Evolution, diversity and function
This chapter discusses factors that have led to reef fish diversity. Geographic drivers for fish diversity, ranging from global historical events to local-scale drivers, are examined. Age and growth in reef fish are explored, followed by larval fish ecology. Colour diversity in modern reef fish is examined, along with mechanisms that have developed to enhance feeding success or predation avoidance. Different ecological feeding niches of coral reef fish are described and examples are given to illustrate the wide range of feeding mechanisms. The science around the abundance, biomass and trophic interactions of reef fish assemblages is examined. The range of fish feeding habits is detailed and functional roles of fish explored. Finally, the implications of changes in the reef fish community through fishing and habitat degradation are examined, highlighting the cascade effect of impacts on reefs, and how the influences of different disturbances interact to influence coral reef fish.
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