Resumen del producto

We have analyzed the reproductive strategies of four species of sea basses of the Paralabrax genera based on larval abundance and sea surface temperature, in a period affected by El Niño 1982-83. Zooplankton samples were taken monthly in the Magdalena-Almejas Lagoon Complex from January 1982 to November 1986. Larvae of four sea bass species were recorded: those of the spotted sand bass Paralabrax maculatofasciatus were dominant, contributing with 43% of total abundance, followed by larvae of barred sand bass P. nebulifer (28%), then by the golden spotted rock bass P. auroguttatus (26%) larvae, and by those of kelp bass P. clathratus (3%). During 1983-84, the larval abundance of P. maculatofasciatus and P. auroguttatus decreased (>50% and 90% respectively), while that of P. nebulifer increased nearly 25%. A seasonal larval abundance maximum for all species was recorded in summer-autumn seasons, but a differential reproductive pattern inferred from larval abundance was determined. P. maculatofasciatus showed continuous reproductive activity with peaks in February, June, August-September, and November. P. nebulifer larval abundance indicates one reproductive period with peaks in June and November, while a single reproductive period was found for P. auroguttatus, during August. The abundance of P. clathratus larvae was very low and we were not able to identify a reproductive pattern. Spawning habitat for the P. maculatofasciatus occurred at the relatively narrow temperature range of 19º to 24° C, for P. nebulifer occurred at 24º to 28º C while the widest range was recorded for P. auroguttatus (22° to 29° C). The temporal segregation besides the differences in their spawning habitats permitted the identification of three different reproductive strategies in which there exists a certain degree of overlapping. This study represents a first approach on the understanding of the reproductive cycle of three species of sea basses in Magdalena Bay, B.C.S., Mexico.

Palabras clave: Fish larvae; Paralabrax maculatofasciatus; Sea bass; Magdalena Bay

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