Sheaves, Marcus (1998) Spatial patterns in estuarine fish faunas in tropical Queensland: a reflection of interaction between long-term physical and biological processes? Marine and Freshwater Research, 49 (1). pp. 31-40.

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Abstract

Spatial differences in the distribution and abundance of fish faunas of structurally complex habitats in subtidal areas of three tropical estuaries were investigated by using modified Antillean-Z fish traps. The overall species compositions of the three estuaries were similar; however, the distribution and abundance of species differed substantially both within and among estuaries. Although the abundance of most species declined in an upstream direction, the fish assemblages of upstream areas of different estuaries were similar. In contrast, assemblages in seaward regions were quite distinct. Neither temperature nor turbidity were correlated with catch rates of the most abundant species. Although catch rates of some species were significantly correlated with deviation away from normal seawater salinity, in most cases the correlation with maximum deviation in salinity was much stronger. Thus, decreased catches and the absence of some common species from upstream areas may be related to the influence of long-term (months and years) patterns of salinity. Some species were abundant only in one region of a single creek. This may reflect the close proximity of nearby habitats from which recruits may come.

Item ID:	35475
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1448-6059
Keywords:	estuary, tropics, fishes, salinity, spatial distribution, fish communities, recruitment
Date Deposited:	09 Oct 2014 04:25
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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