Pair-formation in coral reef fishes: an ecological perspective

Brandl, Simon J.;Bellwood, David R.

Abstract

Pair-formation is a common social system among animals. However, the use of the term 'pair-formation' is often ambiguous, and the assumed reproductive importance of pairing often supersedes consideration of aspects that are more social or ecological. This review provides a new social-ecological definition of pair-formation, examines the prevalence of pair- formation among coral reef fishes, and assesses the ecological and reproductive characteristics of pair- forming reef fishes. Of 1981 Indo- Pacific reef fish species examined in this review, 341 (17.2%) are reported to live in pairs. Pair forming has been reported in 29 families, with 5 families (Malacanthidae, Chaetodontidae, Siganidae, Syngnathidae, Ptereleotridae) having more than half of their species reported to form pairs. Two traits appear to favour the formation of social, cooperative pairs: (1) foraging on small, benthic, and relatively immobile prey; and (2) living in burrows. In contrast, there are limited similarities among pair- forming species with regard to their mating system or spawning mode. It appears that the basis of pair- formation in reef fishes is complex and may involve a range of ecological factors related to food procurement and predation risk.

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Oceanography and Marine Biology: an annual review

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0078-3218

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Taylor & Francis

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DOI

10.1201/b17143-2