Spatial variability of ontogenetic patterns in habitat associations by coral reef fishes (Moorea lagoon – French Polynesia)

The present study explored ontogenetic shifts in habitat associations by coral reef fishes between recently settled juvenile and adult life stages (Moorea Island: Tiahura and Papetoai sites). Visual censuses highlighted four ontogenetic patterns in habitat associations: (1) no change in habitat associations between the juvenile and adult stages; (2) a decrease in the number of habitats used by adults compared to juveniles; (3) an increase in the number of habitats used during the adult stage; and (4) use of nursery areas by juveniles followed by an extensive movement to an entirely different adult habitat. The comparative analysis of spatial distribution of fish at Tiahura and Papetoai highlighted no-spatial variability in ontogenetic patterns (i.e., 10 of the 15 recorded species have spatial consistency in ontogenetic patterns). Overall, the shifts in habitat associations are of interest in the perspective of understanding flexibility and adaptation capability of coral reef fish, at least at the settlement time.