RECORD OF THE LARVAE OF ROCKFISH ( SEBASTODES SPP.). 1956 



Rockfish larvae belong to a single genus, Sebastodes . but to a number of 

 species. Larvae of Sebastodes can be identified without difficulty, but no 

 attempt has been made to determine the species composition included in this 

 category. According to Phillips (1957) there are 49 species of rockfish that 

 occur off California, and 34 of these are definitely known to occur off Baja 

 California, as well. 



Rockfish larvae were taken in greatest abundance off southern California 

 (lines 80-93); 50.4% of all rockfish larvae collected in 1956 were taken in this 

 area. The average number of larvae per haul, 37.3, was nearly twice as large 

 as the average from any other area, as is shown in the following tabulation: 



1,397 



614 



43.9 



29,144 



100.0 



20.8 



Rockfish larvae were taken in greater abundance during the three-month 

 period, January through March, than at other seasons. The monthly abundance 

 off southern California (lines 80-93) is shown in the following tabulation: 



393 



14,674 



37.3 



Since stations were not occupied on lines 40-77 during January through 

 March, rockfish larvae were not adequately sampled off northern and central 

 California. 



75 



