Mangrove fish assemblages and ecological equivalence: Reply to Castellanos-Galindo & Krumme (2013)

Abstract

I considered the ecological equivalence of mangrove fish assemblages based on meta-analysis of data sets from around the world (Sheaves 2012; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 461:137-149). The comment of Castellanos-Galindo & Krumme (2013; Mar Ecol Prog Ser 474:295-298) extends on this by analysing additional data from the tropical Eastern Pacific region. This helps fill a major gap I identified (Sheaves 2012) and extends our understanding of mangrove fish assemblages at a global level. More precise information on the equivalence of mangrove fish assemblages will require an integrated approach from researchers, aimed at producing more comparable data sets. Developing a more detailed understanding is important as we begin to step beyond understanding pattern to understanding process. © Inter-Research 2013.