The Vertical Distribution of Marine Macroplankton. VIII. Further Observations on the Diurnal Behaviour of the Pelagic Young of Teleostean Fishes in the Plymouth Area

Abstract

SUMMARYResults are given of a further series of collections made with the stramin ring-trawl to determine the diurnal behaviour of post-larval stages of Teleostean fishes in the Plymouth area.The catches were very satisfactory and showed that in no case, except for Clupeids and Gobies, was there any really marked movement of young fish towards the surface. This confirms previous observations.It has been shown on this and previous occasions that Clupeids are many times more abundant in the catches at night than in the daytime, and any study of their seasonal or horizontal distribution would probably.have to be carried out at night.For the remaining species, except perhaps Gobies and Callionymus, oblique hauls taken either at day or at night should give a fair picture of seasonal or horizontal distribution. More observations are, however, required.The association of the whiting young with the medusa, Cyanea capillata, is discussed.