Loading...
Publication
Horizontal spatial and temporal distribution patterns of nearshore larval fish assemblages at a temperate rocky shore
| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 869.57 KB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
There have been no previous studies of the composition of nearshore larval fish assemblages along the coast of Portugal. We aimed to
describe the composition and horizontal distribution patterns of larval fish assemblages and their temporal dynamics near a rocky reef at depths
shallower than 13 m (inshore) and at two miles (3.70 km) from shore (offshore), as well as along transects perpendicular to the shoreline, from
the reef to 10 miles offshore (18.52 km). Samples were taken using 5 min sub-surface trawls at the rocky shore of the Arra´bida Marine Park
(W Portugal). A total of 1021 larvae were collected, belonging to 61 taxa inshore and to 29 taxa offshore. Along transects, 626 larvae of 52
taxa were collected. Most larvae belonged to coastal species associated with rocky reefs. Total larval abundance and diversity were higher
from May to July, which is consistent with the spawning activity of adults. Diversity and total larval abundance decreased significantly with
increasing distance from shore, both in the inshore/offshore comparison and in the transects, where this decrease was evident at a very small
spatial scale (within the first mile from the reef). Species assemblages differed in the pattern of distribution, with most species clearly associated
to the extreme nearshore. The distribution patterns obtained were independent of the spawning mode of species. Results are discussed in the light
of the possible physical mechanisms that can potentially act at the Arra´bida Marine Park to facilitate larvae retention and the role of larval
behaviour.
Description
Keywords
Larval fishes Horizontal distribution Retention; Nearshore; Temperate reefs
Citation
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 71, 412-428