Diel variations and diversity of fish communities along the unreclaimed shallow coastal habitats of Changi Point Beach, Singapore

Abstract

Shallow coastal habitats function as nursery, feeding and breeding grounds for many marine and estuarine fishes. Even though fish diversity in Southeast Asia is high, there is a paucity of information with regards to the fish ecology of shallow coastal habitats in Singapore. To investigate the possible function of Changi Point Beach (an unreclaimed shallow coastal habitat) and the diversity of the fish community inhabiting this area, monthly nocturnal and diurnal samplings were performed. Results indicate that, although impacted, Changi Point Beach appears to be a nursery area and supports a large diversity of fish species. This includes several species which are economically important as a food resource. Changi beach is also a popular recreational area, which is frequented by the local citizenry as well as tourists. With increasing coastal habitat degradation due to anthropogenic activities, it is important to conserve these habitats for the benefit of both the immediate fish community as well as for maintaining fish diversity in Singapore. © National University of Singapore.