(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - argentine, Atlantic
OTHER COMMON NAMES - Herring smelt, Argentine, Greater argentine, Greater silver smelt and Fr: grande argentine
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - Osteichthyes,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - Salmoniformes,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - Argentinidae,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Argentina,
SPECIES AND SSP - silus,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Argentina silus
AUTHORITY - Ascanius, 1775
TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 258
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Commercial/consumption
See Comments
REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 258
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
There is no Canadian commercial fishery for the Atlantic argentine and those
captured are taken as a by-catch when fishing for demersal species. Surveys
indicate that stock biomass remains stable and foreign fleets, particularly
those of Japan and USSR, take considerable quantities *258*.
The Review of the Canadian Fisheries Research Board for 1964 revealed that a
trawl survey for groundfish in the waters south of Emerald and LaHave banks
yielded up to 2718 kg/h *258*.
Decreased catches in recent years by foreign fleets are due to large extent
to the restrictions placed on the fishery by the Canadian and United States
government. Statistics show a total record catch in 1966 of 49,040 t, with
preliminary statistics for 1982 of 417 t *258*.
Atlantic argentines are taken in trawls from offshore grounds of northwest
Europe and the British Isles and sometimes marketed. However, they are not
considered of prime commercial importance. The flesh is white, flaky, and
palatable. A study noted that Atlantic argentines are exploited for their
high nutritious value and market demand *258*.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Distribution
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - MARINE
REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 258
LAND USE -
Water
REFERENCES FOR LAND USE - 258
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Marine
REFERENCES FOR NWI - 259
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The Atlantic argentine is a deepwater fish concentrated mainly in warmer
waters of continental shelves and in deepwater basins. A study observed
that occurrence on the Scotian Shelf was negligible in depths less than 91.4
m with preferred depths of 182.8-255.9 m, temperature 7-10 oC, and mean
salinity 34 ppt. A total of 2757 specimens were collected during this
survey. The young frequent shallower waters, although rarely in depths
less than 128 m *258*.
There is no information on seasonal movements. Indications are that the
species forms aggregations and is rarely captured as a single specimen
*258*.
ANIMAL/PLANT SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
Redfish (Sebastes sp.)
Hake (Phycis sp.)
White hake (Merluccius bilinearis)
Trematode (Lecithophyllum botryophorum)
Trematode (Derogenes varicus)
Trematode (Hemiurus levinseni)
Trematode (Lampritrema miescheri)
Lampritrema miescheri (L. nipponicum)
REFERENCES FOR SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS - 258
COMMENTS ON SPECIES ASSOCIATIONS -
Predation and competition: There is little information available on the
predators of the Atlantic argentine. A study referred to an instance of its
occurrence in the stomach of redfish, Sebastes spp., and it was also
reported from a species of hake, Phycis sp. *258*.
Since food is similar to that of the white hake (Merluccius bilinearis),
where it is captured in the same regions, it is assumed there is competition
for food organisms *258*.
Parasites and disease: Four species of trematodes, Lecithophyllum
botryophorum, Derogenes varicus, Hemiurus levinseni, and Lampritrema
miescheri, were found in the Atlantic argentine from waters off Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland. The Atlantic argentine is reported as a new host
(considered accidental) for Lampritrema miescheri, also described as L.
nipponicum. Varying intensities of parasites relate to the vertical
Habitat Associations - 1 ditribution and feeding of mature argnetines on organisms which are
intermediate host of the parasites *258*.
Habitat Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 258
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Crustaceans Not Specified
General Squid, Octopus Not Specified
General Arrow worms Not Specified
General Plankton Not Specified
General Osteichthyes Not Specified
General Salmoniformes Not Specified
REFERENCES FOR GENERAL FOOD - 258
COMMENTS ON FOOD -
In a study of the Atlantic argentine on Georges Bank, food consisted
primarily of euphausiids or amphipods (arrow worms, krill, and Thermisto),
in agreement with information of food consumption of the species in American
and European waters. Squid, ctenaphores, and fish remains were also found
but these items occurred infrequently. Further observations indicated that
the majority of mature Atlantic argentines did not feed at spawning time. A
study noted that feeding commenced following the spawning process and was
more intensive in fall than in winter *258*.
A study reported that Cyclothone braueri was taken from the stomach of an
Atlantic argentine caught in Denmark Strait *258*.
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
G Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
G Water Depth Preference: 500-1000 ft.
G Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
G
G
J Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 258
REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 258
COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS -
The Atlantic argentine is a deepwater fish concentrated mainly in warmer
waters of continental shelves and in deepwater basins. A study observed
that occurrence on the Scotian Shelf was negligible in depths less than
91.4 m with preferred depths of 182.8-255.9 m, temperature 7-10 oC, and
mean salinity 34 ppt. A total of 2757 specimens were collected during this
survey. The young frequent shallower waters, although rarely in depths less
than 128 m *258*.
