Reef fish community in presence of the lionfish (Pterois volitans) in Santa Marta, Colombian Caribbean
Journal Title: Revista MVZ Cordoba - Year 2015, Vol 20, Issue 3
Abstract
Objective. Fish species community structure and benthic organisms coverage were studied in five localities in Santa Marta where the lionfish is present. Materials and methods. Abundance of fish species, including lion fish, was established using 30 m random visual censuses and video transects; trophic guilds were established according to available references. On the other hand benthic coverage was evaluated using the software Coral Point Count (CPCe) 4.0. Results. Families with higher species numbers were Serranidae, Labridae, and Pomacentridae. Lionfish abundances were low (2.6±2.1 ind/120 m2), but in any case Pterois volitans was observed as the eleventh more abundant species, surpassing species of commercial value such as Cephalopholis cruentata. Species that were found in larger numbers (>100, Thalassoma bifasciatum, Haemulon aurolineatum, Canthigaster rostrata, Abudefduf saxatilis, Chromis cyanea, and Stegastes partitus) were mainly invertebrate eaters, planctivores, and territorial herbivores. Coral coverage showed higher coral percentages in Chengue (69.9%) and Cinto (27.4%), larger sponge percentages in Morro (32.7%); Isla Aguja and Remanso showed the larger figures for abiotic substrate (41.6 and 37%, respectively); corals, sponges, and gorgonians were the components best explaining fish community, but not for the lion fish, which inhabit all studied reef formations. Conclusions. Lion fish is ranked between the 20 more abundant species, with none commercially important species larger, hence no species may qualify as a natural control. Lion fish has as well become a relatively abundant species in Santa Marta reefs, independent of benthic coverage.
Authors and Affiliations
Rocío García-Urueña, Ph. D *| Universidad del Magdalena, Grupo de Investigación Ecología y Diversidad de Algas Marinas y Arrecifes Coralinos. Carrera 32 # 22-08, Santa Marta, Colombia.Correspondencia: garciarociop@yahoo.com, Arturo Acero P, Ph. D| Instituto de Estudios en Ciencias del Mar (CECIMAR). Universidad Nacional de Colombia sede Caribe, El Rodadero, Santa Marta, Colombia., Víctor Coronado-Carrascal, B. Sc| Universidad del Magdalena, Grupo de Investigación Ecología y Diversidad de Algas Marinas y Arrecifes Coralinos. Carrera 32 # 22-08, Santa Marta, Colombia.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP3457
- DOI -
- Views 418
- Downloads 18
POPULATIONAL COMPOSITION AND ETHOLOGY OF Bradypus variegatus IN FRAGMENT OF TROPICAL DRY FOREST, CORDOBA - COLOMBIA
Objective. To contribute to the knowledge of the population composition and etology of the lazy bear (Bradypus variegates) in the Natural Reserve Viento Solar, fragment tropical dry forest in Municipality of Moñitos, Dep...
Digestibility of diets with flour fish silage for the growing of arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhossum)
Objective. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the digestibility of different nutritional and energy components of artificial diets containing flour fishsilage used in growing of arawana fingerlings (O. bicirr...
The bovine genome, methods and results of its analysis
The knowledge of the genome in domestic species has allowed the selection of important characteristics for production and the development of molecular techniques used for animal genetic improvement.
Closed reduction of humeral condylar fracture and elbow luxation in a dog
Fractures of the distal humerus that involving the condyles often requires extensive surgical approach for treatment, leading to a prolonged recovery time. In a West Highland White Terrier dog two years old, with a fract...
Diagnostic assessment of liver enzymes in blood profiles from dairy cows
Objective. The aim of this study was to establish the association, sensibility (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the plasmatic activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH, EC: 1.4.1.3), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC: 2.6.1...