Spatial and ontogenetic distribution of phyllosoma larvae off la Parguera, Puerto Rico (Panulirus, Scyllarides, Scyllarus)

The objective of this study was to examine the taxonomic composition of phyllosoma larvae in the southwest coast of Puerto Rico and to determine their distribution along an inshore-offshore transect (6--46 Km from the coastline). Larvae were identified into three genera (Panulirus, Scyllarides and Scyllarus) of which Panulirus was the most abundant (70%) followed by Scyllarides (25%) and Scyllarus (5%). The horizontal distribution of Panulirus showed that only first stage larvae where found within insular shelf stations, whereas later stage larvae increased offshore, thus suggesting an ontogenetic related flux. Scyllarus larvae of all developmental stages were found almost exclusively within the insular shelf. The data suggests that locally spawned larvae of Panulirus are being transported offshore, whereas Scyllarus larvae appear to be retained in coastal waters.