Fish assemblages on an artificial reef in Ranong province, Thailand compared to natural rocky and coral habitats
1994
Ukkrit Satapoomin (Marine Biological Fishery Research Inst., Phuket (Thailand))
Assemblages of fish on an artificial reef (AR) in Ranong Province, Thailand was investigated using visual censuses during three survey in February 1992, December 1992 and April 1993. Comparision between the Ranong AR and nearby natural reef and rocky habitats was also made. The present study demonstrated that the AR was effective in attracting and holding fish. A high species diversity of fish (101 species, representing 42 families) were found in the AR and majority (82 percent) were found to be resident suggesting attainment of species equilibrium. The AR structure was a significant factor influencing fish communities. Comparision of the Ranong AR with nearby natural habitats revealed differences in various aspects of community structure such as species richness, fish abundance, and community similarity. The population density and species richness appeared to be considerably lower on the AR than those of the natural habitats. The AR, however, contained a higher proportion of economically important fish. The similarity of species shared betweem the AR and nearby natural reef was as low as 41 percent but markedly higher up to 77 percent when compared to the Andaman reef fish in general. The role of AR on fishery management is also discussed.
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