Large-Scale Spatial and Temporal Variability of Larval Fish Assemblages in the Tropical Atlantic Ocean

Abstract This study investigated the large-scale spatial and temporal variability of larval fish assemblages in the west tropical Atlantic Ocean. The sampling was performed during four expeditions. Identification resulted in 100 taxa (64 families, 19 orders and 17 suborders). During the four periods, 80% of the total larvae taken represented eight characteristics families (Scombridae, Carangidae, Paralepididae, Bothidae, Gonostomatidae, Scaridae, Gobiidae and Myctophidae). Fish larvae showed a rather heterogeneous distribution with density at each station ranging from 0.5 to 2000 larvae per 100m3. A general trend was observed, lower densities at oceanic area and higher densities in the seamounts and islands. A gradient in temperature, salinity, phytoplankton biomass, zooplankton biomass and station depth was strongly correlated with changes in ichthyoplankton structure. Myctophidae, and Paralepididae presented increased abundance at high salinities and temperatures. Bothidae and Gobiidae were more abundant at higher phytoplankton biomass and zooplankton biomass. Scaridae, Scombridae and Gonostomatidae had higher abundances at deep offshore stations. Different events might be responsible for the formation, maintenance and breakdown of fish larvae assemblage in the tropical oceanic area of Brazil. The results suggested that the oceanographic variables (temperature, salinity, phytoplankton biomass, zooplankton biomass and station depth) played an important role on the distribution patterns of ichthyoplankton.