Abstract

Groupers are important components of fisheries throughout tropical seas. However, little is known of their early life histories. This study aimed to investigate habitat use by early juvenile (< 12 cm TL) groupers around the south coast of South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands. From May to August 2007, a 530,000 m2 shallow (< 5m) area was systematically sampled on snorkel covering a range of habitats extending from a fringing reef crest into a harbour and sheltered bay. Species, size, GPS position, and habitat of all epinepheline groupers observed were recorded. Epinephelus striatus (n=209), E. guttatus (n = 15), E. adscensionis (n = 9), Cephalopholis fulva (n = 396), and C. cruentatus (n = 4) were found to have overlapping but substantially different distributions: 87% of E. striatus and 73% of E. guttatus were found in seagrass areas which covered < 30% of the study area; C. fulva favoured rubble/rock areas (57%); and all E. adscensionis were found within 10m of land. E. striatus were found sheltering predominantly in two structures: discarded conch shells (44% of individuals) and ledges formed by the roots and rhizomes of seagrass in blowout walls (33% of individuals). Whilst previous studies have emphasized the importance of macroalgal beds in tidal creeks as early juvenile E. striatus habitat, around South Caicos, seagrass habitats cover large areas and may contribute more individuals to local populations than alternative habitats

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