Larval Fish Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Different Ecological Guilds in Yangtze Estuary

Estuaries, as important fish nursery habitats, usually include a variety of larval fishes different ecological guilds and exhibit complicated changing environmental conditions. We carried out survey to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics guild their relationships with factors in springs summers from 2018 2020 Yangtze Estuary (China). The aims study were provide detailed information on characteristics assemblage explore variation species effects variables structure. More than 140,000 larvae 26 families 99 gathered during six cruises, spring being most prolific. was dominated by few divided into three guilds. Engraulidae abundant family, followed Cyprinidae Gobiidae. Hemiculter bleekeri (freshwater), Pseudolaubuca sinensis Coilia mystus (brackish water), Engraulis japonicas (marine) predominant species. Seasonal variations structure closely influenced temperature, fluctuation salinity mainly determined spatial distribution community. Freshwater flows also played an role shaping dynamics. conclusions improve understanding assemblages environmentally heterogeneous areas may be applicable other estuary ecosystems.