Biogeographic patterns on shallow subtidal reefs in the western Indian Ocean

To resolve biogeographic limits and patterns on the east coast of Africa, the presence/absence and quantitative biomass data were collected from 55 shallow subtidal reefs along 4,800 km of coastline (5.2°–31.1°S). Multivariate analysis of distributions, trophic structure and biomass revealed two distinct marine provinces, the Tropical Indo-West Pacific and Subtropical Natal, with a transitional overlap (of ca. 120 km) located between Leven Point and Kosi Mouth on north-east South Africa. This region of overlap was one of three bioregions revealed by post hoc analyses. Biomass was unexpectedly highest in the tropics. ‘Auto-heterotrophs’ (species with autotrophic symbionts such as corals and clams), deposit feeders and grazers contributed significantly more biomass to the Tropical Indo-West Pacific Bioregion, whereas filter feeders dominated the Subtropical Natal Bioregion. ‘Auto-heterotrophs’ declined with latitude while filter feeders increased; soft corals made a defining contribution in the overlap bioregion. Possible underlying causes of these patterns include productivity, nutrient levels, riverine input, light penetration and temperature.