Temporal variation of fish assemblages in sea grass habitats in the Chuuk Lagoon, Micronesia

Abstract

Temporal variation of fish assemblages in seagrass habitats in the Chuuk Lagoon, were determined by analyzing monthly samples collected using a seine net from Aug. 2009 to Aug. 2011. A total of 10,444 individuals (36 species, 18 families) were recorded. Atherinomorus lacunosus (61.6%) was the dominant species. Significant differences were obsedved in relative abundance and species richness among months. The results suggested that seagrass beds of Chuuk Lagoon were used as nursery area by juveniles. The present work provided information on the range of temporal variation in fish species composition and number of fish species found in tropical seagrass habitatss) were recorded. Atherinomorus lacunosus (61.6%) was the dominant species. Significant differences were obsedved in relative abundance and species richness among months. The results suggested that seagrass beds of Chuuk Lagoon were used as nursery area by juveniles. The present work provided information on the range of temporal variation in fish species composition and number of fish species found in tropical seagrass habitats