Ecology of Kyphosus vaigiensis
 
Main Ref. Clements, K.D. and J.H. Choat, 1997
Remarks Aggregate over hard, algal coated bottoms of exposed surf-swept outer reef flats, lagoons, and seaward reefs to a depth of at least 24 m. Found in exposed areas around rocky reefs (Ref. 559). Young (up to 5 cm) found among floating seaweeds; feeding on small crustaceans (Ref. 559). Adults are carnivorous during summer and autumn but feed on Endarachne binghamiae during winter (Ref. 559). Dwells in sheltered reefs covered with algae. Herbivorous. Forms foraging schools to graze on algae. Inadvertently consumes invertebrates associated with seaweeds it consumes (Ref. 9773).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Kyphosus vaigiensis may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Benthic; Hard Bottom: rocky;
Substrate Ref. Letourneur, Y., P. Chabanet, P. Durville, M. Taquet, E. Teissier, M. Parmentier, J.-C. Quéro and K. Pothin, 2004
Special habitats Beds: algae/seaweed; sea grass; Coral Reefs;
Special habitats Ref. Broad, G., 2003

Associations

Ref.
Associations schooling;
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Masuda, H., K. Amaoka, C. Araga, T. Uyeno and T. Yoshino, 1984
Feeding habit variable
Feeding habit Ref. Masuda, H., K. Amaoka, C. Araga, T. Uyeno and T. Yoshino, 1984
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 2.00 2.00 0.00 Troph of adults from 1 study.
From individual food items 2.87 0.27 Trophic level estimated from a number of food items using a randomized resampling routine.
Ref. Clements, K.D. and J.H. Choat, 1997
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. oophagy)
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