ANTARCTIC LARVAL FISH ASSEMBLAGES - A REVIEW

Larval fish assemblages are considered within the context of the uniqu e ichthyofauna which evolved in Antarctic waters as a result of enviro nmental cooling, glaciation, and isolation by the Antarctic polar fron t. Existing information on the larval fish assemblages is summarized. Distribution patterns of known assemblages in continental and island s helf areas are related to those of the adult stocks and to hydrographi c features affecting dispersal of the component species. Finer scale d istribution patterns of larval fish assemblages in relation to hydrogr aphic conditions within areas of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea, and South Georgia are described.