A study of demersal fish was carried out on the Campeche Bank adjacent to Terminos Lagoon, Mexico. A total of 53,508 fish, of 152 species, were taken in six cruises. Cluster analysis based on environmental parameters identified two major habitats. Zone A: was characterized by estuarine influenced, turbid waters (transparency 7-42 p. 100), bottom salinity 35-37 ppt, bottom temperature 23-28 degree C, absence of benthic plants, silty clay sediments with 100-600 ppt CaCO sub(3) and high organic content (> 100 ppt), pH of 7.6-8.3, and dissolved oxygen < 4 ml/l. Zone B: was characterized by its typical marine aspects, clear water (transparency 53-99 p. 100), bottom salinity 36-37 ppt, bottom temperature 24-28 degree C, sea grass and macroalgae, sandy sediment with 700-900 ppt CaCO sub(3), and low organic content < (100 ppt), pH of 7.7-8.9, and dissolved oxygen > 4 ml/l. |
