, while in another (white grunt) there appeared to be a decrease in numbers (as determined from another study conducted contempo- raneously).

THE ACOUSTICAL BEHAVIOR OF SOME FISHES IN THE BIMINI AREA

1. On the basis of observations and recordings at sea and in the laboratory, the acoustical behavior of 13 species of Bahamian fishes is described, and their sounds are defined. Twenty-six species producing no calls in the course of this study are specified.2. The most important sound-producers among fishes of the Bimini area are the squirrelfish, Holocentrus ascensionis, and the Nassau grouper, Epinephalus striatus. Their characteristic sounds may be anticipated when these species encounter a strange object at sea, and probably generally during the daytime along the edges of the Great Bahama Bank.3. A single observation has indicated that calling is a component of recognition behavior in the black angelfish, Pomacanthus arcuatus. The families Chaetodontidae and Holocentridae should be added to lists of fish families containing calling members.4. The usefulness of underwater listening in studying the distribution of some calling fishes has been demonstrated in the cases of the squirrelfish and Nassau grouper.