Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 May 2009
The distribution of the larvae of four of the five species of Ammodytidae occurring in Scottish waters is examined. The two most abundant species, Ammodytes marinus Raitt and Gymnammodytes semisquamatus (Jourdain) are described in detail and their abundance recorded. A. marinus larvae were found throughout the survey area, but were most abundant in the Moray Firth and around Orkney. G. semisquamatus larvae were most abundant along the north and west coasts, although they were recorded in a few areas off the east coast of Scotland. A. lanceolatus Lesauvage larvae occurred generally in Scottish waters, although few larvae were caught. A. immaculatus Corbin larvae, which have not previously been recorded in the Scottish area, were also rare and were restricted to areas off the north and west coasts. The material was not suitable for demonstrating the distribution of larvae of A. lancea Raitt. The occurrence of larvae is related to the spawning season of each species.