Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Shi, Chunhou Li, Teng Wang, Jinfa Zhao, Yong Liu, Yayuan Xiao
Summary: Coral reefs, known as tropical rainforests in the ocean, have a rich diversity of fish species. China has 2855 species of coral reef fishes, which can be categorized into nearshore and offshore. The diversity of coral reef fish species has a significant positive correlation with coral species diversity.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Angela Randazzo-Eisemann, Joaquin Rodrigo Garza-Perez, Baruch Figueroa-Zavala
Summary: The study found that coral diseases outbreaks, along with the effects of coastal development and thermal stressors, have significantly decreased the coverage and abundance of major reef-building corals in the Akumal reef over the past two decades, shifting the dominant species to non-framework weedy life history strategies.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Mikaela Nordborg, Diane L. Brinkman, Andrew P. Negri
Summary: This study provides data on the sensitivity of different post-settlement life stages of the coral species Acropora millepora to heavy fuel oil (HFO) exposure. The results show that ultraviolet radiation (UVR) increases the toxicity of HFO towards corals, supporting the importance of incorporating UVR in oil toxicity testing.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
Kleyton M. Cantalice, Jesus Alvarado-Ortega, David R. Bellwood, Alexandre C. Siqueira
Summary: The discovery of fossils in Mayan tombs has fundamentally altered our understanding of the earliest origins of coral reef fishes and reconciled the conflict between fossil and phylogenetic evidence. These fossils indicate that the origins of reef fishes can be traced back to Mexico, just 3 million years after an asteroid impact, and reveal new insights into their early biogeography.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara. M. M. Stieb, Fabio Cortesi, Luiz Jardim de Queiroz, Karen. L. L. Carleton, Ole Seehausen, N. Justin Marshall
Summary: This study investigates the expression of visual pigment gene (opsin) in coral reef fishes and finds that algivorous species with orange/red colors exhibit high expression of long-wavelength-sensitive (lws) opsin. This enhances their ability to detect algae and orange/red-colored conspecifics, possibly enabling social signalling.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yu-Jia Lin, Lotfi Rabaoui, Abdullajid Usama Basali, Maclopez Lopez, Reynaldo Lindo, Periyadan K. Krishnakumar, Mohammad A. Qurban, Perdana K. Prihartato, Diego Lozano Cortes, Ali Qasem, Khalid Al-Abdulkader, Ruben H. Roa-Ureta
Summary: The study found that the coral reef ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf underwent long-term ecological changes following heat shocks, including a phase shift from predominantly reef-building corals to barren grounds. Macro-invertebrates responded rapidly to these changes, while fishes exhibited lagged responses. Increased levels of herbivory may have suppressed macro-algae expansion, leading to the dominance of barren ground.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Paul G. Carvalho, Fakhrizal Setiawan, Karizma Fahlevy, Beginer Subhan, Hawis Madduppa, Guangyu Zhu, Austin T. Humphries
Summary: Research indicates that fishing pressure is the dominant driver of size spectra slopes in coral reef fishes, with carnivores being more heavily impacted as pressure increases. Additionally, habitat structural complexity plays a role in influencing the size spectra slopes of herbivorous fishes in coral reefs.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Melita Samoilys, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip, Robert Myers, Pascale Chabanet
Summary: Communities of coral reef fishes are changing due to global warming and overfishing. To understand these changes and inform conservation, knowledge of species diversity and distributions is needed. The western Indian Ocean (WIO) contains the second highest coral reef biodiversity hotspot globally, yet a detailed analysis of the diversity of coral reef fishes is lacking. This study developed a timed visual census method and recorded 356 species from 19 families across four countries in the WIO to examine patterns in species diversity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nestor E. Bosch, Fernando Espino, Fernando Tuya, Ricardo Haroun, Lorenzo Bramanti, Francisco Otero-Ferrer
Summary: The degradation of shallow ecosystems has led to a need to study and understand the biodiversity and functioning of Mesophotic Ecosystems. However, most research has been limited to tropical regions and focused on species, neglecting other important aspects of biodiversity. By studying a subtropical island in the Atlantic Ocean, we found that fish communities in mesophotic black coral forests (BCFs) differed in functional structure compared to shallow reefs, indicating the importance of specific management and conservation strategies for preserving the unique biodiversity and functionality of mesophotic BCFs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
James Gahan, David R. Bellwood, Orpha Bellwood, Jodie Schlaefer
Summary: Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems due to planktivorous fishes. There are two distinct groups of planktivorous fish targeting gelatinous or non-gelatinous zooplankton. The nutritional value and contribution of these prey fractions to fish productivity are poorly understood.
