Seasonality,lunar periodicity of settlement and microhabitat association of juvenile humpback red snapper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lutjanus gibbus</Emphasis> (Lutjanidae) in an Okinawan coral reef |
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Authors: | Atsushi Nanami Hideaki Yamada |
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Institution: | (1) Ishigaki Tropical Station, Seikai National Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Research Agency, Fukai-Ota 148-446, Ishigaki Okinawa, 907-0451, Japan |
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Abstract: | Snappers (Lutjanidae) are one of the important fisheries resources in tropical and subtropical waters. However, there have
been few studies clarifying the ecology of newly settled juvenile snappers. The aims of the present study were to clarify
the seasonality and lunar periodicity of the larval settlement, and the microhabitat association of newly settled juveniles
for Lutjanus gibbus in an Okinawan coral reef. Fifteen coral patches were chosen and underwater visual surveys were conducted during a 2-year
period. The larval settlement of the species mainly occurred between May and October during the 2-year survey period. In terms
of lunar periodicity of the settlement, the newly settled juveniles were mainly found between the last quarter moon and new
moon during the main settlement season. Back calculations of settlement dates based on otolith microstructure showed that
most juveniles settled during the last quarter moon and new moon. Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that the
newly settled juveniles were mainly found on coral patches with a large number of holes on the top of the coral patch and
this tendency was mainly consistent during the study period. The volume of holes at the base of coral patches had also a positive
effect on the abundance of newly settled juveniles in some cases. The results of the present study suggest that larval settlement
has a strong seasonal and lunar periodicity, and newly settled juveniles select coral patches with available refuge spaces. |
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