Distributional patterns and community structure of Caribbean coral reef fishes within a river-impacted bay

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Abstract

This study examined how riverine inputs, in particular sediment, influenced the community structure and trophic composition of reef fishes within Rio Bueno, north Jamaica. Due to river discharge a distinct gradient of riverine inputs existed across the study sites. Results suggested that riverine inputs (or a factor associated with them) had a structuring effect on fish community structure. Whilst fish communities at all sites were dominated by small individuals (<20 cm), diversity and total biomass were reduced with increased proximity to the river mouth. The abundance of all fishes, but particularly small-bodied, juvenile and herbivorous fishes was reduced in turbid water when compared to clear-water sites. Results strongly suggest that fluvial sediment inputs may play an important role in structuring fish assemblages even under intense fishing pressure. © 2007 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

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Mallela, J., Roberts, C., Harrod, C., & Goldspink, C. R. (2007). Distributional patterns and community structure of Caribbean coral reef fishes within a river-impacted bay. Journal of Fish Biology, 70(2), 523–537. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2007.01323.x

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