Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

1984

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Abstract

The fish communities of two seagrass habitats near Jupiter Inlet, Florida, were studied from April 1981 to March 1982 to determine species composition, abundance, richness and occurrence. Monthly collections yielded a total of 23,156 specimens representing 47 families and 146 species. Both sites were numerically dominated by Lagodon rhomboides, Eucinostomus gula, and E. argenteus, which (combined) comprised 63% of the total catch. The presence of young lutjanids, haemulids, serranids and sphyraenids indicates the role of this area as a nursery ground. Temporal patterns in species composition and abundance were examined through numerical classification. Species composition was more consistent over time than were corresponding abundances. Despite their proximity, the two sites exhibited differences in species composition and abundance. The role of biological, physical and historical factors are discussed in relation to the observed community patterns.

Extent

85 p.

Comments

FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1984.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Identifier

FADT14190

Format

pdf

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