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The mangrove forests as nursery habitats for the ichthyofauna of Mida Creek (Kenya, East Africa)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 March 2014

Laura Gajdzik ,
Ann Vanreusel ,
Nico Koedam ,
Jan Reubens  and
Agnes Wangui N. Muthumbi
Laura Gajdzik*
Affiliation:
Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Free University of Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium
Ann Vanreusel
Affiliation:
Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
Nico Koedam
Affiliation:
Laboratory for Plant Biology and Nature Management, Free University of Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussel, Belgium
Jan Reubens
Affiliation:
Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, S8, B-9000 Gent, Belgium
Agnes Wangui N. Muthumbi
Affiliation:
School of Biological Science, University of Nairobi, PO Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
*
Correspondence should be addressed to L. Gajdzik, Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Morphology, University of Liège, Allée de la chimie 3, B6c, B-4000 LiègeBelgium email: l.gajdzik@student.ulg.ac.be
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Abstract

This study investigated the presumed nursery function of mangroves for the ichthyofauna in East African swamp forests, Mida Creek. The species and size composition of the fish fauna and their trophic interactions were studied for five stations. Samples were collected during 5–6 consecutive days close to spring tide in mid-July 2011. Fish were caught using different types of passive fishing gear, such as large and small fyke nets, gill nets and, additionally, beach seines. All individuals were identified to species level, measured and preserved for further analyses. Stomach content analysis was applied to provide information about their diet. Stable isotope analysis was used to detect whether the source of primary production for the higher trophic levels is mangrove-related or not. A total of 27 fish species was recorded in a catch of 938 teleost specimens. Our analyses showed that a majority of fish belonged to the zoobenthivorous/omnivorous trophic mode, since they were partially feeding on invertebrates and on various other food sources. Two species (Sphyraena barracuda and Synodus variegatus) exhibited a mixed diet, with a piscivorous preference. Results concerning the population structure suggested that the fish community of Mida mainly consists of transient species. Juveniles were numerically more abundant in the whole Creek than adults. These findings support the hypothesis of a nursery function of the mangrove forests, Mida Creek.

Keywords

KenyaMida Creekmangrovesichthyofaunastable isotopesnursery habitat
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 94 , Issue 5 , August 2014 , pp. 865 - 877
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2014 

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