The Reproductive Behavior of Acanthurus nigrofuscus (Forskal) and other Surgeonfishes (Fam. Acanthuridae) off Eilat, Israel (Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea)

Arthur A. Myrberg, Linn W Montgomery, Lev Fishelson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

The reproductive behavior of Acanthurus nigrofuscus, a common surgeonfish of the Red Sea, is described for two overlapping populations inhabiting the coral reefs off Eilat, Israel (Gulf of Aqaba). The spectacular daily spawning activities, often involving aggregations of thousands of individuals, as well as the often long distance migrations to and from the spawning grounds by groups in highly organized formations are characterized in detail. Evidence is provided that the precise timing of these various phenomena is controlled by ambient light levels during the late afternoon. Less detailed information is also provided on comparable activities of two other surgeonfishes from the same reefs: Ctenochaetus striatus and Zebrasoma xanthurum. Finally, comparisons are made of reproduction and its associated environmental controls among populations of the same and related species of surgeonfishes at widely distributed locations in the Indo‐Pacific. 1988 Blackwell Verlag GmbH

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)31-61
Number of pages31
JournalEthology
Volume79
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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