Is larval supply a good predictor of reef fish recruitment?

Larval supply and recruitment of reef fish at 5 sites around Lord Howe Island were measured during November/December 2003 and January/February 2004. Light traps, artificial reef units (ARUs), and underwater visual censuses were used simultaneously. Two types of ARUs were trialed, Standardised Monitoring Units for the Recruitment of Fishes (SMURFs) and crevice collectors. Visual censuses involved taking photos of the habitat every 5m along a 25 x 2m fixed transect.

The results indicated that the catch efficiencies of the 2 ARUs varied depending on species. For example, Eviota spp. preferentially settled into crevice collectors, while Enneapterygius rufopileus (blackcheek threefin) preferred SMURFs. Spatial patterns of recruitment were influenced by larval supply only for E.rufopileus. The amount of suitable habitat was a good predictor of recruitment for Neoglyphidodon polyacanthus (multispine damsel).