Teleostean fish assemblages in an artificial reef and a natural rocky area in Catalonia (Northwestern Mediterranean): an ecomorphological approach

Abstract

12 pages, 4 figures, 3 tablesWe used landmark shape analysis to describe the morphospace of fish communities on an artificial reef and nearby rocky area with a muddy-sand bottom. Twentyone monthly fish samples were taken using a commercial trammel net from 2000 to 2003 in the Calafell area (Catalonia, NW Mediterranean). The data were standardized to the number of individuals and weight (g) per 1000 m. In total, 34 teleostean fish species were used to calculate the ecological parameters of richness, evenness, and diversity. Geometric morphometry based on landmark analysis revealed that the communities in the two study areas had a similar morphospace. In both areas the morphospace was structured into three main groups: benthic fis(flatfish), epibenthic pecies, and nectonic species. The ecomorphological results suggest that the artificial reef community had a similar species composition and relative abundance to the natural rocky area nearby.This work was supported by the Catalan Government (General Management of Fishing and Maritime Matters).Peer reviewe