The trophic role of cardinalfishes (family Apogonidae) on coral reefs

Cardinalfishes (Family Apogonidae) form the major component of nocturnal fish assemblages on Indo-Pacific reefs, however, they have been largely overlooked in studies of reef tropho-dynamics. This project examined patterns of distribution, abundance and biomass as well as diet, defecation rates and life history parameters of apogonids to determine their importance in reef processes. Patterns of relative abundance and biomass of apogonids were investigated using daytime visual censuses conducted over a range of spatial scales at One Tree Reef and Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Patterns of apogonid abundance and biomass over reef-wide scales were most strongly related to the degree of wave exposure. The highest abundance and biomass were recorded from lagoonal reef slopes and bases (0.3 to 2.1 fish m⁻²; 2.2 to 5.1 g m⁻²), followed by leeward reef slopes and bases. The lowest values (<0.2 fish m⁻²;