Spatiotemporal and Environmental Dynamics of Abundances and Diversity of Larval Fish in Artificial Reef Edge Habitats of Kitros, Pieria (Northern Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean)

Spatiotemporal and physiochemical influences on the abundances diversity of ichthyoplankton were assessed in Thermaikos Gulf edge habitats surrounding Pieria (Northern Greece) artificial reef complex. The collection data was performed marine protected area near offshore Kitros. Sampling trips occurred each season spring, summer, autumn year from 2015–2017. This complex lies at a distance 11.5 km Kitros delta River Aliakmonas. A bongo net sampler used to sample over network 16 sampling stations. Seventy species larval fish identified. greatest measures found during warmer seasons. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed that seasons play significant role assemblages, as months different years clustered together. Ten groups larvae identified family or genus level, such Arnoglossus spp., Callionymus Crenilabrus Gobius Liza Scorpaena Solea Spicara spp. Overall, with abundance European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus). second genera (in order highest abundance) followed by relatively abundant (but lesser numbers of) representing families Callionymidae, Centracanthidae, Bothidae. largest total July 2015 September 2016. biodiversity index indicated greater 2015, which only middle higher 2015. aim this study present assemblages Pierias result 3-year program (2015–2017). novelty is it Ichthyoplankton ever Greece seasonal repetitions densely located stations around coastal area.