Mangroves and seagrass beds are known to function as nursery for juveniles of reef fishes. However, the fish fauna of these often linked ecosystems is mostly studied separately due to methodological problems. Therefore a selected number of fish species was studied both in Lac-lagoon (Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles) and the coral reef around Bonaire.Lac-lagoon is the largest lagoon of Bonaire with an area of about 8 km2. It is a protected wetland according to the Ramsar convention. It consists of a shallow basin with clear nutrient-poor water bordered by mangroves and mudflats. The bottom of the lagoon is mainly covered by seagrasses, especially Thalassia testudinum Banks ex K&rig. The investigations were focussed on the importance of the Lac-lagoon for the fishes on the reefs. The reefs form the main attraction for the tourists visiting Bonaire.
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