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Kavazos CRJ, Ricci F, Leggat W, Casey JM, Choat JH, Ainsworth TD. Intestinal Microbiome Richness of Coral Reef Damselfishes ( Actinopterygii: Pomacentridae). Integr Org Biol 2022; 4:obac026. [PMID: 36136736 PMCID: PMC9486986 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish gastro-intestinal system harbors diverse microbiomes that affect the host's
digestion, nutrition, and immunity. Despite the great taxonomic diversity of fish, little
is understood about fish microbiome and the factors that determine its structure and
composition. Damselfish are important coral reef species that play pivotal roles in
determining algae and coral population structures of reefs. Broadly, damselfish belong to
either of two trophic guilds based on whether they are planktivorous or algae-farming. In
this study, we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the intestinal microbiome of 5
planktivorous and 5 algae-farming damselfish species (Pomacentridae) from
the Great Barrier Reef. We detected Gammaproteobacteria ASVs belonging to
the genus Actinobacillus in 80% of sampled individuals across the 2
trophic guilds, thus, bacteria in this genus can be considered possible core members of
pomacentrid microbiomes. Algae-farming damselfish had greater bacterial alpha-diversity, a
more diverse core microbiome and shared 35 ± 22 ASVs, whereas planktivorous species shared
7 ± 3 ASVs. Our data also highlight differences in microbiomes associated with both
trophic guilds. For instance, algae-farming damselfish were enriched in
Pasteurellaceae, whilst planktivorous damselfish in
Vibrionaceae. Finally, we show shifts in bacterial community
composition along the intestines. ASVs associated with the classes Bacteroidia,
Clostridia, and Mollicutes bacteria were predominant in the
anterior intestinal regions while Gammaproteobacteria abundance was
higher in the stomach. Our results suggest that the richness of the intestinal bacterial
communities of damselfish reflects host species diet and trophic guild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R J Kavazos
- Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales , Kensington, NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - Francesco Ricci
- Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales , Kensington, NSW 2052 , Australia
- Centre of Marine Bio-Innovation, The University of New South Wales , Kensington, NSW 2052 , Australia
| | - William Leggat
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle , 10 Chittaway Dr, Ourimbah, NSW 2258 , Australia
| | - Jordan M Casey
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University , Townsville, QLD 4811 , Australia
- PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan , Perpignan 66100 , France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence “CORAIL,” Université de Perpignan , Perpignan 66100 , France
| | - J Howard Choat
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University , Townsville QLD 4814 , Australia
| | - Tracy D Ainsworth
- Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of New South Wales , Kensington, NSW 2052 , Australia
- Centre of Marine Bio-Innovation, The University of New South Wales , Kensington, NSW 2052 , Australia
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Bowden CL, Streit RP, Bellwood DR, Tebbett SB. A 3D perspective on sediment turnover and feeding selectivity in blennies. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113799. [PMID: 35665616 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Sediments in algal turfs can modify a wide variety of key ecological processes on coral reefs. While some larger reef fishes can remove these turf-bound sediments, the role of small, yet abundant, cryptobenthic fishes is currently unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we explored the extent to which the blenny, Ecsenius stictus, can shape sediment dynamics on coral reefs by quantifying their sediment ingestion and space use. Per unit body mass, E. stictus process sediments at comparable rates to key parrotfish and surgeonfish species. However, in absolute terms, E. stictus has a negligible influence on net sediment dynamics, despite their abundance. Behavioural observations and 3D photogrammetry reveal that E. stictus preferentially feed and rest on elevated surfaces; potentially because of low sediment loads on these surfaces. Overall, E. stictus may be responding to sediment loads rather than manipulating them; it is a passenger rather than a driver in reef processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey L Bowden
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
| | - Robert P Streit
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
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Tebbett SB, Sgarlatta MP, Pessarrodona A, Vergés A, Wernberg T, Bellwood DR. How to quantify algal turf sediments and particulates on tropical and temperate reefs: An overview. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 179:105673. [PMID: 35688019 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Algal turfs are the most abundant benthic covering on reefs in many shallow-water marine ecosystems. The particulates and sediments bound within algal turfs can influence a multitude of functions within these ecosystems. Despite the global abundance and importance of algal turfs, comparison of algal turf-bound sediments is problematic due to a lack of standardisation across collection methods. Here we provide an overview of three methods (vacuum sampling, airlift sampling, and TurfPods), and the necessary equipment (including construction suggestions), commonly employed to quantify sediments from algal turfs. We review the purposes of these methods (e.g. quantification of standing stock versus net accumulation) and how methods can vary depending on the research question or monitoring protocol. By providing these details in a readily accessible format we hope to encourage a standardised set of approaches for marine benthic ecologists, geologists and managers, that facilitates further quantification and global comparisons of algal turf sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterling B Tebbett
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia.
