Larval Distribution and Abundance of Carangidae (Pisces), from the Southern Gulf of Mexico, 1983-1984

Abstract

The larval distribution and abundance of several taxa of the carangids from the southern Gulf of Mexico are analyzed, based on data from four oceanographic cruises conducted between 1983 and 1984. The material was collected with a bongo net fished to maximum depths of 200 m. The species collected were Chloroscombrus chrysurus (54.2%), Decapterus punctatus (15.8%), Trachurus lathami (11.8%), Selene setapinnis (6.1%), Selar crumenophthalmus (6.0), Caranx hippos/latus (0.9%), Caranx crysos (0.7%) and Selene sp. (0.3%). The higher frequency of occurrence and greater abundance of larvae of all species was found over the continental shelf, and in some cases, in the oceanic zone near the slope. Almost all the species were present year-round with highest larval densities in the warm months, except for T. lathami which occurred in greatest abundance during winter and early spring. (DBO)