Scale-dependent patterns of variability of a grazing parrotfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leptoscarus vaigiensis</Emphasis>) in a tropical seagrass-dominated seascape |
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Authors: | Martin Gullström Charlotte Berkström Marcus C Öhman Maria Bodin Mattis Dahlberg |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Systems Ecology,Stockholm University,Stockholm,Sweden;2.Department of Zoology,Stockholm University,Stockholm,Sweden;3.Department of Marine Ecology - Kristineberg,University of Gothenburg,Fiskeb?ckskil,Sweden;4.Department of Marine Ecology - Tj?rn?,University of Gothenburg,Str?mstad,Sweden |
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Abstract: | Although herbivorous fish form critical linkages between primary producers and higher trophic levels, the major factors regulating
their spatial structure in seagrass systems remain poorly understood. The present study examined the parrotfish Leptoscarus vaigiensis in seagrass meadows of a tropical embayment in the western Indian Ocean. Stomach content analysis and direct field observations
showed that L. vaigiensis is an efficient grazer, feeding almost exclusively on seagrass leaves. Seagrass shoot density was highly correlated to all
density variables (total, juvenile and subadult) and juvenile biomass of L. vaigiensis, while subadult biomass was predicted by distance to neighbouring coral habitat. Moreover, density and biomass of predatory
fish (piscivores) were predicted by seagrass canopy height and the distribution patterns of predators followed those of L. vaigiensis. Hence, factors at local (seagrass structural complexity and feeding mode) and landscape scale levels (seascape context and
distribution of piscivores) likely mutually structure herbivorous fish communities. The findings underscore the importance
of incorporating multiple scale-dependent factors when managing coastal seagrass ecosystems and their associated key species. |
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