| | - M Paula Sgarlatta
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Albert Pessarrodona
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
| | - Adriana Vergés
- Centre for Marine Science & Innovation and Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Thomas Wernberg
- UWA Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
| | - David R Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, College of Science and Engineering and ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
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Ng D, Taira D, Heery EC, Todd PA. Antagonistic effects of seawalls and urban sedimentation on epilithic algal matrix (EAM)-feeding fishes. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113098. [PMID: 34768194 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Marine urbanisation often results in the proliferation of artificial coastal defences and heavy sedimentation, adversely impacting coral reef systems in tropical coastal cities. Knowledge of how motile organisms, such as reef fish, respond to novel human-made habitats and high sedimentation is limited. Here, we examine the role of sloping granite seawalls in supporting reef fishes that utilise the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) as a food resource. We surveyed fish assemblages and feeding activities on seawalls and reef flats, and conducted a field experiment to examine the effects of sediment on EAM feeding rates. Seawalls and reef flats supported distinct fish assemblage composition with significantly greater feeding activity on seawalls. However, reduced feeding activity on EAM with elevated sediment loads suggests that urban sedimentation may limit the utility of this novel feeding ground for nearshore communities. These findings illustrate the complexities and interactive effects of anthropogenic changes driven by coastal urbanisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillen Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Daisuke Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
| | - Eliza C Heery
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore
| | - Peter A Todd
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117558, Singapore.
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Holmes MJ, Venables B, Lewis RJ. Critical Review and Conceptual and Quantitative Models for the Transfer and Depuration of Ciguatoxins in Fishes. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13080515. [PMID: 34437386 PMCID: PMC8402393 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13080515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We review and develop conceptual models for the bio-transfer of ciguatoxins in food chains for Platypus Bay and the Great Barrier Reef on the east coast of Australia. Platypus Bay is unique in repeatedly producing ciguateric fishes in Australia, with ciguatoxins produced by benthic dinoflagellates (Gambierdiscus spp.) growing epiphytically on free-living, benthic macroalgae. The Gambierdiscus are consumed by invertebrates living within the macroalgae, which are preyed upon by small carnivorous fishes, which are then preyed upon by Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). We hypothesise that Gambierdiscus and/or Fukuyoa species growing on turf algae are the main source of ciguatoxins entering marine food chains to cause ciguatera on the Great Barrier Reef. The abundance of surgeonfish that feed on turf algae may act as a feedback mechanism controlling the flow of ciguatoxins through this marine food chain. If this hypothesis is broadly applicable, then a reduction in herbivory from overharvesting of herbivores could lead to increases in ciguatera by concentrating ciguatoxins through the remaining, smaller population of herbivores. Modelling the dilution of ciguatoxins by somatic growth in Spanish mackerel and coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) revealed that growth could not significantly reduce the toxicity of fish flesh, except in young fast-growing fishes or legal-sized fishes contaminated with low levels of ciguatoxins. If Spanish mackerel along the east coast of Australia can depurate ciguatoxins, it is most likely with a half-life of ≤1-year. Our review and conceptual models can aid management and research of ciguatera in Australia, and globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Holmes
- Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Brisbane 4102, Australia;
| | | | - Richard J. Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Long term relationship between farming damselfish, predators, competitors and benthic habitat on coral reefs of Moorea Island. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14548. [PMID: 34267281 PMCID: PMC8282866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94010-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the processes that shape biodiversity is essential for effective environmental management. Across the world's coral reefs, algal farming damselfish (Stegastes sp.) modify the surrounding benthic community through their creation of algae "farms". Using a long-term monitoring dataset (2005-2019) from Moorea Island, French Polynesia, we investigated whether the density of dusky damselfish (Stegastes nigricans) is associated with benthic habitat composition, the density of predators and/or competitors, and whether the survey area was inside or outside of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). We found no evidence that benthic cover or number of competitors were associated with dusky damselfish densities, both inside and outside MPAs. In contrast, fluctuations in dusky damselfish densities were negatively associated with the density of predators (e.g. Serranidae, Muraenidae and Scorpaenidae) in the preceding year in non-MPA areas, and both within and outside of MPAs when predator densities were high (2005-2010). These results suggest that healthy predator populations may be important for regulating the abundances of keystone species, such as algal farming damselfish, especially when predator densities are high.
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