Abstract

Reef fishes constitute one of the main functional groups of coral reef ecosystems, as they contribute to maintaining the stability and resilience of these ecosystems. The fish life cycle consists of four main stages; pelagic egg, larval, demersal juvenile, and adult stages (Hixon & Randall, 2019) along with intermediate stages that are family/taxa specific. The first two stages are called “Early Life History Stages” (ELH). During ELH, individuals are very small, extremely sensitive to changes in water conditions, and vulnerable to predation, and their dispersion is facilitated by water currents. The larvae return to the reef seeking nourishment and protection. The arrival of larvae and post-larvae to the coast is a critical process in the continuation of the fish life cycle, while also aiding in replenishing reef populations (Sponaugle and Cowen 1996). This study aims to establish a baseline for research on spatial and temporal patterns, composition, and abundance of fish larvae and post-larvae that arrive at the reefs of the Sandy Bay West End-Special Marine Protection Zone (SBWE-SMPZ) during an annual cycle.

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