Preliminary Survey of Fish Community Composition in Seagrass Habitat in Two Back-Reef Lagoons of the Southern Mexican Caribbean

摘要: Little is known about seagrass fish communities in the southern Mexican Caribbean. Diurnal and nocturnal community structure habitat were compared between back-reef lagoons using a visual census technique natural protected area within national park (Xcalak) an unprotected (Mahahual). Seagrass differed significantly two locations daytime Xcalak supported greater total densities. Species richness did not differ statistically locations. Observed nighttime characterized by low spe- cies abundance when to diurnal communities. Heavy tourist use coastal development may have degraded at Mahahual causing lower abundance. Also, proximity of man- grove led increased differences species composition More extensive analysis monitoring relative functioning habitats these systems needed as fishing pressure continue threaten area. RESUMEN: No se conoce mucho sobre la comunidad de peces en pastos marinos el sur del Caribe mexicano. La estruc- tura las comunidades nocturnas y diurnas obtuvo mediante censos visuales compar6 entre laguna arrecifial un protegida (Parque Nacional Arrecifes Xcalak) nclprotegida Las fueron diferentes significantemente 10s dos sitios durante dia, registr6 mayores densidades peces. existe diferencia estadisticamente significativa con respecto riqueza especies sitios. presentaron valores bajos abundancia diurnas. El desarrollo turistico costero Mahahual, podrian estar degradando marinos, como consecuencia registro baias En contraste, Xcalak, proximidad ecosistema manglar adyacente podria influenciando una mayor cambios Mahahual. Mientras pesca area, es necesario analisis mas extensivo (escala temporal espacial) funcionamiento ambas lagunas arrecifales.