Seasonal change in distribution of Conger eel Conger myriaster off the Pacific coast south of Tohoku, north-eastern Japan

摘要: :  Seasonal changes were analyzed in the distribution of conger eel Conger myriaster waters south Tohoku, Japan, from Sendai Bay to Joban coast, using catch per unit effort data trawl vessels, and relationship was examined between water temperature at 100 m depth, 1999 2000. Although distributed throughout study area, it rare north 37°40′N during February March both years. This scarcity corresponded occurrence colder than 10°C. Total length, age, gonad somatic index, condition factor not significantly different eels caught 37°30′N those 36°N. Therefore, seasonal change within area seems be a loop migration driven by avoidance cold water.