Article
Fisheries
Yuanjie Li, Jun Zhang, Zuozhi Chen, Xuejiao Dai, Pengli Xiong, Wenming Yu
Summary: High species diversity and low taxonomic diversity are important features of coral-reef fish assemblages in the South China Sea.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monique T. Binet, Amanda Reichelt-Brushett, Kitty McKnight, Lisa A. Golding, Craig Humphrey, Jenny L. Stauber
Summary: Manganese (Mn) is considered one of the least toxic metals to aquatic organisms, but elevated concentrations in tropical marine waters have been found. This study shows that adult scleractinian corals are uniquely sensitive to acute exposures of Mn at concentrations much lower than those affecting early life stages, challenging the traditional notion that early life stages are more sensitive. The toxicity was observed in the coral host, not the algal symbionts.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Lecchini, Rohan M. Brooker, Viliame Waqalevu, Emma Gairin, Lana Minier, Cecile Berthe, Rainui Besineau, Guilhem Blay, Tehani Maueau, Vincent Sturny, Tamatoa Bambridge, Gaston Tong Sang, Frederic Bertucci
Summary: The study found that the global lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on reef fish, with a rapid increase in fish density in French Polynesia due to the suspension of marine-based tourism activities. The increase in fish density was temporary and returned to prelockdown levels, indicating the short-term effect of human activities on fish communities. These findings emphasize the need for further research on the environmental impacts of ecotourism.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Carolin Nieder, Chen-Pan Liao, Chen-Lu Lee, Kendall D. Clements, Shao-Lun Liu
Summary: The feeding interactions between coral reef fishes and the allelopathic macroalgae Galaxaura divaricata were observed, and it was found that the fishes targeted the nutrient-rich microscopic epiphytes on the surface of the algae rather than the algae itself. These observations substantiate the threat posed by the overgrowth of G. divaricata to coral recovery in degraded reef systems.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Michael J. Williamson, Emma J. Tebbs, Terence P. Dawson, Henry J. Thompson, Catherine E. Head, David M. P. Jacoby
Summary: This study utilizes satellite remote sensing to collect data on coral reefs' exposure to multiple environmental stressors and develops a toolbox for monitoring such exposure. Through an analysis of coral reefs worldwide, the study identifies factors such as depth, current, and sea surface temperature that contribute to environmental stress exposure.
REMOTE SENSING IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexis J. Khursigara, Jacob L. Johansen, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: The study found that red drum exposed to crude oil showed a significant reduction in specific growth rate under resource-limited conditions, along with decreased metabolic performance and indicators of social subordination. However, there were no differences in social subordination indicators between oil-exposed and control fish.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Rasmus Ern, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: The study showed that at 30°C, red drum exhibit avoidance behaviors towards hypoxia, with the oxygen threshold affecting the frequency and total time of entries into the hypoxic side. However, the residence time per entry remains unchanged.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Kerri Lynn Ackerly, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: The study found that crude oil exposure can reduce the maximum metabolic rate and exercise recovery ability of red drum, with a more pronounced effect on individuals adapted to higher temperatures. The traditional assumption that temperature is the main factor affecting aerobic performance may be altered by the impact of crude oil exposure.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Leighann Martin, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: Prolonged drought and freshwater diversion are leading to more common periods of hypersalinity in coastal ecosystems, affecting the tolerance of endemic species such as the red drum. This study found significant impacts on plasma osmolality and muscle water in red drum exposed to hypersalinity, but adaptation led to changes in gill and intestinal plasticity to cope with the challenging conditions.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexis J. Khursigara, Lauren E. Rowsey, Jacob L. Johansen, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: Exposure to crude oil has been shown to lead to reduced sociability and poor habitat selection in fish, corresponding with increased predation risk. The study suggests that behavioral impairment may be more sensitive than cardiorespiratory injury and could be a more significant driver of ecological risk in marine species following oil exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Andrew J. Esbaugh, Kerri L. Ackerly, Angelina M. Dichiera, Benjamin Negrete
Summary: The metabolic index concept combines metabolic data and known thermal sensitivities to estimate the factorial aerobic scope of animals in different habitats, providing insight into the metabolic demands that constrain species' geographical distributions. However, research shows that the oxygen supply capacity is not constant in all fish species, challenging the assumption that hypoxia vulnerability is a by-product of selection on maximum metabolic rate.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ryan Takeshita, Steven J. Bursian, Kathleen M. Colegrove, Tracy K. Collier, Kristina Deak, Karen M. Dean, Sylvain De Guise, Lisa M. DiPinto, Cornelis J. Elferink, Andrew J. Esbaugh, Robert J. Griffitt, Martin Grosell, Kendal E. Harr, John P. Incardona, Richard K. Kwok, Joshua Lipton, Carys L. Mitchelmore, Jeffrey M. Morris, Edward S. Peters, Aaron P. Roberts, Teresa K. Rowles, Jennifer A. Rusiecki, Lori H. Schwacke, Cynthia R. Smith, Dana L. Wetzel, Michael H. Ziccardi, Ailsa J. Hall
Summary: Studies conducted after the oil spill revealed consistent toxic responses across different organisms, indicating conservation in disease pathogenesis and mechanisms of action.
JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH-PART B-CRITICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fabrizio Bonatesta, Alexis J. Khursigara, Kerri L. Ackerly, Andrew J. Esbaugh, Edward M. Mager
Summary: Crude oil exposure may lead to developmental defects and transcriptional changes in the kidney of fish. Experimental exposure of red drum larvae showed reduced survival in hypoosmotic waters and altered transcription of kidney-related genes.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexis J. Khursigara, Kerri Lynn Ackerly, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: Crude oil and PAHs induce sub-lethal effects in early life stage fishes. It was previously believed that 3-ring PAHs drive cardiotoxicity, but recent studies have suggested that neurological impairments may not be linked to cardiotoxicity. In this study, embryonic red drum were exposed to different PAHs and it was found that 4-ring PAHs are responsible for malformations in developing red drum, indicating that oil-induced impairments in this species are not solely a result of 3-ring PAH induced cardiac malformations.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Benjamin Negrete Jr, Kerri Lynn Ackerly, Angelina M. Dichiera, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: This study investigates the expression of hemoglobin (Hb) and its effects on oxygen (O2) uptake in red drum fish under hypoxic conditions. The findings reveal that fish are able to up-regulate a specific Hb isoform in response to prolonged hypoxia, leading to increased oxygen affinity and improved respiratory performance. These adaptive responses are crucial for surviving in low-oxygen environments caused by climate change.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Angelina M. Dichiera, Benjamin Negrete Jr, Kerri Lynn Ackerly, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: This study investigated the strategy of enhancing tissue oxygen extraction in red drum fish under hypoxia. The results showed that there were no significant increases in the expression and activity of carbonic anhydrase under hypoxia. Furthermore, the respiratory and swim performance of hypoxia-acclimated red drum fish was similar to the control fish in normoxia. However, the hypoxia-acclimated fish relied more on anaerobic metabolism during swim trials.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelina M. Dichiera, Valerie De Anda, Kathleen M. Gilmour, Brett J. Baker, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: The functional role of membrane-bound carbonic anhydrases (CAs) in bony fishes has been a topic of interest in recent years. This study presents a framework for understanding the different isoforms of CA4 in teleosts and their physiological functions. The data suggest that CA4a is involved in oxygen delivery, while CA4b has specialized functions in renal acid-base balance and ion regulation.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leighann Martin, Benjamin Negrete Jr, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: Recreational angling is economically important, and catch-and-release (CAR) is a conservation strategy used to offset its population-level consequences. This study focused on defining the injury and recovery profiles in red drum fish following exhaustive exercise. The results showed that smaller fish recovered faster with a maximum injury effect size, while larger fish had slower recovery rates and were more susceptible to the ancillary effects of exercise injury.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMISTRY & MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: The decline effect in ocean acidification impacts on fish behaviour, which has been recently described, should not be underestimated. This study argues for the need of further research, based on existing mechanistic data, and cautions against disregarding the importance of the issue.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kerri Lynn Ackerly, Benjamin Negrete Jr, Angelina M. Dichiera, Andrew J. Esbaugh
Summary: Environmental hypoxia poses a significant threat to fishes, but some fishes show respiratory flexibility and exhibit increased mitochondrial efficiency, oxygen storage capacity, and oxidative capacity under hypoxia. This study found that red drum fish acclimated to hypoxia can more efficiently utilize oxygen, explaining their improved aerobic swimming performance despite no increase in maximum metabolic rate following hypoxia acclimation.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)