There is no information on seasonal movements. Indications are that the
species forms aggregations and is rarely captured as a single specimen
*258*.
COMMENTS ON JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
The young frequent shallower waters, although rarely in depths less than
128 m *258*.
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
LIFE HISTORY
Reproduction: There is little information on time of spawning on the North
American side of the Atlantic Ocean. A study reported Atlantic argentines
taken in March contained ripe gonads, sugggesting that spawning takes place
on the Scotian Shelf in March and April. Another study concluded that
spawning in European waters occurred from April to July; spawning off
Ireland is estimated to take place in April and May. The eggs are buoyant,
containing a flattened oil globule, and are 3.0-3.5 mm in diameter. Another
study stated that a female 37.0 cm in length contained 10,000 eggs, while
one 44.5 cm long had 38,599, these figures representing the lowest and
highest numbers of eggs in the 50 specimens examined. Diameter of ovarian
eggs in their sample ranged from 1.6 to 2.8 mm. When hatched, the larvae,
which are colorless, are 6-9 mm in length and have a large yolk sac *258*.
Growth: Rate of growth is rapid during early years and decreases as
maturity approaches. A study stated that growth slowed markedly after the
second year of life and continued at a slower rate until maturity. Another
study showed that differing habitat conditions affect rate of growth. It
also noted that females grew faster and reached a larger size in the
southwestern slope area of the Grand Bank and grew at a slower rate in the
southwestern region of the Scotian Shelf *258*.
In North American Atlantic waters the Atlantic argentine was sexually mature
at age 6 or 7 yr (onset at 6; fully mature at 10) with a few maturing at 4
and 5 yr. On the European side estimation placed maturation age at 8-15 yr,
a third of the population first maturing at age 10 yr *258*.
Variability in size and age attained from areas on the Scotian Shelf was
generally in agreement with earlier findings. Median length at maturity
generally declined with time in recent years, and was more pronounced in
females than males. Males tended to mature at older ages, although maturity
of both sexes was attained at similar lengths. Studies indicated a decline
in size at sexual maturity in succeeding years, due possibly to exploitation
*258*.
Age of Atlantic argentines is determined by examinations of otoliths. In a
study of growth and mortality of the Atlantic argentine in the Scotian Shelf
area, it noted ages to 29 yr *258*.
A study reported the largest specimen examined to be 32.1 cm SL. The
maximum size of North American Atlantic argentines is considered to be 45.7
cm in length. Norwegian specimens have been reported to reach 49 cm *258*.
Description: Body slender, laterally compressed. Head pointed; mouth
terminal, small, not extending to eye; small teeth on tongue and roof of
mouth, none on jaws; eye large. Gill rakers 13. Branchiostegals 6. Fins:
soft rayed; dorsal 11-13, short but high, inserted midway between snout and
adipose fin, adipose dorsal present, small; caudal deeply forked; anal
11-17, inserted below dorsal; pelvics 12 or 13; abdominal, inserted behind
dorsal; pectorals 15-18, inserted just behind gill opening. Scales 64-69,
large, usually with spines; a median row along back and belly. Lateral line
straight. Swim bladder silvery. Pyloric caeca 21-28. Vertebrae 65-67.
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
Size to 45.7 cm long. Color brown to olive on back, sides silvery with
golden to brassy luster; belly white; adipose fin yellowish *258*.
Predation and competition: There is little information available on the
predators of the Atlantic argentine. A study referred to an instance of its
occurrence in the stomach of redfish, Sebastes spp., and it was also
reported from a species of hake, Phycis sp. *258*.
Since food is similar to that of the white hake (Merluccius bilinearis),
where it is captured in the same regions, it is assumed there is competition
for food organisms *258*.
Parasites and disease: Four species of trematodes, Lecithophyllum
botryophorum, Derogenes varicus, Hemiurus levinseni, and Lampritrema
miescheri, were found in the Atlantic argentine from waters off Nova Scotia
and Newfoundland. The Atlantic argentine is reported as a new host
(considered accidental) for Lampritrema miescheri, also described as L.
nipponicum. Varying intensities of parasites relate to the vertical
distribution and feeding of mature argnetines on organisms which are
intermediate host of the parasites *258*.
There is no information on seasonal moverments. Indications are that the
species forms aggregations and is rarely captured as a single specimen
*258*.
LIFE HISTORY CODES -
Breeding/Spawning Season: March
Breeding Spawning Season: April
Breeding/Spawning Season: May
Breeding/Spawning Season: June
Breeding/Spawning Season: July
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: Grea
Dispersion: Clumped
REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 258
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species argentine, Atlantic
Species Id M010065
Date 27 AUG 96
References
258 * Scott, W.B., M.G. Scott. 1988. Atlantic Fishes of Canada.
Canadian Bulletin of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences (219) (ed.).
University of Toronto Press Toronto, Canada:731.
References - 1