RECORD OF ANCHOVY LARVAE, 1956 



Anchovy larvae are recorded by size in table IV. The size classes have 

 the same midpoints and ranges as those used for sardine larvae, with one excep- 

 tion: The first category defined for sardine larvae is divided into two size 

 classes for anchovy larvae with the following midpoints and ranges: 2.50 mm. 

 (1.76-3.25 mm.) and 3.75 mm. (3.26-4.25 mm.). 



The distribution and relative abundance of anchovy larvae are shown in 

 figure 4. Six categories of abun'dance are used, as shown in an insert on the 

 chart. The value for each station is the cumulative standard haul total for the 

 year. 



The occurrence and abundance (standard haul totals) of anchovy larvae dur- 

 ing 1956 are summarized by month and area in text table 5, A comparison with 

 other larvae covered in this report follows: 



Larvae 



Total occurrences Standard haul totals Percent of total 



Total 



134,931 



89.857 



29,144 



15,523 



8,027 



1,519 



129,139 



408,140 



33.06 

 22.02 

 7.14 

 3.80 

 1.97 

 0.37 

 31.64 



100.00 



Anchovy larvae have ranked first in abundance for a number of years, with 

 hake larvae second in abundance. Rockfish larvae were taken in more hauls than 

 anchovy larvae, however: 614, as compared to 536. 



There are interesting differences in the distribution of anchovy larvae in 

 1955 and 1956. The number and percent taken in different parts of the survey 

 area in the two years follow: 



Total 



134,931 



100.0 



140,183 



99.98 



Considerably fewer anchovy larvae were taken in the northern half of the sur- 

 vey area (lines 60-107) in 1956: 20.1% as compared to 43.03% in 1955. The most 

 interesting difference is in the number taken off southern Baja California (lines 

 140-157). Only negligible numbers were taken in this area in 1955 (0.05%), while 

 19.0% of the total occurred in this area in 1956. 



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