Physical and biological factors influencing larval supply of reef fish to the lagoon of Lord Howe Island

Abundances of reef fish larvae, conspecific adults and habitat type were measured at 5 sites in the Lord Howe Island lagoon. Light traps were deployed daily over a 28 day period in November and December 2004 to estimated larvae abundances. Transects and visual surveys were used to estimate adult abundances and habitat type. Physical characteristics of the lagoon were measured using current meters, tide and wave gauges and the lunar phase was recorded.

Abundances of fish larvae was spatially and temporally variable. Different sites had different habitat type and variable adult abundances. Neither habitat type or adult abundances explained spatial variability in fish larvae. Temporal variability in fish larvae was best explained by the moon phase. There was little difference in physical characteristics between sites.