Distribution Patterns of Juvenile Epibenthic Fish in South Biscayne Bay, Florida

Campos, Wilfredo

This study examines the distribution pattern of juvenile epibenthic fish in relation to the abiotic environmental factors in South Biscayne Bay. Monthly samples were collected from 22 stations during the period of April, 1982 to March, 1983. A total of 160 species belonging to 52 families were recorded throughout the study. Six species assemblages, broadly composed of juveniles of marine and resident estuarine species were defined. Both the composition and spatial distribution of the species assemblages remained consistent from one season to the other, although abundances were generally lower during the winter. Likewise, habitat differences throughout the study period were consistently displayed on physical factors, such as bottom type and salinity. The results showed that the topographical heterogeneity of the Bay, along with the interior circulation pattern, regulate the seasonal distribution of the species assemblages. The most important habitat factors were grass blade density and salinity. The results imply that the distribution of juvenile epibenthic fish in this shallow coastal lagoon is regulated more by environmental factors, rather than by biological interactions.