Patterns and processes of larval fish supply to the coral reefs of the upper Florida Keys

D’Alessandro, Evan K.; Sponaugle, Su; Lee, Thomas

doi:10.3354/meps331085

Cited by 64 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…Furthermore, smaller‐scale (both spatial and temporal) oceanographical features, such as mesoscale eddies, may potentially affect larval dispersal across the FRT, counter to generalized current patterns (D'Alessandro et al . ; Parks et al . ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vectored dispersal of Symbiodinium by larvae of a Caribbean gorgonian octocoral

2013

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The ability of coral reefs to recover from natural and anthropogenic disturbance is difficult to predict, in part due to uncertainty regarding the dispersal capabilities and connectivity of their reef inhabitants. We developed microsatellite markers for the broadcast spawning gorgonian octocoral Eunicea (Plexaura) flexuosa (four markers) and its dinoflagellate symbiont, Symbiodinium B1 (five markers), and used them to assess genetic connectivity, specificity and directionality of gene flow among sites in Florida, Panama, Saba and the Dominican Republic. Bayesian analyses found that most E. flexuosa from the Florida reef tract, Saba and the Dominican Republic were strongly differentiated from many E. flexuosa in Panama, with the exception of five colonies from Key West that clustered with colonies from Panama. In contrast, Symbiodinium B1 was more highly structured. At least seven populations were detected that showed patterns of isolation by distance. The symbionts in the five unusual Key West colonies also clustered with symbionts from Panama, suggesting these colonies are the result of long-distance dispersal. Migration rate tests indicated a weak signal of northward immigration from the Panama population into the lower Florida Keys. As E. flexuosa clonemates only rarely associated with the same Symbiodinium B1 genotype (and vice versa), these data suggest a dynamic host-symbiont relationship in which E. flexuosa is relatively well dispersed but likely acquires Symbiodinium B1 from highly structured natal areas prior to dispersal. Once vectored by host larvae, these symbionts may then spread through the local population, and/or host colonies may acquire different local symbiont genotypes over time.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vectored dispersal of Symbiodinium by larvae of a Caribbean gorgonian octocoral

2013

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“…Juveniles and adults maintain benthic territories on spur and groove reefs and are found in highest densities in areas of high current flow and within dead coral rubble piles [37], [41]. The timing of settlement appears to be synchronized with lunar phase, with pulses occurring during the third quarter and/or new moon [8], [31], [32]. Seasonal peaks in S. partitus settlement to the Florida Keys typically occur during summer months [8], [42].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of Settling Coral Reef Fish Are Related to Recruitment Timing and Success

Rankin

Sponaugle

2014

PLoS ONE

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Many marine populations exhibit high variability in the recruitment of young into the population. While environmental cycles and oceanography explain some patterns of replenishment, the role of other growth-related processes in influencing settlement and recruitment is less clear. Examination of a 65-mo. time series of recruitment of a common coral reef fish, Stegastes partitus, to the reefs of the upper Florida Keys revealed that during peak recruitment months, settlement stage larvae arriving during dark lunar phases grew faster as larvae and were larger at settlement compared to those settling during the light lunar phases. However, the strength and direction of early trait-mediated selective mortality also varied by settlement lunar phase such that the early life history traits of 2–4 week old recruit survivors that settled across the lunar cycle converged to more similar values. Similarly, within peak settlement periods, early life history traits of settling larvae and selective mortality of recruits varied by the magnitude of the settlement event: larvae settling in larger events had longer PLDs and consequently were larger at settlement than those settling in smaller pulses. Traits also varied by recruitment habitat: recruits surviving in live coral habitat (vs rubble) or areas with higher densities of adult conspecifics were those that were larger at settlement. Reef habitats, especially those with high densities of territorial conspecifics, are more challenging habitats for young fish to occupy and small settlers (due to lower larval growth and/or shorter PLDs) to these habitats have a lower chance of survival than they do in rubble habitats. Settling reef fish are not all equal and the time and location of settlement influences the likelihood that individuals will survive to contribute to the population.

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“…The timing of settlement appears to be synchronized with lunar phase, with pulses occurring during the third quarter and/or new moon [54], [55], [56]. Seasonal peaks in settlement to the FKRT typically occur during summer months [56]. Stegastes partitus is an ideal model species for studying processes affecting the early life history because they are common throughout their range, are integral to the trophic dynamics of the reef community, are easy to observe and collect at all life stages, and have otoliths (ear stones) that provide a daily record of events occurring during early life.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temperature Influences Selective Mortality during the Early Life Stages of a Coral Reef Fish

Rankin

Sponaugle

2011

PLoS ONE

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For organisms with complex life cycles, processes occurring at the interface between life stages can disproportionately impact survival and population dynamics. Temperature is an important factor influencing growth in poikilotherms, and growth-related processes are frequently correlated with survival. We examined the influence of water temperature on growth-related early life history traits (ELHTs) and differential mortality during the transition from larval to early juvenile stage in sixteen monthly cohorts of bicolor damselfish Stegastes partitus, sampled on reefs of the upper Florida Keys, USA over 6 years. Otolith analysis of settlers and juveniles coupled with environmental data revealed that mean near-reef water temperature explained a significant proportion of variation in pelagic larval duration (PLD), early larval growth, size-at-settlement, and growth during early juvenile life. Among all cohorts, surviving juveniles were consistently larger at settlement, but grew more slowly during the first 6 d post-settlement. For the other ELHTs, selective mortality varied seasonally: during winter and spring months, survivors exhibited faster larval growth and shorter PLDs, whereas during warmer summer months, selection on PLD reversed and selection on larval growth became non-linear. Our results demonstrate that temperature not only shapes growth-related traits, but can also influence the direction and intensity of selective mortality.

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Patterns and processes of larval fish supply to the coral reefs of the upper Florida Keys

Cited by 64 publications

References 50 publications

Vectored dispersal of Symbiodinium by larvae of a Caribbean gorgonian octocoral

Vectored dispersal of Symbiodinium by larvae of a Caribbean gorgonian octocoral

Characteristics of Settling Coral Reef Fish Are Related to Recruitment Timing and Success

Temperature Influences Selective Mortality during the Early Life Stages of a Coral Reef Fish

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