Distribución espacial del langostino patagónico (Pleoticus muelleri, (Bate, 1888)) y su relación con las variables ambientales, Golfo San Jorge, Argentina

Abstract

The analysis of the distribution of shrimp concentrations in the south of the San Jorge Gulf is presented, as well as their relationship with the physico-chemical characteristics of the superficial sediments and the bottom water. Data analyzed were obtained from the Shrimp Project Research Cruise OB-05/03 carried out during June 2003. Biological variables analyzed were: juvenile, subadult and adult shrimp densities and size structure. Correspondence analyses were applied for numerical data treatment. The distribution of the different shrimp categories in the studied area shows a west-eastern pattern, being the juveniles towards the west coast and the adults larger than 41 mm carapace length towards the northeast, while the main concentrations of subadults and adults were found in the rest of the study area. A relationship between the spatial distribution of the juvenile and adult categories and depth and total organic carbon (TOC) was determined. The highest adult densities (> 41 mm carcass length) were related with the highest depths and the lowest values of TOC. While the highest juvenile densities were related with the lowest depths and the highest TOC concentrations.