Ichthyoplankton distribution in Samar Sea, Philippines
Renato C Diocton
Samar State University, Philippines
: J Mar Biol Oceanogr
Abstract
Overall mean ichthyoplankton density at daytime is 56 ind/100 m3, while taxon richness (family level) is higher at nearshore compare to offshore. These results are compared with observed diel patterns in other investigations. Monthly differences in overall egg and larval densities and composition are related to the station location, substrate and other factors. The relative similarity in daytime patterns in stations over deep water suggests that the substrates (seagrass beds and coral reefs) serve as shelters from predation during the daytime. The highest density of fish larvae was the family Bregmaceritidae with 16% identified followed by Apogonidae (pre-flexion) and Mullidae both of which shared 14% of the total sampled population in six months. Third place in terms of density was Leiognathidae, of this, 13% is dominant in shallow sandy to muddy bottom. Next in rank were Engraulidae (9%) and Exocoetidae (8%) while Serranidae and Apogonidae (flexion) got 7%. Least was Lutjanidae and some unidentified larvae
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