Spatio-temporal variation of the structural organization of demersal communities in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico
Date
Authors
Torruco Gómez, Daniel
Chávez, Ernesto A.
González Solís, Alicia
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Publisher
Universidad de Costa Rica
Abstract
Description
Structural patterns of a sublittoral community were analyzed through a two year series of samples in the Southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The groups involved in the study comprise fishes, molluscs, echinoderms and crustaceans. The time-space progressions of Second 0rder diversity values range between N2=5.3 and N2=9.8 at depths of 40 and 20 m respectively, through the first year of samples. In the second year the highest value (N2=22.2) was found at 30 m. The community ordination data through cluster and principal components analysis show five assemblages: benthic, benthic-demersal, demersal, mid water column, and temporary. There is a striking difference in trophic web structure between the dry season and rainy season. Fish community resource partitioning shows that the components are organized in three guilds: ichthyophagous, carcinophagous and omnivorous. However, a partial overlap of niches was commonly observed, and juvenile stages showed a narrower trophic spectrum than adults.
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