Early Life History of Redfish (Sebastes spp.) on Flemish Cap

Abstract

Studies were carried out on Flemish Cap, 1978–82, to assess fish spawning cycles, the distribution, abundance, and growth of early life stages, and their relationship to environmental factors. Redfish larvae (Sebastes spp.) were the most abundant fish larvae found on Flemish Cap. Redfish began releasing larvae during March, reaching an abrupt peak in late April. Larval abundances of 733 larvae∙m2 were observed during the last week of April 1979, with highest sampled larval abundance for the study area being 6.8 × 1012 larvae. Redfish larvae first appeared in the southwest corner of Flemish Cap and within 3 wk were found in waters throughout the area over depths > 200 m. In July the survivors were concentrated over the Cap supporting the concept that Flemish Cap redfish constitute a distinct group. Larval growth for redfish was exponential through the periods sampled. However, in 1981, growth rate ranged from 0.40 to 1.66%∙d1. While larval growth was significantly correlated with average surface water temperature, high temperatures appeared to reduce larval growth. Slow growth during warm years appeared to be related to increased larval mortalities.