Comparison of larval fish assemblages between during and after northeasterly monsoon in the waters around Taiwan, western North Pacific

The objective of this study was to investigate the spatio-temporal difference of larval fish assemblages related to the local hydrographic features during (winter) and after (spring) northeasterly monsoon in the waters around Taiwan. A total of 426 taxa of larval fish belonging to 213 genera and 109 families were recognized in our samples. Larval fish abundances in the two seasons were similar, but species composition showed significant differences and the species composition was more diverse in spring than in winter. Multi-dimensional scaling analysis revealed two seasonal station groups. Higher abundance and lower species diversity generally were found in waters west of Taiwan where the China Coastal Current prevails, and an opposite trend was observed in the waters east of Taiwan where the Kuroshio Current dominates. The distribution patterns in abundance and species assemblages were closely linked with the hydrographic conditions, and well matched with abundance of phyto- and zooplankton. Food availability may be another important factor affecting the distribution of larval fish assemblages in the waters around Taiwan. In addition, the intrusion of the Kuroshio Branch Current may bring larvae of some fish species into the Taiwan Strait in spring. The succession of water masses induced by the monsoon may also affect the distribution patterns of larval fish assemblages in the waters around Taiwan.