Movements in the harlequin fish (Othos dentex), a large predatory serranid from southern Australia: implications for detection and protection |
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| Authors: | S Bryars PJ Rogers |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide, Australia;2. South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide, Australia |
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| Abstract: | The harlequin fish (Othos dentex) is the largest serranid found in the temperate waters of southern Australia. Acoustic telemetry was used to continuously track the movements and activity patterns of 10 harlequin fish (330–620?mm total length; 0.5–3?kg weight) for a 16-month period at a coastal reef site. Data showed that the harlequin fish is a site-attached, diurnal predator, with a relatively small home range in comparison with other temperate reef fishes from Australia and New Zealand. These characteristics indicate that the harlequin fish is susceptible to localised depletions from fishing, but that it can be protected within no-take marine protected areas and can be detected with appropriate daytime monitoring techniques. Individuals also displayed discrete depth preferences on the reef slope, evidence of a nocturnal home base, and homing ability following disturbance from an extreme storm event. |
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| Keywords: | Acoustic telemetry depth use diel activity home range no-take marine protected area Serranidae site fidelity |
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