Is the variability of butterflyfish species domination driven by its habitat conditions?

Abstract

The coral conditions contribute to the abundance and species composition of butterflyfish. This study investigates the relationship between its habitat conditions and dominance of butterflyfish in western Indonesia. Data were collected using UVC in 78 sites during 2015, 2016, and 2018 that are grouped into 2 groups. The results show group A has a lower number of species (2 - 6) but the density is high, instead, group B is 9-20 species but has a low density. Species dominant and their relations with benthic substrate were Chaetodon octofasciatus (7.2%) in group A, and group B Heniochus pleurotaenia and Chaetodon triangulum (21%). The differences in species domination might also be affected by habitat conditions, such as the period of the highest sea surface temperature. The group had different environmental conditions, which group A might be influenced by the Karimata strait and Indian Ocean west Sumatera in group B. Those 4 species have relation to SST include F. flavissimus.