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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Seaweed survival after consumption by the greenbeak parrotfish, Scarus trispinosus

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Author(s):
Tamega, F. T. S. [1, 2] ; Figueiredo, M. A. O. [3] ; Ferreira, C. E. L. [4] ; Bonaldo, R. M. [5]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Museu Nacl, Programa Posgrad Bot, BR-20940040 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
[2] Inst Estudos Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira, Div Biotecnol Marinha, BR-28930000 Arraial Do Cabo, RJ - Brazil
[3] Inst Pesquisas Jardim Bot Rio de Janeiro, BR-22460230 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Fluminense, Dept Biol Marinha, BR-24001970 Niteroi, RJ - Brazil
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Ecol, BR-05509900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: CORAL REEFS; v. 35, n. 1, p. 329-334, MAR 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

We assessed the survival of seaweed (macroalgae and cyanobacteria) after consumption by the greenbeak parrotfish, Scarus trispinosus, in northeastern Brazil. Samples of S. trispinosus feces were collected, inoculated on filter paper, and kept in the laboratory and field for 60 and 30 d, respectively. Comparisons of samples inoculated with feces to those without (controls) revealed a marked increase in the abundance and diversity of seaweed in samples inoculated with feces in both laboratory and field experiments. These results were consistent between summer and winter, although the seaweed species differed. A total of one cyanobacterium and 16 macroalgal taxa (nine rhodophytes, five heterokontophytes, and two chlorophytes) were recorded in the inoculated samples. Rhodophyta also presented the highest abundance across treatments, possibly because of their higher resistance to parrotfish digestion, greater ingestion, or both. The survival of cyanobacteria and macroalgae after consumption by S. trispinosus suggests that parrotfishes may contribute to seaweed dispersion on tropical reefs. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/24432-4 - Do feeding interactions of reef fishes persist on degraded coral reefs?
Grantee:Roberta Martini Bonaldo
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral