Abstract
The temporal and spatial patterns in community composition, number of species and number of individuals were described and related to abiotic factors. During warmer months, nocturnal periods had more species and individuals than diurnal periods and a changed community composition. Burrowing in the sediment during daytime caused these changes and probably serves to reduce both predation and energy expenditure. Diel differences were reduced or absent in winter when the community was depauperate. Monthly patterns were highly positively correlated with temperature but not with salinity. These patterns were affected by summer migrations of juveniles from very shallow nursery areas. The deepest site varied least over time and was also the most individualistic in community composition. Numbers of species and individuals were both positively correlated with distance offshore and depth during most months. These factors probably reflect relative marine influence and environmental stability. The dynamic nature of the community is illustrated by the fact that interaction terms in factorial anovas were always significant and thus no spatial or temporal pattern was consistent.
Published Version
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