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- Title
Spatial and Temporal Variability in Territoriality of a Tropical Benthic Damselfish on a Coral Reef (Réunion Island).
- Authors
Letourneur, Yves
- Abstract
The relationship between length of individual Stegastes nigricans and size of the territory that they defend, and both the spatial and temporal variation in territoriality were investigated monthly on a fringing coral reef of Réunion Island over the course of one year. Length of individual S. nigricans was correlated positively with size of the territory. Most small individuals were found separate from adults, in areas with low algal turf cover. This is probably due to strong intra-specific competition for access to algal food resources and shelter availability, and/or differences in habitat preference. Both abundance of individuals and surface defended showed seasonal fluctuations. Densities were slightly higher in austral summer than in winter, and the surface defended by individuals larger than 8 cm increased in winter. A permanent redistribution of territories also occured between individuals over time.
- Subjects
STEGASTES; POMACENTRIDAE; SPATIAL variation; BIOLOGICAL variation; CORAL reefs &; islands; BIOLOGY
- Publication
Environmental Biology of Fishes, 2000, Vol 57, Issue 4, p377
- ISSN
0378-1909
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1023/A:1007658830339