Short-term temporal variations in taxonomic composition and trophic structure of a tropical estuarine fish assemblage

Temporal changes in an estuarine fish assemblage were investigated using tw o seine mesh nets. Major temporal changes in the fish fauna were a function of both monthly and, in particular. spring/neap differences, rather than s hort-term ebb/flood changes. This trend was relatively consistent for two s izes of mesh nets, suggesting that the occurrence of spring/neap changes in catch composition were a characteristic of the system and independent of t he pool of available species. Trophic patterns were generally stronger and more consistent than taxonomic trends, a result highlighting the importance of detailed knowledge of feeding interactions in understanding the process es influencing temporal changes in multi-species communities.