Genetic connectivity of two demersal reef fishes within the Straits of Singapore

Elucidating connectivity patterns at broad and fine scales provides crucial information for effective management of marine reserves. Populations of marine organisms with high gene flow, and therefore high connectivity, are more likely to persist in times of disturbances, especially in areas of high anthropogenic impacts. Fishes, ecologically important components of coral reefs, are mobile and move within and between nearshore habitats both as larvae and as adults. In this study, we assessed the genetic connectivity of two demersal reef fish species occurring within the Straits of Singapore, Cephalopholis boenak (Serranidae) and Neopomacentrus bankieri (Pomacentridae) with differing life history strategies. The former species is a broadcast spawner while the latter lays eggs attached to substrate. The pelagic larval stages for these two species, as with many coral reef species, is crucial in the dispersal and connectivity of their populations across the seascape.