ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2930-5591
Current Organisation
University of Southampton
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2015.08.058
Abstract: Jaw protrusion is one of the most important innovations in vertebrate feeding over the last 400 million years [1, 2]. Protrusion enables a fish to rapidly decrease the distance between itself and its prey [2, 3]. We assessed the evolution and functional implications of jaw protrusion in teleost fish assemblages from shallow coastal seas since the Cretaceous. By examining extant teleost fishes, we identified a robust morphological predictor of jaw protrusion that enabled us to predict the extent of jaw protrusion in fossil fishes. Our analyses revealed increases in both average and maximum jaw protrusion over the last 100 million years, with a progressive increase in the potential impact of fish predation on elusive prey. Over this period, the increase in jaw protrusion was initially driven by a taxonomic restructuring of fish assemblages, with an increase in the proportion of spiny-rayed fishes (Acanthomorpha), followed by an increase in the extent of protrusion within this clade. By increasing the ability of fishes to catch elusive prey [2, 4], jaw protrusion is likely to have fundamentally changed the nature of predator-prey interactions and may have contributed to the success of the spiny-rayed fishes, the dominant fish clade in modern oceans [5].
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 22-04-2014
Abstract: The evolution of ecological processes on coral reefs was examined based on Eocene fossil fishes from Monte Bolca, Italy and extant species from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Using ecologically relevant morphological metrics, we investigated the evolution of herbivory in surgeonfishes (Acanthuridae) and rabbitfishes (Siganidae). Eocene and Recent surgeonfishes showed remarkable similarities, with grazers, browsers and even specialized, long-snouted forms having Eocene analogues. These long-snouted Eocene species were probably pair-forming, crevice-feeding forms like their Recent counterparts. Although Eocene surgeonfishes likely played a critical role as herbivores during the origins of modern coral reefs, they lacked the novel morphologies seen in modern Acanthurus and Siganus (including eyes positioned high above their low-set mouths). Today, these forms dominate coral reefs in both abundance and species richness and are associated with feeding on shallow, exposed algal turfs. The radiation of these new forms, and their expansion into new habitats in the Oligocene–Miocene, reflects the second phase in the development of fish herbivory on coral reefs that is closely associated with the exploitation of highly productive short algal turfs.
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 21-06-2019
Abstract: Coral reefs represent one of the most bio erse and rich ecosystems. Such richness conjures up images of coral heads and large colorful reef fishes. Brandl et al. show, however, that one of the most striking and important parts of the reef ecosystem is almost never seen (see the Perspective by Riginos and Leis). Small cryptobenthic fish, like blennies, make up nearly 40% of reef fish bio ersity. Furthermore, the majority of cryptobenthic fish larvae settle locally, rather than being widely dispersed, and have rapid turnover rates. Such high ersity and densities could thus provide the biomass base for larger, better-known reef fish. Science , this issue p. 1189 see also p. 1128
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-11-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-01-2014
DOI: 10.1038/NCOMMS4144
Abstract: Interactions between fishes and the benthos have shaped the development of marine ecosystems since at least the early Mesozoic. Here, using the morphology of fish teeth as an indicator of feeding abilities, we quantify changes over the last 240 million years of reef fish evolution. Fossil and extant coral reef fish assemblages reveal exceptional stasis in tooth design over time, with one notable exception, a distinct long-toothed form. Arising only in the last 40 million years, these long-toothed fishes have bypassed the invertebrate link in the food chain, feeding directly on benthic particulate material. With the appearance of elongated teeth, these specialized detritivores have moved from eating invertebrates to eating the food of invertebrates. Over evolutionary time, fishes have slid back down the food chain.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 25-01-2017
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-11-2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2016.11.016
Abstract: Increasing sediment inputs are recognised as an important factor leading to coral reef degradation. However, the role of sediments in ecological processes is poorly understood. This study used paired-choice trials to quantify the effects of sediment grain size and chemical composition on feeding by the abundant detritivorous reef fish, Ctenochaetus striatus. The size of sediments from algal turfs were also compared to those ingested by reef-dwelling C. striatus. Algal turfs containing coarser sediments were preferred by C. striatus, while sediment composition (reefal carbonates vs. riverine silicates) had little effect. On the reef, C. striatus ingested finer sediments than those present in algal turfs. C. striatus appears to prefer algal turfs with coarser sediments as this facilitates ingestion of fine detrital particles, while finer sediments prevent selective feeding on detritus. These findings suggest that fine sediments from terrestrial runoff or dredging may be detrimental to feeding by detritivorous species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-03-2021
