Larvae and Pelagic Juveniles of Blackgill Rockfish, Sebastes melanostomus, Taken in Midwater Trawls off Southern California and Baja California

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Abstract
Examination of 217 midwater trawl samples from the coastal basins off southern California and Baja California revealed a recurring group of rockfish species. The late larvae and pelagic juveniles of the blackgill rockfish, Sebastes melanostomus, constituted 16% of the total number of rockfish specimens. The life-history stages of this species are described, with emphasis on the pelagic juvenile stage. Late stage larvae and pelagic juveniles develop a distinctive pattern of melanophore bands which, by disrupting the body outline, may help conceal the young during their midwater existence. Evidence from midwater trawl collections suggests that 30-mm pelagic juveniles migrate or are carried shoreward at a depth of ~ 200 m to the appropriate habitat for settling. The high relative abundance of blackgill rockfish pelagic juveniles in midwater trawl samples suggests that this species may represent a potential resource. Key words: blackgill rockfish, Sebastes melanostomus, larvae, pelagic juveniles, midwater trawls, developmental stages, melanophore patterns, life-history strategy, head-spine development

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