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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 57(4)

Ontogenetic shifts in the distribution and reproductive patterns of Australian anchovy (Engraulis australis) determined by otolith microstructure analysis

W. F. Dimmlich A B C D and T. M. Ward B C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department, PO Box 598, Stanley, FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands.

B South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), PO Box 120, Henley Beach, Adelaide, South Australia 5022, Australia.

C School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: wdimmlich@fisheries.gov.fk

Marine and Freshwater Research 57(4) 373-381 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF05184
Submitted: 16 September 2005  Accepted: 3 April 2006   Published: 14 June 2006

Abstract

Upwelling systems can provide ideal conditions for survival and growth of larval fishes. However, these unstable environments are highly dispersive and mortalities can be high. Anchovies (Engraulis spp.) utilise a range of behavioural strategies to increase egg and larval survival. Ontogenetic shifts in distribution have been proposed for Australian anchovy (Engraulis australis), but no supporting otolith-based age studies have been published to date. The present study used otolith increment counts to age larval, juvenile and adult Australian anchovy, which spawn throughout South Australian gulf and shelf waters. Only fish up to 1 year of age occurred in the northern Spencer Gulf, where eggs and larvae in high densities are retained in a nursery area favourable to anchovies. The southern gulf area was inhabited by 1, 2 and 3 year olds. Older anchovy were found in offshore shelf waters, where upwelling occurs and larval survivorship may be high. We hypothesise that Australian anchovy move offshore with age to utilise the wide range of environments that provide suitable spawning and nursery areas for this species.

Extra keywords: age, growth, nursery areas, reproductive strategy, spawning, upwelling.


Acknowledgments

We thank Lachie McLeay, Nathan Strong, David Schmarr, Marie-Laure Ditte, and Richard Saunders for their valuable assistance in the field and laboratory. Paul Rogers made many constructive comments on the manuscript in addition to assisting in the field. The comments and suggestions of two anonymous reviewers greatly improved the manuscript. We are grateful for the time taken by Anthony Fowler and William Breed to comment on the manuscript. The efforts of the skipper, Neil Chigwidden, and crew, Chris Small, Dave Kerr and Ralf Putz, of the FRV Ngerin were crucial to the successful completion of the research cruises. The research and preparation of this manuscript was jointly supported and funded by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences) and a University of Adelaide Ph.D. scholarship.


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