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August 10, 2026Integrative Organismal BiologyOpen Access

The evolutionary history and morphological divergence of corallivorous fishes on coral reefs

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Authors

IMI MarrableThe University of SydneyNPNick PeoplesUniversity of California, DavisMKM A KolmannUniversity of Louisville

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Implication

This research reveals evolved dietary specializations and morphological traits in reef fishes, highlighting their vulnerability to environmental changes.

Key Points

  • The study aims to explore the evolutionary history of corallivorous fishes and assess the implications of their specialized feeding behavior.
  • Utilized phylogenetic comparative methods to trace evolutionary relationships.
  • Implemented micro-CT scanning and scanning electron microscopy to analyze feeding morphology.
  • Focused on the Chaetodontidae family to compare species variations in coral consumption.
  • Obligate corallivory has evolved independently at least 17 times.
  • Facultative corallivory may have facilitated the success of butterflyfishes in reef environments.
  • Obligate and facultative species differ in dental morphology but share similar cranial traits.

Cite This Study

Marrable et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a797d479c20a9bbd318490ehttps://doi.org/10.1093/iob/obag032
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Also Consider

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