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Structure of nearshore fish assemblages in Algiers coastal waters,
Algeria (South Mediterranean Sea)
Abstract
All around the world, nearshore marine ecosystems are of primary
importance. They fulfil many different vital functions for fish,
providing food and shelter from predators and a juvenile fish assemblage
ground for numerous species. We investigated the relationship between
environmental variables and the fish community (species diversity
indices and fish assemblage patterns). Monthly beach seine hauls were
performed between 0 and 1.5 m depth at 4 sites: Azure beach, Palme Beach
and Sidi Fredj (Beach East and West). Fish diversity, spatiotemporal
variations in fish assemblages, and relationships between environmental
variables and ecological factors were analysed. A total of 5735
individuals, representing 31 species from 17 families, were collected
during the 13 months of sampling. Species richness and abundance were
highest during late spring and summer, and lowest in winter and autumn.
scale. Water temperature was the most important environmental factor
influencing species richness and abundance. The combination of the fish
assemblages and environmental variables determined in this study
contributes to a better understanding of the ecological networks of the
beaches of the Algerian coast, thus providing useful data for their
conservation and management.