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Reef habitats and associated sessile-benthic and fish assemblages across a euphotic–mesophotic depth gradient in Isla Desecheo, Puerto Rico

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Abstract

Quantitative surveys of sessile benthos and fish populations associated with reef habitats across a 15–50 m depth gradient were performed by direct diver observations using rebreathers at Isla Desecheo, Puerto Rico. Statistically significant differences between depths were found for total live coral, total coral species, total benthic algae, total sponges and abiotic cover. Live coral cover was higher at the mid-shelf (20 m) and shelf-edge (25 m) stations, whereas benthic algae and sponges were the dominant sessile-benthic assemblage at mesophotic stations below 25 m. Marked shifts in the community structure of corals and benthic algae were observed across the depth gradient. A total of 119 diurnal, non-cryptic fish species were observed across the depth gradient, including 80 species distributed among 7,841 individuals counted within belt-transects. Fish species richness was positively correlated with live coral cover. However, the relationship between total fish abundance and live coral was weak. Abundance of several numerically dominant fish species varied independently from live coral cover and appeared to be more influenced by depth and/or habitat type. Statistically significant differences in the rank order of abundance of fish species at euphotic vs mesophotic stations were detected. A small assemblage of reef fishes that included the cherubfish, Centropyge argi, sunshine chromis, Chromis insolata, greenblotch parrotfish, Sparisoma atomarium, yellowcheek wrasse, Halichoeres cyanocephalus, sargassum triggerfish, Xanthichthys ringens, and the longsnout butterflyfish, Chaetodon aculeatus was most abundant or only present from stations deeper than 30 m, and thus appear to be indicator species of mesophotic habitats.

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Acknowledgments

This study was accomplished thanks to the collaboration of a field team of rebreather divers with expertise on reef benthic invertebrate (Roberto Castro, J. Sabater-Clavell) and fish identification (J. García-Sais, M. Carlo). Milton Carlo directed the planning and logistics of the saturated diving activities using rebreathers and assisted with underwater sampling protocols. Underwater photography was the responsibility of J. Sabater-Clavell. Stacey Williams assisted with the statistical analyses. Thanks to Dr. Vance Vicente for his valuable assistance and training with the taxonomy of sponges. Special thanks to Mayra García from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) and Graciela García-Moliner from the Caribbean Fishery Management Council (CFMC) who served as points of contact from the sponsoring agencies. This research was supported by NOAA coral monitoring grant NA04NOS4260297 administered in Puerto Rico by the DNER, and NOAA coral grant NA03NMF4410352 administered in Puerto Rico by the CFMC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

    Jorge R. Garcia-Sais

  2. P. O. Box 3424, Lajas, 00667, Puerto Rico

    Jorge R. Garcia-Sais

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  1. Jorge R. Garcia-Sais
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Correspondence to Jorge R. Garcia-Sais.

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Communicated by Guest Editor Dr. John Marr

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Garcia-Sais, J.R. Reef habitats and associated sessile-benthic and fish assemblages across a euphotic–mesophotic depth gradient in Isla Desecheo, Puerto Rico. Coral Reefs 29, 277–288 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-009-0582-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-009-0582-9

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