Growth and mortality of larval Atlantic bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Pisces: Carangidae) in the southern Gulf of Mexico

Seasonal age, growth and mortality rates of larval Atlantic bumper, Chloroscombrus chrysurus, were determined from larvae collected in 13 cruises in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Age was estimated from growth increments in sagittal otoliths. One and two days, respectively, were added in the linear model to the growth increments in spring-summer and winter seasons, to estimate the probable true age. Results for spring, summer and winter are: hatching size 0.76, 0.84 and 1.02 mm; growth rates 0.17, 0.17 and 0.12 mm d^-1, and mortality rates 0.30, 0.16 and 0.15 d^-1, respectively. Higher temperature and food availability seem to be associated with higher growth rates in spring and summer. The lower mortality rate recorded in winter could be a consequence of low temperature, low growth rate, low larval abundance, and dilution of larval patches in the water column (due to very frequent cold fronts [Nortes] in this season). The summer mortality rate was lower than in spring, possibly a consequence of an expansion of the spawning area during summer and therefore higher larval dispersion.