Identification and density of Ichthyoplankton in Laft creeks (Hormuzgan province)

Abstract

During a series of Ichthyoplankton survey from May 1998 to April 1999 Ichthyoplankton samples were collected at 12 stations in Laft creeks by 500 micron bongonet with oblique towing from bottom to water surface. Twenty-two families Ichthyoplanktons were identified (and two unidentified) during 12 months. CLUPEIIDAE (31, 32%), GOBIIDAE (26, 71%), SCIANIDAE (16, 55%), LEIOGNATHIDAE (11, 9%) were common and dominant families in all sampling stations. The creeks was divided in two branches: In east branch GOBIIDAE (44.75%), CLUPEIIDAE (17.42%), SCIANIDA (13.5%) were more abundant than other families and in west branch CLUPEIIDAE (34.22%), GOBIIDAE (23.77%), SCIANIDAE (16.34%) showed LEIOGNATHIDAE (13.26%) more abundance than other families, too. Some families e.g HEMIRAMPHIDAE, ENGRAUILIDAE, BLENIDAE, BOTHIDAE only occur in west branch, PLEURONECTIDAE family only occur in west branch. The highest density was found in winter season.