Distribution and seasonal abundance of carangid larvae in the Arabian sea and Bay of Bengal

Abstract

Carangid larvae were recorded from 8.8% of the International Indian Ocean Expedition (IIOE) stations in the Arabian Sea and 13.2% in the Bay of Bengal. Their total contribution was 1.1% of the total larvae collected. The highest number of larvae (141 per haul) was from a station at 20 degrees 32'N-59 degrees 55'E in the Arabian Sea. From Bay of Bengal the highest number was 40 per haul from a station at 11 degrees 49'N-92 degrees 53'E. Carangid larvae were mainly represented by the genera @iDecapterus, Megalaspis@@ and @iCaranx@@. Larvae were recorded throughout the year except February and September in the Arabian Sea whereas in Bay of Bengal their absence was noticed in October and November suggesting a prolonged breeding season of adults