Potential distribution of Tridentiger barbatus (Günther 1861) and Tridentiger nudicervicus (Tomiyama 1934) in the Seto Inland Sea, western Japan

Abstract

We developed distribution models for two near-threatened gobiid fishes, Tridentiger barbatus and Tridentiger nudicervicus, based on distribution data and geographic variables in the Ariake Sea, the Yatsushiro Sea, and Suonada Bay. Subsequently, we estimated the potential distribution of both species across all areas of the Seto Inland Sea based on the model predictions. The models indicated high accuracy and demonstrated that both species inhabit shoal and relatively enclosed waters. Predicted potential distribution areas of the two species included all sites with previous records and a few new sites without existing records.