Seasonal variation and species composition of fish species in artificial reefs in the Shinyang-Ri coastal waters off Jeju island, Korea

Abstract

This study was investigated seasonal variation and species composition of fish species at artificial reefs (octangle three-stage compartment type and dice type)and natural rock in the Shinyang-Ri coastal waters off Jeju Island with visual census method in January 2009, April 2009, July 2009, September 2009, December 2009, March 2010, June 2010, and September 2010. A total of 44 fish species was occurred, and the dominant fish species were Apogon semilineatus, Chromis notata, Trachurus japonicus, Sebastes thompsoni and Apogon doederleini. The number of individuals of fishes was higher at April 2009 and March 2010, however, lower at June 2010 and September 2010. The number of fish speices was higher at artificial reefs than those of at natural rock. Apogon semilineatus was dominant at octangle three-stage compartment type and the dice type artificial reefs, whereas Chromis notata was for natural rock. These results indicated that artificial reefs were good habitats for a variety of fish species in the Shinyang-Ri coastal waters off Jeju Island.