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Mark I Mccormick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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CO2 treatment methods and univariate statistical output from Effect of elevated CO2 and small boat noise on the kinematics of predator–prey interactions
2018Co-Authors: Mark I Mccormick, Sue-ann Watson, Stephen D. Simpson, Bridie J. M. AllanAbstract:Comparison of the effects of CO2 pre-treatment (400, 950 µatm) and sound regime (ambient reef, boat) on the kinematics of the interaction between juvenile damselfish prey (Pomacentrus wardi) and dottyback predator (Pseudochromis fuscus). Only those variable with significant effects are shown. Given (in order) are F, p (p < 0.05 in bold) and partial eta-squared (i.e., effect size). Tests were undertaken with 1 and 68df
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Predator response to prey damage odours, represented as a difference from controls.
2017Co-Authors: Michael Natt, Oona M. Lönnstedt, Mark I MccormickAbstract:Mean difference (± SE) in time spent by Pseudochromis fuscus between chambers of y-mazes injected with damage-released odours from Pomacentrus amboinensis or seawater, when the damage-released odour was present or absent, against a background of either healthy or dead-degraded coral treated seawater; n(left to right) 19, 16, 17, 19.
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Predator response to prey damage odours or a seawater control.
2017Co-Authors: Michael Natt, Oona M. Lönnstedt, Mark I MccormickAbstract:Mean (± SE) time spent by Pseudochromis fuscus within chambers of y-mazes injected with seawater (SW) and either damage-released odours from Pomacentrus amboinensis (C) or a seawater control cue (SWC), against a background of either healthy or degraded coral treated seawater; n(left to right) 19, 19, 16, 16, 17, 17, 19, 19.
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Extended exposure to elevated temperature affects escape response behaviour in coral reef fishes
PeerJ Inc., 2017Co-Authors: Donald T. Warren, Jennifer M. Donelson, Mark I MccormickAbstract:The threat of predation, and the prey’s response, are important drivers of community dynamics. Yet environmental temperature can have a significant effect on predation avoidance techniques such as fast-start performance observed in marine fishes. While it is known that temperature increases can influence performance and behaviour in the short-term, little is known about how species respond to extended exposure during development. We produced a startle response in two species of damselfish, the lemon damsel Pomacentrus moluccensis, and the Ambon damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis, by the repeated use of a drop stimulus. We show that the length of thermal exposure of juveniles to elevated temperature significantly affects this escape responses. Short-term (4d) exposure to warmer temperature affected directionality and responsiveness for both species. After long-term (90d) exposure, only P. moluccensis showed beneficial plasticity, with directionality returning to control levels. Responsiveness also decreased in both species, possibly to compensate for higher temperatures. There was no effect of temperature or length of exposure on latency to react, maximum swimming speed, or escape distance suggesting that the physical ability to escape was maintained. Evidence suggests that elevated temperature may impact some fish species through its effect on the behavioural responses while under threat rather than having a direct influence on their physical ability to perform an effective escape response
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anthropogenic noise increases fish mortality by predation
Nature Communications, 2016Co-Authors: Stephen D. Simpson, Mark I Mccormick, Maud C O Ferrari, Douglas P Chivers, Andrew N Radford, Sophie L Nedelec, Mark G MeekanAbstract:Noise-generating human activities affect hearing, communication and movement in terrestrial and aquatic animals, but direct evidence for impacts on survival is rare. We examined effects of motorboat noise on post-settlement survival and physiology of a prey fish species and its performance when exposed to predators. Both playback of motorboat noise and direct disturbance by motorboats elevated metabolic rate in Ambon damselfish (Pomacentrus amboinensis), which when stressed by motorboat noise responded less often and less rapidly to simulated predatory strikes. Prey were captured more readily by their natural predator (dusky dottyback, Pseudochromis fuscus) during exposure to motorboat noise compared with ambient conditions, and more than twice as many prey were consumed by the predator in field experiments when motorboats were passing. Our study suggests that a common source of noise in the marine environment has the potential to impact fish demography, highlighting the need to include anthropogenic noise in management plans.
