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Spatial ecology of the steephead parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos): an evaluation using acoustic telemetry

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Abstract

Herbivory and other ecosystem processes are widely accepted as important factors in maintaining coral reef resilience. While the spatial scales over which these processes occur have been evaluated, the spatial ecology of individual taxa responsible for shaping these processes is almost entirely unknown. This study combined acoustic telemetry and ecological assessments to evaluate the movement patterns and feeding range of a functionally important coral reef fish, Chlorurus microrhinos (f. Labridae). The diurnal home range and feeding areas of C. microrhinos, on Orpheus Island, Great Barrier Reef, were quantified using active acoustic telemetry. The average diurnal home range of C. microrhinos was 7,830 m2 ± 940 (SE). Core areas of activity (50% kernel utilization distributions) were relatively small, encompassing approximately 22% of an individual’s home range (1,690 m2 ± 220). Core areas exhibited greater topographic complexity. C. microrhinos may select these areas because of decreased predation risk. Feeding intensities were not homogenous throughout the home range. Core areas were found to have a greater number of feeding scars and are thus exposed to increased bioerosion and algal removal by C. microrhinos. While important in shaping key ecosystem processes, the ecosystem impact of individual C. microrhinos in Pioneer Bay appears to be restricted to small areas within a narrow band along the reef crest.

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Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the staff of Orpheus Island Research Station and Vemco for invaluable field support; R Bonaldo, M Condy, I Cripps, M Kramer, C Lefèvre and J Welsh for field assistance; O Bellwood, R Bonaldo, I Cripps, C Goatley, A Hoey, C Lefèvre, G Russ, J Tanner and two anonymous reviewers for helpful discussions or comments on earlier drafts of the manuscript. JCU Animal Ethics Approval # A1321. This work was supported by the Australian Research Council (D. R. B).

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  1. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, and School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, 4811, QLD, Australia

    J. Q. Welsh & D. R. Bellwood

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  1. J. Q. Welsh
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  2. D. R. Bellwood
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Correspondence to D. R. Bellwood.

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Welsh, J.Q., Bellwood, D.R. Spatial ecology of the steephead parrotfish (Chlorurus microrhinos): an evaluation using acoustic telemetry. Coral Reefs 31, 55–65 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-011-0813-8

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