Distribution and abundance of fish larvaes of Haemulidae, Sciaenidae and Carangidae on the continental shelf from Jalisco and Colima, Mexico

In the Mexican Tropical Pacific continental shelf (Jalisco and Colima) during the annual cycle December 1995-December 1996, the distribution and abundance of Haemulidae, Sciaenidae and Carangidae fish larvae in relation to the thermohaline structure and the plankton biomass was analyzed. The seasonal variations of temperature, salinity and plankton biomass area closely associated with the seasonal current patterns in the Mexican Tropical Pacific. In the same way the results indicate an influence on the reproductive cycles in this species. In spring when the sea temperature increases and the plankton biomass is highest (22-26 degree C; >1500 mL/m super(3)), and the reproduction of Scianidae and Haemulidae was observed in the same manner. Reproduction of Caranx caballus, C. sexfasciatus, Chloroscombrus orqueta, Selene brevoortii and Trachinotus rhodopus however was observed in autumn with the higher temperature and lower plankton biomass (> 27 degree C; < 1000 mL/ 1000 m super(3)). The larvae distribution shows a direct coast-ocean gradient and an apparent association with the spawning area that is closely associated the adult habitat. The highest larvae abundance of Sciaenidae, Haemulidae and Carangidae was observed in shallower waters (50 to 60 m depth) while the larvae abundance of Caranx caballus, C. sexfasciatus increased tin deeper waters (90-100 m).Original Abstract: En la plataforma continental del Pacifico Tropical Mexicano(Jalisco-Colima) durante el ciclo anual diciembre 1995-diciembre 1996, Se analizo la distribucion y abundancia de larvas de los peces de las familias Haemulidae, Sciaenidae y Carangidae en relacion a la estructura termohalina y a la biomasa del plancton. Las variaciones estacionales de la temperatura, salinidad y biomasa del plancton estan en estrecha relacion con el patron estacional de las corrientes del Pacifico Tropical Mexicano, que a su vez, influyen en los ciclos de reproduccion de estas especies. La reproduccion de Sciaenidae y Haemulidae ocurre principalmente con el incremento de la temperatura del mar en primavera y la mas alta biomasa del plancton (22-26 degree C; > 1500 mL/1000 m super(3)). En cambio la reproduccion de Caranx caballus, C. sexfasciatus, Chloroscombrus orqueta, Selene brevoortii y Trachinotus rhodopus: ocurre principalmente con temperaturas elevadas y biomasas del plancton que son comparativamente menores (>27 degree C;