Spatial and temporal changes of fishes in coral community (Hangam Island, Persian Gulf)

In this research, the frequency of coral fishes from Hengam Island were studied seasonally from summer of 2020 to the spring of 2021 by Underwater Visual Census (UVCm) and belt transect method. A total of 38 species were identified in five selected stations, of which 31 species were herbivorous fishes,  Pomacentridae and Labridae families had the highest frequency with 7 and 4 species. The abundance of herbivorous fish Thalassoma lunare was estimated at 80(±71) number per square kilometer in station two. In addition, two species of parrotfish (Scarus persicus and Scarus ghobban) were the most frequent in all stations. The highest seasonal frequency of herbivorous fishes was recorded at station 2 in winter 58(±12) numbers per square kilometer and the lowest at station 3 in summer 5(±21) numbers per square kilometer. The seasonal abundance of herbivorous fishes were significantly differ between stations, except in summer (p<0.05). The temporal and spatial changes in the abundance of herbivorous fish in the stations indicate the importance of selective performance of fishes for ecological niche. In this regard, the role of functional redundancy is more effective than the role of functional complement among these fishes in the biological future of the coral communities of Hengam Island. Therefore, it is recommended to protect the coral fish stock of the island.