THE VALUE OF PATTERN IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF YOUNG FISH

Abstract

A hvpotherir ih proposed thdt the pdtchv' ihdrdcler 01 pclagic Idrbal lish di\trihution I dddptiie and ma hc conhidered d lile hi\tor irdit co-e\ol\ed with li suite 01 other hehdviordl trait and phv\iologcdl LharaLteri\tics which together assure optimum larval survival Specific differences in larval patchiness are implied and these differences may be explained in biological terms A method is described which uses the counts ot sized larvae lrom plankton samples to describe the development of pattern with larval age Patchiness at age curves are presented for the northern anchovy (Engruuhs mordux) and the jack mackerel (Trm hum3 simmefr~i us) An attempt is made to explain the dissimilarities between the curves in terms of specific differences in feeding behavior. sibling cannibalism and the development of social behavior