Vertical Distribution of Larval Fish in the Inshore Region of the Kuroshio

 Seasonal larval fish samplings were conducted in a single station at Tosa Bay, south western coast of Japan, using vertically stratified net tows during 1997 to 1999. Larval fish were sampled fifteen depth layers (0m, 10m, 20m, 30m, 50m, 75m, 100m, 125m, 150m, 200m, 250m, 300m, 350m, 400m, 450m). Mean concentrations and taxonomic diversity for fish larvae peaked in the early summer (June). During winter to spring (December, February and April), dominant taxonomic groups included some mesopelagic fish larvae such as Myctophidae, Gonostomatidae, Microstomatidae, Sternoptychidae and Phosichthyidae. On the other hand, dominant taxa in June were small pelagic fish larvae such as Engraulidae, Carangidae and Scombridae. In summer and fall (August and September), coastal fish larvae such as Gobiidae, Callionymidae and Apogonidae were dominant taxa. Most of the larvae occurred within the first 200 m of the water column during both day and night. The larvae of small pelagic fish and coastal fish were abundant in upper layer (above 50m). In contrast, mesopelagic fish larvae mainly distributed in deeper layer (below 75m). Results will be discussed in relation to the variability of environmental factors.