Corallivore’s Dilemma: Understanding the Relationship between Fish and the Corals They Consume April 4, 2011

Randi Rotjan, Ph.D., Research Scientist, New England Aquarium
Coral-eating (corallivorous) fishes have interacted with tropical corals for millennia. However, as coral cover globally declines and corallivore abundance changes, there is a need to understand the patterns, causes and consequences of corallivory. Dr. Rotjan will draw global comparisons using a variety of field and lab experiments to describe why fish eat corals, how corals respond to being eaten and what coral-feeding means in a conservation context.

The Aquarium has been providing free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers and others since 1972. The Aquarium Lecture Series is presented free to the public through the generosity of the Lowell Institute, which has been providing funding for free public lectures at universities and museums since 1836.

Lectures are free and open to the public. Registration is requested. All programs start at 7 p.m. in the Aquarium's Harborside Learning Lab, unless otherwise noted below. Programs last approximately one hour followed by a reception.

Official Website: http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/programs_and_classes/aquarium_lecture_series/index.php