Distribución y estructura poblacional de la polaca (Micromesistius australis)

Abstract

The polaca (Micromesistius australis)is a typical fish from the cold Malvinas current (temperatures between 3° and 10°C). The species is found in depths between 90 and 800 m and in latitudes from 37°40' to 50° S during winter and spring and from 42°S to 55°S during summer time, over the patagonian shelf and Burdwood Bank. One part of the stock reaches the southern region of the Scotia Sea, the western South Georgias and eastern South Shetland Islands. The dominant food species are Euphausia spp. The polaca is mainly a carcinophagous fish and may be found in a 3-4 trophic level, being one of the main food sources for primary and secondary ichthyophagous fishes.