Arrival Timing Shapes Survival for Young Coral Reef Fish

Researchers studied how the timing of when fish arrive at a reef and the complexity of their habitat affects competition between young coral reef fish, finding that early arrival gives fish a major survival advantage but only in simple habitats. The researchers manipulated experimental coral reefs in French Polynesia, controlling when young wrasse arrived (simultaneously or 5 days apart) and the structural complexity of the habitat, then measured survival and aggressive behavior. Fish arriving simultaneously with competitors had 2.89-fold higher survival than those arriving 5 days later. Complex habitats increased survival by 1.55-fold, but only when fish arrived simultaneously or early. Habitat complexity had no effect on survival for late-arriving fish. Aggression from early residents toward newcomers was significantly higher when newcomers arrived 5 days late. The research shows that small differences in timing can have substantial effects on survival in competitive environments, which becomes increasingly important as climate change alters breeding seasons and settlement patterns of marine species.

Citation

Geange, Shane Wallace; Stier, Adrian C. (2010). Priority effects and habitat complexity affect the strength of competition. Oecologia.

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