Reef fishes, as larvae, whether tropical or temperate are better swimmers than benthic and pelagic larval fishes because...

Reef fishes, particularly in their larval stage, are considered better swimmers than benthic and pelagic larval fishes due to several reasons:

1. Adaptation to Environment: Reef fishes are adapted to live in complex and dynamic environments like coral reefs. This adaptation makes them strong swimmers from a young age to navigate the currents and evade predators.

2. Morphological Features: Reef fish larvae often have morphological features that enhance their swimming abilities. For example, they may have larger pectoral fins or more streamlined bodies that allow them to swim more efficiently.

3. Behavior and Diet: Reef fish larvae are often more active and have a more varied diet than benthic and pelagic larvae. This can lead to faster growth and development, which can enhance their swimming abilities.

4. Survival Strategy: Being strong swimmers from a young age is a survival strategy for reef fish larvae. They need to be able to disperse from their spawning sites to find suitable habitats, and strong swimming abilities increase their chances of survival during this critical period.

5. Developmental Differences: Reef fish larvae often undergo a pelagic phase where they live in the open ocean before settling on the reef. This phase can last from days to weeks, and during this time, they develop strong swimming abilities that benthic and pelagic fish larvae may not.

In conclusion, the combination of environmental adaptation, morphological features, behavior, survival strategy, and developmental differences make reef fish larvae better swimmers than benthic and pelagic larval fishes.