Spatial and Seasonal Variation in the Taxonomic Diversity of Soft-Bottom Fish Communities in San Ignacio Lagoon, Baja Caifornia Sur, Mesxico
Barjau-González, Emelio *
Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Apdo. Postal 19-B, La Paz, C.P. 23080, BCS, México.
Lopez-Vivas, Juan Manuel
Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Apdo. Postal 19-B, La Paz, C.P. 23080, BCS, México.
Romo-Piñera, Abril K.
Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Apdo. Postal 19-B, La Paz, C.P. 23080, BCS, México.
Juaristi-Videgaray, Diego
Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Apdo. Postal 19-B, La Paz, C.P. 23080, BCS, México.
Bernal Espinoza, Dariana G.
Departamento Académico de Ciencias Marinas y Costeras, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS), Apdo. Postal 19-B, La Paz, C.P. 23080, BCS, México.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
San Ignacio Lagoon, located in northwestern Baja California Sur, is an important site for commercial fisheries; however, studies specifically addressing the taxonomic diversity of its fish communities remain scarce. To fill this gap, we assessed the diversity of fish associated with soft-bottom habitats across 11 sites from spring 1998 to winter 1999, using alpha, beta, gamma, and taxonomic distinctness indices (Δ* and Δ+). A total of 1,361 specimens representing 44 species and 35 genera were recorded. Seasonal analysis revealed the highest alpha diversity in summer, while beta diversity peaked in spring. Gamma diversity was greatest in spring and summer, with 27 species each. Spatial analysis showed significant differences in Δ+, whereas temporal variation was not significant. These findings highlight the ecological importance of San Ignacio Lagoon and provide baseline data for future monitoring and conservation.
Keywords: Taxonomic diversity, ecological indices, soft-bottom fish, San Ignacio Lagoon, seasonal variation