title: The lunar cycle determines availability of coral-reef fishes at fish markets.
abstract: During 139 visits between March 2009 and May 2011, it was found that the availability of reef fishes at a local fish market in the Philippines was highly affected by the lunar cycle. The number of vendors selling reef fishes was significantly lower (13.4%) during third lunar quarters (full moon periods) than during the first, second and fourth lunar quarters (40.2, 25.0 and 30.0%, respectively). It is recommended that the influence of the lunar cycle on fish availability is considered when designing sampling strategies for catch surveys.
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Centre for Biodiversity Naturalis, RA Leiden, The Netherlands. arthurrbos@yahoo.com
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Bos
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Gumanao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003132:Commerce; D057894:Coral Reefs; D005399:Fishes; D016081:Moon; D010679:Philippines; D017747:Seafood / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*