Distribution and densities of fish larvae species with contrasting life histories as a function of oceanographic variables in the deep-water region of the southern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

We describe the larval occurrence and density of six fish species with contrasting life histories and examine their relationships with oceanographic variables during two seasons in the deep-water region (> 1000 m) of the southern Gulf of Mexico based on 12 cruises (2011–2018). Given thatCaranx crysosadults are neritic, larval presence close to the continental shelf indicates offshore cross-shelf transport to oceanic waters, which likely leads to mortality. Generalized additive models indicated thatC.crysosdensity was not related with oceanographic variables, whileAuxisspp. (with neritic and oceanic adults) was related to wind speed, sea surface temperature, sea surface height, and surface chlorophyll a. The mesopelagicBenthosema suborbitale,Notolychnus valdiviaeandBregmaceros atlanticuswere more abundant and broadly distributed, and higher density was found in conditions indicative of higher nutrient availability and productivity, suggesting greater feeding success and survival. The distribution of the epi- and mesopelagicCubiceps pauciradiatusextended through the southern Gulf of Mexico, and was related to wind speed, sea surface temperature, stratification and chlorophyll a. Our results suggest that the density of the neritic species in oceanic waters could be mediated by regional cross-shelf transport, while for oceanic species is linked with productivity.