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Gleiber MR, Hardy NA, Roote Z, Krug-MacLeod AM, Morganson CJ, Tandy Z, George I, Matuch C, Brookson CB, Daly EA, Portner EJ, Choy CA, Crowder LB, Green SJ. The Pelagic Species Trait Database, an open data resource to support trait-based ocean research. Sci Data 2024; 11:2. [PMID: 38216562 PMCID: PMC10786825 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Trait-based frameworks are increasingly used for predicting how ecological communities respond to ongoing global change. As species range shifts result in novel encounters between predators and prey, identifying prey 'guilds', based on a suite of shared traits, can distill complex species interactions, and aid in predicting food web dynamics. To support advances in trait-based research in open-ocean systems, we present the Pelagic Species Trait Database, an extensive resource documenting functional traits of 529 pelagic fish and invertebrate species in a single, open-source repository. We synthesized literature sources and online resources, conducted morphometric analysis of species images, as well as laboratory analyses of trawl-captured specimens to collate traits describing 1) habitat use and behavior, 2) morphology, 3) nutritional quality, and 4) population status information. Species in the dataset primarily inhabit the California Current system and broader NE Pacific Ocean, but also includes pelagic species known to be consumed by top ocean predators from other ocean basins. The aim of this dataset is to enhance the use of trait-based approaches in marine ecosystems and for predator populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miram R Gleiber
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Natasha A Hardy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Zachary Roote
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Alana M Krug-MacLeod
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Caitlin J Morganson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Zackary Tandy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Iris George
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Cindy Matuch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
- California State University, Monterey Bay, CA, 93955, USA
| | - Cole B Brookson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Elizabeth A Daly
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystem and Resources Studies, Oregon State University, Newport, OR, 97365, USA
| | - Elan J Portner
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - C Anela Choy
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Larry B Crowder
- Hopkins Marine Station of Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, USA
| | - Stephanie J Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada.
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Mihalitsis M, Morais RA, Bellwood DR. Small predators dominate fish predation in coral reef communities. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001898. [PMID: 36445867 PMCID: PMC9707750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecosystem processes are challenging to quantify at a community level, particularly within complex ecosystems (e.g., rainforests, coral reefs). Predation is one of the most important types of species interactions, determining several ecosystem processes. However, while it is widely recognised, it is rarely quantified, especially in aquatic systems. To address these issues, we model predation on fish by fish, in a hyperdiverse coral reef community. We show that body sizes previously examined in fish-fish predation studies (based on a metanalysis), only represent about 5% of likely predation events. The average fish predator on coral reefs is just 3.65 cm; the average fish prey just 1.5 cm. These results call for a shift in the way we view fish predation and its ability to shape the species or functional composition of coral reef fish communities. Considered from a functional group approach, we found general agreement in the distribution of simulated and observed predation events, among both predator and prey functional groups. Predation on coral reefs is a process driven by small fish, most of which are neither seen nor quantified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Mihalitsis
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Renato A. Morais
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
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Linardich C, Brookson CB, Green SJ. Trait-based vulnerability reveals hotspots of potential impact for a global marine invader. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:4322-4338. [PMID: 34091996 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Predation from the invasive Indo-Pacific lionfish is likely to amplify declines in marine fishes observed in multiple ocean basins. As the invasion intensifies and expands, there is an urgent need to identify species that are most at risk for extirpation-and possible extinction-from this added threat. To address this gap and inform conservation plans, we develop and apply a quantitative framework for classifying the relative vulnerability of fishes based on morphological and behavioural traits known to influence susceptibility to lionfish predation (e.g. body shape, water column position and aggregation behaviour), habitat overlap with lionfish, and degree of geographic range restriction. Applying the framework to fishes across the invaded Caribbean Sea and ahead of the invasion front in the southwestern Atlantic revealed the identity of at least 77 fishes with relatively small ranges that are likely to be most affected by lionfish predation. Trait-based vulnerability scores significantly predict the probability of fishes appearing within the diets of lionfish across the invaded region. Spatial richness analyses reveal hotspots of vulnerable species in the Bahamas, Belize and Curaçao. Crucially, our framework identifies 29 vulnerable fishes endemic to Brazil, which has not yet been colonized by lionfish. Of these, we suggest reefs around offshore island groups occupied by a dozen highly vulnerable and range-restricted species as priorities for intervention should lionfish spread to the region. Observations of the rate of lionfish spread across the invaded range suggest that an average of 5 years (with a median of nearly 2 years) elapses from first sighting to maximum observed densities. This lag may allow managers to mobilize plans to suppress lionfish ahead of an invasion front in priority locations. Our framework also provides a method for assessing the relative vulnerability of cryptobenthic and/or deep-reef fishes, for which population-monitoring data are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christi Linardich
- International Union for Conservation of Nature Marine Biodiversity Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Cole B Brookson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stephanie J Green
