Ichthyoplankton assemblages in the Gulf of Mexico

The early life stages of fish are the most important and vulnerable stage defining the status of fish populations. The composition and distribution of the fish egg and larvae assemblages inform adult spawning areas, dispersal, recruitment, and suitability of environmental conditions. However, morphological identification of fish larvae and eggs is difficult due to scarce distinguishing characters and significant morphological changes occurring during development. Information about fish assemblages is crucial in the current climate change scenario in an area with high diversity such as the Gulf of Mexico. This project aims to profile fish eggs and larvae individuals and assemblages from the Gulf of Mexico by barcoding or metabarcoding.