The redband parrotfish was one of the species studied as part of research into the importance of diversity for the health of coral reefs. (Credit: Photo by Deron Burkepile)
A report scheduled to be published this week in the early edition of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that maintaining the proper balance of herbivorous fishes may be critical to restoring coral reefs, which are declining dramatically worldwide. The conclusion results from a long-term study that found significant recovery in sections of coral reefs on which fish of two complementary species were caged.
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Diversity Of Plant-eating Fishes May Be Key To Recovery Of Coral Reefs