Community assemblage patterns of inland fishes in southern regions of the Dominican Republic

Abstract

Fish community assemblages patterns were sampled for selected lagoons and rivers (-30 to 735 m of altitude) of the southern area of the Dominican Republic from June to August, 2010, using various standard collecting gears. Multivariate methods revealed community patterns corresponding primarily to water salinity and watershed. Tributaries of Enriquillo Lake were more similar to the lake than to other fluvial sites in the Yaque del Sur River basin. Rivers and freshwater lagoons had relatively high diversity and evenness, while Enriquillo Lake had intermediate values, and an upland reservoir had lowest diversity. The Yaque del Sur River mainstream had highest species richness, while Enriquillo Lake had more characteristic species. This study provides critical data that can be applied to establish conservation priorities and to enhance public outreach and educational programs. It is also a baseline for evaluating possible future changes in fish assemblages as human populations and habitat effects increase.