Seasonality and recruitment of coral reef fishes

Abstract

Information is given on the times of recruitment of 54 species of coral reef fishes which inhabit the lagoon at One Tree Island, Great Barrier Reef. The information is based on observations of juvenile settlement over nearly 3 years. Most of the fishes have fairly long breeding seasons and reproduction occurs mainly during the summer months from about September to May. Recruitment of juveniles reaches a peak in January-February when temperatures are highest. This also corresponds with the period of greatest primary production and it is suggested that breeding cycles may be timed to ensure that larval metamorphosis and settlement of juveniles occur at the time of year most favourable for growth. Although strongly seasonal, recruitment patterns show little year to year constancy and it is likely that prevailing weather conditions have a significant influence on recruitment success.