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Date: 20-12-2019
Abstract: Allgeier and Cline suggest that our model overestimates the contributions of cryptobenthic fishes to coral reef functioning. However, their 20-year model ignores the basic biological limits of population growth. If incorporated, cryptobenthic contributions to consumed fish biomass remain high (20 to 70%). Disturbance cycles and uncertainties surrounding the fate of large fishes on decadal scales further demonstrate the important role of cryptobenthic fishes.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-07-2022
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1098/RSOS.171111
Abstract: Ctenochaetus striatus is one of the most abundant surgeonfishes on Indo-Pacific coral reefs, yet the functional role and feeding ecology of this species remain unclear. This species is reported to possess a rigid structure in its palate that is used for scraping, but some authors have reported that this element is comprised of soft tissue. To resolve the nature and role of this structure in the feeding ecology of C. striatus we examined evidence from anatomical observations, scanning electron microscopy, histology, X-ray micro-computed tomography scanning, high-speed video and field observations. We found that C. striatus from the Great Barrier Reef possess a retention plate (RP) on their palates immediately posterior to the premaxillary teeth which is soft, covered in a thin veneer of keratin with a papillate surface. This RP appears to be used during feeding, but does not appear to be responsible for the removal of material, which is achieved primarily by a fast closure of the lower jaw. We infer that the RP acts primarily as a ‘dustpan’, in a ‘dustpan and brush’ feeding mechanism, to facilitate the collection of particulate material from algal turfs.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 05-11-2021
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.5061.3.5
Abstract: Conniella apterygia is redescribed from re-examination of the holotype, two paratypes, and six additional specimens. The genus is closely allied to Cirrhilabrus, sharing similarities in general morphological and meristic details, but is separated from Cirrhilabrus and most other labrid fishes in lacking pelvic fins and a pelvic girdle. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have provided strong evidence for the deep nesting of Conniella within Cirrhilabrus, contradicting its generic validity and suggesting that the loss of pelvic elements is autapomorphic. Consequently, the species is redescribed and assigned to the genus Cirrhilabrus, as Cirrhilabrus apterygia new combination. The pelvic morphologies of related cirrhilabrin labrids are discussed, and a new synapomorphy is identified for Paracheilinus.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 03-01-2017
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 24-10-2012
Abstract: Sediments are a ubiquitous feature of all coral reefs, yet our understanding of how they affect complex ecological processes on coral reefs is limited. Sediment in algal turfs has been shown to suppress herbivory by coral reef fishes on high-sediment, low-herbivory reef flats. Here, we investigate the role of sediment in suppressing herbivory across a depth gradient (reef base, crest and flat) by observing fish feeding following benthic sediment reductions. We found that sediment suppresses herbivory across all reef zones. Even slight reductions on the reef crest, which has 35 times less sediment than the reef flat, resulted in over 1800 more herbivore bites (h −1 m −2 ). The Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes) were responsible for over 80 per cent of all bites observed, and on the reef crest and flat took over 1500 more bites (h −1 m −2 ) when sediment load was reduced. These findings highlight the role of natural sediment loads in shaping coral reef herbivory and suggest that changes in benthic sediment loads could directly impair reef resilience.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-05-2018
DOI: 10.1111/BRV.12423
Abstract: Teleost fishes are the most erse group of vertebrates on Earth. On tropical coral reefs, their species richness exceeds 6000 species one tenth of total vertebrate bio ersity. A large proportion of this ersity is composed of cryptobenthic reef fishes (CRFs): bottom-dwelling, morphologically or behaviourally cryptic species typically less than 50 mm in length. Yet, despite their ersity and abundance, these fishes are both poorly defined and understood. Herein we provide a new quantitative definition and synthesise current knowledge on the ersity, distribution and life history of CRFs. First, we use size distributions within families to define 17 core CRF families as characterised by the high prevalence (>10%) of small-bodied species (<50 mm). This stands in strong contrast to 42 families of large