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Temperature, species identity and morphological traits predict carbonate excretion and mineralogy in tropical reef fishes

Author

Listed:
  • Mattia Ghilardi

    (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
    University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT)

  • Michael A. Salter

    (University of Exeter)

  • Valeriano Parravicini

    (PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR3278 CRIOBE, University of Perpignan
    Institut Universitaire de France)

  • Sebastian C. A. Ferse

    (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT)
    University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT)

  • Tim Rixen

    (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT))

  • Christian Wild

    (University of Bremen, Leobener Straße UFT)

  • Matthias Birkicht

    (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT))

  • Chris T. Perry

    (Geography, University of Exeter)

  • Alex Berry

    (University of Exeter)

  • Rod W. Wilson

    (University of Exeter)

  • David Mouillot

    (Institut Universitaire de France
    MARBEC, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD)

  • Sonia Bejarano

    (Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT))

Abstract

Anthropogenic pressures are restructuring coral reefs globally. Sound predictions of the expected changes in key reef functions require adequate knowledge of their drivers. Here we investigate the determinants of a poorly-studied yet relevant biogeochemical function sustained by marine bony fishes: the excretion of intestinal carbonates. Compiling carbonate excretion rates and mineralogical composition from 382 individual coral reef fishes (85 species and 35 families), we identify the environmental factors and fish traits that predict them. We find that body mass and relative intestinal length (RIL) are the strongest predictors of carbonate excretion. Larger fishes and those with longer intestines excrete disproportionately less carbonate per unit mass than smaller fishes and those with shorter intestines. The mineralogical composition of excreted carbonates is highly conserved within families, but also controlled by RIL and temperature. These results fundamentally advance our understanding of the role of fishes in inorganic carbon cycling and how this contribution will change as community composition shifts under increasing anthropogenic pressures.

Suggested Citation

  • Mattia Ghilardi & Michael A. Salter & Valeriano Parravicini & Sebastian C. A. Ferse & Tim Rixen & Christian Wild & Matthias Birkicht & Chris T. Perry & Alex Berry & Rod W. Wilson & David Mouillot & So, 2023. "Temperature, species identity and morphological traits predict carbonate excretion and mineralogy in tropical reef fishes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-36617-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36617-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jacob E. Allgeier & Brian C. Weeks & Katrina S. Munsterman & Nina Wale & Seth J. Wenger & Valeriano Parravicini & Nina M. D. Schiettekatte & Sébastien Villéger & Deron E. Burkepile, 2021. "Phylogenetic conservatism drives nutrient dynamics of coral reef fishes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Pellowe, Kara E. & Meacham, Megan & Peterson, Garry D. & Lade, Steven J., 2023. "Global analysis of reef ecosystem services reveals synergies, trade-offs and bundles," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).

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