117
Y. Sadovy de Mitcheson and P.L. Colin (eds.), Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations:
Biology, Research and Management, Fish & Fisheries Series 35,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1980-4_5, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Abstract Fishes that engage in aggregation spawning do so at specifi c sites and
times and have a wide diversity of spawning strategies. There are some clear
distinctions in locations and timing between transient aggregations (TA) and resident
aggregations (RA). TAs have larger predatory fi shes, occur infrequently, but seasonally largely on or near shelf edge areas. RAs have herbivores and omnivores, are
more numerous and occur in both shelf edge areas and inshore regions. Aggregations
differ between the Indo-west Pacifi c (IWP) and tropical western Atlantic (TWA);
probably due to current dominated regimes in the IWP due to the higher tidal amplitudes and barrier reef/channel geomorphology. Migration patterns are related to the
frequency of spawning. Nearly all TA (and some RA) sites are used by multiple
species, either sequentially or simultaneously. Many aggregation sites are stable in
location over decades with only slight variation. Spawning at some TAs is now
known to occur during periods of low current speed. The entrainment of TA
propagules into oceanic circulation after spawning is uncertain with tendencies at
some TA sites for retention of propagules. Spawn from RAs is less likely to become
entrained into oceanic circulation. Water temperature regimes may be an important
determinant of seasonality of spawning and early life history success. Most aggregations occur over a limited temperature range. The daily and lunar timing of
aggregation spawning may be related to needs of pelagic life history. Predation on
spawning adults is rare while predation of released eggs is common, but neither
factor is believed to limit or structure aggregations.
P. L. Colin (*)
Coral Reef Research Foundation , P.O. Box 1765, Palau 96940 , Koror
e-mail: crrf@palaunet.com
Chapter 5
Timing and Location of Aggregation
and Spawning in Reef Fishes
Patrick L. Colin
Y. Sadovy de Mitcheson and P.L. Colin (eds.), Reef Fish Spawning Aggregations:
Biology, Research and Management, Fish & Fisheries Series 35,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1980-4_5, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012
Abstract Fishes that engage in aggregation spawning do so at specifi c sites and
times and have a wide diversity of spawning strategies. There are some clear
distinctions in locations and timing between transient aggregations (TA) and resident
aggregations (RA). TAs have larger predatory fi shes, occur infrequently, but seasonally largely on or near shelf edge areas. RAs have herbivores and omnivores, are
more numerous and occur in both shelf edge areas and inshore regions. Aggregations
differ between the Indo-west Pacifi c (IWP) and tropical western Atlantic (TWA);
probably due to current dominated regimes in the IWP due to the higher tidal amplitudes and barrier reef/channel geomorphology. Migration patterns are related to the
frequency of spawning. Nearly all TA (and some RA) sites are used by multiple
species, either sequentially or simultaneously. Many aggregation sites are stable in
location over decades with only slight variation. Spawning at some TAs is now
known to occur during periods of low current speed. The entrainment of TA
propagules into oceanic circulation after spawning is uncertain with tendencies at
some TA sites for retention of propagules. Spawn from RAs is less likely to become
entrained into oceanic circulation. Water temperature regimes may be an important
determinant of seasonality of spawning and early life history success. Most aggregations occur over a limited temperature range. The daily and lunar timing of
aggregation spawning may be related to needs of pelagic life history. Predation on
spawning adults is rare while predation of released eggs is common, but neither
factor is believed to limit or structure aggregations.
P. L. Colin (*)
Coral Reef Research Foundation , P.O. Box 1765, Palau 96940 , Koror
e-mail: crrf@palaunet.com
Chapter 5
Timing and Location of Aggregation
and Spawning in Reef Fishes
Patrick L. Colin