Structural complexity spanning fine to broad spatial scales can influence the distribution and activity of key organisms within marine ecosystems. However, the relative importance of hard (e.g., corals) and/or soft (e.g., macroalgae) structural complexity for marine organisms is often unclear. This study shows how both broad-scale (seascape configuration of coral structure) and fine-scale habitat complexity (structure height, number of holes, and presence of macroalgae) can influence the abundance and spatial ecology of reef fish. Underwater visual census of fish, surveys of habitats, remote underwater videos, and behavioral observations by following individual fish were used to quantify fine-scale habitat characteristics (e.g., complexity, coral structure height, macroalgae presence) and the abundance, size structure, and behavior (rates of herbivory, tortuosity ratios and total distance travelled) of abundant parrotfish. Both seascape configuration and macroalgae influenced the patterns of fish abundance and rates of herbivory. However, these relationships varied with trophic groups and ontogenetic stages. Abundance of adult and intermediate-phase parrotfishes was positively influenced by densely aggregated coral structures, whereas juvenile abundance was positively influenced by the presence of macroalgae. Foraging path and bite rates of an abundant parrotfish, Chlorurus spilurus, were not influenced by coral structure configuration or height, but the presence of macroalgae increased the bite rates of all juvenile parrotfish. Our results suggest that a combination of seascape configuration, fine-scale habitat complexity, and microhabitat selectivity influence reef fish community structure and foraging behavior, thus altering herbivory. However, these relationships can differ among functional groups of fish and life-history stages. Information on these fish–habitat interactions is critical for identifying habitats that facilitate ecological functions and ensures the successful management and conservation of essential habitats.

中文翻译：

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整个珊瑚礁泻湖的海景配置和精细规模的栖息地复杂性形状鹦嘴鱼的分布和功能

精细到广泛的空间尺度的结构复杂性会影响海洋生态系统中关键生物的分布和活动。然而，对于海洋生物而言，硬的（例如珊瑚）和/或软的（例如大型藻类）结构复杂性的相对重要性通常不清楚。这项研究表明，大尺度（珊瑚结构的海景结构）和小尺度栖息地复杂度（结构高度，洞数和大型藻类的存在）如何影响礁鱼的丰度和空间生态。鱼类的水下视觉普查，栖息地调查，远程水下录像以及通过跟踪单个鱼类而获得的行为观察，用于量化精细尺度的栖息地特征（例如，复杂性，珊瑚结构高度，大型藻类的存在）以及丰度，大小结构，鹦鹉鱼的行为和行为（草食率，曲折率和总游走距离）。海景结构和大型藻类都影响鱼类的丰度模式和食草率。但是，这些关系随营养群体和个体发育阶段而变化。密集聚集的珊瑚结构对成年和中间阶段鹦嘴鱼的丰度有积极的影响，而大型藻类的存在对幼鱼的丰度有积极的影响。大量鹦鹉鱼的觅食路径和咬食率，密集聚集的珊瑚结构对成年和中间阶段鹦嘴鱼的丰度有积极的影响，而大型藻类的存在对幼鱼的丰度有积极的影响。大量鹦鹉鱼的觅食路径和咬食率，密集聚集的珊瑚结构对成年和中间阶段鹦嘴鱼的丰度有积极的影响，而大型藻类的存在对幼鱼的丰度有积极的影响。大量鹦鹉鱼的觅食路径和咬食率，绿藻（Clorurus spilurus）不受珊瑚结构或高度的影响，但是大型藻类的存在增加了所有幼体鹦鹉鱼的咬入率。我们的研究结果表明，海景配置，小规模生境复杂性和微生境选择性的结合会影响礁鱼的群落结构和觅食行为，从而改变草食性。但是，这些关系在鱼类的功能组和生活史阶段之间可能有所不同。这些鱼类－栖息地相互作用的信息对于确定有利于生态功能并确保成功管理和保护基本栖息地的栖息地至关重要。