Climate-assisted persistence of tropical fish vagrants in temperate marine ecosystems

Authors

Laura Gajdzik, Curtin University of Technology
Thomas M. DeCarlo, Hawaiʻi Pacific University
Adam Koziol, Curtin University of Technology
Mahsa Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, Curtin University of Technology
Megan Coghlan, Curtin University of Technology
Matthew W. Power, Curtin University of Technology
Michael Bunce, Curtin University of Technology
David Fairclough, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
Michael J. Travers, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western AustraliaFollow
Glenn I. Moore, Western Australian Museum
Joseph D. DiBattista, Curtin University of Technology

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-28-2021

Journal Title

Communications Biology

ISSN

2399-3642

Keywords

Climate-change ecology, Population genetics

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Climate | Marine Biology | Other Genetics and Genomics

Abstract

Rising temperatures and extreme climate events are propelling tropical species into temperate marine ecosystems, but not all species can persist. Here, we used the heatwave-driven expatriation of tropical Black Rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens) to the temperate environments of Western Australia to assess the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that may entail their persistence. Population genomic assays for this rabbitfish indicated little genetic differentiation between tropical residents and vagrants to temperate environments due to high migration rates, which were likely enhanced by the marine heatwave. DNA metabarcoding revealed a diverse diet for this species based on phytoplankton and algae, as well as an ability to feed on regional resources, including kelp. Irrespective of future climate scenarios, these macroalgae-consuming vagrants may self-recruit in temperate environments and further expand their geographic range by the year 2100. This expansion may compromise the health of the kelp forests that form Australia’s Great Southern Reef. Overall, our study demonstrates that projected favourable climate conditions, continued large-scale genetic connectivity between populations, and diet versatility are key for tropical range-shifting fish to establish in temperate ecosystems.

Recommended Citation

Gajdzik, L, DeCarlo, T M, Koziol, A, Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, M, Coghlan, M, Power, M W, Bunce, M, Fairclough, D, Travers, M J, Moore, G I, and DiBattista, J D. (2021), Climate-assisted persistence of tropical fish vagrants in temperate marine ecosystems. Communications Biology, 4, 1231.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fr_fja/221