Ecology of Paracanthurus hepatus
 
Main Ref. Baensch, H.A. and H. Debelius, 1997
Remarks It is generally found in clear water of outer reefs or channels where there are strong currents. Juveniles tend to hide among the branches of live coral (Ref. 54301). Occurs in clear, current-swept terraces of seaward reefs. Observed in loose aggregations 1 or 2 meters above the bottom; juveniles and subadults typical in groups near isolated Pocillopora eydouxi coral heads and when alarmed hide themselves tightly among the branches. Feeds on zooplankton (Ref. 9710, 48637). Diurnal species (Ref. 113699:32; 120956:331), courtship and spawning occurs from mid-afternoon to dusk (Ref. 38697).

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 Paracanthurus hepatus may be found.

Habitat

Substrate : rocky;
Substrate Ref. Letourneur, Y., P. Chabanet, P. Durville, M. Taquet, E. Teissier, M. Parmentier, J.-C. Quéro and K. Pothin, 2004
Special habitats Coral Reefs;
Special habitats Ref. Nguyen, N.T. and V.Q. Nguyen, 2006

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Baensch, H.A. and H. Debelius, 1997
Feeding habit selective plankton feeding
Feeding habit Ref. Lieske, E. and R. Myers, 1994
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition
From individual food items 3.40 0.45 Tentative trophic level derived from 1 + troph of a single food item
Ref.
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. cnidaria)
Comments & Corrections
 
 
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