Reproductive Strategies of Sea Basses based on Larval Abundance in Magdalena Bay, Mexico, 1982–1986

Abstract We analyzed the reproductive strategies of four sea basses Paralabrax spp. based on larval abundance and sea surface temperature during a period affected by the El Nino of 1982–1983. Zooplankton samples were taken monthly in the Magdalena–Almejas lagoon complex of Baja California Sur, Mexico, from January 1982 to November 1986. Larvae of four sea bass species were recorded; those of the spotted sand bass P. maculatofasciatus were dominant, contributing 43% of total abundance. Barred sand bass P. nebulifer constituted 28% of the sampled larvae, goldspotted sand bass P. auroguttatus contributed 26%, and kelp bass P. clathratus made up 3%. During 1983–1984, the larval abundances of spotted sand bass and goldspotted sand bass decreased (by >50% and 90%, respectively), while the abundance of barred sand bass increased by nearly 25%. A seasonal larval abundance maximum for all species was recorded in summer and autumn, but a differential reproductive pattern inferred from larval abundance was determine...