Abundance and distribution of Liza abu eggs and larvae in the north part of Shatt AL- Arabe River

Abstract

The eggs and larvae of Liza abu were surveyed from the northern part of Shatt Al-Arab River during January 2008 to June 2009. A total of 3481 Liza abu eggs and 4634 Liza abu larvae were collected. The highest abundance was 133.3 egg/10m² - 19480 egg/10m² in April were collected from conical nets and aquatic plant. A total of 4634 Liza abu larvae were collected. The highest abundance of Liza abu larvae was( 249 larvae/10m² - 15800 larvae/10m² ) from conical nets and aquatic plant in March 2008 . The results indicated that the northern part of the Shatt Al-Arab River is a spawning and nursery ground for larvae of this species.