Distribution patterns of nocturnal seagrass fishes on the reef flat of Santiago Island, Bolinao, Philippines
1995
Nanola, C.L. Jr.
Trawl surveys were conducted in the seagrass beds of Santiago Island, Bolinao, Philippines to determine the fish species composition, residency status and spatial and temporal distributions. Twelve sites were monitored on alternate months from October 1988 to April 1993 using a customized 2 m roller beam trawl. A total of 214 fish species comprising 48 families were caught. The spatial distributions of fish communities over time showed interannual similarities. Based on DCCA correlations, fish groupings were explained by seagrass density, shoot height and sediment grain size. Fish biomass and number of species were higher in areas with high seagrass density and shoot height and were characterized by permanent and temporary resident species of the seagrass beds. The lowest biomass and number of species were observed in areas with high seagrass density but with short shoot height, wherein species present were mostly coral-associated fishes. The intermediate group, with low seagrass density and relatively high seagrass shoot height, was characterized by sand dweller species (i.e., soles). The analysis of temporal distribution of fish communities using Correspondence Ordered Similarity Matrix Analysis (COSMA) showed a dynamic pattern of two reversing cycles. The high degree of similarities over time was interrupted during the months of February/April and October due to recruitment pulses attributed to siganids and probably apogonids. Spatial and temporal distribution showed importance in management applications
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