4.7 Article

Three-Dimensional-Printed Coral-like Structures as a Habitat for Reef Fish

Journal

Publisher

MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/jmse11040882

Keywords

3D printing; color vision; coral reef; artificial reef; reef fishes' behavior

Ask authors/readers for more resources

This study examines reef fishes' behavior and reactions to three-dimensional-printed (3DP) corals and finds that 3DP corals can be a suitable substitute for live corals for certain types of reef fish services.
Coral reefs are three-dimensional biogenic structures that provide habitat for plenty of marine organisms; yet, coral reefs are deteriorating worldwide. Hence, it is essential to identify suitable substitutes for such coral services. This study examines reef fishes' behavior and reactions to three-dimensional-printed (3DP) corals based on scanned Stylophora pistillata, as well as modified 3DP models. In particular, fishes' unresponsiveness to the color, shape, morphology, and material of 3DP models both in vitro and in situ experiments was investigated. Coral reef fishes responded to the 3DP corals and demonstrated their usage in a range of services. Moreover, a greater number of fish species interacted more with 3DP models than they did with live corals. Furthermore, specific reef fish species, such as Sea Goldies (Pseudanthias squamipinnis), showed a preference for specific 3DP coral color, and other species demonstrated preferences for specific 3DP model shapes. The current study results show that three-dimensional-printed coral models can substitute for live corals for certain types of reef fish services.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available