Skip to main content

Advertisement

Springer Nature Link
Log in

Fishes associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems in La Parguera, Puerto Rico

  • Report
  • Published:
Coral Reefs Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Fishes associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) of the La Parguera shelf-edge were surveyed between 2007 and 2011 using mixed-gas rebreather diving. Fishes were identified and counted within belt transects and roving surveys at 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 m depth. Vertical transects from 70 to 30 m depth helped determine depth distribution ranges. One hundred and three species were identified at MCEs (40–70 m), with high abundances and species richness, though both varied greatly among transects. Most species at MCEs were common inhabitants of shallow reefs, but some were restricted to mesophotic depths. An additional 15 species were added to those previously classified as indicator species of mesophotic areas in Puerto Rico. The MCE fish assemblage was distinct from shallow areas (30 m), with taxonomic composition, abundance and the proportion of trophic guilds varying with increasing depth. The dominant trophic guild within MCEs was the zooplanktivores, while herbivores dominated shallow reefs. Both herbivores and zooplanktivores responded strongly, and oppositely, to depth. The few herbivores associated with deep MCEs are small-bodied species. The largest changes within the mesophotic fish community along the depth gradient occurred at 60 m, similar to that reported for algae and corals, and seem to represent both a response to reduced light and variations in herbivory. The presence of commercially important fishes at MCEs, many considered to be threatened by fishing pressure in shallow areas, suggests that MCEs are important for the conservation of these species. This study represents the first quantitative in situ observations and descriptions of fishes inhabiting MCEs at depths of 50–70 m in Puerto Rico and highlights the role of MCEs as valuable habitats for reef fishes. The composition and distribution of the MCEs fish community should be incorporated when planning for the spatial management of coral reef resources.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Explore related subjects

Discover the latest articles and news from researchers in related subjects, suggested using machine learning.

References

  • Aguilar-Perera A, Appeldoorn RS (2008) Spatial distribution of marine fishes along a cross-shelf gradient containing a continuum of mangrove-seagrass-coral reefs off Southwestern Puerto Rico. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 76:378–394

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aponte NE, Ballantine DL (2001) Algal species distribution and composition as a factor of depth on the deep insular slope at Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas. Deep Sea Res Part I 48:2185–2194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballantine DL, Ruíz H (2010) Two new deepwater Peyssonnelia species, Peyssonnelia iridescens and Peyssonnelia gigaspora (Peyssonneliaceae, Rhodophyta) from Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea. Phycologia 49:537–544

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballantine DL, Ruíz H (2011) A new encrusting deep-water coral reef alga, Peyssonnelia incomposita (Peyssonneliaceae, Rhodophyta), from Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea. Cryptogam Algol 32:19–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballantine DL, Ruíz H, Aponte NE (2009) Notes on the benthic marine algae of Puerto Rico IX. Additions to the flora including reports of three species for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean. Bot Mar 52:229–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ballantine DL, Athanasiadis A, Ruíz H (2011) Notes on the benthic marine algae of Puerto Rico. X. Additions to the flora. Bot Mar 54:293–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Battista TA, Stecher ML (2006) Data acquisition and processing report, NF-06-03, S-I911-NF-06, March 21-April 2, 2006, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, NOAA Ship Nancy Foster 104

  • Bejarano I, Appeldoorn RA (2013) Seawater turbidity and fish communities on coral reefs of Puerto Rico. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 474:217–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bellwood DR, Hughes TP, Folke C, Nystrom N (2004) Confronting the coral reef crisis. Nature 429:827–833

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bridge TCL, Done TJ, Friedman A, Beaman RJ, Williams SB, Pizzaro O, Webster JM (2011) Variability in mesophotic coral reef communities along the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 428:63–75

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brock VE (1954) A preliminary report on a method of estimating reef fish populations. J Wildl Manage 18:297–308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brokovich E, Einbinder S, Shashar N, Kiflawi M, Kark S (2008) Descending to the twilight-zone: changes in coral reef fish assemblages along a depth gradient down to 65 m. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 371:253–262

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brokovich E, Ayalon I, Einbinder S, Segev N, Shaked Y, Genin A, Kark S, Kiflawi M (2010) Grazing pressure on coral reefs decreases across a wide depth gradient in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 399:69–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clements KD, Raubenheimer D, Choat JH (2009) Nutritional ecology of marine herbivorous fishes: ten years on. Funct Ecol 23:79–92

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colin PL (1974) Observation and collection of deep reef fishes off the coasts of Jamaica and Honduras. Mar Biol 24:29–38

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Colin PL (1976) Observation of deep reef fishes in the Tongue-of-the-Ocean, Bahamas. Bull Mar Sci 26:603–605

