Crossing habitat boundaries : mechanisms underlying cross-habitat utilization by reef fishes

This thesis contributes to a better understanding of the nursery-role hypothesis of non-reef habitats for coral reef fishes. Not only fish densities were studied in multiple habitats, but also factors which could drive ontogenetic habitat shifts by fishes, such as habitat structural complexity, food abundance, fish growth rates, predator abundance, survival from predation, fish condition and maturation. The existence of a complex, multi-stage habitat utilization pattern during the life-history of a common coral reef fish species was studied in detail, and compelling evidence is provided for the underlying mechanisms causing ontogenetic habitat shifts. An understanding of these mechanisms is of great importance and will provide for a more robust foundation to work toward effective management and conservation strategie