16 Connectivity -movements of animals between and among numerous habitats -and 17 the factors (rhythmic cycles and environmental variables) influencing connectivity of juvenile 18 Lichia amia (Teleostei: Carangidae) were assessed in complementary acoustic telemetry 19 studies in two geographically separated estuaries (620 km apart) in South Africa. The studies 20 were conducted within a nationwide array of acoustic receivers moored in estuaries and 21 coastal waters. Tagged fish in both the

more »

... e (n = 21) and Goukou (n = 17) estuaries 22 displayed high levels of multiple habitat connectivity, with 81% and 76% visiting nearby 23 marine and estuarine environments. The presence of tagged L. amia within the tagging 24 estuaries was significantly influenced by river and sea temperature (Kowie) and river inflow 25 and moon phase (Goukou). Tidal phase, time of day and season were found to significantly 26 influence marine excursions undertaken by Kowie-and Goukou-tagged fish. Our study 27 provides an assessment of connectivity between multiple estuarine, port and marine habitats, 28 relating those movements to rhythmic cycles and environmental variables, and highlights the 29 benefits of tracking animals using an extensive acoustic receiver array that spans multiple 30 habitats. 31 32