    Google Scholar 

  • Colin PL (1978) Caribbean reef invertebrates and plants: A field guide to the invertebrates and plants occurring on coral reefs of the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Florida. TFH Publications, Neptune City, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  • Corgosinho PHC, Schizas NV (2013) Archeolourinia, a new genus and species of Louriniidae Monard, 1927 (Copepoda, Harpacticoida) from a Caribbean mesophotic zone. J Mar Biol Assoc UK 93:651–657

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Duffy JE, Hay ME (1990) Seaweed adaptations to herbivory. Bioscience 40:368–375

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feitoza BM, Rosa RS, Rocha LA (2005) Ecology and zoogeography of deep-reef fishes in northeastern Brazil. Bull Mar Sci 76:725–742

    Google Scholar 

  • García-Sais JR (2010) Reef habitats and associated sessile-benthic and fish assemblages across a euphotic–mesophotic depth gradient in Isla Desecheo, Puerto Rico. Coral Reefs 29:277–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • García-Sais JR, Castro R, Sabater J, Carlo M (2004) Monitoring of coral reef communities from Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico. Final Report submitted to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER), US Coral Reef National Monitoring Program, NOAA. http://www.drna.gobierno.pr/oficinas/arn/recursosvivientes/costasreservasrefugios/coral/publicaciones

  • García-Sais JR, Castro R, Sabater J, Carlo M (2007) Characterization of benthic habitats and associated reef communities at Bajo de Sico Seamount, Mona Passage, Puerto Rico. Final Report submitted to Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC/NOAA)

  • García-Sais JR, Appeldoorn RS, Battista T, Bauer L, Bruckner A, Caldow C, Carrubba L, Corredor J, Diaz E, Lilyestrom C, García-Moliner G, Hernández-Delgado E, Menza C, Morell J, Pait A, Sabater J, Weil E, Williams E, Williams S (2008) The state of coral reef ecosystems of the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In: Waddell J, Clarke A (eds) The state of coral reef ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2008 NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 78. NOAA/NCCOS Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment’s Biogeography Team, Silver Spring, MD, pp 75–116

    Google Scholar 

  • Gilmartin M (1960) The ecological distribution of the deep water algae of Eniwetok Atoll. Ecology 41:210–221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hanisak MD, Blair SM (1988) Deep-water benthic macroalgal communities with emphasis on Florida and the Bahamas. In: Agegian CR (ed) Biochemical cycling and fluxes between the deep euphotic zone and other oceanic realms. National Undersea Research Program Research Report 88-1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Department of Commmerce, Washington, DC, pp 61–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinderstein LM, Marr JCA, Martinez FA, Dowgiallo MJ, Puglise KA, Pyle RL, Zawada DG, Appeldoorn RA (2010) Theme section on “Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems: Characterization, Ecology, and Management”. Coral Reefs 29:247–251

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Itzikowitz M, Haley M, Otis C, Evers D (1991) A reconnaissance of the deeper Jamaican coral reef fish communities. NE Gulf Sci 12:25–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Ives AR, Carpenter SR (2007) Stability and diversity of ecosystems. Science 317:58–62

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kahng SE, García-Sais JR, Spalding HL, Brokovich E, Wagner D, Weil E, Hinderstein L, Toonen RJ (2010) Community ecology of mesophotic coral reef ecosystems. Coral Reefs 29:255–275

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leichter JJ, Genovese SJ (2006) Intermittent upwelling and subsidized growth of the scleractinian coral Madracis mirabilis on the deep fore-reef slope of Discovery Bay, Jamaica. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 316:95–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leichter JJ, Stewart HL, Miller SL (2003) Episodic nutrient transport to Florida coral reefs. Limnol Oceanogr 48:1394–1407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leichter JJ, Stokes MD, Genovese SJ (2008) Deep water macroalgal communities adjacent to the Florida Keys reef tract. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 356:123–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leichter JJ, Wing SR, Miller SL, Denny MW (1996) Pulsed delivery of subthermocline water to Conch Reef (Florida Keys) by internal tidal bores. Limnol Oceanogr 41:1490–1501

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lesser MP (2006) Benthic–pelagic coupling on coral reefs: feeding and growth of Caribbean sponges. J Exp Mar Biol Ecol 328:277–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lesser MP, Slattery MP (2011) Phase shift to algal dominated communities at mesophotic depths associated with lionfish (Pterois volitans) invasion on a Bahamian coral reef. Biol Invasions 13:1855–1868

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lesser MP, Slattery MP, Stat M, Ojimi M, Gates R, Grottoli A (2010) Photoacclimatization by the coral Montastraea cavernosa in the mesophotic zone: light, food, and genetics. Ecology 91:990–1003

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Liddell WD, Ohlhorst SL (1988) Hard substrata community patterns, 1–120 m, North Jamaica. Palaios 3:413–423

