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

• Main Authors: Ibaibarriaga, L., Irigoien, X., Santos, M., Motos, L., Fives, J. M., Franco, C., De Lanzos, A. L., Acevedo, S., Bernal, M., Bez, Nicolas, Eltink, G., Farinha, A., Hammer, C., Iversen, S. A., Milligan, S. P., Reid, D. G.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2007
• Subjects: aggregation index; Engraulis encrasicholus; ichthyoplankton distribution; Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis; Merluccius merluccius; Micromesistius poutassou; north east Atlantic; Sardina pilchardus; Scomber scombrus; spawning habitat characterization; Trachurus trachurus; Hake; North East Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010037975

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.