Fish Larvae Assembelge in the Northwestern Coast of the Persian Gulf: Khure Mussa Channel

Ichthyoplankton data provide a base for research into population dynamics of major fishery species. Information on ichthyoplankton ecology forms an important component of stock assessment and fishery management plans. Also, nursery areas are important regions for the recruitment success of fishery stocks; and as such, conservation of these areas is a key part of fishery management. Temporal distribution and composition of ichthyoplankton of in Northwest of the Persian Gulf were analyzed. Khure Mussa Inlet is affected by direct and indirect human activities related to petrochemical plants, harbor facilities and other economic ventures. Samples were taken from eight stations during March 2007 to April 2008.A total of 9440 larvae were collected. The highest density of larvae was observed in April 2008 (1288.88±610.32 larvae/10m2). Higher mean densities occurred during the warmest month. Fish larvae from 23 families were identified; Gobiidae, Clupeidae, Sparidae, Sciaenidae and Sillaginidae were the most representative during the study period. Temporal variations in abundance of larvae showed different reproduction patterns for species. Furthermore, the spatial distribution was different for larvae. Cluster analysis using the Bray-Curtis similarity index revealed well-defined groups of stations and assemblages of larvae. For visualizing the results, spatial distribution and density data were shown on regional maps using GIS software.