Colour change in a filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) faced with the challenge of changing backgrounds

Ben Gilby; R A Mari; E G Bell; E W Crawford; D Jun; B I Lederer; Ian R Tibbetts; Dana D Burfeind

doi:10.1007/s10641-015-0424-2

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Colour change in a filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) faced with the challenge of changing backgrounds

Ben Gilby, R A Mari, E G Bell, E W Crawford, D Jun, B I Lederer, Ian R Tibbetts and Dana D Burfeind

Environmental Biology of Fishes, Vol.98(9), pp.2021-2029

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-015-0424-2

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Abstract

Ecology

Zoology

Fisheries Sciences

caulerpa taxifolia

seagrass

habitat change

colouration

habitat selection

The marine macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia is increasing its distribution worldwide, both within its natural range, where it can replace seagrass following a disturbance, and in areas where it is invasive. C. taxifolia presents a bright green background colouration for inhabitants, while seagrass habitats are typically much deeper green in coloration. The fan-bellied leatherjacket, Monacanthus chinensis inhabits both seagrass Zostera muelleri and C. taxifolia habitats in Moreton Bay, Australia and is camouflaged in these contrasting habitats by brown and bright green colour morphs, respectively. Aquarium experiments measuring colour change of brown and green morphs with respect to contrasting habitats (i.e., brown morphs in C. taxofolia and green morphs in seagrass) revealed that over 21 days, brown morphs significantly altered their skin colouration towards the colouration of green morphs, but green morphs did not alter their colouration. In a habitat preference experiment, brown morphs, which match the colouration of the seagrass, significantly preferred seagrass to C. taxifolia, whilst green morphs showed no preference. We conclude that variations in C. taxifolia coverage present a substantial challenge to this species at short time scales (weeks). This challenge may be overcome by colouration changes at longer timescales assuming fish can survive predation during the adjustment period.

Details

Title: Colour change in a filefish (Monacanthus chinensis) faced with the challenge of changing backgrounds
Authors: Ben Gilby (Author) - Griffith University
R A Mari (Author) - University of Queensland
E G Bell (Author) - University of California Education Abroad Program, United States
E W Crawford (Author) - University of California Education Abroad Program, United States
D Jun (Author) - University of California Education Abroad Program, United States
B I Lederer (Author) - University of California Education Abroad Program, United States
Ian R Tibbetts (Author) - University of Queensland
Dana D Burfeind (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Environmental Biology of Fishes, Vol.98(9), pp.2021-2029
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1007/s10641-015-0424-2
ISSN: 0378-1909
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449379702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Marine & Freshwater Biology

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