Age and growth rates of southern anchovy larvae (Engraulis anchoita)were estimated by analysis of daily increments in sagittal otoliths under light microscopy. Samples were collected during 2002 with a bongo net, in the Buenos Aires province, Argentine Sea (SW Atlantic). Otoliths corresponding to 251 larvae (size range 3.5 u 12.2 mm SL)were analyzed. Growth rate estimated as slopes by linear regression of length-age data were 0.50, 0.40, and 0.42 mm/day, and these values corresponded to larvae collected in spring, summer and autumn. Larval growth were significantly distinct between the year seasons (ANCOVA, p<0.01). Recent larval growth expressed as mean growth rates during the last 4 days of the larvae was not correlated with surface temperature. The variation in growth between the three seasons seems to be related to fluctuation in chlorophyll-a concentration and the cycle of primary and secondary production typical of temperate seas.

larvas de peces, crecimiento, otolitos, variación estacional, crecimiento diario, Engraulidae, Engraulis anchoita

Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales.

Tesis (Licenciatura).

Unpublished