Abstract

Spatial distribution in larval fish assemblages over different marine enviroments were evaluated in two inlets with different external currents exposure levels of Mochima Bay. The samplings were carried out monthly at nighttime between November 2008 and June 2009 through light-traps and plankton nets. The most abundant families in both inlets were Clupeidae and Gobiidae, as well as some coral reef species. A total of 46 species (25 families) were collected in the internal inlet and 44 species (23 families) in the external inlet. Egg abundance and larvae size average were higher in the internal inlet (7,722 eggs; 13.46 ± 14.47 mm) rather than in the external inlet (2.918 eggs; 9,83 ± 7,28 mm). There are three main marine environments with different larvae fish assemblages in the internal inlet: submerged mangrove roots, seeagrass beds and coral reefs. The assemblage of the coral reef had the higher larvae abundance and diversity (374 individuals and 2.31 Bits) in comparison with larvae assemblages of the others environments. The results suggest that this internal inlet can be considered as a spawning area and also as a nursery due to the early stages permanence of some species and the low external currents exposition. On the other hand, the high abundance and diversity in the external inlet (1,211 individuals and 1,38 Bits) can be a consequence of a larvae income from external zones from the continental platform, and the exit of some larvae from the internal inlets.

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