Presentation Details
| Biotic and abiotic influences on dusky damselfish aggression Kevin Wolfe1, Keanu Donoho1, Channing Livingston1, David Varley1, Lydia Wassink2. 1University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL, USA.2New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL, USA |
Abstract
Dusky damselfish (Stegastes adustus) are known for territorial behaviors, commonly when defending algal resources (Mahoney, 1981). In contrast, they often tolerate cleaner gobies (Elacatinus spp.) within their territories. Cleaner gobies are known to benefit other reef fishes, including dusky damselfish, by removing ectoparasites (Côté and Soares, 2011). Environmental stressors like elevated temperature may alter interactions between dusky damselfish and cleaner gobies, as well as with fishes seeking cleaning services from gobies located in damselfish territories. This study exposed 20 dusky damselfish to either moderate (26.6°C) or high (30°C) temperatures. Five damselfish in each temperature treatment were housed with a neon goby (Elacatinus oceanops) to determine if cleaner presence influenced temperature effects on aggression. We used 3D printed models of the Atlantic blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus), bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride), and lionfish (Pterois volitans) to assess dusky damselfish responses to an intruder. Results will yield insights into how abiotic factors alter interspecies interactions in coral reef communities.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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