Abstract:
Coral reefs are incredibly productive ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of marine species. Coral reef ecosystems and the resident fish species that live there depend on one another to function and remain resilient. Reefs are frequently referred to as the "rainforests of the sea" due to the diversity of life that can be found there. The health of coral reefs is essential for about 25% of the ocean's fish. In the numerous crevices created by coral, fish and other creatures find refuge, eat, reproduce and raise their young. The ecological significance of these symbiotic relationships is examined in this article with a focus on fish that serve as seed dispersers, cleaner fish, herbivorous fish, and fish that feed on coral. While cleaning fish contribute to the hygiene and disease prevention of the reef community, coral-feeding fish control algal growth, which helps to maintain a healthy coral environment. Cleaning fish, like cleaner wrasses and cleaner gobies, clear parasites, dead skin, and pathogens from other fish species, helping to maintain the reef community's cleanliness and prevent disease. They contribute to maintaining the general health and wellbeing of the fish population by lowering the parasite load on reef fish. Their cleaning services are essential for stopping disease from spreading and maintaining the health of the coral reef ecosystem. Fish that are herbivorous stop nutrient cycling, coral growth, and algal overgrowth. Fish that spread coral seeds help to increase genetic diversity and the recovery of damaged reefs. For the conservation and sustainable management of coral reef ecosystems, it is critical to recognize and maintain these symbiotic relationships. We can work to ensure the long-term survival of these remarkable underwater communities by realizing their ecological significance.
Page(s):
56-56
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Abstract Book on International Conference on Food and Applied Sciences (ICFAS-23) 3-5 August 23, Volume: 0, Issue: 0, Year: 2023
Keywords:
Pathogens
,
hygiene
,
mutualism
,
Parasites
,
algal growth
,
marine species
,
Coral reefs
,
nutrient cycling
,
cleaning fish
,
sustainable management