Temporal variability of fish larvae composition and abundance from Chacopata lagoon and adjacent areas
was analyzed; performing monthly samples from February 2009 until January 2010. Six (6) stations (2 external, 1 at the
entrance and 3 into the lagoon) were established. Outer stations and the one at the entrance were sampled with a plankton net,
while those located within the lagoon were sampled with light traps. A total of 9,066 fish larvae were captured with both
methods, belonging to 23 families, 35 genera and 28 species. Regarding to net samplings, 1120 larvae were collected and 19
species, 24 genera and 18 families were identified. With this sample gear, the highest densities of organisms were found in
February and June 2009 with 750 Org / 1000m3 and 498 Org / 1000m3, respectively. The dominant species were: Anchoa
hepsetus, Gobiosoma sp., Harengula jaguana, Anchoa sp., Anchovia clupeoides and Eucinostomus argenteus. On the other
hand, the highest density with light traps was 7,946 larvae, finding also 20 species, 25 genera and 16 families.With this art,
only postlarvae and juveniles were extracted, showing the highest abundances during February and December (121 and 44
CPUE Ind/8h, respectively). The lower peak abundance occurred during July (5 CPUE ind/8h) while the species with the
highest number of individuals were: Anchoa hepsetus, Strongylura marina, Anchovia clupeoides and Saurida brasiliensis. The
coincidence of highest abundance of ichthyoplankton during the months of upwelling, is a reflection of the high secondary
productivity present in the area.