Trying to find Nemo: low abundance of sea anemones and anemonefishes on central and southern mid-shelf reefs in the Great Barrier Reef

Scott, A., and Baird, A.H. (2015) Trying to find Nemo: low abundance of sea anemones and anemonefishes on central and southern mid-shelf reefs in the Great Barrier Reef. Marine Biodiversity, 45 (2). pp. 327-331.

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Abstract

Information on the abundance of species targeted for the marine aquarium trade is needed to help elucidate what levels of exploitation may be sustainable. Accordingly, this study documents the abundance and diversity of anemonefishes and their host sea anemones, which are highly sought after in the trade, using timed swims at seven mid-shelf reefs on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Three species of anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor, n = 49; Heteractis magnifica, n = 7; Stichodactyla mertensii, n = 3), and five species of anemonefishes were found (Amphiprion akindynos, n = 12; A. perideraion, n = 29; A. melanopus, n = 11; Premnas biaculeatus, n = 2). Many of the surveys sites (58 %) did not have anemones or anemonefishes, and at sites where they were present, numbers were generally low. Given these findings, it is essential that collection is carefully regulated to prevent localised extinctions and ensure that reproductive success is not adversely impacted.

Item ID: 41716
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1867-1624
Keywords: Amphiprion, Entacmaea, Heteractis, Stichodactyla, marine ornamental, aquarium trade
Funders: Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants: ARC Future Fellowship Grant FT0990652
Date Deposited: 08 Dec 2015 18:18
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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