Fish assemblages in coral communities at Chao Lao Beach, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

Fish assemblages at 3 different coral communities at Chao Lao Beach, Chanthaburi province, Thailand were investigated using fish visual census and line intercept transect techniques. Three different coral communities were surveyed; included Ai Lao Nai reef, Ai Lao Klang reef and Ai Lao Nok reef, which were located from the nearshore to outward respectively. At Ai Loa Nai reef, 53% of the area was covered by live massive coral form and 10% was sand, while at Ai Lao Klang reef, 35% was live massive and submassive corals and 25% was sand. For Ai Lao Nok reef, 57% was live corals, which were tabulate and branching forms. The results showed that the dominant fish families were Pomacentridae and Labridae. Ai Lao Nok reef had higher fish diversity and abundance compared to other areas because this area had more habitat complexity. In addition, there was a correlation between fish species and coral forms. Small size fish tended to be found on branching and foliose coral forms. Thus, coral structures can influence the diversity and density of reef fish species.