Indirect effects of cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus on fish grazing per reef area and benthic community structure

Abstract Grazing fishes farm algae, and consume detritus sediment consequently differentially modify benthic communities. Manipulations of cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus on reefs show that cleaners affect abundance differently according to grazer functional group. Accordingly, whether are grazed differently, with consequences for the benthos (fouling material tile −1 ), was tested using kept free L. 10 years compared undisturbed control reefs. We recorded video grazing density (bites h reef ) settlement tiles natural (roving only), territorial algal farmer (Pomacentridae) roving (Acanthuridae, Labridae, Siganidae) groups, measured accumulation fouling after months. (dominated by ‘indeterminate’ farmers, ‘sediment-removing’ detritivore Ctenochaetus striatus Ct. other grazers) not measurably affected presence. The composition > turf algae other) organic inorganic dry weight were also This points resilience community loss cleaners. likely complex interactions between presence, mobility, often-opposite effects farmers grazers underscore challenge in determining indirect structure. However, a lack has negative ramifications populations physiology thus their remains problematic client fishes.