Exploring functional traits of fish species in the Azores archipelago: a database compilation

This database contains functional traits of target and non-target fish species (Actinopterygii and Elasmobranchii) from the Azores archipelago, Portugal. The included traits are reproductive guilds, body shape, position in water column, mean temperature preference (ᵒC), generation time (years), maximum depth (m), trophic position, growth coefficient (K), size at first maturity (cm), food consumption (Q/B), fecundity, and maximum body size (cm). The traits scores were assigned based on databases provided by FishBase (Froese and Pauly, 2023), and Trindade-Santos et al. (2020). Additionally, relevant literature was also utilized. These traits were selected based on biological and ecological knowledge of species critical for ecological processes in marine ecosystems, as well as data availability. The selected traits are associated with fish functions including habitat use, locomotion, feeding, and life history.