Spatial and temporal variation of fish larvae in a hypersaline bay of the Colombian Caribbean

Abstract

Spatial distribution patterns and the diversity of organisms are the result of evolution, biogeography and the interaction between the local abiotic and biotic factors that operate at different temporal and spatial scales. This paper describes the spatial and temporal dynamics of the assembly of larval stages of fish in Bahía Portete and evaluates the relationship between spatial and temporal variation in abundance and local oceanographic conditions. Oceanographic and biological information was obtained from two sampling campaigns in July (dry season) and November (rainy season) 2015 to incorporate these contrasting climatic conditions. During each sampling campaign a mesh of 21 stations was performed, distributed in a systematic way in the Bay. 2763 larvae of fish, belonging to 37 families and 66 species were captured. The structure and composition of the assembly of larvae was significantly different between the periods of study, as well as the richness and diversity of species, being higher in November (rain season) in comparison with July
(dry season). In general terms, the abundance and richness of fish larvae in Bahía Portete seem to be related to the availability of food (zooplankton biomass) and local conditions of temperature and salinity, being it’s variation probably influenced by the local circulation pattern.