Spawning and nursery habitat partitioning and movement patterns of Pagrus auratus (Sparidae) on the lower west coast of Australia

► Habitat partitioning is reported among major life cycle stages of Pagrus auratus. ► Three metropolitan embayments are crucial for spawning aggregations and juveniles. ► Sub-adults occupy deeper offshore waters adjacent to the embayments. ► A closure to fishing has been implemented to protect spawning aggregations. ► Industrial development in the embayments may influence spawning and recruitment success. The ages and lengths of Pagrus auratus caught by line fishing in three marine embayments (Owen Anchorage, Cockburn Sound and Warnrbo Sound) and inshore (80 m depth) on the lower west coast of Australia (31°45′–32°45′ S) were used to infer the movement patterns and habitats occupied by this species at different stages in its life cycle on this coast. These data were supplemented by results obtained by tagging individuals in spawning aggregations in the embayments. 0+ P. auratus