RECORD OF THE LARVAE OF ROCKFISH ( SEBASTODES SPP.), 1955 



All of the preceding tabulations have dealt with individual species, 

 but a number of species of Sebastodes are grouped together in the tabula- 

 tions of rockfish larvae (table VIII). Rockfish larvae can be identified 

 to genus without difficulty, but no attempt has been made to determine the 

 species composition. There are over 50 species of Sebastodes . most of 

 which occur in the area being studied. 



Rockfish are temperate water species, decreasing in abundance along 

 the coast of Baja California. The percent occurrence of larvae is higher 

 off California than off Baja California. The percent occurrence decreases 

 markedly between lower central Baja California and southern Baja California. 

 The average number of larvae taken per haul is also higher off California 

 than Baja California. These data are summarized in the following tabulation: 



Total 1,375 



652 



47.42 



28,273 



100.0 



20.6 



Rockfish larvae are collected throughout the year (text table 11). 

 In 1955, the largest numbers were obtained in January, approximately 22.2% 

 of the year's total. The next largest month was February, with 22.0%. 

 February was the month of peak abundance in 1953 and 1954, but April was 

 the peak month in 1951 and 1952, as is shown in the following tabulation: 



82 



