![]() ![]() ![]() They also determined that sponge species composition depended more on the abundance of spongivores instead of geographic location. This allows them to compete with sponges that are left relatively untouched. ![]() Due to this grazing, the palatable sponges tend to heal and grow faster, as well as have a higher rate of recruitment and reproduction. Loh and Pawlik found that parrotfish, along with other spongivores, would graze on sponges that lacked chemical defenses over sponges that possess secondary metabolites. Sponges (along with corals) are the primary habitat-forming organism on Caribbean reefs. Parrotfish are also one of the primary grazers of sponges. Focusing on more long term benefits requires a more strict harvest limitation to combat the ever-increasing threats to coral reefs. This would have both ecological and economic benefits as it would also lead to an increase in coral reef health and production. A recent study suggests that if we implement a capture size restriction of less than 30cm there is a win: win outcome in the short term. Unfortunately, parrotfish are commonly fished in the Caribbean. A shift to macroalgae dominated habitat would offer little value to fisheries, as most of the nutrients are lost to detrital pathways. In the Caribbean, parrotfishes are the primary herbivores on the reef at mid-depth, helping keep macroalgae in check. Interestingly, studies show that the number one thing we can do to protect the health of coral reefs is to limit the number of parrotfish we remove from the environment. Coral reefs face a number of stressors including ocean acidification, rising ocean temperatures, and changing ecosystem balance due to overfishing and bycatch. Probably the most interesting thing though about parrotfish is their role in coral reefs. Stoplight parrotfish, terminal phase (CC SA 3.0) This change usually takes place due to an environmental cue, such as the loss of the dominant male. So, for example, some species of parrotfish start as female in their initial phase, then change to male in the terminal phase. Each phase is characterized by being one gender. A sequential hermaphrodite is an animal that goes through an initial and terminal phase during its adult life. Parrotfish are also known as sequential hermaphrodites. ![]()
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