M. I. Mccormick - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Extended exposure to elevated temperature affects escape response behaviour in coral reef fishes
'PeerJ', 2017Co-Authors: Dt Warren, Jm Donelson, M. I. MccormickAbstract:© 2017 Warren et al. The threat of predation, and the prey's response, are important drivers of community dynamics. Yet environmental temperature can have a significant effect on predation avoidance techniques such as fast-start performance observed in marine fishes. While it is known that temperature increases can influence performance and behaviour in the short-term, little is known about how species respond to extended exposure during development. We produced a startle response in two species of damselfish, the lemon damsel Pomacentrus moluccensis, and the Ambon damselfish Pomacentrus amboinensis, by the repeated use of a drop stimulus. We show that the length of thermal exposure of juveniles to elevated temperature significantly affects this escape responses. Short-term (4d) exposure to warmer temperature affected directionality and responsiveness for both species. After long-term (90d) exposure, only P. moluccensis showed beneficial plasticity, with directionality returning to control levels. Responsiveness also decreased in both species, possibly to compensate for higher temperatures. There was no effect of temperature or length of exposure on latency to react, maximum swimming speed, or escape distance suggesting that the physical ability to escape was maintained. Evidence suggests that elevated temperature may impact some fish species through its effect on the behavioural responses while under threat rather than having a direct influence on their physical ability to perform an effective escape response
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ORIGINAL PAPER Socially acquired predator recognition in complex ecosystems
2016Co-Authors: R. P. Manassa, M. I. Mccormick, D. P. ChiversAbstract:Abstract Social animals acquire information on predator identities through social learning, where individuals with no prior experience learn from experienced members of the group. However, a large amount of uncertainty is often asso-ciated with socially acquired information especially in cases of cross-species learning. Theory predicts that socially ac-quired information from heterospecifics should take more repetitions to develop in complex ecosystems where the num-ber of participants is greater. Our work focuses on coral reef fish as their social and communal lifestyles, along with their complex life histories, make them an ideal model to test for socially acquired predator recognition. Specifically, we tested if Pomacentrus wardi were capable of transmitting the recog-nition of an unknown predator, Pseudochromis fuscus, to closely related Pomacentrus moluccensis and phylogenetical-ly distant Apogon trimaculatus. Individuals of both species were able to learn the predator's identity from experienced P. wardi based on a single conditioning event. It is somewhat surprising how fast social learning occurred particularly for the distantly related cardinalfish. This study demonstrates the widespread nature of social learning as a method of predator recognition in biologically complex ecosystems, and high-lights that the benefits of responding to uncertain information may override the costs associatedwith lost foraging opportunities
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Effects of parasites on larval and juvenile stages of the coral reef fish Pomacentrus moluccensis
Coral Reefs, 2010Co-Authors: A. S. Grutter, T. H. Cribb, H. Mccallum, J. L. Pickering, M. I. MccormickAbstract:The ecological role of parasites in the early life-history stages of coral reef fish is far from clear. Parasitism in larval, recently settled and juvenile stages of a coral reef fish damselfish (Pomacentridae) was therefore investigated by quantifying the ontogenetic change in parasite load and comparing the growth rates of parasitized juvenile fish to those of unparasitized ones. Parasite prevalence in two lunar pulses of Pomacentrus moluccensis was 4 and 0% for larval stage fish, 34 and 56% for recently settled fish and 42 and 49% for juveniles. A significant increase in parasite prevalence with age group was found; the most marked increase occurred immediately after larval fish had settled. Standard length did not model prevalence well; as length is a proxy for age, this indicates that the higher prevalence in recently settled and juvenile fish compared with larvae was not a simple result of parasites accumulating with age. In one of three cohorts, there was some evidence that parasitism affected the growth rate of juveniles, as measured by otolith width. The study suggests that settling on the reef exposes young fish to potentially harmful parasites. This supports the idea that the pelagic phase may have the effect of reducing the exposure of young fish to the debilitating effects of parasites.
Michael J. Kingsford - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the short lived neon damsel Pomacentrus coelestis implications for population dynamics
Journal of Fish Biology, 2017Co-Authors: Michael J. Kingsford, M D Ocallaghan, Libby Liggins, Gabriele GerlachAbstract:Daily increments of Pomacentrus coelestis, an abundant and well-studied fish, were validated for the life of the fish and depending on the location, age-maxima were estimated to be 127-160 days on reefs separated by tens to hundreds of kilometres on the Great Barrier Reef. This contrasts with congeners and other damselfishes that live for 5 years or more. Otoliths of P. coelestis were thinner and had different patterns of banding when compared with relatively long-lived congeners. It is suggested that banding patterns in P. coelestis may be related to patterns of maturation and spawning. The consequences of a short life would have a great influence on the population dynamics of this widespread species. Further, the demographics and habitat preferences of this species suggest rapid colonization and establishment of breeding populations that would quickly change the relative abundance of sympatric fishes.
