Spatio-temporal distribution of juvenile fish species in Guadeloupean reefs (Lesser Antilles)

Abstract

In the life cycle of coral reef fishes, recruitment is a key process which permit the renewal and the replenishment of adult fish populations. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors can influence recruitment, such as the quality of habitat, fish density and fish predation, and reef fish larvae can disperse over long distances. As a result, the distribution of fish juveniles among different habitats can significantly vary spatially and temporally. Here, we described spatio-temporal variation in juvenile fish distribution at the scale of Guadeloupe Island (Caribbean). Visual surveys of fish juveniles were conducted monthly for one year, on six sites representing three types of reef present in Guadeloupe (barrier reef, fringing reef, and patch reef). Significant differences were found in the abundance and species richness of juvenile reef fish depending on the geographical location, and reef type of the studied site. Significant differences were found in abundance between months of the year, and in species richness between the two seasons of the Caribbean region. Species composition differed between sites function of the month of observation, and it was established that the most abundant species at each site were responsible for the spatio-temporal variation observed in the juvenile fish assemblage. Overall, the distribution of juvenile reef fish in Guadeloupe varies both spatially (depending on geographical position and reef type) and temporally (depending on the season). These variations certainly have a strong influence on the stock of adult fish found all around the island of Guadeloupe.