Abstract
The effect of bottom-water dissolved oxygen on the structure of demersal fish communities off south Namibia was analized. Collections were made during two cruises of the zone in winter 1987 and summer 1988, i.e., before and after the intensive upwelling season. Multivariate analysis revealed four distinct associations, separated by latitude (ca 27°S) and depth (ca 300 m isobath), indicating that dissolved oxygen is an important factor affecting the distribution of demersal fish communities in the zone. Faunal diversity decreased in areas of low oxygen levels. The seasonal variation in upwelling reflected the extent of fish association, their composition, and the seasonal geographical displacement of their boundaries.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Abelló, P., Macpherson, E. (1989). Distribution ofBathynectes piperitus (Brachiura: Portunidae) in the Benguela upwelling region and its relationship with some environmental parameters. J. Crustacean Biol. (Lawrence, Kansas): 9: 373–380
Abelló, P., Valladares, F. J., Castellón, A. (1988). Analysis of the structure of decapod crustacean assemblages off the Catalan coast (North-West Mediterranean). Mar. Biol. 98: 39–49
Bailey, G. W., Beyers, C. J. de B., Lipschitz, S. R. (1985). Seasonal variation of oxygen deficiency in waters off souther South West Africa in 1977 and 1976 and its relation to the catchability and distribution of the Cape rock lobsterJasus lalandi. S. Afr. J. mar. Sci. 3: 197–214
Burd, B. J., Brinkhurst, R. O. (1984). The distribution of the galatheid crabMunida quadrispina (Benedict 1902) in relation to oxygen concentration in British Columbia fjords. J. exp. mar. Biol. Ecol. 81: 1–20
Chapman, P., Shannon, L. V. (1985). The Benguela ecosystem 2. Chemistry and related processes. In: Barnes, M. (ed.) Oceanography and marine biology. An annual review, 23. University Press, Aberdeen, p. 183–251
Crawford, R. J. M., Shannon, L. V., Pollock, D. E. (1987). The Benguela ecosystem 4. The major fish and invertebrate resources. In: Barnes, M. (ed.) Oceanography and marine biology. An annual review, 25. University Press, Aberdeen, p. 353–505
Kramer, D. L. (1987). Dissolved oxygen and fish behavior. Env. Biol. Fish. 18(2): 81–92
Lleonart, J. (1981). Análisis de las comunidades epibentónicas del Atlántico Sudoriental a partir de los datos de la compaña Benguela I. Reseñ. exp. cient. (Supl. Investigación pesq.) 9: 37–51
Lleonart, J., Roel, B. A. (1984). Análisis de las comunidades de peces y crustáceos demersales de la costa de Namibia (Atlántico Sudoriental). Investigación pesq. 48(2): 187–206
Macpherson, E. (1989). Influence of geographical distribution body size and diet on population density of benthic fishes off Namibia (South West Africa). Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 50: 295–299
Macpherson, E., Mas-Riera, J. (1987). Aspects of the life history of the gurnardChelidonichthys capensis (Cuvier, 1829). Colln scient. Pap. int. Commn SE. Atl. Fish. 14(2): 39–54
Macpherson, E., Roel, B. A. (1987). Trophic relationships in the demersal fish community off Namibia. In: Payne, A. I. L., Gulland, J. A., Brink, K. H. (eds.) The Benguela and comparable ecosystems. S. Afr. J. mar. Sci. 5: 585–596
McMahon, B. R. (1988). Physiological responses to oxygen depletion in intertidal animals. Am. Zool. 28: 39–53
Roel, B. A. (1987). Demersal communities off the West coast of South Africa. In: Payne, A. I. L., Gulland, J. A., Brink, K. H. (eds.) The Benguela and comparable ecosystems. S. Afr. J. mar. Sci. 5: 575–584
Roel, B. A., Macpherson, E. (1988). Feeding ofMerluccius capensis andM. paradoxus off Namibia. S. Afr. J. mar. Sci. 6: 227–243
Roel, B. A., Rucabado, J., Lloris, D., Lleonart, J. (1985). Las comunidades de peces demersales del afloramiento de África occidental (Sahara y Namibia). In: Bas, C., Margalef, R., Rubies, P. (eds.) Simposio internacional sobre las áreas de afloramiento más importantes del oueste africano (Cabo Blanco y Benguela). Instituto Investigaciónes Pesqueras, Barcelona, p. 691–700
Shannon, L. V. (1985). The Benguela ecosystem 1. Evolution of the Benguela, physical features and processes. In: Barnes, M. (ed.) Oceanography and marine biology. An annual Review, 23. University Press, Aberdeen, p. 105–182
Snelgrove, P. V. R., Haedrich, R. L. (1985). Structure of the deep demersal fish fauna off Newfoundland. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 27: 99–107
Sokal, R. R., Michener, C. D. (1958). A statistical method for evaluating systematic relationships. Kans. Univ. Sci. Bull. 38: 1409–1438
Sokal, R. R., Rohlf, F. J. (1962). The comparison of dendrograms by objective methods. Taxon 11: 33–40
Thiel, H. (1978). Benthos in upwelling regions. In: Boje, R., Tomczak, M. (eds.) Upwelling ecosystems. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, p. 124–138
Wenner, E. L., Read, T. H. (1982). Seasonal composition and abundance of decapod crustacean assemblages from the South Atlantic Bight, USA. Bull. mar. Sci. 32: 181–206
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Communicated by O. Kinne, Oldendorf/Luhe
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mas-Riera, J., Lombarte, A., Gordoa, A. et al. Influence of Benguela upwelling on the structure of demersal fish populations off Namibia. Mar. Biol. 104, 175–182 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01313256
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01313256