Consumption of coral propagules represents a significant trophic link between corals and reef fish

Mass spawning of corals provides a large seasonal pulse of high-energy prey that potentially benefits reef fish that are capable of capturing and dige sting coral propagules. This study examines the range of fish species that consume coral propagules and also tests whether reef fish experience a sign ificant increase in physiological condition when feeding on coral propagule s. Thirty-six species of diurnal reef fish were seen to consume coral propa gules released during mass coral spawning. Stomach content analyses of thre e reef fish species (Pomacentrus moluccensis, Abudefduf whitleyi, and Caesi o cunning) revealed that both P. motuccensis and A. whitleyi feed almost ex clusively on coral propagules during mass coral spawning. Fish feeding exte nsively on coral propagules also amassed considerable lipid stores, which c ould greatly improve the quality and survivorship of their progeny. In cont rast, C. cunning consumed only very small quantities of coral propagules, a nd showed no detectable change in lipid stores during the course of the stu dy. This study provides the first direct evidence that reef fish benefit fr om mass coral spawning, and reveals a potentially significant trophic link between scleractinian corals and reef fish.