Abstract

We describe the distribution and abundance of larval stages of Munida gregaria, Neotrypaea uncinata and Sergestes arcticus, captured during five oceanographic cruises realized in the fjords and channels of southern Chile, located between Puerto Montt (41 degrees 30'S) and Laguna San Rafael (46 degrees 30'S). Based on the presence of different water masses, three oceanographic areas were characterized, in which the abundance and the frequency of occurrence of the larval stages were determined. Statistical parameters were used to relate the abundance and frequency of occurrence of larval stages, defined oceanographic areas and sampling years, which allowed discrimination of spawning areas and larval dispersal potential of the species in the study area.