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Coral Reef Fishes as Indicators of Environmental Stress in Coral Reefs

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Marine Organisms as Indicators

Abstract

Butterflyfishes of the family Chaetodontidae are conspicuous inhabitants of coral reefs throughout the world (Figure 6.1). Many species are obligate corallivores, and thus depend on the live tissue of corals for their food. We believe that these species of butterflyfishes are excellent candidates for indicators of changes in conditions on the coral reef.

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Authors
  1. Thomas F. Hourigan
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  2. C. Tricas Timothy
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  3. Ernst S. Reese
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences and Institute for Marine and Coastal Studies, University of Southern California, University Park, Los Angeles, California, 90089-0371, USA

    Dorothy F. Soule

  2. Oceanographic Center, Nova University, 33004, Dania, Florida, USA

    G. S. Kleppel

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Hourigan, T.F., Timothy, C.T., Reese, E.S. (1988). Coral Reef Fishes as Indicators of Environmental Stress in Coral Reefs. In: Soule, D.F., Kleppel, G.S. (eds) Marine Organisms as Indicators. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3752-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3752-5_6

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