Hydrographic and environmental influences on condition of larval fishes in Gerlache Strait and Marguerite Bay, Antarctica

Edward A. Laman
email: nlaman@teneraenergy.com

Three species of larval Antarctic fishes collected from Gerlache Strait, Bransfield Strait, and Marguerite Bay (Lepidonotothen larseni, Trematomus newnesi, and T. lepidorhinus) were characterized on the basis of morphometric nutritional condition indices which were compared with respect to hydrographic features within these regions. The three nutritional condition indices analyzed were yolk reserve size, gut fullness, and relative condition factor. The variable nature of the relationship between larval length and weight yielded a relative condition factor with little predictive power. Variations in nutritional condition for these species resulted from growth trajectories following the advancing season and demonstrated environmental forcing in only a single case. Regional differences in nutritional condition reflect species-specific horizontal and vertical distribution patterns. Overall, the highest condition factors occurred among larvae collected from the center of each species’ distribution. Changes in larval condition attributable to the advancing season were more influential than between-year differences among these Antarctic larval fishes.


Ned graduated May 1998. He currently works for Tenera Energy, LCC at the Diablo Canyon Field Office in Avila Beach, California as a Senior Research Biologist.


Created by: Erica Burton
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Last Revision: 28 January 2004