Ultraviolet photosensitivity and feeding in larval and juvenile coral reef fishes |
| |
Authors: | Suresh Job David R Bellwood |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Marine Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia;(2) Present address: Broome Aquaculture Centre, TAFEWA – Kimberley College, PO Box 1380, Broome, WA, 6725, Australia;(3) Present address: ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, School of Marine Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia |
| |
Abstract: | The ability of young coral reef fishes to feed using solely ultraviolet-A (UV-A) radiation during ontogeny was examined using
natural prey in experimental tanks. Larvae and juveniles of three coral reef fish species (Pomacentrus amboinensis, Premnas biaculeatus and Apogon compressus) are able to feed successfully using UV-A radiation alone during the later half of the pelagic larval phase. The minimum
UV radiation intensities required for larval feeding occur in the field down to depths of 90–130 m in oceanic waters and 15–20 m
in turbid inshore waters. There was no abrupt change in UV sensitivity after settlement, indicating that UV photosensitivity
may continue to play a significant role in benthic juveniles on coral reefs. Tests of UV sensitivity in the field using light
traps indicate that larval and juvenile stages of 16 coral reef fish families are able to detect and respond photopositively
to UV wavelengths. These include representatives from families that are unlikely to possess UV sensitivity as adults due to
the UV transmission characteristics of the ocular media. Functional UV sensitivity may be more widespread in young coral reef
fishes than in the adults, and may play a significant role in detecting zooplanktonic prey. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|