Cryptobenthic reef fishes: depth distribution and correlations with habitat complexity and sea urchins.

In this study, cryptobenthic fish depth patterns and their correlations with habitat complexity and sea urchin densities were investigated. In general, total density, species richness and diversity were higher in the shallower zones (3 m), while evenness was higher at the 10 m depth zone. Among sites, species density was similar at the 10 m zone, but at the 3 m zone it varied greatly. Species-specific depth preferences were found. Correlation between species density and habitat complexity was usually positive. The influence of sea urchin densities on the cryptobenthic fish assemblage was site and species dependent.