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near reef elemental signals in the otoliths of settling Pomacentrus amboinensis pomacentridae
Coral Reefs, 2016Co-Authors: Tiffany L Sih, Michael J. KingsfordAbstract:Settlement is a key life history transition for coral reef fishes, and how long a fish spends close to a reef prior to settlement is poorly understood. We used laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and otolith microstructure analysis (daily increments and settlement marks) to determine the length of time larval fish spend near a reef prior to settlement. The otoliths of Pomacentrus amboinensis collected from four neighbouring reefs in the southern Great Barrier Reef showed clear and consistent differences in their elemental signatures prior to and following settlement. Elevated Ba:Ca near settlement and post-settlement was found in fish from all four reefs. However, there was individual variation in elemental profiles, with an increased otolith Ba-to-Ca ratio (near-reef signature) at settlement in 33 % of fish, and up to 8 d prior to settlement in others. Increment widths, often used as a proxy for growth, decreased approaching the settlement mark for all fish, providing further evidence for a “search phase” in larvae. We demonstrated experimentally that otoliths of fish kept in reefal or inter-reefal waters had different elemental chemistry. There were differences in the elemental composition of water samples within the study area, but no consistent trends with distance from reefs. There was poor discrimination of multi-element signatures among fish from different reefs during their pre-settlement phases. However, discrimination improved in the settlement and post-settlement phases of otoliths, indicating that reef waters and perhaps stage of ontogeny affected otolith chemistry. This study demonstrated clear near-reef elemental signatures in fish around settlement. We suggest these differences are due to a combination of water chemistry and physiological influences (e.g., growth). Combining LA-ICP-MS with otolith microstructure analysis can provide high-resolution information on the early life history of reef fishes. Further, a near-reef “search phase” prior to settlement may be common in reef fishes.
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the influence of elemental chemistry on the widths of otolith increments in the neon damselfish Pomacentrus coelestis
2008Co-Authors: Michael J. Kingsford, Heather M. Patterson, Matthew J FloodAbstract:We examined the potential for water chemistry to affect the width of daily increments in reef fish otoliths using both mensurative and manipulative methods. We found significant differences in the widths of increments in otoliths of the neon damselfish (Pomacentrus coelestis) collected in different habitats at One Tree Island on the Great Barrier Reef. We then used manipulative experiments to determine if natural water masses (ocean water vs. lagoon plume) could produce different incremental widths in otoliths in the absence of potentially confounding factors. Fish exposed to ocean water had significantly wider otolith increments for two of the three experiments. Elemental analyses indicated that Ba/Ca ratios were significantly correlated with increment widths for two of the three experiments and Sr/Ca ratios did not correlate with increment width for any experimental period. Variation in crystal-lattice orientation did not explain differences in increment width between treatments. Differences in water chemistry can affect increment widths in otoliths of reef fishes, potentially confounding patterns previously attributed to growth rate or condition alone.
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dna microsatellites in the neon damselfish Pomacentrus coelestis
Molecular Ecology Notes, 2005Co-Authors: Vanessa C Millersims, Michael J. Kingsford, Martha A Delaney, Jelle Atema, Gabriele GerlachAbstract:To determine the degree of genetic exchange between populations of the neon damselfish, Pomacentrus coelestis, among different reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, we characterized seven polymorphic microsatellite loci.
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Elemental signatures of Pomacentrus coelestis otoliths at multiple spatial scales on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2004Co-Authors: Heather M. Patterson, Michael J. Kingsford, Malcolm T MccullochAbstract:Elemental signatures in both the natal and post-settlement regions of otoliths from newly settled Pomacentrus coelestis were measured from multiple sites, reefs, years and reef clusters at different latitudes on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Significant differences in latitude and year were found for Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca in the post-settlement portion of the otoliths, and discriminant function analyses identified clear separations in otolith signatures from different reef clusters and years. The spatial and annual variation found in the post-settlement signatures was similar to that determined for the brooding damselfish Acanthochromis polyacanthus, and suggests that these 2 species record environmental variation in a similar manner. This similarity also extended to reefs, although some reefs showed persistent trends for individual elemental ratios. However, the natal portion of the otoliths proved less useful in discriminating groups, and appeared to be decoupled from the post-settlement portion of the otoliths. Such a decoupling could be the result of differences in the food source during the natal period, protein content of the 2 otolith portions which could potentially influence affinity for trace elements, or ontogenetic changes in the depositional process itself. Our findings indicate that robust elemental signatures are likely to be found among clusters of reefs rather than individual reefs, which has important ramifications for future studies attempting to discriminate reef fish populations.
