Ecology of Prognathodes aculeatus
 
Main Ref. Birkeland, C. and S. Neudecker, 1981
Remarks Inhabit deep coral-rich reefs and drop-offs (Ref. 47838). Often seen nibbling on the tube feet of sea urchins or the tentacles of tubeworms (Ref. 9710). Unlike some chaetodonts it does not pick parasites from the bodies of other fishes (Ref. 5521). Solitary, sometimes in pairs (Ref. 47838). Feed on small invertebrates. Seek refuge when approached (Ref. 47838). Forages on entire discreet individuals of polychaetes, crustaceans and eggs (Ref. 8930)

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 Prognathodes aculeatus may be found.

Habitat

Substrate
Substrate Ref.
Special habitats Coral Reefs;
Special habitats Ref.

Associations

Ref.
Associations
Associated with
Association remarks
Parasitism

Feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Birkeland, C. and S. Neudecker, 1981
Feeding habit hunting macrofauna (predator)
Feeding habit Ref. Birkeland, C. and S. Neudecker, 1981
Trophic Level(s)
Estimation method Original sample Unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 3.36 0.18 3.10 0.19 Troph of juv./adults from 2 studies.
From individual food items 3.50 0.37 Tentative trophic level derived from 1 + troph of a single food item
Ref. Birkeland, C. and S. Neudecker, 1981
(e.g. 346)
(e.g. oophagy)
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