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How wave exposure, group size and habitat complexity influence foraging and population densities in fishes of the genus Halichoeres (Perciformes: Labridae) on tropical rocky shores

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Abstract

Wave exposure and habitat complexity have been used to explain variations in the distribution patterns and behavior of many reef fishes. This study analyzed the influence of both factors on density and foraging activity, and the influence of group size on foraging in three species of the genus Halichoeres (Labridae) on tropical rocky shores. It was shown that initial phases (IP) and terminal phases (TP) Halichoeres, were influenced by wave exposure, although foraging in Halichoeres brasiliensis TP was not influenced by wave exposure. The IP in all three species were positively associated with rugosity and algal cover while the TP was positively associated with depth. Habitat complexity also influences foraging in these species. Group size influenced foraging activity, except in H. brasiliensis TP. We also found variations in microhabitat patches used for foraging between species and differences in the stomach contents between species and phases, showing that functional roles change in response to ontogenetic shifts.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge the contribution of Igor ‘Buda’ Ferreira on the field and Camilo Ferreira, Carlos E. L. Ferreira and José A. Reis-Filho for the enlightments relevant to this study. We thank Rodrigo Maia-Nogueira and Ericka Coni for their help with the images design. We are also extremely grateful to ICMBIO (Inst. Chico Mendes para conservação da Biodiversidade) and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvimento Científico e Tecnológico) for their financial support (to J.A.C.C.N: MSc Grant No 133749/2010-0 and F.B: PQ-CNPQ No 302642/2008-0).

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  1. Laboratório de Ecologia Bentônica, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão de Geremoabo, s/n Ondina, Salvador, BA, 40170-115, Brazil

    José de Anchieta C. C. Nunes & Francisco Barros

  2. Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia e Biomonitoramento, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, BA, Brazil

    José de Anchieta C. C. Nunes & Francisco Barros

  3. Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Unidade de Ensino Penedo, Universidade Federal de Alagoas, Alagoas, Brazil

    Cláudio L. S. Sampaio

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  1. José de Anchieta C. C. Nunes
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Nunes, J.A.C.C., Sampaio, C.L.S. & Barros, F. How wave exposure, group size and habitat complexity influence foraging and population densities in fishes of the genus Halichoeres (Perciformes: Labridae) on tropical rocky shores. Mar Biol 160, 2383–2394 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2233-5

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