Reef fish structure assemblages in oceanic islands of the eastern tropical Pacific: Revillagigedo Archipelago and Clipperton atoll

A new study reveals that the reef fish communities of the Revillagigedo Archipelago and Clipperton atoll, both located in the eastern tropical Pacific, exhibit significant differences in abundance and richness despite similar diversity levels. Roca Partida stands out due to its high density of pelagic species, while Clipperton is distinguished by endemic species such as Thalassoma robertsoni and Stegastes baldwini. The research used underwater visual censuses across two depth levels at three islands in the Revillagigedo Archipelago and Clipperton atoll, analyzing ecological indices like density, richness, Shannon diversity, Pielou evenness, and taxonomic distinctiveness. Quantitative comparisons and qualitative analyses (ANOSIM, nMDS, SIMPER) showed no significant differences in functional diversity, indicating high ecological redundancy. Both areas are dominated by lower-level carnivores with mean trophic levels between 3.3 and 3.8, though Clipperton's unique fauna sets it apart.

Fourriére, M., Reyes‐Bonilla, H., Galván‐Villa, C. M., Ayala Bocos, A., & Alejandro Rodríguez‐Zaragoza, F. (2019). Reef fish structure assemblages in oceanic islands of the eastern tropical Pacific: Revillagigedo Archipelago and Clipperton atoll. Marine Ecology, 40(3). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/maec.12539