Habitat associations of the surgeonfish, yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), from shallow to upper mesophotic coral reefs (3- 40 M) in west Hawaii
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2015
:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100094
Understanding habitat utilization of coral reef fish at each life stage is critical for determining their vulnerability to changing ocean conditions and for successful reef fish management. The yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) is a herbivorous surgeonfish and is heavily collected in the Hawaiian marine aquarium trade. Previous work suggests that recruits and juveniles utilize branching coral at mid depths (~12 m) and make an ontogenetic shift to shallow (~3 m) depths as adults. These studies, however, have not explored yellow tang abundances beyond ~18 m. Here, we analyze the distribution of yellow tang to deeper depths. Fish and benthic surveys were conducted on the west coast of the island of Hawaii (West Hawaii) along a depth gradient from shallow to upper mesophotic coral reefs (3- 40 m). The results confirmed previous research, however, adults were also found in low but consistent abundances from 21-40 m and juveniles were found to 30 m when branching coral habitat was present. Thus, the upper mesophotic zone is serving as additional juvenile and adult habitat for yellow tang in Hawaii.
32
50
- Habitat associations of the surgeonfish, yellow tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), from shallow to upper mesophotic coral reefs (3- 40 M) in west Hawaii
- Molly Anne Bogeberg
- Brian N. Tissot (Chair)Cheryl Schultz (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Biological Sciences, School ofElise F Granek (Committee Member)
- Washington State University
- Environment, School of the (CAHNRS)
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- 44
- 99900524866201842
- English
- Thesis