Direct evidence of a biophysical retention mechanism for coral reef fish larvae

• DOI: 10.4319/lo.2004.49.6.1964
• Publication Date: 2010-07-01T22:15:17Z
• Authors: Claire B. Paris; Robert K. Cowen
• Keywords: Damselfish; Pomacentridae; Ichthyoplankton; Marine larval ecology

We examine the hypothesis that reef fish larvae have some direct influence on their own dispersal and ability to recruit natal by tracking cohorts of bicolor damselfish ( Stegastes partitus ) from hatching settlement onto reef, about 30 d later. conducted high‐resolution sampling during two consecutive years in a small area (15 km × 20 km) off west coast Barbados, extending depths 0 100 m. Observations discrete stage‐specific larval patches mean size 29.4 13.2 2 for preflexion (1–5‐d old) flexion/postflexion (.5‐d stages ca. m vertical indicated initially dispersing as tend stay coherent throughout pelagic duration. Highest concentrations within patch were upper m, while those older always deeper. Downward migration 60 ontogeny stratified currents represented retention mechanism locally spawned larvae. Most variability estimated rates between daily occurred earliest result dynamic nature surface experienced prior onset migration. Differences residence time experiments consistent with observed intermonthly recruitment strength, implying processes can explain rates. These results provide empirical evidence coral fishes stress role active behavior transport.