Abstract
To know if the variation in the number of settling fish larvae can be dampened by density-dependent postsettlement mortality, we investigated the relationship between settler density and predator-induced mortality of a coral reef damselfish, Chromis viridis. Totals of 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 fish of 10 or 20 mm total length were released in experimental cages enclosing a coral head of Porites rus (to provide settlement habitat) and five predators. The results showed that the mortality rate of both 10- and 20-mm fish was density independent.
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Lecchini, D., Nakamura, Y., Grignon, J. et al. Evidence of density-independent mortality in a settling coral reef damselfish, Chromis viridis . Ichthyol Res 53, 298–300 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-006-0340-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-006-0340-8