reef fishes, in which virtually no small-bodied species have evolved. We posit that small body size has allowed CRFs to ersify at extremely high rates, primarily by allowing for fine partitioning of microhabitats and facilitation of allopatric reproductive isolation yet, we are far from understanding and documenting the bio ersity of CRFs. Using rates of description since 1758, we predict that approximately 30 new species of cryptobenthic species will be described per year until 2050 (approximately twice the annual rate compared to large fishes). Furthermore, we predict that by the year 2031, more than half of the described coral reef fish bio ersity will consist of CRFs. These fishes are the 'hidden half' of vertebrate bio ersity on coral reefs. Notably, global geographic coverage and spatial resolution of quantitative data on CRF communities is uniformly poor, which further emphasises the remarkable reservoir of bio ersity that is yet to be discovered. Although small body size may have enabled extensive ersification within CRF families, small size also comes with a suite of ecological challenges that affect fishes' capacities to feed, survive and reproduce we identify a range of life-history adaptations that have enabled CRFs to overcome these limitations. In turn, these adaptations bestow a unique socio-ecological role on CRFs, which includes a key role in coral reef trophodynamics by cycling trophic energy provided by microscopic prey to larger consumers. Although small in body size, the ecology and evolutionary history of CRFs may make them a critical component of coral-reef food webs yet our review also shows that these fishes are highly susceptible to a variety of anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding the consequences of these changes for CRFs and coral reef ecosystems will require us to shed more light on this frequently overlooked but highly erse and abundant guild of coral reef fishes.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2016.11.018
Abstract: It is widely accepted that coral reefs are in decline globally, due to climate change as well as more direct human impacts such as poor water quality and overharvesting [1-3]. Biological invasions are also seen as a major threat [4-6] however, they may not all be negative. An invasion of Red Sea rabbitfishes is disrupting Mediterranean ecosystems by removing macro-algae - meanwhile, in contrast, the Caribbean is suffering from excess macro-algal growth. We suggest that an invasion of the Caribbean by rabbitfishes may prove beneficial, and that the future of Caribbean coral reefs may depend upon a rabbitfish invasion.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 29-06-2012
Publisher: Unpublished
Date: 2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.CUB.2017.03.051
Abstract: Christopher Goatley and Simon Bran introduce the 'hidden' small fishes found on coral reefs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-06-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-03-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JFB.13600
Abstract: X-ray micro-computed tomography scans were used to examine the caudal-fin structure of an unusual double-tailed deformity in an adult brown surgeonfish Acanthurus nigrofuscus from the Great Barrier Reef. In both this case and in a similar double-tailed deformity in a juvenile Tomini surgeonfish Ctenochaetus tominiensis from the Philippines, the caudal fin was duplicated along the dorsoventral axis. Detailed examination of the A. nigrofuscus specimen revealed that the deformity was associated with duplication and reflection of the hypural plates and the posterior vertebrae, yet the fish survived to adulthood, indicating that the effects of duplication on survival may be limited.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 06-2023
Abstract: Almost nothing is known about the diets of bathypelagic fishes, but functional morphology can provide useful tools to infer ecology. Here we quantify variation in jaw and tooth morphologies across anglerfishes (Lophiiformes), a clade spanning shallow and deep-sea habitats. Deep-sea ceratioid anglerfishes are considered dietary generalists due to the necessity of opportunistic feeding in the food-limited bathypelagic zone. We found unexpected ersity in the trophic morphologies of ceratioid anglerfishes. Ceratioid jaws span a functional continuum ranging from species with numerous stout teeth, a relatively slow but forceful bite, and high jaw protrusibility at one end (characteristics shared with benthic anglerfishes) to species with long fang-like teeth, a fast but weak bite and low jaw protrusibility at the other end (including a unique ‘wolftrap’ phenotype). Our finding of high morphological ersity seems to be at odds with ecological generality, reminiscent of Liem's paradox (morphological specialization allowing organisms to have broader niches). Another possible explanation is that erse ceratioid functional morphologies may yield similar trophic success (many-to-one mapping of morphology to diet), allowing ersity to arise through neutral evolutionary processes. Our results highlight that there are many ways to be a successful predator in the deep sea.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 31-03-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-02-2009
Publisher: Resilience Alliance, Inc.
