Abstract
For marine species with open populations, patterns of larval settlement can have important consequences for performance and abundance at later life-stages. In this study, I tested whether larvae of a reef-dwelling goby (Coryphopterus glaucofraenum) settled differentially to reefs occupied by varying numbers of adults. I monitored settlement daily to reefs on which the density of adult gobies varied naturally, or was manipulated experimentally. Rates of settlement were constant across a broad range of adult densities, suggesting that larvae do not choose settlement sites based on the number of adults in their immediate vicinity.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted: 30 October 1998
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Forrester, G. The influence of adult density on larval settlement in a coral reef fish Coryphopterus glaucofraenum. Coral Reefs 18, 85–89 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/s003380050159
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s003380050159