The coastal pelagic fish community structure during the juvenile stages was analysed with the objective of understanding the segregation of fish species for better exploitation of habitat resources (food and vital space). Fish segregate inspatial and temporal dimensions, food being the principal factor that regulates the community structure. Fish species were classified under three trophic categories: the first one, composed by the most frequently caught species, included strict zooplanktivorous species, at least during their coastal stage (Atherinapresbyter, Sardina pilchardus and Boops boops); the second one was composed by species (Scomber japonicus, Sardinella aurita and Oblada melanura) less frequent in catches and with mixed diets of fish and zooplankton. Specimens of A. presbyter and juveniles of S. pilchardus were found in the stomach contents of fish of the second category. The third one was composed of another species (Trachynotus ovatus) which was relatively highly abundant in catches and shaved a more specific diet based on insects and in which zooplankton played a less important role. There was a simultaneous development in space and time of juveniles of Atherina presbyter, Sardina pilchardus and Boops boops. Juveniles of Scomber japonicus were only detected seasonally coinciding with the presence of early juveniles of the later species. |