| ABSTRACT This study presents the density, taxonomic composition, spatial and temporal distribution of fish larvae in the Gulf of Guayaquil, as well as the relationship with some physical-chemical variables. Samples were collected at 16 stations, taken in the first nautical mile of the external and internal estuary of the gulf, located in front of the province of Guayas and northwest of the island of Puná, during June to December 2012. Surface trawls were carried out with a simple conical network (mesh eye: 300 μm; mouth diameter: 0.3 m; length: 1.2 m). Temperature, salinity, and transparency were measured before each drag. Significant differences were detected between zones, registering higher temperatures, lower salinity, and transparency in the interior... |
