Fish assemblages associated with coastal defence structures in south-western Italy (Mediterranean Sea)

Fish assemblages associated with wave exposed and sheltered sides of breakwaters, and with adjacent sandy habitats were studied in western Calabria (Mediterranean Sea, south-western Italy). Overall, 26 fish taxa were recorded (21 associated with exposed breakwater sides, 21 with sheltered sides, and four with sand). Fish assemblages significantly differed between breakwaters (both sides) and sand, and, to a lesser extent, between exposed and sheltered sides of breakwaters in terms of whole assemblage structure, densities of species, and juvenile stages.