Seasonal variation in growth of larval sole Solea solea (L.) and consequences on the success of larval immigration
Amara, R.; Desaunay, Y.; Lagardère, F. (1994). Seasonal variation in growth of larval sole Solea solea (L.) and consequences on the success of larval immigration. Neth. J. Sea Res. 32(3-4): 287-298 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 | - Amara, R., more
- Desaunay, Y.
- Lagardère, F.
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| Abstract | This study investigates whether seasonal differences in growth rates during the pelagic larval phase are likely to effect the success of larval immigration. Daily increments in otoliths of larvae sampled in the northern Bay of Biscay, from February to May 1992, were used to estimate growth rates and spawning dates. Significant seasonal variations in growth occurred which were related to water temperature. Growth rates remained constant between late December and March, but showed a rapid increase from April onwards. Spawning dates, back-calculated from the larvae at the onset of metamorphosis (stage 4b), occurred over an 18-week period from December to early April, with peaks in late January and early February. 0-group sole were collected in the coastal nursery ground of the Bay of Vilaine at the beginning (April) and the end of the settlement period (June). Otolith analysis showed that the first and largest batch of immigrants caught in April were spawned between late December and February (mostly in early February). At the end of the settlement period 95% of the 0-group sampled were spawned between January and February, with a median spawning date in late January (week 4). These spawning date distributions were compared with literature data on spawning in the Bay of Biscay. Most of the surviving 0-group appeared to originate from the main spawning period, although during spawning early in the season they had experienced slow growth rate. Though still preliminary, the results suggest that seasonal differences in growth rate do not affect the success of larval immigration. |
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