Etten, J.P.C van (2002) Bane d'Arguin a Nursery for fish species. Master's Thesis / Essay, Biology.
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Abstract
In the period from 27-01-2002 until 18-03-2002 126 samples, totalling an area of 6139.58 m2, on different substrates (Zostera, Tidal pool, Sand, Gully Zostera and Gully Cvmodocea) were collected with a Beam trawl in the Baie d'Aouatif, located in the Parc National du Banc d'Arguin, Mauritania. This was done to test the hypothesis that the Banc d'Arguin has an ecological function as a nursery for juvenile fish. 347 individuals of 25 different species were caught, 2 of those species belonged to the class of Cephalopoda. Of the twenty-three fish species, those species belonging to the family of Gobiidae and the Sub-family Syngna:hinae were the most common species. During the research period no significant length change was detectable for Syngna:hus tvphle and Diplodus sargus on the different substrates, but the sample sizes were low for these two species. One possible explanation for this is an elongated or continuous spawning period combined with a size dependent competition for substrate. A length change was detectable only for Gobius minutus on the tidal pool substrate. The data of 8 species has been looked at on a more species-specific level, in order to detect if these species have a preference as to the substrate. Most species seem to have a preference. Most individuals caught belonged to the juvenile stock of their species, except for the Syngnathinae which were mainly adults. Of those 8 species that are looked at on a more species-specific level, 4 use this area as a year-round habitat. Individuals in all stages of their life cycle can be found within this area. These species are Gobius ninutus, Gobius microps, Syngnathus typhie and Diplodus sargus. The other 4 species: Solea senegalensis, Liza falcipinnes, Sardinella aurita and Mugil cephalus use this area as a nursery. Although the found densities of these species is rather low this means that the hypothesis, stated above, should be accepted.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Biology |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 15 Feb 2018 07:31 |
| Last Modified: | 15 Feb 2018 07:31 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/9188 |
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