Date: 2016
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 04-10-2013
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 22-12-2013
Abstract: The concept of home ranges is fundamental to ecology. Numerous studies have quantified how home ranges scale with body size across taxa. However, these relationships are not always applicable intraspecifically. Here, we describe how the home range of an important group of reef fish, the parrotfishes, scales with body mass. With masses spanning five orders of magnitude, from the early postsettlement stage through to adulthood, we find no evidence of a response to predation risk, dietary shifts or sex change on home range expansion rates. Instead, we document a distinct ontogenetic shift in home range expansion with sexual maturity. Juvenile parrotfishes displayed rapid home range growth until reaching approximately 100–150 mm length. Thereafter, the relationship between home range and mass broke down. This shift reflected changes in colour patterns, social status and reproductive behaviour associated with the transition to adult stages. While there is a clear relationship between body mass and home ranges among adult in iduals of different species, it does not appear to be applicable to size changes within species. Ontogenetic changes in parrotfishes do not follow expected mass–area scaling relationships.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 26-10-2016
Abstract: Body size is closely linked to mortality rates in many animals, although the overarching patterns in this relationship have rarely been considered for multiple species. A meta-analysis of published size-specific mortality rates for coral reef fishes revealed an exponential decline in mortality rate with increasing body size, however, within this broad relationship there are three distinct phases. Phase one is characterized by naive fishes recruiting to reefs, which suffer extremely high mortality rates. In this well-studied phase, fishes must learn quickly to survive the many predation risks. After just a few days, the surviving fishes enter phase two, in which small increases in body size result in pronounced increases in lifespan (estimated 11 d mm –1 ). Remarkably, approximately 50% of reef fish in iduals remain in phase two throughout their lives. Once fishes reach a size threshold of about 43 mm total length (TL) they enter phase three, where mortality rates are relatively low and the pressure to grow is presumably, significantly reduced. These phases provide a clearer understanding of the impact of body size on mortality rates in coral reef fishes and begin to reveal critical insights into the energetic and trophic dynamics of coral reefs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-03-2017
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 29-09-2010
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS08761
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-09-2021
DOI: 10.1002/EDN3.252
Abstract: Environmental DNA (eDNA) is increasingly being used to assess community composition in marine ecosystems. Applying eDNA approaches across broad spatial scales now provide the potential to inform biogeographic analyses. However, to date, few studies have employed this technique to assess broad biogeographic patterns across multiple taxonomic groups. Here, we compare eDNA‐derived communities of bony fishes and invertebrates, including corals and sponges, from 15 locations spanning the entire length of the Omani coast. This survey includes a variety of habitats, including coral and rocky reefs, and covers three distinct marine ecoregions. Our data support a known biogeographic break in fish communities between the north and the south of Oman however, the eDNA data highlight that this faunal break is mostly reflected in schooling baitfish species (e.g., sardines and anchovies), whereas reef‐associated fish communities appear more homogeneous along this coastline. Furthermore, our data provide indications that these biogeographic breaks also affect invertebrate communities, which includes corals, sponges, and broader eukaryotic groups. The observed community shifts were correlated with local environmental and anthropogenic differences characteristic of this coastline, particularly for the eDNA‐derived bony fish communities. Overall, this study provides compelling support that eDNA sequencing and associated analyses may serve as powerful tools to detect community differences across biogeographic breaks and ecoregions, particularly in places where there is significant variation in oceanographic conditions or anthropogenic impacts.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2016.07.013
Abstract: Elevated sediment loads within the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) of coral reefs can increase coral mortality and inhibit herbivory. Yet the composition, distribution and temporal variability of EAM sediment loads are poorly known, especially on inshore reefs. This study quantified EAM sediment loads (including organic particulates) and algal length across the reef profile of two bays at Orpheus Island (inner-shelf Great Barrier Reef) over a six month period. We examined the total sediment mass, organic load, carbonate and silicate content, and the particle sizes of EAM sediments. Throughout the study period, all EAM sediment variables exhibited marked variation among reef zones. However, EAM sediment loads and algal length were consistent between bays and over time, despite major seasonal variation in climate including a severe tropical cyclone. This study provides a comprehensive description of EAM sediments on inshore reefs and highlights the exceptional temporal stability of EAM sediments on coral reefs.
