Diversity and vulnerability of reef fishes in marginal and extreme habitats
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
In this book chapter, we review and discuss the diversity and vulnerability of reef fishes in marginal and extreme habitats. These habitats, characterised by elevated rates of siliciclastic sedimentation, extreme levels of turbidity, significant depths, elevated nutrient levels, and/or substantial temperature variability, among other factors, present unique conditions for reef fish assemblages. By synthesising current literature, we explore the evolutionary, biogeographic, and ecological aspects of reef fish diversity in these habitats. We also examine the impacts of human-induced stressors such as global warming, and plastic pollution, on these assemblages. The chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating historical and geographical perspectives in research to better understand and protect these unique ecosystems. Additionally, we highlight the need for targeted conservation and management strategies, such as marine spatial planning, zoning for fisheries, oil and gas exploitation, and other large-scale economic activities, to preserve the diversity and ecological functions of reef fish in marginal and extreme habitats. Our review underscores the urgency of adopting resilience-based management actions at local and global scales to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental changes on these vulnerable ecosystems. By understanding the dynamics of reef fish in these non-optimal environments, we can better inform conservation efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of coral reef ecosystems under the growing pressures of the Anthropocene.
Keywords
conservation strategies., extreme habitats, marginal habitats, reef fish diversity, coral reefs
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
E-ISSN
22137203
ISSN
2213719X
Volume
24
Publication Title
Extreme and Marginal Coral Reefs and Communities
Publisher
Springer
School
Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research / School of Science
Funding Information
JM acknowledges the Ian Potter Foundation and the Australian Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station for financial support. BAS is grateful to Brazilian Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, grant number 307260/2022-4). ACS acknowledges funding from a Vice Chancellor’s Research fellowship from Edith Cowan University.
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
33
Last Page
54
Recommended Citation
Morais, J., Siqueira, A. C., Rocha, L. A., Medeiros, A. P. M., Cardoso, A. P. L. R., & Santos, B. A. (2026). Diversity and vulnerability of reef fishes in marginal and extreme habitats. In M. O. Soares, T. B. Smith, E. F. Camp, & V. Schoepf (Eds.), Extreme and marginal coral reefs and communities (pp. 33–54). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-28035-0_3