Abstract

ARTEAGA, Edgar; CRIALES-HERNANDEZ, María Isabel; ALTAMAR, Jairo  and  MANJARRES, Luis. Distribution and abundance of fish larvae of the family Lutjanidae in the northeastern Colombian Caribbean during an annual cycle (2000-2001). Cienc. mar [online]. 2004, vol.30, n.3, pp.381-390. ISSN 0185-3880.

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.