Distribution pattern of coral & non coralline fish larvae in Khark & Kharko (Persian Gulf)

Abstract

Khark and Kharko Islands are located at far northern point of fringing coral reefs in the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf. These coralline are the habitats of the wildlife refuge with total area of 2400ha and located in the territory of Bushehr province. The present study was carried out from July 2006 to June 2007 over 12 stations. Sampling was conducted obliquely from bottom using Bongo-net plankton sampler with 500µ of mesh size. In total, 1808 specimens, both in pre and post flexion stages were collected and examined. They were belonging to 45 families from different ecological groups ( 21 coralline and 24 non coralline fish larvae families ). 96% of examined fish larvae were in preflexion stage. Some families are new ones from the area . Among identified families, Clupeidae, Blenniidae, Sillaginidae, Atherinidae and Tripterygiidae were dominant families in studied area and the peaks were estimated in spring. The mean abundance of total fish larvae was 18.71 per 10m² of sea surface. The most abundant families were Clupeidae, Sillaginidae, Blenniidae, Atherinidae and Tripterygiidae in which comprised 65% of fish larvae. Abundance in spring showed significant difference with other seasons. The distribution pattern of fish larvae changed seasonally in both groups, increasing in east coasts of Khark Island and in three coastal stations during summer and autumn and in west coast of Khark in spring. The distribution of fish larvae seemed to be correlated to sea currents.