Geoffrey P Jones - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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different responses of coral and rubble dwelling coral reef damselfishes family pomacentridae to chemosensory cues from coral reef microhabitats
Marine Biology, 2020Co-Authors: Amy G Coppock, Saul Gonzalezmurcia, Maya Srinivasan, Naomi M Gardiner, Geoffrey P JonesAbstract:Coral reef fishes are known to respond to chemical cues in the selection of appropriate microhabitats at settlement. Coral- and non-coral-associated species are likely to respond to different stimuli and the cues may change as larvae settle and become familiar with the reef environment. Here, the chemosensory responses of both late-stage larvae and newly settled juvenile damselfishes to microhabitat odours were tested in Kimbe Bay (PNG), including four obligate coral-dwelling species (Dascyllus melanurus, D. reticulatus, Chrysiptera arnazae and Pomacentrus moluccensis) and four rubble-dwelling species (Pomacentrus adelus, P. simsiang, Chrysiptera cyanea and C. rollandi). Damselfishes were subjected to a series of pair-wise chemosensory choice trials using a two-channel choice flume. The responses by late-stage larvae (pre-settled) to chemical cues from their preferred microhabitat type mirrored those exhibited by recently settled juveniles. All four rubble-dwelling damselfish species exhibited a significant aversion toward chemical cues derived from coral microhabitats, preferring to remain either in the water seeded with chemical cues derived from rubble, or the unseeded (control) water. The obligate coral-dwelling damselfish species tended to avoid rubble and select coral cues when tested against seawater, but unexpectedly, exhibited a neutral response when given a choice between coral and rubble odours. These results indicate that coral and rubble-dwelling damselfish differ in the strength of their attraction to preferred or avoidance of non-preferred microhabitats. Both factors are likely to play a role in settlement choices. Our results indicated that for some species, newly settled juveniles could act as suitable substitutes for testing larval behavioural traits.
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rising co2 concentrations affect settlement behaviour of larval damselfishes
Coral Reefs, 2012Co-Authors: Brynn M Devine, Philip L Munday, Geoffrey P JonesAbstract:Reef fish larvae actively select preferred benthic habitat, relying on olfactory, visual and acoustic cues to discriminate between microhabitats at settlement. Recent studies show exposure to elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) impairs olfactory cue recognition in larval reef fishes. However, whether this alters the behaviour of settling fish or disrupts habitat selection is unknown. Here, the effect of elevated CO2 on larval behaviour and habitat selection at settlement was tested in three species of damselfishes (family Pomacentridae) that differ in their pattern of habitat use: Pomacentrus amboinensis (a habitat generalist), Pomacentrus chrysurus (a rubble specialist) and Pomacentrus moluccensis (a live coral specialist). Settlement-stage larvae were exposed to current-day CO2 levels or CO2 concentrations that could occur by 2100 (700 and 850 ppm) based on IPCC emission scenarios. First, pair-wise choice tests were performed using a two-channel flume chamber to test olfactory discrimination between hard coral, soft coral and coral rubble habitats. The habitat selected by settling fish was then compared among treatments using a multi-choice settlement experiment conducted overnight. Finally, settlement timing between treatments was compared across two lunar cycles for one of the species, P. chrysurus. Exposure to elevated CO2 disrupted the ability of larvae to discriminate between habitat odours in olfactory trials. However, this had no effect on the habitats selected at settlement when all sensory cues were available. The timing of settlement was dramatically altered by CO2 exposure, with control fish exhibiting peak settlement around the new moon, whereas fish exposed to 850 ppm CO2 displaying highest settlement rates around the full moon. These results suggest larvae can rely on other sensory information, such as visual cues, to compensate for impaired olfactory ability when selecting settlement habitat at small spatial scales. However, rising CO2 could cause larvae to settle at unfavourable times, with potential consequences for larval survival and population replenishment.
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self recruitment in a coral reef fish population
Nature, 1999Co-Authors: Geoffrey P Jones, Michael J Emslie, M J Milicich, C LunowAbstract:The question of how far the larvae of marine organisms disperse is fundamental to an understanding of their population dynamics1,2,3, the management of exploited species4,5 and the conservation of marine biodiversity6,7. It is generally assumed that larvae disperse away from their natal population so that local populations operate as ‘open’ systems, driven by recruitment of larvae from other sub-populations8. However, this assumption has never been critically tested. Here we show for the first time that juveniles from a coral reef fish population can return to their natal reef. We marked otoliths (ear bones) of over 10 million developing embryos of the damselfish, Pomacentrus amboinensis, at Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef). Subsequently, from an examination of 5,000 juveniles settling at the same location, we found 15 marked individuals. On the basis of an estimate of the proportion of embryos marked (0.5–2%), as many as 15–60% of juveniles may be returning to their natal population (self-recruitment). We challenge the assumption that long-distance dispersal is the norm for reef fish populations.
