Inferences from the horizontal distribution of dab Limanda limanda (L.) and flounder Platichthys flesus (L.) larvae in the southeastern North Sea
Campos, W.L.; Kloppmann, M.; von Westernhagen, H. (1994). Inferences from the horizontal distribution of dab Limanda limanda (L.) and flounder Platichthys flesus (L.) larvae in the southeastern North Sea. Neth. J. Sea Res. 32(3-4): 277-286 In: Netherlands Journal of Sea Research. Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ): Groningen; Den Burg. ISSN 0077-7579; e-ISSN 1873-1406, more |  |
| Authors | | Top | - Campos, W.L.
- Kloppmann, M.
- von Westernhagen, H., more
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| Abstract | The horizontal distribution of dab, Limanda limanda L., and flounder, Platichthys flesus L., larvae in the southeastern North Sea was studied during the winter-spring period of 1992. Dab larvae comprised 51% of all fish larvae recorded and increased in abundance from February to late April, with a mean overall larval density of 38.8 ind·m-2 during the study period. Flounder larvae comprised 10% of all fish larvae and were most abundant in late March with an average density of 12.5 ind·m-2. Highest larval concentrations for both species were observed in waters off the west Frisian coast and in the inner German Bight, consistent with previously reported egg concentrations. Correlation analyses indicated similar distributions of early (I & II) stage larvae, but dissimilar distribution patterns in later (III & IV) larval stages. This is consistent with known spawning locations and postlarval habitats for the two species. Vertical migration is proposed as a potential mechanism that may explain the observed stage-specific horizontal distributions. Apparent differences in relative growth between two high-density centres suggested that larval dynamics may be different in these areas. |
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