Egg and larval distributions of seven fish species in north-east Atlantic waters

L. Ibaibarriaga*, X. Irigoien, M. Santos, L. Motos, J. M. Fives, C. Franco, A. Lago De Lanzós, S. Acevedo, M. Bernal, N. Bez, G. Eltink, A. Farinha, C. Hammer, S. A. Iversen, S. P. Milligan, D. G. Reid

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

The distribution of egg and larvae of mackerel, horse mackerel, sardine, hake, megrim, blue whiting and anchovy along the European Atlantic waters (south Portugal to Scotland) during 1998 is described. Time of the year, sea surface temperature and bottom depth are used to define the spawning habitat of the different species. Mackerel, horse mackerel, and sardine eggs and larvae presented the widest distribution, whereas megrim and anchovy showed a limited distribution, restricted to the Celtic Sea and the Bay of Biscay respectively. Correspondingly mackerel, horse mackerel and sardine showed the highest aggregation indices. Blue whiting larvae were found at the lowest temperatures, whereas anchovy eggs and larvae were found in the warmest waters. The analysis is a basis for evaluation of ongoing changes in the pelagic ecosystem of the north-east Atlantic.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)284-293
Number of pages10
JournalFisheries Oceanography
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2007
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aggregation index
  • Engraulis encrasicholus
  • Ichthyoplankton distribution
  • Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis
  • Merluccius merluccius
  • Micromesistius poutassou
  • North-east Atlantic
  • Sardina pilchardus
  • Scomber scombrus
  • Spawning habitat characterization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science

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