Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/26833
Title: A functional evaluation of feeding in the surgeonfish Ctenochaetus striatus: the role of soft tissues
Contributor(s): Tebbett, Sterling B (author); Goatley, Christopher H R  (author)orcid ; Huertas, Víctor (author); Mihalitsis, Michalis (author); Bellwood, David R (author)
Publication Date: 2018-01-31
Open Access: Yes
DOI: 10.1098/rsos.171111Open Access Link
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/26833
Abstract: Ctenochaetus striatus is one of the most abundant surgeonfishes on Indo-Pacific coral reefs, yet the functional role and feeding ecology of this species remain unclear. This species is reported to possess a rigid structure in its palate that is used for scraping, but some authors have reported that this element is comprised of soft tissue. To resolve the nature and role of this structure in the feeding ecology of C. striatus we examined evidence from anatomical observations, scanning electron microscopy, histology, X-ray micro-computed tomography scanning, high-speed video and field observations. We found that C. striatus from the Great Barrier Reef possess a retention plate (RP) on their palates immediately posterior to the premaxillary teeth which is soft, covered in a thin veneer of keratin with a papillate surface. This RP appears to be used during feeding, but does not appear to be responsible for the removal of material, which is achieved primarily by a fast closure of the lower jaw. We infer that the RP acts primarily as a 'dustpan', in a 'dustpan and brush' feeding mechanism, to facilitate the collection of particulate material from algal turfs.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Grant Details: ARC/CE140100020
Source of Publication: Royal Society Open Science, 5(1), p. 1-10
Publisher: The Royal Society Publishing
Place of Publication: United Kingdom
ISSN: 2054-5703
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology)
060203 Ecological Physiology
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology)
310303 Ecological physiology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 180504 Marine biodiversity
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Environmental and Rural Science

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