Research Plans

Aim

To investigate how pertinent life history parameters of species of reef-associated fishes may drive the presence of UV markings for communication upon coral reefs.

Objectives

1. Determine the pertinent life history parameters in the studied families of reef-associated fish. Compiling data on body mass, feeding modality, longevity, parental investment and sociality.

2. Confirm which species possess UV markings, determining their spectral reflectance values. The size (are/cm2) of those markings and the degree of reflectance intensity (%) will also be documented.

3. Ascertain how UV reflectance and signalling are spread across the phylogeny and what life-history parameters predict this distribution.

Hypotheses

1. Fishes with shorter life expectancy are expected to exhibit greater* UV reflectance compared to longer-living species.

2. Evolutionarily primitive fish species are hypothesised to exhibit a greater* propensity for UV reflectance compared to more recently evolved species.

3. Social fishes are predicted to demonstrate a greater* propensity for UV reflectance than solitary species.

4. Territorial fishes are expected to exhibit a greater* degree of UV reflectance compared to gregarious species.

5. Feeding modality is hypothesised to be a more significant determinant for the presence of UV reflectance than the relatedness between species.

*Markings are present, larger in size (cm2), and stronger reflectance intensity (%).

What are pertinent life history parameters and how do they differ from life history traits?

Life history traits and life history parameters are closely related concepts in ecology and evolutionary biology, but they refer to slightly different aspects of an organism's life cycle. Here's a breakdown of how they differ:

Life History Traits: Life history traits are specific characteristics or attributes of an organism that influence its survival, growth, reproduction, and overall fitness. These traits can include various morphological, physiological, behavioural, and life cycle characteristics. Examples of life history traits include body size, age at maturity, fecundity (reproductive output), longevity, parental care behaviour, and dispersal ability. Life history traits are typically measured or observed to understand how they contribute to an organism's life history strategy and evolutionary success.

Life History Parameters: Life history parameters are quantitative measures or variables associated with an organism's life history traits. These parameters provide numerical or statistical information about specific aspects of an organism's life cycle or demographic profile. Life history parameters often include values such as age-specific mortality rates, age-specific reproductive rates, survival probabilities, growth rates, and population growth rates. These parameters are used in population ecology, demographic modelling, and evolutionary analysis to characterize the life history strategies of different species and populations.

In summary, life history traits represent the qualitative characteristics or attributes of an organism's life history strategy, while life history parameters provide quantitative measures or variables that describe specific aspects of its life cycle and demographic profile. Both concepts are important for understanding how organisms adapt to their environments, allocate resources, and evolve over time.

Why do we care about conserving UV Signalling, Reef-Associated Fishes and Coral Reefs? 

Conserving UV signalling, reef-associated fishes, and coral reefs is vital for several reasons:

1. Biodiversity: Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life. Species of reef-associated fish play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of these ecosystems. Conserving them ensures the preservation of this rich biodiversity.

2. Economic Importance: Coral reefs provide significant economic benefits through tourism, fisheries, and shoreline protection. Millions of people depend on reefs for their livelihoods, whether directly through fishing or indirectly through tourism revenue. Reef-associated fish are often targeted by fisheries, contributing to both local economies and global seafood markets.

3. Ecological Services: Coral reefs provide essential ecological services, such as acting as nurseries for many species of fish, protecting coastlines from erosion, and supporting the overall health of marine ecosystems. UV signalling plays a role in the behaviour and communication of various marine organisms, which is crucial for maintaining ecosystem functions.

4. Climate Regulation: Coral reefs play a role in regulating climate by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and providing habitats for organisms that contribute to nutrient cycling. Preserving coral reefs helps mitigate the impacts of climate change by preserving these functions.

5. Cultural Importance: Coral reefs hold cultural significance for many coastal communities around the world. They are often integral to local traditions, ceremonies, and spiritual beliefs. Conserving coral reefs and the fish that inhabit them helps preserve these cultural connections.

6. Research and Education: Coral reefs serve as important sites for scientific research, providing valuable insights into marine biology, ecology, and climate change. Protecting these ecosystems ensures that future generations have the opportunity to study and learn from them.

In summary, conserving UV signalling, reef-associated fish, and coral reefs is essential for maintaining biodiversity, supporting economies, providing ecosystem services, regulating climate, preserving cultural heritage, and advancing scientific knowledge. These efforts are crucial for the well-being of both marine ecosystems and human societies.

Reef-Associated Fish & Families (Actinopterygii)

What are Reef-Associated Fish and why not just coral them coral fish or reef fish?

Firstly we must determine what we mean by ‘fish’, as this is not a taxonomic group but a paraphyletic group. Further distinction can be made as neither coral fish, reef fish nor reef-associated fish are taxonomic groups. We distinctly define our taxonomic grouping of species for investigation (and in the longer sense, phylogeny following statistical analysis) under Actinopterygii.

Reef-associated fish are species of fish that inhabit coral reef ecosystems, relying on the reef environment for various aspects of their life cycles. While the terms "coral fish" or "reef fish" are sometimes used interchangeably with "reef-associated fish," there are subtle distinctions:

1. Coral Fish: This term specifically emphasises the close association of certain fish species with coral structures. These fish may depend on corals for shelter, feeding, or breeding sites. However, not all fish that inhabit coral reef ecosystems are directly associated with corals. Some may prefer other reef features like rocky outcrops or sandy bottoms. Therefore, while coral fish primarily dwell among coral structures, not all reef-associated fish are exclusively tied to corals.

2. Reef Fish: This term encompasses a broader range of fish species that inhabit reef ecosystems, including those found around coral reefs as well as other types of reefs such as rocky reefs or artificial reefs. While many reef fish do inhabit coral reefs, they may also occupy other reef types or adjacent habitats like seagrass beds or mangrove forests. Thus, "reef fish" is a more inclusive term that acknowledges the diverse habitats within reef ecosystems.

3. Reef-Associated Fish: This term encompasses all fish species that are associated with reef ecosystems, regardless of the specific type of reef they inhabit. It emphasises the ecological role of fish within reef ecosystems and their dependence on reef habitats for various aspects of their lives, such as food, shelter, reproduction, and protection from predators. "Reef-associated fish" is a comprehensive term that encompasses both coral-associated species and those associated with other reef types.

Using the term "reef-associated fish" acknowledges the diversity of fish species that inhabit reef ecosystems while emphasizing their ecological significance within these habitats. It highlights the interconnectedness between fish and reef environments and underscores the importance of conserving entire reef ecosystems, not just individual components like corals.

Reef-Associated Fish Families (Actinopterygii)

Actinopterygii

Actinopterygii, commonly known as ray-finned fishes, is a class of bony fishes characterised by their fins, which are supported by bony spines called rays. They represent the largest and most diverse group of fishes, comprising over 30,000 species, including many familiar fish groups such as salmon, trout, tuna, and goldfish. Ray-finned fishes are found in various aquatic environments worldwide, ranging from freshwater rivers and lakes to oceans and coral reefs. They play important ecological roles as both predators and prey and are economically significant as food sources for humans and as subjects of scientific study in fields such as ecology, evolution, and fisheries biology.