Community structure of the juvenile of coastal pelagic fish species in the Canary Islands waters

Abstract

SUMMARY: The coastal pelagic fish community structure during, the juvenile stages was analysed with the objective of understanding the segregation of fish species for better exploitation of habitat resources (food and vital space). Fish segregate in spatial and temporal dimensions, food being the principal factor that regulates the community structure. Fish species were classified under three trophic categories: the first one, composed by the most frequently caught species, included strict zooplanktivorous species, at leasr during their coastal stage (Atherina presbyfer, Sardina pikhardrts and Roops hoopr): the second one was composed hy species (Smmher japnnirrrs, .Tnrdin~llo aurita and Ohlada melaniira) less frequent in catches and whith mixed diets of fish and zooplankton. Specimens of A. presbyrer and juveniles of S. pilchardus were found in the stomach contents of fish of the second category. The ihird one was composed of another species ( Trachynorus ovariis) which was relatively highly abundant in catches and shaved a more specific diet based on insects and in which zooplankton played a less important role. There was a sirnultaneous development in space and time of juveniles of Atherina prcshyter, Sardrtia prkhardus and Boops boops. Juveniles of Scomber japoni crrs were only detected seasonally coinciding with the presence of early juveniles of the later species.