Ecology of Ctenochaetus striatus
 
Main Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
Remarks Inhabits reef flats and lagoon and seaward reefs to a depth of over 30 m. Occurs over coral, rock, pavement, or rubble substrates. May occur singly or in small to very large, often mixed-species aggregations (Ref. 48637). Feeds on surface film of blue-green algae and diatoms (making this species a key link in the ciguatera food chain) as well as on various small invertebrates. Detritus and sediment are main dietary components (Ref. 59111). Herbivorous (Ref. 43650). Estimates of assimilation efficiency indicate that C. striatus assimilates 20% of the total organic matter and 37% of the nitrogen from its sediment/detrital diet (Ref. 42770). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699:31; 120680:186,190); spawning takes place from morning to late afternoon and peaks in afternoon (Ref. 38697). During feeding, each bite is characterized by a wide gape as the mouth is applied to the substratum followed by a quick, upward flick of the lower jaw, with no sideways flick of the head (Ref. 59059). It appears that the numerous elongate flexible teeth, brush particulate and epiphytic materials from the surface of the turf algal strands and other substrata (Ref. 59059).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Ctenochaetus striatus may be found.

Habitat

Substrate Hard Bottom: rocky;
Substrate Ref. Letourneur, Y., P. Chabanet, P. Durville, M. Taquet, E. Teissier, M. Parmentier, J.-C. Quéro and K. Pothin, 2004
Special habitats Beds: sea grass; Coral Reefs;
Special habitats Ref. Broad, G., 2003

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly plants/detritus (troph. 2-2.19)
Feeding type Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
Feeding habit browsing on substrate
Feeding habit Ref. Purcell, S.W. and D.R. Bellwood, 1993
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 2.00 0.00 2.00 0.00 Troph of juv./adults from 1 study.
From individual food items 2.00 0.00 Trophic level and s.e. inferred from exclusive plant/detritus food items.
Ref. Sano, M., M. Shimizu and Y. Nose, 1984
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. cnidaria)
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