Fish are a major component of the coral reef ecosystem, potentially numbering 500 - 1,100 species in Pacific Islands Network (PACN) parks depending on geographic location (Allen et al. 2003, Randall 2005, Randall 2007). This highly diverse assemblage of carnivores, planktivores, herbivores and detritivores serve a variety of ecological functions that affect ecosystem structure, productivity, and sustainability (e.g., Sale 1991, Hixon 1997). Fish assemblages or selected species can also act as indicators of general reef health and provide a warning of environmental stress and potential...
Fish are a major component of the coral reef ecosystem, potentially numbering 500 - 1,100 species in Pacific Islands Network (PACN) parks depending on...