A B S T R A C TThe occurrence, distribution and abundance of ichthyoplankton in Todos os Santos and Camamu Bays were analyzed based on four samplings (winter 2003, summer 2003, winter 2004 and summer 2005). Samples were obtained by surface horizontal hauls, using a 200-µm mesh conical-cylinder plankton net. The distribution and abundance of eggs indicate a remarkable seasonal and annual variation of spawning activity in the region, especially when the two summer campaigns are compared. In summer 2003 the highest quantitative values were recorded, especially for Camamu, where the maximum reached 106.56 eggs.m -3 , with an overall average of 43.46 eggs.m -3 for the two areas. In summer 2005 values were relatively low, the overall average being 3.49 eggs.m -3 . The larval taxonomic composition is characterized by the predominance of gobiids, with small variation from summer to winter. Considering all the campaigns and samplings undertaken in both areas, larvae of 11 families were identified: Engraulidae, Clupeidae, Mugilidae, Atherinopsidae, Hemiramphidae, Syngnathidae, Blenniidae, Carangidae, Gobiidae, Achiridae and Tetraodontidae. R E S U M O O ictioplâncton coletado ao norte da baía de Todos os

Based on data collected during the project "The influence of the Santos-São Vicente estuarine system on the ecosystem of the adjacent continental shelf" (ECOSAN), from Nov/2004 to Mar/2006, the space-temporal distribution pattern of Sciaenidae larvae in relation to biotic and abiotic factors was investigated. Bongo net was used for sampling, aboard the R/V "Prof. W. Besnard" on the shelf, and the boats "Veliger II" and "Albacora" in the estuarine region. Twelve taxa were identified: Bairdiella ronchus, Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus, Cynoscion spp., Isopisthus parvipinnis, Macrodon atricauda, Micropogonias furnieri, Menticirrhus spp., Nebris microps, Ophioscion punctatissimus, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Stellifer rastrifer and Stellifer spp. Sciaenidae larvae were widespread on the continental shelf in both campaigns (frequency of occurrence >80%). They were most abundant in Mar/2006 (mean = 6.47 larvae.m-2; sd = 8.36) and least abundant in Sep/2005 (mean = 2.37 larvae.m-2; sd = 3.33). The average abundance in the estuarine region ranged from 0.12 larvae.m-2 (sd = 0.11) in Jun/2005 to 4.28 larvae.m-2 (sd = 1.99) in Nov/2004. Frequency of occurrence minimum occurred in Aug/2005 (50%) and the maximum in Nov/2004 (100%). The presence of Sciaenidae larvae in most locations and periods suggests that the reproductive process of this family in the region is continuous, spawning being more intense in the warmer months.

Early development of fat snook, Centropomus parallelus (Poey 1860), is described based on embryos and larvae obtained from rearing experiments and from specimens caught in the field, in Cananéia, southeastern Brazil, during December 1999-January 2000. Larvae of common snook, C. undecimalis, were also collected to compare the pigmentation pattern and body shape. Eggs of C. parallelus were relatively small (0.65 to 0.70 mm in diameter), spherical, and usually with a single oil globule. Notochord length (NL) of newly hatched ranged between 1.1 mm to 1.4 mm. Notochord flexion began at 3.4 mm NL and was usually completed by 4.0 mm SL. Larval and early juvenile of both species were very similar with tenuous distinction, however, some morphological and pigmentation characters were used to distinguish their early stages. The main differences were as follow: trend of lower values of the ratio of body depth to body length (BD/BL) for C. parallelus larger than 10.0 mm SL; absence of the post-temporal spine in C. undecimalis; absence of pigmentation along the dorsal midline of C. parallelus larvae by 2.6-7.0 mm; and presence of a pair of dendritic melanophores posterior to the bases of pelvic fins in C. parallelus larger than 6.0.

The objective of this study was the description of the composition, abundance and density in horizontal and vertical distribution of Pleuronectiformes larvae on the southeastern Brazilian continental shelf. The samples were collected with bongo nets and a Multi Plankton Sampler (MPS), both in summer and winter 2002. A total of 352 flatfishes larvae were collected in summer and 343 in winter, representing three families and a total of

SUMMARY: Developmental stages from flexion larvae to early juvenile of Bairdiella ronchus were described and illustrated from specimens collected along the margins of tidal creeks in the southern zone of the Cananéia-Iguape System on the southeastern coast of Brazil. The B. ronchus larvae were identified working backwards from the juvenile using characteristics common to successively earlier ontogenetic stages. The number of myomeres was 25 (11+14). The flexion of notochord was completed by 5.5 mm SL. The fin formation began in the following sequence: caudal, second dorsal and anal, pelvic fins, first dorsal and pectoral. It was fully completed in this sequence: principal caudal, second dorsal, anal, first dorsal, pelvic and pectoral fins. Squamation began between 10.0 mm SL and 11.1 mm SL, and was entirely completed by 35.0 mm SL. The major head spines included the posterior preocular, supraocular and post-temporal. The larval morphology and pigmentation, mainly the swath pigmentation pattern, were very similar to those described for B. chrysoura in the South Atlantic Bight of the United States. Among sciaenid larvae co-occurring in the study area, Stellifer rastrifer shows larval characteristics more similar to those of B. ronchus, mainly in the preflexion and flexion stages, and in the contraction of the swath pigmentation. They can be differentiated by the fact that in S. rastrifer there is a post-anal lateral pigmentation or caudal pigment on the ventral midline radiating dorsally, which is absent in B. ronchus.Keywords: larval description, Bairdiella ronchus, southeastern Brazil. RESUMEN: DESCRIPCIÓN DE LARVAS Y JUVENILES DE BAIRDIELLA RONCHUS (SCIAENIDAE: TELEOSTEI) EN EL SUDESTE DEBRASIL. -El desarrollo larvario de Bairdiella ronchus desde estadios de flexión hasta juvenil temprano de fueron descritos e ilustrados a partir de especimenes recogidos a lo largo de los canales de marea de la parte sur del Sistema de Cananéia-Iguape en la costa sudeste de Brasil. Las larvas de B. ronchus fueron identificadas a partir de los juveniles usando características comunes a sucesivos estadios tempranos ontogenéticos. El número de miómeros es de 25 (11+14). La flexión de la notocorda se completa a los 5.5 mm SL. La formación de las aletas se inicia según la siguiente secuencia: caudal, segunda dorsal, anal, pélvicas, primera dorsal y pectoral, y alcanza la dotación final en este orden: caudal principal, segunda dorsal, anal, primera dorsal, pélvicas y pectoral. La escamación comienza entre 10.0 mm SL y 11.1 mm SL, y se completa a los 35.0 mm SL. Las principales espinas de la cabeza incluyen las preoculares anterior y posterior, supraocular y pos-temporal. La morfología y pigmentación larvaria, principalmente el patrón de pigmentación "swath", fue muy similar al descrito para B. chrysoura del "South Atlantic Bight" de Estados Unidos. Entre las larvas sciaenidos encontradas también en el área de estudio, Stellifer rastrifer es la que muestra características más similares a B. ronchus, principalmente en los estadios de p...