Rocky reef fish community structure in two Azorean islands (Portugal) central North Atlantic

The community structure of shallow rocky reef fish fauna of the Azores Archipelago is described from underwater visual censuses carried out at eight areas (Terceira and Corvo Islands). A total of 52 fish species from 26 different families was observed, and the ten most abundant fish corresponded to 82.7% of all fish. Trophic categories are given for observed species with comments on distribution and densities along sampled depth strata. Mean densities along sampled strata were tested for significant differences.Sparidae, LabridaeandCarangidaewere the most speciose families beingDiplodus sargus, Pagellus acarne, Coris julis, Thalassoma pavoandTripterygion delaisithe most abundant species that consequently also accounted for the highest densities.