Distribución y abundancia de las larvas de peces en el sistema lagunar de Bahía Magdalena-Almejas, Baja California Sur, México

Abstract

The present paper reports the specific composition and distribution of fish larvae, in order to know the community structure, and seasonal variability, related to the sea surface temperature and zooplankton biomass distributions at Magdalena-Almejas lagoon system, B. C. S. Sampling was carried out during winter-spring and summer-autumn 1989. The taxonomic analysis allowed the identification of 42 taxa belonging to 24 families of fishes. Larvae of Quietula y-cauda were dominant (61.01%) of the total abundance, followed by Gerreidae (15.5%) and Sardinops sagax (9.94%). Analysis of the assemblages defined two groups stations that identify different environmental persistent conditions throughout the year. One group with lagooner features and characterized by resident tax like gobies, blennies and flatfish larvae, in coincidence with highest zooplankton biomass. The other group located at the main access mouth to Magdalena Bay with oceanic influence was characterized mainly by small pelagic fish larvae asociated with lowest temperature and zooplankton biomass. Sucession of species was observed in both groups stations throughout the year, as a result of seasonal sea surfce temperature changes and the habitat in wich the adults spawn.