Publisher: Unpublished
Date: 2013
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 29-05-2013
DOI: 10.1017/S001675681300037X
Abstract: The Guzhangian Weeks Formation preserves a erse, yet virtually unstudied, non-trilobite arthropod fauna. Here we describe Tremaglaspis vanroyi sp. nov., the oldest representative of an enigmatic group of extinct arthropods, the Aglaspidida. Tremaglaspis was previously known from the Lower Ordovician and its morphology was regarded as particularly derived within the clade. Its occurrence in the Cambrian of Utah suggests that much of the early evolutionary history of the Aglaspidida remains unknown. A review of the environmental settings of previous aglaspidid findings suggests that these arthropods preferentially inhabited shallow-water environments, which may partially explain their limited fossil record.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-04-2011
Publisher: Inter-Research Science Center
Date: 18-02-2016
DOI: 10.3354/MEPS11614
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-11-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00338-023-02363-X
Abstract: Cryptobenthic fishes are abundant on coral reefs, and their larvae dominate the ichthyoplankton in near reef waters. However, we have a limited understanding of how pelagic and on-reef processes are linked, especially how late-stage cryptobenthic fish larvae use near reef waters. We therefore used depth-stratified light trap s ling from 2 to 27 m at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. This revealed clear depth variation in late-stage larval fish assemblages. Gobiidae larvae characterised mid-depth (13 m) s les. By contrast, larval Apogonidae were only abundant in shallow s les. Deep s les were typified by (non-target) adult apogonids. Contrary to expectations that poor-swimming cryptobenthic larvae would be flow-sheltering in deeper water, our results suggest that late-stage cryptobenthic larvae use large portions of the water column, although their preferred positions may be taxon-specific.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-03-2016
DOI: 10.1111/BRV.12259
Abstract: Coral reefs are renowned for their spectacular bio ersity and the close links between fishes and corals. Despite extensive fossil records and common biogeographic histories, the evolution of these two key groups has rarely been considered together. We therefore examine recent advances in molecular phylogenetics and palaeoecology, and place the evolution of fishes and corals in a functional context. In critically reviewing the available fossil and phylogenetic evidence, we reveal a marked congruence in the evolution of the two groups. Despite one group consisting of swimming vertebrates and the other colonial symbiotic invertebrates, fishes and corals have remarkably similar evolutionary histories. In the Paleocene and Eocene [66-34 million years ago (Ma)] most modern fish and coral families were present, and both were represented by a wide range of functional morphotypes. However, there is little evidence of ersification at this time. By contrast, in the Oligocene and Miocene (34-5.3 Ma), both groups exhibited rapid lineage ersification. There is also evidence of increasing reef area, occupation of new habitats, increasing coral cover, and potentially, increasing fish abundance. Functionally, the Oligocene-Miocene is marked by the appearance of new fish and coral taxa associated with high-turnover fast-growth ecosystems and the colonization of reef flats. It is in this period that the functional characteristics of modern coral reefs were established. Most species, however, only arose in the last 5.3 million years (Myr Plio-Pleistocene), with the average age of fish species being 5.3 Myr, and corals just 1.9 Myr. While these species are genetically distinct, phenotypic differences are often limited to variation in colour or minor morphological features. This suggests that the rapid increase in bio ersity during the last 5.3 Myr was not matched by changes in ecosystem function. For reef fishes, colour appears to be central to recent ersification. However, the presence of pigment patterns in the Eocene suggests that colour may not have driven recent ersification. Furthermore, the lack of functional changes in fishes or corals over the last 5 Myr raises questions over the role and importance of bio ersity in shaping the future of coral reefs.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-11-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 14-06-2016
Publisher: Japanese Coral Reef Society
Date: 2013
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1666/09035.1
Abstract: Key morphological traits reveal changes in functional morphospace occupation of reef fish assemblages over time. We used measurements of key functional attributes (i.e., lower jaw length and orbit diameter) of 208 fossil fish species from five geological periods to create bivariate plots of functional morphological traits through time. These plots were used to examine possible function and ecological characteristics of fossil reef fish assemblages throughout the Mesozoic and Cenozoic. A previously unknown trend of increasing orbit diameter over time became apparent. The Teleostei are the principal drivers of this change. The Eocene appears to mark a dramatic increase in two previously rare feeding modes in fishes: nocturnal feeding and high-precision benthic feeding. Interestingly, members of the Pycnodontiformes had relatively large eyes since the Triassic and appear to be the ecological precursors of their later teleost counterparts and may have been among the earliest nocturnal feeding fishes. Our results highlight potential changes in the roles of fishes on coral reefs through time.
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Start Date: 2023
End Date: 2024
Funder: Natural Environment Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2020
End Date: 2021
Funder: Australian-American Fulbright Commission
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 2017
End Date: 2020
Funder: University of New England
View Funded Activity