Observations on fish colonization and predation on two artificial reefs in the Canary Islands

Abstract

Fish populations on two different types of artificial reefs (oceanic and coastal) in the Canary Islands have been studied for several years by means of the Point Count visual census method. A total of 53 species were observed at both reefs. The isolated oceanic reef was associated with benthic rocky bottom species, as well as with a large seasonal influx of small pelagic fish. Also, several predator fish from the nearby sandy bottom biotope became associated with the modules. The increased abundance of predators such as Synodus spp. coincided with a dramatic reduction in recruits and juveniles of some commercially and recreationally important fish species.