The subtidal gully fish community of the eastern cape and the role of this habitat as a nursery area

Abstract

The fish fauna of rocky subtidal gullies between Chelsea Point and Skoenmakerskop (South Africa) was sampled between October 1985 and September 1986 using rotenone to investigate the species composition and the importance of this habitat as a nursery area for marine linefish species. A total of 59 species belonging to 28 families were collected. The majority of these were cryptic fishes such as Clinidae and Cheilodactylidae. Sparidae and Serranidae were represented by juveniles of inshore species. The findings are discussed in relation to previous studies of intertidal pools in the eastern and western Cape, and it is concluded that shallow rocky inter-and infratidal areas are important nursery areas for numerous inshore fishes, including some species caught by recreational line fishermen. The results from this study suggest that previous intertidal studies have over-emphasized the importance of rock pools as nursery areas.