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Analysis of temporal changes in fish assemblages in Serpentine Creek, Queensland

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Synopsis

From November 1975 to April 1977 nocturnal dermersal fish were sampled fortnightly at ten sites in Serpentine Creek using a three meter beam trawl with a 3.2 cm mesh net. Forty-five species from thirty-four families were obtained totalling 14 518 individuals with the six most abundant species comprising approximately 72% of the catch.

Using multiple regression techniques with Fourier transformations, the mean number of species (S) and abundance (N) of all fish were found to conform to a regular annual cyclical pattern with maxima in April and May. A trend toward declining abundances of individuals and species was present. Shannon (H′) and Gleason (G) diversity indices showed no regular seasonal trends and are considered poor indicators of pollution. In comparison with other estuarine studies at different latitudes Serpentine Creek conforms to the theory that more tropical waters have the greatest faunal diversity. Seventeen of the 22 most abundant species demonstrated a regular annual cycle of abundance. The number of species, abundance and diversity measures were greatest about 1 km from the mouth of the creek and gradually declined upstream. This was the region with highest macrobenthos diversity and with the most stable abiotic values. Temperature and/or salinity were positively correlated with the abundance of eleven species. The species were placed in five groups according to their periodic characteristics. The proportion of ‘resident’ species was low and this is consistent with Tyler's (1971) theory of temperature stabilized fish assemblages. The known biology of six species is related to their occurrence.

Salinity and temperature values in the creek exhibit an annual cycle which preceeds that of Bramble Bay by approximately one month. Rainfall in the watershed was correlated with observed salinity values. It is postulated that salinity is the common feature between temperate and tropical estuaries in the maintenance of community cycles.

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  1. Norman John Quinn

    Present address: Department of Fisheries Technology, University of Technology, P.O. Box, 793, Lae, Papua New Guinea

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  1. Zoology Department, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, 4067, Australia

    Norman John Quinn

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Quinn, N.J. Analysis of temporal changes in fish assemblages in Serpentine Creek, Queensland. Environ Biol Fish 5, 117–133 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02391619

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