Diadema and Echinometra viridis Interference of Dusky Damselfish Territory in Greater Lameshur Bay. St. John USVI

Goldstein, Jane

The report on an experiment that involves the placing of diadema and Echinometra viridis in the center of the territory of which these fish are defending. Behavioral observations are then recorded after repetitive experimentation. The interactions herein involved the insertion of additional species that impeded or prevented predation. Examined was the role of damselfishes in defending their algal mats from attack by adult and juvenile diadema, and ecinometra viridis. Five damselfish territories were observed, two adult homes and three juvenile homes were experimented Mith on the transect. Results showed that the adult damselfishes had less inhibitions toward the corallivore interferes than the juveniles. The adult damselfishes picked up and moved the echinometras and the juvenile diademas, but only poked at the adult diademas. They Mould drag these corallivores anywhere from 91 centimeters to 143 centimeters. The juvenile damselfishes just aggressively charged the echinometras, and broke off the spines of the juvenile diadema; however they just circled but did not approach the adult diademas. Thus we can assume that ejection response is an adaptation related to the defense and maintenance of an important resource