Factors Influencing the Distribution of the Damselfish Chromis Cyanea (Poey), Pomacentridae, on a Reef at Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
The distribution of Chromis cyanea on a Curaçao reef was investigated. Weekly counts of adults and juveniles were obtained while traversing three reef transects. Juveniles were present throughout the year, with peaks in abundance during June and between August and October.
Spawning occurred in every month. Quantitative data on coral cover, number of hiding places, field of vision, and availability of food were collected and related to the population density of C. cyanea. The relative importance of these factors in determining the distribution of C.
cyanea is discussed. The number of available hiding places and the field of vision are judged to exert the strongest influence on the distribution. The use C. cyanea makes of the reef resources is discussed in relation to the concept of resource sharing mechanisms thought to exist
between the different species of reef fishes.
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 July 1978
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