Use of implant microtags for studies on populations of small reef fish

Abstract

Use of two types of implant microtag are verified for the purpose of individually recognising small individuals: visible implant fluorescent tags and coded wire tags. Retention rates of these tags were determined when injected into two size classes of a coral-reef damselfish. Pomacentrus moluccensis. Microtag retention rates were high: 100% for new settlers and between 80 and 100% for adults. Survivorship and growth of juveniles and adults were not significantly different for fish with or without microtags. -from Authors