Utilization of shallow subtidal bays associated with warm temperate rocky shores by the late-stage larvae of some inshore fish species, South Africa

Abstract

ABSTRACT This work describes the utilization of shallow, subtidal bays, associated with rocky shores, by the late-stage larvae and early juveniles of some common inshore fishes. Larval and early juvenile fishes were collected in seven small bays (30–50 m wide) between Port Alfred (33°36′S, 26°53′E) and Hamburg (33°17′S, 27°29′E), using a modified, beach seine net (500μm mesh). Four bays were sampled weekly during peak fish spawning (September-November 2004) to firstly assess whether larval fishes occur in these previously-unstudied habitats and secondly, to assess the extent of this utilization in terms of species occurrence, abundance and potential nursery function. An additional three replicate bays, situated > 50 km away near Bira were used for comparison. In total, 14 fish families represented by 26 taxa were recorded but the catch was dominated by a small suite of common species. Bays were extensively utilized by Sparidae (Diplodus capensis and Sarpa salpa), and to a lesser extent by Clinidae (Clinus...