The formation of spawning aggregations at specific locations and times is a common mode of reproduction for species in some tropical reef fish families. A spawning aggregation was broadly defined as a gathering of conspecific fish, for the purposes of spawning, that consisted of fish densities significantly higher than are found during the non-reproductive period, or for fishes that normally occur in dense schools, must occur in significantly greater number and take up significantly more space.

 

Two spawning aggregation types, resident and transient, were defined and applied to examples in the literature. These aggregation types were defined based on differences in

1) the frequency with which the spawning aggregation occurs,

2) the length of time the aggregation persists,

3) the site specificity of the aggregation, and

4) the distance individual fish travel to the aggregation site. As a result of the above criteria an individual's relative contribution towards its total annual reproductive output, made at a single spawning aggregation, is vastly different between the two aggregation types.

 

Review of the literature resulted in examples of serranid, lutjanid and siganid spawning aggregations being classified as transient spawning aggregations, while scarid, labrid and acanthurid spawning aggregations were deemed to be resident spawning aggregations.

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In Cayos Cochinos, we are currently trying to validate multiple FSA sites in order to begin monitoring them and further assess whether there is an interconnectivity between them and between other sites in the Caribbean region. We currently have 3 sites that have already been validated and where we are currently performing seasonal observations of these aggregations of different species of large snapper and grouper species. The surveys are conducted upon the twilight of day, which requires more sophisticated dive and boat operations than what you would expect on a normal recreational expedition.