Long-distance dispersal via ocean currents connects Omani clownfish populations throughout entire species range

PLoS One. 2014 Sep 17;9(9):e107610. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107610. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Dispersal is a crucial ecological process, driving population dynamics and defining the structure and persistence of populations. Measuring demographic connectivity between discreet populations remains a long-standing challenge for most marine organisms because it involves tracking the movement of pelagic larvae. Recent studies demonstrate local connectivity of reef fish populations via the dispersal of planktonic larvae, while biogeography indicates some larvae must disperse 100-1000 s kilometres. To date, empirical measures of long-distance dispersal are lacking and the full scale of dispersal is unknown. Here we provide the first measure of long-distance dispersal in a coral reef fish, the Omani clownfish Amphiprion omanensis, throughout its entire species range. Using genetic assignment tests we demonstrate bidirectional exchange of first generation migrants, with subsequent social and reproductive integration, between two populations separated by over 400 km. Immigration was 5.4% and 0.7% in each region, suggesting a biased southward exchange, and matched predictions from a physically-coupled dispersal model. This rare opportunity to measure long-distance dispersal demonstrates connectivity of isolated marine populations over distances of 100 s of kilometres and provides a unique insight into the processes of biogeography, speciation and adaptation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biodiversity
  • Coral Reefs*
  • Ecosystem*
  • Fishes* / classification
  • Fishes* / genetics
  • Genetics, Population
  • Geography
  • Population Dynamics

Grants and funding

SDS was supported by a NERC Postdoctorate Fellowship (NE/B501720/1), a NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship (NE/J500616/2), a Royal Society Exchange grant and an EPHE Fellowship. The Project NEMO Expedition Team was funded by the Davis Trust, University of Edinburgh Development Trust, Carnegie Trust, BS-AC Jubilee Trust, Weir Trust, Genetics Society, British Association and Shell Oman. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.