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Patch formation by herbivorous fish in a temperate Australian kelp forest
1Institute of Marine Ecology and School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, 2006, NSW, Australia.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
The odacid fish Odax cyanomelas seasonally denudes kelp (Ecklonia radiata) patches, creating single-age plant stands. This pulsed herbivory differs from continuous grazing by sea urchins.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Fish-Algae Interactions
- Subtidal Reef Ecology
Background:
- Ecklonia radiata kelp forests are crucial subtidal reef habitats.
- Odax cyanomelas (odacid fish) is a significant herbivore of Ecklonia radiata.
- Herbivory impacts kelp forest structure and dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Odax cyanomelas herbivory on Ecklonia radiata.
- To understand the spatial and temporal patterns of kelp denudation by Odax.
- To explore the ecological consequences of pulsed herbivory by Odax.
Main Methods:
- A three-year field study monitoring kelp patches at Cape Banks, NSW.
- Observation of Odax feeding behavior and aggregation patterns.
- A field experiment to test the hypothesis of preferential grazing on one-year-old kelp.
Main Results:
- Odax cyanomelas preferentially denuded specific kelp patches annually (August-October).
- This pulsed herbivory created patches of single-age Ecklonia radiata recruits.
- A field experiment refuted the hypothesis that Odax targets one-year-old kelp stands.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal herbivory by Odax influences kelp population structure, creating age-class patches.
- The behavior of female Odax during spawning season likely drives seasonal herbivory.
- Pulsed herbivory by Odax contrasts with continuous grazing by sea urchins; long-term effects require further study.
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