Macrozooplankton studies in Kuwait Bay (Arabian Gulf). I: Distribution and composition of the ichthyoplankton

Abstract

Fifty taxa of fish larvae were identified during a 12 month study in Kuwait Bay. Dominants included ‘Sparidae-type’ larvae, clupeids and gobies. Peak numbers and types of larvae occurred during late spring/early summer with the minimum during winter. The bay could be divided into three subareas based upon faunal, sedimentary and hydrographic characteristics. Low larval concentrations were generally found in the vicinity of the Khor al Sabiya—an area of below average salinities. Western bay stations had either the highest mean temperatures and/or salinities and low larval densities. During spring and summer, only goby and clupeid larvae were more abundant here than in the outer bay. Most of the dominants, particularly gobies, Bregmaceros and pomadasyids, occurred at above average concentrations at the northeastern and outer bay stations.