Premetamorphic bonefish (Albula sp.) leptocephali from the Gulf of California with comments on life history |
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Authors: | Edward Pfeiler Miguel Angel Mendoza Fernando A Manrique |
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Institution: | (1) Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Apartado Postal 484, Guaymas, Sonora, 85400, Mexico;(2) Present address: Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, 00708 |
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Abstract: | Synopsis Ten early premetamorphic bonefish (Albula sp.) leptocephali were collected in MOCNESS plankton tows in the Guaymas Basin area of the Gulf of California from 27 July–1
August, 1985. Initial captures of five larvae showed that these were found only in surface waters (0–100 m) at temperatures
of 15–29° C. A shallow tow made from 200 m to the surface resulted in the capture of five additional larvae that were distributed
in the upper 50 m of the water column at temperatures of 21–29° C. Both pre-flexion larvae (<17.0 mm notochord length, NL)
and larvae with flexed notochords were captured. The size range was from 12.0 mm NL to 27.0 mm standard length. Drawings of
representative larvae are given. This is apparently the first report of premetamorphic bonefish larvae for the Gulf, although
metamorphic larvae have been known to be abundant in coastal areas of this region for almost 100 years. Distribution records
for metamorphic larvae are reviewed. This, together with observations on seasonal distribution of ripe adults in coastal waters
near Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, has allowed us to speculate on various aspects of life history. Our data suggest that spawning
occurs during late spring and summer and that early development takes place offshore. The premetamorphic interval is postulated
to last approximately 6–7 months. Larvae then return to coastal areas during the winter and spring to complete metamorphosis. |
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Keywords: | Elopiformes Albulidae Life history Larval development Distribution Spawning |
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