Numerical models show coral reefs can be self-seeding

Black, KP; Moran, Peter; Hammond, LS

doi:10.3354/meps074001

Cited by 123 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…To simulate the circulation, the field-calibrated hydrodynamic model 3DD was used, which is a depth-integrated numerical model of tidal circulation around OTI and surrounding reefs (47)(48)(49). Sea levels were generated from tidal simulations by using a coarse grid (750-m cell size) consisting of the Queensland coastline, the edge of the continental shelf, and the Capricorn/ Bunker group.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smelling home can prevent dispersal of reef fish larvae

Gerlach

Atema

Kingsford

et al. 2007

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

400

371

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Many marine fish and invertebrates show a dual life history where settled adults produce dispersing larvae. The planktonic nature of the early larval stages suggests a passive dispersal model where ocean currents would quickly cause panmixis over large spatial scales and prevent isolation of populations, a prerequisite for speciation. However, high biodiversity and species abundance in coral reefs contradict this panmixis hypothesis. Although ocean currents are a major force in larval dispersal, recent studies show far greater retention than predicted by advection models. We investigated the role of animal behavior in retention and homing of coral reef fish larvae resulting in two important discoveries: (i) Settling larvae are capable of olfactory discrimination and prefer the odor of their home reef, thereby demonstrating to us that nearby reefs smell different. (ii) Whereas one species showed panmixis as predicted from our advection model, another species showed significant genetic population substructure suggestive of strong homing. Thus, the smell of reefs could allow larvae to choose currents that return them to reefs in general and natal reefs in particular. As a consequence, reef populations can develop genetic differences that might lead to reproductive isolation.coral reef ͉ olfaction ͉ population genetics

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smelling home can prevent dispersal of reef fish larvae

Gerlach

Atema

Kingsford

et al. 2007

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

400

371

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…If they use their swimming capabilities to modify dispersal, genetic evidence suggests that they are using them to retard rather than enhance dispersal (Doherty et al 1995). There is considerable evidence from hydrodynamic studies suggesting that young larvae will not necessarily be transported very far from reefs (Black et al 1991, Black 1993, particularly in the summer months (Frith et al 1986). Local retention, along with the early development of swimming ability in some demersal-spawning reef fishes, suggests that many populations of reef fishes may have a significant potential for self-seeding 1 .…”

Section: Implications For Dispersalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of swimming abilities in reef fish larvae

Fisher¹,

Bellwood²,

Job³

2000

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

221

189

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Recent studies have revealed that reef fish larvae have excellent sustained swimming capabilities and considerable potential for modifying their dispersal patterns by active swimming. However, these studies concentrate solely on the late pelagic phase. We examined the development of swimming abilities from hatching through to settlement in 3 reef fish species (Pomacentrus amboinensis, Sphaeramia nematoptera, Amphiprion melanopus). Larval rearing provided larvae at all stages of development. Experiments were conducted in flow chambers designed for measuring the critical and sustained swimming capability of young larvae. In all 3 species, critical swimming ability increased steadily with age, size, relative propulsive area and developmental stage of the larvae. In contrast, sustained swimming ability showed a marked inflection during development. Differences among species throughout development appear to reflect variations in the developmental patterns of the 3 species. Propulsive area was highly correlated with swimming ability and may prove useful for estimating swimming capabilities among species. The results suggest that some species have the potential to actively modify their dispersal patterns from an early age.

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“…This suggests that retention is most likely among non-pelagic spawners, especially those with large, well-developed hatchlings. Of course, favorable hydrographic conditions could lead to retention without the behavioral input of larvae (Black et al 1991, Black 1993). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distribution and retention of larval fishes near reefs in the Gulf of California

Brogan¹

1994

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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ABSTRACT. I conducted a study of larval fishes in the Gulf of California, Mexico, with 3 objectives: identify the families that utilize the near-reef habitat throughout development; evaluate distributions of reef fishes for evidence of larval retention; and relate larval distributions of reef fishes to egg type and morphology of hatchlings. Analyses were based on 165 light-trap and plankton-net samples collected -1, 20, and 100 m off reefs during the summers of 1989 and 1990, and on previous offshore surveys. Sixteen families accounted for >93 % of all larvae collected near reefs, and only these families were considered further. At least 11 families, including epipelagic, sandy-bottom, and reef fishes, appeared to utilize the near-reef habitat throughout development. In addition, larval retention may have occurred in at least 5 of the reef fish families (Bythitidae, Chaenopsidae, Gobiesocidae, Labrisomidae, Tripterygiidae). Evidence for this included the presence of all larval size classes over reefs, high concentrations of larvae at 1 m and/or 20 m stations that decreased by 72.0 to 99.9 O/o at 100 m stations, and absence or rarity in offshore surveys. Larvae of some gobiids may also have been retained, but distributions varied within the family. Larvae of other reef fish families (Balistidae, Blenniidae, Pomacentridae, and perhaps Haemulidae) appeared to disperse away from reefs. All families with evidence of retention spawned non-pelagic eggs and had well-developed hatchlings, but the reverse was not true. This suggests that these traits provide the opportunity for retention, but other taxon-specific factors determine whether such a distribution is realized.

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Numerical models show coral reefs can be self-seeding

Cited by 123 publications

References 26 publications

Smelling home can prevent dispersal of reef fish larvae

Smelling home can prevent dispersal of reef fish larvae

Development of swimming abilities in reef fish larvae

Distribution and retention of larval fishes near reefs in the Gulf of California

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