ISSN:
1573-5133
Keywords:
coral reefs
;
environmental factors
;
canonical correspondence analysis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract This paper analyses the spatial patterns of fish communities on a narrow fringing reef of Mauritius and identifies some controlling factors. Canonical Correspondence Analysis revealed that the location in the reef ecosystem, the living coral coverage, and the proximity to a dredged area were the major factors controlling the distribution and abundance of fish species. Two distinct communities were observed across the fringing reef, representing a land-ocean gradient. The low diversity of fish species, and also of invertebrates such as corals, molluscs, and echinoderms is probably a consequence of the narrowness of the fringing reef and of anthropogenic impacts, notably the high pollution by nutrients.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1007494920381
Permalink
