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Habitat partitioning between species of the genus Cephalopholis (Pisces, Serranidae) across the fringing reef of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea)

1989; Inter-Research; Volume: 58; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3354/meps058017

1616-1599

Muki Shpigel, Lev Fishelson,

Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Spatial partitioning of sympatric fish species of the genus Cephalopholis (Serranidae, Teleostei) was studied on the coral reef of the southern part of the Gulf of Aqaba.Data obtained from observations on 290 individuals over 3000 m2 of transects In 4 reef formations demonstrated partitioning related to substrate, depth and time.The studied groupers occupy species-specific habitats over the reef: C. argus (Bloch and Schneider) was found to dominate the shallow reef tables and reef wall; C. miniata (Forsskal) dwells on coral knolls and up to depths of 10 to 30 m; C. hemistiktos (Riippell) is common on flat bottom and coral rubble areas; and C. sexmaculata (Riippell) dominated at depths exceeding 30 m.All 4 species are diurnal fish, although C. sexmaculata IS active nocturnally in shallow water and diurnally in deeper water.On sites where the territories of the various species overlap, agonistic behaviour and a size-related dominance hierarchy was observed.