Large predatory coral trout species unlikely to meet increasing energetic demands in a warming ocean

• DOI: 10.1038/srep13830
• Publication Date: 2015-09-08T09:36:40Z
• Authors: J.L. Johansen; M.S. Pratchett; V. Messmer; D.J. Coker; A.J. Tobin; A.S. Hoey
• Keywords: Ectotherm; Coral bleaching; Leopardus

Abstract Increased ocean temperature due to climate change is raising metabolic demands and energy requirements of marine ectotherms. If productivity systems fisheries are persist, individual species must compensate for this demand through increasing acquisition or decreasing expenditure. Here we reveal that the most important coral reef fishery in Indo-west Pacific, large predatory trout Plectropomus leopardus (Serranidae), can behaviourally adjust food intake maintain body-condition under elevated temperatures acclimate over time consume larger meals. However, these increased energetic unlikely be met by adequate production at lower trophic levels, as smaller prey often first decline response climate-induced loss live structural complexity. Consequently, ubiquitous increases consumption will increase top-down competition a dwindling biomass prey, potentially distorting entire webs associated fisheries.