Seasonal changes in a fish assemblage associated with mangroves in a coastal lagoon of Baja California Sur, Mexico

• Published in: Latin american journal of aquatic research Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 250 - 260
• Main Authors: Rodriguez Romero, Jesus, Lopez Gonzalez, Laura, Galvan Magana, Felipe, Sanchez Gutierrez, Francisco J., Inohuye Rivera, Roxana B., Perez Urbiola, Juan C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Etropus crossotus; Eucinostomus dowii; Eucinostomus gracilis; Marine; Paralabrax maculatofasciatus; Sphoeroides annulatus; ISE, Mexico, Baja California Sur
• ISSN: 0718-560X; 0718-560X
• DOI: 10.3856/vol39-issue2-fulltext-6

The fish assemblage in a coastal lagoon with mangroves known as "Rancho Bueno" was determined and associated with environmental parameters. We used an experimental otter trawl net to catch the fish, and 62 fish species were identified from 48 genera and 30 families. The most abundant species were: Etropus crossotus, Eucinostomus gracilis, Paralabrax maculatofasciatus, Sphoeroides annulatus, and Eucinostomus dowii. The water temperature changed seasonally, being warm from July through December and cold from January through June. We found more fish species during the warm season than during the cold season. The southern area of the coastal lagoon had the highest diversity and species richness. The small size of the fishes registered confirms the ecological role of coastal lagoons as nursery areas that offer protection and feeding to commercially important fish near Bahia Magdalena, Mexico.Original Abstract: Se determino la estructura de peces asociada a factores ambientales en una laguna costera con manglar denominada "Rancho Bueno". Se utilizo una red de arrastre experimental para la captura y se identificaron 62 especies de peces de 48 generos y 30 familias. Las especies mas importantes fueron Etropus crossotus, Eucinostomus gracilis, Paralabrax maculatofasciatus, Sphoeroides annulatus y Eucinostomus dowii. La temperatura del agua vario estacionalmente, siendo calida de julio a diciembre y fria de enero a junio. Se registro un mayor numero de especies de peces durante la epoca calida comparada con la epoca fria. La zona sur de la laguna costera presento una mayor diversidad y riqueza especifica. El menor tamano de los peces registrados, confirma el papel ecologico de las lagunas costeras, consideradas como areas de crianza las cuales proporcionan proteccion y alimentacion a los peces de importancia comercial cerca de Bahia Magdalena, Mexico.