Temporal variation in macroalgal removal: insights from an impacted equatorial coral reef system

Abstract Macroalgal removal is a critical ecosystem function yet few studies have considered its temporal variability, especially on impacted reefs with limited herbivorous fish biodiversity. To address this, we quantified macroalgal and mass-standardised bite rates of fishes monthly from July 2016 to June 2017 using series transplanted Sargassum ilicifolium assays underwater video cameras three degraded coral in Singapore: Pulau Satumu, Kusu Island, Terumbu Pempang Tengah. Our results revealed distinct pattern herbivory (proportion biomass removed rates) across all sites, increasing decreasing January, the highest recorded December (28.10 ± 3.05 g 3.5 h −1 ; 208.24 29.99 bites ) lowest May (0.86 0.17 9.55 3.19 ). These coincided S. growth cycle, confirming previous evidence that are closely linked condition. Video analyses nine species feeding over year (31,839 bites; 8702.89 bites), Siganus virgatus responsible for $$\sim $$ ∼ 80% total bites. took largest proportion monthly, except between April June, when Scarus rivulatus was dominant, suggesting constraints functional roles.