[en] The Pomacentridae (damselfishes) represents the 3rd most species-rich coral reef fish family, including 394 species spread worldwide. Recent studies suggested that damselfishes iteratively evolve along three main trophic guilds: “the pelagic feeders” feeding mainly on zooplankton, “the benthic feeders” grazing filamentous algae or biting coral polyps, and an “intermediate” group with species feeding on zooplankton, small benthic invertebrates and algae in variable proportions. Comparing the ecological diversity of damselfish communities among various geographical regions could assess such an iterative radiation. Within this context, the present study is a first attempt exploring the trophic diversity of damselfish community at Moorea Island (French Polynesia). The relationship between the trophic guilds, their habitat diversity and their behavior is evaluated. Habitat and behaviour of 16 damselfish species were described during transects along which different kinds of data were collected. For examples, the location within the reef (e.g. fringing or barrier reef), the depth, the substrate over which fishes are living or the solitary/gregarious habits were recorded. Diet of individuals was investigated by means of stomach content and stable isotopes analyses. Correlations between the dietary preferences and ecological data (habitat and behaviour) are given and the ecological diversity among trophic groups is compared.
Research center :
AFFISH-RC - Applied and Fundamental FISH Research Center - ULiège FOCUS - Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch - ULiège
