Diel, nocturnal and lunar input patterns of
pre-settlement coral reef fish were described in Wallis, a typical
high-island in the south-central Pacific, with a mid-size lagoon and a 2-m
spring tidal range. Crest nets were set on the barrier reef to collect
incoming pre-settlement fish. A diel input pattern was observed, with 82 to
99% of the larvae arriving at night. Nocturnal input of pre-settlement
fish occurred throughout the night, at different times depending on the
lunar phases. In contrast to studies done in other locations, the input was
not higher during the first part of the night. The input level was related
to moonlight and water level, but independent of tide direction. High input
levels were recorded during all lunar phases, except the full moon. This
lunar pattern differed from maximum settlement observed during the new moon
in other locations. Consequently, a sampling strategy for studying temporal
patterns of coral reef fish settlement in typical west Pacific high-islands
should include new and quarter of the moon phases and should be extended to
the entire night.