The ecology and behavior of nine species of anemonefishes and ten species of sea anemones were studied at a variety of sites in the region of Madang, Papua New Guinea. More than 95% of the suitable anemones in the region were occupied by anemonefishes. Each species of fish had a distinct pattern of host specificity and population surveys at three replicate reef sites within four locations situated at varying distances from the mainland (nearshore, mid-lagoon, outer barrier, and offshore), indicated that each species of host anemone and anemonefish lived within a particular range of locations. Recruitment was monitored to anemones in natural populations and to anemones that had their resident fishes removed. Significantly more fish recruited to anemones without residents. Each fish species recruited into the host species and locations occupied by their adults. Thus, recruitment had a strong effect on patterns of anemonefish host specificity and distribution, but fish abundance was limited by the availability of anemones. / The host location and association behaviors of laboratory raised anemonefishes were examined. Juvenile anemonefishes that were competent to settle were released in the field at different distances and orientations away from anemones. The fishes were only attracted toward particular species of anemones, and they used chemical cues released from anemones and rheotaxis to locate their hosts. Resident fishes were aggressive toward new recruits and usually prevented them from staying with anemones. Recruiting anemonefishes contacted the tentacles of most anemone species without harm, but in some cases the fishes were stung. Forced contact tests with anemonefish eggs, larvae, juveniles, and adults showed that the fish species tested developed some level of protection from anemones during metamorphosis from a pelagic larva to a benthic juvenile. Forced contact tests with fishes reared in complete isolation from anemones demonstrated that the protection was innate for some species of anemonefishes. However, juvenile fishes still went through acclimation behavior during the initial interaction with an anemone, even if the fishes were innately protected. Immunological studies with polyclonal antibodies to anemone mucus antigens showed that anemonefishes acquire anemone antigens in their mucus coat during their association with anemones. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 53-11, Section: B, page: 5524. / Major Professor: R. N. Mariscal. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1992.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_76810 |
| Contributors | Elliott, Joel Kenneth., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 250 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
Page generated in 0.0021 seconds