Trophic interaction of fish larvae, phytoplankton, and zooplankton in Pari Island lagoon

Abstract

Fish larvae are one of the critical periods in fish life cycle due to the availability of convenient prey. The aim of this research was to describe the dynamic and variation of fish larvae and its prey which could predict fish larvae survival and recruitment success of fish population in Pari Island lagoon. The research was conducted at Pari Island lagoon, Seribu Islands in Jakarta Province since June – November 2010. Fish larvae, zooplankton and phytoplankton samples were taken ten times in 6 months. Zooplankton and fish larvae were identified, and their biomasses were measured. A feeding experiment was done to analyze the food preferences of fish larvae. Results show that there were two peaks of fish larvae biomass indicated the post spawned season of fishes, occurred at the beginning of July and October. The high biomasses of fish larvae at the beginning of July was supported by the high growth rate of zooplankton and phytoplankton and resulted in the opportunity for recruitment succeed. The next spawned season occurred at the beginning of October was not supported by the high number of zooplankton biomass, resulted in the collapse of fish larvae biomass.