Larval fish assemblages in waters off the central Pacific coast of Mexico
Spatial and seasonal variation of the ichthyoplankton assemblages was analysed using monthly samples collected during a 1 year cycle off the central Pacific coast of Mexico. Zooplankton samples were collected at 12 stations during 11 months, from December 1995 to December 1996. The analysis of coastal oceanographic conditions revealed two main seasonal patterns, one related to the California Current influence and the other a tropical one. A temporal recomposition of the ichthyoplankton assemblages was found to be related to each oceanographic pattern. During the California Current period (January-May) the larval fish assemblage was respresented mainly by Auxis sp., Bentosema panamense, Cetengraulis mysticetus, Opistonema sp., Symphurus elongatus, Gobionellus sp., Dormitator latifrons and Bregmaceros bathymaster. The tropical season assemblage (July, October and November) was represented by Harengula thrissina, Euthynnus lineatus, Vinciguerria lucetia, Syacium ovale, and representatives of the Eleotridae and Pomacentridae. An inshore-offshore gradient was observed during the tropical oceanographic periods, with a thermic stratification of the water column over the shelf. Conversely, during the California Current period, with coastal advective processes, the assemblages of fish larvae were more homogeneous. Although a mixed, richer faunistic composition was expected in this transitional area, the overall biogeographic affinity of the surveyed community remained stable even in contrasting conditions.
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Texto biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Subjects: | Larvas de peces, Peces, Distribución geográfica, |
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