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habitat complexity modifies the impact of piscivores on a coral reef fish population
Oecologia, 1998Co-Authors: Joanne S Beukers, Geoffrey P JonesAbstract:Patterns in juvenile mortality rates can have a profound affect on the distribution and abundance of adult individuals, and may be the result of a number of interacting factors. Field observations at Lizard Island (Great Barrier Reef, Australia) showed that for a coral reef damselfish, Pomacentrus moluccensis, juvenile mortality (over 1 year) varied between 20 and almost 100% among sites. Correlative data showed that juvenile mortality increased as a function of initial densities (recruitment), predator densities and the availability of preferred coral substrata. A multiple regression showed that these three variables together did not explain significantly more variation in mortality than the single factor showing the strongest relationship. This appeared to be because recruitment, predator densities and preferred coral substrata were all highly correlated, suggesting that one, two or all of these factors may be influencing juvenile mortality rates. One hypothesis was that density-dependent mortality in juveniles was the result of an interaction between predators (which appear to aggregate at high-recruitment sites) and the availability of preferred substrata (predator refuges). We tested this hypothesis by using both laboratory and field experiments to see whether fish predation could significantly alter survivorship of this damselfish, and whether this impact was dependent upon the coral substratum. The laboratory experiment was designed to test the effects of three common predators (Pseudochromis fuscus, Cephalopholis boenak and Thalassoma lunare) and three different coral substrata that varied in their complexity (Pocillopora damicornis, Acropora nasuta and A. nobilis) on the survival of juvenile Pomacentrus moluccensis. There was a significant interaction between predator species and microhabitat in determining survival. Pseudochromis fuscus and C. boenak were both significantly better at capturing juvenile damselfish than T. lunare. Juvenile survivorship was significantly better when they were given the more complex corals, Pocillopora damicornis and A. nasuta, compared with those given the open-structured species A. nobilis. This pattern reflects habitat selection in the field. Predators differed in their strike rates and the proportion of strikes that were successful, but all exhibited greater success at prey capture where A. nobilis was provided as shelter. The interaction between the effect of predator species and microhabitat structure on damselfish survival was tested in the field for a cohort of juvenile Pomacentrus moluccensis. We examined juvenile survival in the presence and absence of two predators that co-occur on natural patch reefs (C. boenak and Pseudochromis fuscus). The experimental patch reefs we used for this purpose were constructed from both high complexity (Pocillopora damicornis) and low complexity (A. nobilis) coral substrata. Both juveniles and predators were translocated to reefs at natural densities. The effects of predation were clearly dependent upon the microhabitat. Reefs of the high-complexity coral with predators supported the same high numbers of Pomacentrus moluccensis as the reefs with no resident predators. However, damselfish abundance was significantly lower on low-complexity reefs with resident predators, relative to the other treatments. Background rates of loss were high, even on preferred coral in the absence of the manipulated predator, suggesting that transient predators may be even more important than the residents. We suggest that adult abundances in this species were strongly influenced by the densities of different predators and the availability of preferred refuges.
Gabriele Gerlach - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the short lived neon damsel Pomacentrus coelestis implications for population dynamics
Journal of Fish Biology, 2017Co-Authors: Michael J. Kingsford, M D Ocallaghan, Libby Liggins, Gabriele GerlachAbstract:Daily increments of Pomacentrus coelestis, an abundant and well-studied fish, were validated for the life of the fish and depending on the location, age-maxima were estimated to be 127-160 days on reefs separated by tens to hundreds of kilometres on the Great Barrier Reef. This contrasts with congeners and other damselfishes that live for 5 years or more. Otoliths of P. coelestis were thinner and had different patterns of banding when compared with relatively long-lived congeners. It is suggested that banding patterns in P. coelestis may be related to patterns of maturation and spawning. The consequences of a short life would have a great influence on the population dynamics of this widespread species. Further, the demographics and habitat preferences of this species suggest rapid colonization and establishment of breeding populations that would quickly change the relative abundance of sympatric fishes.
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dna microsatellites in the neon damselfish Pomacentrus coelestis
Molecular Ecology Notes, 2005Co-Authors: Vanessa C Millersims, Michael J. Kingsford, Martha A Delaney, Jelle Atema, Gabriele GerlachAbstract:To determine the degree of genetic exchange between populations of the neon damselfish, Pomacentrus coelestis, among different reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, we characterized seven polymorphic microsatellite loci.