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[Fish larvae association in a Mexican Caribbean bay]
C Quintal-Lizama1, L Vásquez-Yeomans
1Laboratorio de Plancton, Departamento de Ecología y Sistemática Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, A.P. 424, C.P. 77000, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, México. cesar@ecosur-qroo.mx
Revista De Biologia Tropical
|April 9, 2002
Summary
Ichthyoplankton variation in Bahía de la Ascensión showed low larval diversity during December months. Fish larval assemblages were influenced by nursery areas and tropical fish reproductive periods.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Ichthyology
- Ecology
Context:
- Analyzed interannual ichthyoplankton variation in Bahía de la Ascensión, Mexico, from 1994-1997.
- Identified 32 fish families, 35 genera, and 21 species of fish larvae.
Purpose:
- To investigate interannual variations in fish larval assemblages during December.
- To identify dominant fish families and spatial distribution patterns.
- To determine factors influencing fish larvae distribution and abundance.
Summary:
- Low larval diversity was observed during December compared to "dry" and "rainy" periods.
- Gobiidae, Callionymidae, Clupeidae, and Tetraodontidae were the most abundant fish larvae.
- Spatial associations shifted from distinct zones in 1994-1995 to mixed patterns in 1996-1997.
- Egg density peaked in the outer bay, while larval abundance was highest in the inner bay.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the importance of nursery area location and tropical fish reproductive timing on larval assemblages.
- Provides baseline data for understanding fish population dynamics in Bahía de la Ascensión.
- Contributes to the ecological knowledge of coastal fish communities in tropical regions.