Distribution and abundance of clupeoid larvae along the east coast of South Africa in 1990/91

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of larvae of pilchard Sardinops sagax, round herring Etrumeus whiteheadi and anchovy Engraulis capensis along the east coast of South Africa on three research cruises in 1990/91 are presented. The larvae of these economically important clupeoids were found from Algoa Bay in the south to the mouth of the Tugela River in the Natal Bight in the north. Pilchard and round herring were most abundant during the October 1990 cruise, more than 1000 larvae per 10 m2 of sea surface being recorded in the south of the study area then. Anchovy larvae were recorded in low numbers on all cruises. Topographical upwelling inshore of the Agulhas Current at two nodes (Mbashe/East London and Cape St Lucia) possibly provides a favourable environment for spawning of temperate pelagic clupeoids along the east coast of South Africa.