Comparative study of metamorphosis in tropical reef fishes |
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Authors: | M I McCormick L Makey V Dufour |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Marine Biology, James Cook University, 4811 Townsville, Queensiand, Australia;(2) école Pratique des Hautes études, Laboratoire de Biologie marine et Malacologie, Université de Perpignan, 66025 Perpignan Cedex, France;(3) Department of Conservation, Northern Regional Office, Hamilton, New Zealand |
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Abstract: | This study explores the types of changes in pigmentation and morphology that occur immediately after settlement in 13 families
of tropical reef fishes encompassing 34 species. The morphology of individual fishes was recorded daily from when they were
first caught at night as they came into the vicinity of a reef to settle. Changes in pigmentation and morphology were species
specific and often varied greatly among species within a family or genus. Pigmentation changes were typically rapid (<36 h)
and dramatic. Morphological changes involved the elongation and regression of fin spines and changes in head shape and body
depth. Eighteen percent of species experienced changes in snout shape and dorsal spine length of greater than 5%. Similarly,
15% experienced changes in pectoral fin length and head length of greater than 5%. Changes typically occurred gradually over
6 or more days, although in about 44% of the species the major change in one of the measured body dimensions occurred rapidly
(within 36 h). Moderately strong positive relationships were found between both growth and developmental rates and the extent
of metamorphosis in the damselfishes (Pomacentridae) (r=0.48 and 0.63, respectively). This suggests there may be a minimum level of development necessary to be a fully functional
demersal juvenile. Although many of the changes that occur are subtle compared to the preceding development, these changes
occur at an important ecological transition.
Published online: 16 August 2002 |
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