Novel Interaction between a Rabbitfish and Black Corals

Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCU
Gress Hernandez, Erika;Bridge, Tom;Fyfe, Justin;Galbraith, Gemma
Tom BridgeGemma Galbraith
Abstract

Herbivorous fishes play important functional roles in coral reef ecosystems, and their influence on mediating competitive dynamics between corals and macroalgae is well studied. Nonetheless, direct interactions between herbivorous fishes and corals may also be relevant, although these are less studied. Here, we describe a series of observations of schools of the herbivorous streaked rabbitfish (Siganus javus) nibbling on black corals (order Antipatharia) at the SS Yongala wreck, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We provide a hypothesis that may explain this behaviour, which, if confirmed, would represent a mechanism influencing the health of the corals. Moreover, this interaction extends the typical coral–algae competition for space paradigm and furthers knowledge of complex relationships between coral reef organisms.

Journal

Oceans

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Volume

4

ISBN/ISSN

2673-1924

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Pages Count

6

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Publisher

MDPI AG

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EISSN

N/A

DOI

10.3390/oceans4030016