Abstract

Depth distribution of coral reef fishes was investigated by quantitative visual censuses in Pigeon’s marine protected area (Guadeloupe Island, Lesser Antilles). Quantitative data on benthic coral communities were simultaneously collected using the point intercept line transect method. Canonical correspondence analyses of the fish and environmental data sets revealed that depth was the main descriptor controlling the distribution of fishes (43% of the explained variance). Hierarchical classification of the data in association with factorial analyses led to the separation of three fish assemblages between: 1 to 3 m; 3 to 10 m; 10 to 30 m. Some fish species were characteristic of shallow waters (Stegastes dorsopunicans, Ophioblennius atlanticus, Scarus iserti, Halichoeres bivittatus, Sparisoma chrysopterum, Abudefduf taurus) and others from the deepest parts of the reef (Chromis insolata Acanthurus chirurgus, Hypoplectrus unicolor, Liopropoma rubre, Chaetodon ocellatus). Species richness, fish density and biomass were maximal between 10 to 15 m. Concerning fish trophic categories, the upper parts of the reef was dominated by herbivores, omnivores and first order carnivores and the lower part by zooplanktivores and second order carnivores. Piscivorous fishes were more broadly distributed on the reef. Thus, depth is an important factor to take into consideration when examining fish stocks on coral reefs.

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