Complex Residences and Sociality: How Coral Structure and Social Environment Influence Occupation Patterns in...

Area of Science:

• Marine ecology
• Behavioral ecology
• Conservation biology

Background:

• Habitat size and complexity are crucial for species survival, growth, and reproduction.
• The influence of habitat characteristics on sociality, especially under environmental stress, remains underexplored in marine fish.
• Coral-dwelling gobies (Gobiodon quinquestrigatus) are specialized reef fish reliant on Acropora corals for survival and reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how habitat complexity and size influence grouping patterns and habitat choice in Gobiodon quinquestrigatus.
• To determine if social dynamics are altered by changes in habitat structure and size.
• To understand the implications for social maintenance in reef fish facing climate change and habitat loss.

Main Methods:

• 3D printing of Acropora coral structures with varying complexity and size.
• Experimental manipulation of habitat structure and social composition over sequential 24-h trials.
• Observation of fish behavior, including habitat choice and movement patterns (switching).

Main Results:

• Individuals, particularly females, showed a preference for high complexity coral structures.
• Breeder pairs consistently occupied high complexity structures, even when size was reduced.
• Subordinates exhibited the most frequent switching behavior, indicating dynamic social adjustments within the habitat.

Conclusions:

• Sociality and structural complexity are dynamically linked in habitat specialist reef fish.
• Habitat choice and social interactions are influenced by habitat characteristics and social context.
• Findings provide insights into reef fish social maintenance strategies under environmental change and habitat degradation.