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Mihalitsis M, Bellwood DR. Functional groups in piscivorous fishes. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:12765-12778. [PMID: 34594537 PMCID: PMC8462170 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Piscivory is a key ecological function in aquatic ecosystems, mediating energy flow within trophic networks. However, our understanding of the nature of piscivory is limited; we currently lack an empirical assessment of the dynamics of prey capture and how this differs between piscivores. We therefore conducted aquarium-based performance experiments, to test the feeding abilities of 19 piscivorous fish species. We quantified their feeding morphology, striking, capturing, and processing behavior. We identify two major functional groups: grabbers and engulfers. Grabbers are characterized by horizontal, long-distance strikes, capturing their prey tailfirst and subsequently processing their prey using their oral jaw teeth. Engulfers strike from short distances, from high angles above or below their prey, engulfing their prey and swallowing their prey whole. Based on a meta-analysis of 2,209 published in situ predator-prey relationships in marine and freshwater aquatic environments, we show resource partitioning between grabbers and engulfers. Our results provide a functional classification for piscivorous fishes delineating patterns, which transcend habitats, that may help explain size structures in fish communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Mihalitsis
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem FunctionsJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
- Australian Research CouncilCentre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem FunctionsJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
- College of Science and EngineeringJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
- Australian Research CouncilCentre of Excellence for Coral Reef StudiesJames Cook UniversityTownsvilleQldAustralia
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Tuttle LJ, Lamb RW, Stringer AL. Differential learning by native versus invasive predators to avoid distasteful cleaning mutualists. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lillian J. Tuttle
- Department of Integrative Biology Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
- Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Kāne‘ohe HI USA
| | - Robert W. Lamb
- Department of Integrative Biology Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
- Department of Biology Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Woods Hole MA USA
| | - Allison L. Stringer
- Department of Integrative Biology Oregon State University Corvallis OR USA
- Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Department of Ecology Montana State University Bozeman MT USA
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The Case of Lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea Demonstrates Limitations in EU Legislation to Address Marine Biological Invasions. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9030325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The European Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species entered into force in 2015, with the aim to fulfill regional and international biodiversity goals in a concerted manner. To date, the Regulation listed 66 Invasive Alien Species (IAS) that are subject to legal controls. Only one of these is marine. A recent lionfish (Pterois miles) invasion has been closely monitored in the Mediterranean and a detailed risk assessment was made about the profound impacts that this invasive fish is likely to have on the fisheries and biodiversity of the region. In 2016–21, lionfish rapidly became dominant predators along Eastern Mediterranean coasts, yet the process for their inclusion on the EU IAS list has been lengthy and is ongoing. There is an urgent need to learn from this experience. Here, we recommend improvements to the Regulation 1143/2014 and the risk assessment process to protect marine ecosystems and secure the jobs of people that rely on coastal resources.
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Mihalitsis M, Hemingson CR, Goatley CHR, Bellwood DR. The role of fishes as food: A functional perspective on predator–prey interactions. Funct Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Mihalitsis
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - Christopher R. Hemingson
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - Christopher H. R. Goatley
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research (FEAR) Lab and Palaeoscience Research Centre School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale Australia
- Australian Museum Research InstituteAustralian Museum Sydney NSW Australia
| | - David R. Bellwood
- Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
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Effect of early exposure to predation on risk perception and survival of fish exposed to a non-native predator. Anim Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Hasenei A, Kerstetter DW, Horodysky AZ, Brill RW. Physiological limits to inshore invasion of Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois spp.): insights from the functional characteristics of their visual system and hypoxia tolerance. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02241-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Steell SC, Van Leeuwen TE, Brownscombe JW, Cooke SJ, Eliason EJ. An appetite for invasion: digestive physiology, thermal performance and food intake in lionfish ( Pterois spp.). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.209437. [PMID: 31527176 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.209437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Species invasions threaten global biodiversity, and physiological characteristics may determine their impact. Specific dynamic action (SDA; the increase in metabolic rate associated with feeding and digestion) is one such characteristic, strongly influencing an animal's energy budget and feeding ecology. We investigated the relationship between SDA, scope for activity, metabolic phenotype, temperature and feeding frequency in lionfish (Pterois spp.), which are invasive to western Atlantic marine ecosystems. Intermittent-flow respirometry was used to determine SDA, scope for activity and metabolic phenotype at 26°C and 32°C. Maximum metabolic rate occurred during digestion, as opposed to exhaustive exercise, as in more athletic species. SDA and its duration (SDAdur) were 30% and 45% lower at 32°C than at 26°C, respectively, and lionfish ate 42% more at 32°C. Despite a 32% decline in scope for activity from 26°C to 32°C, aerobic scope may have increased by 24%, as there was a higher range between standard metabolic rate (SMR) and peak SDA (SDApeak; the maximum postprandial metabolic rate). Individuals with high SMR and low scope for activity phenotypes had a less costly SDA and shorter SDAdur but a higher SDApeak Feeding frequently had a lower and more consistent cost than consuming a single meal, but increased SDApeak These findings demonstrate that: (1) lionfish are robust physiological performers in terms of SDA and possibly aerobic scope at temperatures approaching their thermal maximum, (2) lionfish may consume more prey as oceans warm with climate change, and (3) metabolic phenotype and feeding frequency may be important mediators of feeding ecology in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Clay Steell
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6
| | - Travis E Van Leeuwen
- The Cape Eleuthera Institute, Eleuthera, The Bahamas.,Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 80 East White Hills Road, PO Box 5667, St John's, NL, Canada, A1C 5X1
| | - Jacob W Brownscombe
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6
| | - Erika J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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