Influence of lunar cycle on marine fish larvae
Keywords:
Fish larvae, abundance, lunar cycle, Chumbe and Changu Islands, ZanzibarAbstract
The lunar cycle influence fish larvae distribution through processes such as spawning, migration
and settlement however its effects remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of lunar phases
on fish larvae abundance around Chumbe and Changuu Islands for six months in Zanzibar. Larvae
were collected using plankton nets during evening hours (1900–2300 hrs) across different lunar
phases while environmental parameters including temperature,pH and dissolved oxygen were
recorded. A total of 682 larval specimens representing 22 coral reef families were identified with
overall abundance being low (<10 individuals/100m³) likely due to the region's low productivity.
Larval abundance was highest during the full moon followed by the new moon whereas the first and
last quarter phases exhibited the lowest abundances. Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis
test (p < 0.05) confirmed a significant association between lunar phases and larval abundance. This
findings suggest that tidal dynamics driven by the lunar cycle play a key role in fish larval abundance
with spring tides (full and new moons) enhancing larval transport and aggregation through stronger
tidal currents while neap tides (first and last quarters) correspond with reduced abundance due to
weaker currents
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