Impact of Angelfish Foraging on Sponge Cover in coral reef Communities

Loading

Impact of Angelfish Foraging on Sponge Cover in coral reef Communities Caroline Stroud

Background

-Coral reefs have been declining for numerous reasons

-Competition with other substrate types increases coral stress, bleaching, and disease

-Sponges excavate and overgrow corals

-Sponges are a source of food for many marine species, including Angelfish

Hypothesis

H0: There is no relationship between angelfish spongivory and coral growth

H1: There is a relationship between angelfish spongivory and coral growth

Predictions

1. As angelfish foraging increases, sponge cover will decrease

2. As sponge cover decreases, coral cover will increase

Methods

10 reef sites: 5 of high sponge density and 5 low sponge density

Substrate Study:

-Survey substrate quarterly along 50 meter transect

-Use CPCe to determine sponge and coral percent cover

Angelfish Survey:

-Follow five different angelfish species

-Record what species of sponge they eat

Questions?

Appreciate