Distribution and abundance of fish larvae of the family Lutjanidae in the northeastern Colombian Caribbean during an annual cycle (2000–2001)

Abstract

This study analyzes some basic aspects of the biological dynamics of lutjanid larvae in the northeastern part of the Colombian Caribbean. They had a wide distribution in the study area, and the highest abundances and indices of occurrence were found at the stations off Riohacha, between 6 and 18 nautical miles from the coast. July, October and May had the highest values, with an average of 12.90, 7.67 and 22.47 larvae/10 m2, respectively; the highest temperatures and lowest salinities were also recorded during these months.

Keywords

• Lutjanidae
• Colombian Caribbean
• larval distribution
• ichthyoplankton