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matos-Caraballo D (2004) Puerto Rico/NMFS cooperative fisheries statistics program. April 2001-March 2004. Final report submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service by the fisheries research laboratory, Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, San Juan

  • McClain CR, Barry JP (2010) Habitat heterogeneity, biogenic disturbance, and resource availability work in concert to regulate biodiversity in deep submarine canyons. Ecology 91:964–976

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McCune B, Mefford M (2006). PC-ORD. Multivariate analysis of ecological data. Version 5.0. MjM Software, Gleneden Beach, Oregon, USA

  • Morelock J, Schneiderman N, Bryant W (1977) Shelf reefs, southwestern Puerto Rico. Studies in Geology 4:17–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison D (1988) Comparing fish and urchin grazing in shallow and deeper coral reef algal communities. Ecology 69:1367–1382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson JS (2006) Fishes of the world. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. New York. 4th edition, p601

  • Nelson WR, Appeldoorn RS (1985) A submersible survey of the continental slope of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, 1–23 October 1985. Cruise report, R/V Seward Johnson, National Marine Fisheries Service, Pascagoula, Mississippi Laboratories

  • Nemeth M, Appeldoorn RS (2009) The distribution of herbivorous coral reef fishes within fore-reef habitats: the role of depth, light and rugosity. Caribb J Sci 45:247–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Pesic V, Chatterjee T, Schizas NV (2012) A new species of Pontarachna (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Pontarachnidea) from a mesophotic coral ecosystem off Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea. Zootaxa 3440:63–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Petrescu I, Chatterjee T, Schizas NV (2012) New genus and new species of Cumaceans (Crustacea: Peracarida: Cumacea) from the mesophotic coral ecosystem of SW Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea. Zootaxa 3476:55–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Pyle RL (2000) Assessing undiscovered fish biodiversity on deep coral reefs using advanced self-contained diving technology. Mar Tech Soc J 34:82–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pyle RL, Earle JL, Greene BD (2008) Five new species of the damselfish genus Chromis (Perciformes: Labroidei: Pomacentridae) from deep coral reefs in the tropical western Pacific. Zootaxa 1671:3–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Randall JE (1967) Food habits of reef fishes of the West Indies. Stud Trop Oceanogr 5:665–847

    Google Scholar 

  • Riegl B, Piller WE (2003) Possible refugia for reefs in times of environmental stress. Int J Earth Sci 92:520–531

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rooney J, Donham E, Montogmery A, Spalding H, Parrish F, Boland R, Fenner D, Gove J, Vetter O (2010) Mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Hawaiian Archipelago. Coral Reefs 29:361–367

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Runcie LW, Gurgel CFD, Mcdermid KJ (2008) In situ photosynthetic rates of tropical marine macroalgae at their lower depth limit. Eur J Phycol 43:377–388

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Russ GR (2003) Grazer biomass correlates more strongly with production than biomass of algal turfs on coral reefs. Coral Reefs 22:63–67

    Google Scholar 

  • Sherman C, Nemeth M, Ruíz H, Bejarano I, Appeldoorn RS, Pagan F, Sharer M, Weil E (2010) Geomorphology and benthic cover of mesophotic coral ecosystems of the upper insular slope of southwest Puerto Rico. Coral Reefs 29:347–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thresher RE, Colin PL (1986) Trophic structure, diversity and abundance of fishes of the deep reef (30–300 m) at Enewetak, Marshall Islands. Bull Mar Sci 38:253–272

    Google Scholar 

  • Van den Hoek C, Breeman AM, Bak RPM, van Buurt G (1978) The distribution of algae, corals, and gorgonians in relation to depth, light attenuation, water movement and grazing pressure in the fringing reef of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Aquat Bot 5:1–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker BH, Salt D (2006) Resilience thinking: Sustaining ecosystems and people in a changing world. Island Press. Washington, D.C., USA

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

We thank deep divers Milton Carlo, Hector J. Ruíz and Clark Sherman for assisting in field sampling, and D. Mateos-Molina for his continuous help and support. This work was supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (NOAA/CSCOR) (Grant No. NA06NOS4780190), through the Caribbean Coral Reef Institute (CCRI). This project used the facilities of the University of Puerto Rico, and the University of North Carolina—Wilmington’s Undersea Research Center oversaw the training of rebreather divers.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, P. O. Box 9000, Mayagüez, PR, 00681, USA

    I. Bejarano, R. S. Appeldoorn & M. Nemeth

Authors
  1. I. Bejarano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  2. R. S. Appeldoorn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. Nemeth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to I. Bejarano.

Additional information

Communicated by Biology Editor Dr. Glenn Almany

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bejarano, I., Appeldoorn, R.S. & Nemeth, M. Fishes associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Coral Reefs 33, 313–328 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-014-1125-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-014-1125-6

Keywords