Studies on the Structure and Diversity of the Ichthyofauna in the Coastal Waters of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) Including So
Rostocker Meeresbiologische Beiträge Zur Fauna des Mittelmeeres Heft 18 30 Studies on the ichthyofauna of the coastal waters of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain) By Stefan Fischer1*, Robert A. Patzner2, Carsten H.G. Müller1,3 1 & Helmut M. Winkler FISCHER ST., PATZNER R. A., MÜLLER C. H.G. & H. M. WINKLER (2007): Studies on the ichthyofauna of the coastal waters of Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain). Rostocker Meeresbiologische Beiträge 18: S. 30-62 Abstract. In the framework of several field excursions to the Balearic Island of Ibiza (Western Mediterranean Sea) conducted every spring and autumn between 1998 and 2007, extensive studies were carried out on the structure, diversity and ecology of the coastal ichthyofauna. The ichthyofaunistic observations were made in the months of March, April, September and October in the course of snorkeling and scuba diving in the upper infralittoral of the coastal waters (0 to 40 m depth), including sandy and rocky substrates showing various degrees of exposition to sunlight and wave action, as well as sea grass beds (Posidonia oceanica). All in all, we were able to detect 130 species of fish distributed among 43 families. The highest diversity was shown by the Gobiidae (20 species), followed by the Blenniidae with 15, the Labridae with 14 and the Sparidae with 11 species. We also observed some species that are known to be rare in the upper infralittoral, such as Zeus faber for example. Besides providing a standard species list, we also present interesting aut- and synecological data for most taxa recorded. Special attention was paid to associations between different fish species and associations between fishes and invertebrates.
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