Artigo de Periódico
How wave exposure, group size and habitat complexity influence foraging and population densities in fishes of the genus Halichoeres (Perciformes: Labridae) on tropical rocky shores
Fecha
2013Registro en:
0025-3162
v. 160, n. 9
Autor
Nunes, José de Anchieta Cintra da Costa
Sampaio, Cláudio L. S.
Barros, Francisco
Nunes, José de Anchieta Cintra da Costa
Sampaio, Cláudio L. S.
Barros, Francisco
Institución
Resumen
Wave exposure and habitat complexity have
been used to explain variations in the distribution patterns
and behavior of many reef fishes. This study analyzed the
influence of both factors on density and foraging activity,
and the influence of group size on foraging in three species
of the genus Halichoeres (Labridae) on tropical rocky
shores. It was shown that initial phases (IP) and terminal
phases (TP) Halichoeres, were influenced by wave exposure,
although foraging in Halichoeres brasiliensis TP was
not influenced by wave exposure. The IP in all three species
were positively associated with rugosity and algal
cover while the TP was positively associated with depth.
Habitat complexity also influences foraging in these species.
Group size influenced foraging activity, except in
H. brasiliensis TP. We also found variations in microhabitat
patches used for foraging between species and
differences in the stomach contents between species and
phases, showing that functional roles change in response to
ontogenetic shifts.