Influence of the Leeuwin Current on Recruitment of Tropical Reef Fishes at Rottnest Island, Western Australia

The appearance of recently settled juveniles of tropical reef fishes at Rottnest Island (32°S) in autumn is examined in relation to the oceanic circulation off Westem Australia. The arrival of the larvae in March and April coincides with the strengthening of the Leeuwin Current, a southward flow of warm tropical water, at that time. Satellite images are used to indicate that tongues of warm water from the Leeuwin Current can cross the shelf and reach Rottnest Island just before recruitment commences. This is discussed in terms of a conceptual model of transport of the larvae in the current.