SPACE-TIME ORGANIZATION OF RIVERINE FISH COMMUNITIES IN FRENCH-GUIANA

A riverine fish assemblage in French Guiana was examined over several consecutive years. Fish distribution was highly structured on at least 3 different scales: between rivers, between the different zones of the rivers and between the different biotopes studied in sampling areas. A temporal organisation of fish communities was also found, superimposed on the spatial structure. The latter was due to the seasonal variations of the water level, and allowed temporary access to flooded areas. The different space-time factors of organisation of fish communities presented here are discussed in regard to their contribution to the maintenance of the observed high species diversity.