Anchovy stocks (Engraulis anchoita) and larval growth in the SW Atlantic

Growth rates of anchovy larvae were estimated from samples collected in the Brazilian Southeastern Bight (BSEB) in June/July and November/December, 1995. Horizontal distribution and abundance of the larvae were determined. The rate of ring formation on the otolith was related to the marginal increments and time of day. The Laird-Gompertz growth model was adjusted to the data and instantaneous growth rates were compared for anchovy larvae of other habitats in the SW Atlantic. Larval growth rates for several stocks were shown to be dependent on environmental conditions and the calculated size at first feeding on the temperature, producing geographical variation of larval growth rate throughout the distribution range of the species. The results suggest that E. anchoita from the BSEB may form a population distinct from stocks already known in more southerly regions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.