Striped blenny behavior and shelter use in a southeastern saltmarsh tidal creek
Presentation Abstract
Temperate estuaries are important habitats for resident species and maturing juvenile transient fishes. The North Inlet estuary, SC resident fish fauna includes the Striped Blenny (Chasmodes bosquianus), Freckled Blenny (Hypsoblennius ionthas), and Crested Blenny (Hypleurochilus geminatus). Individual male blennies occupy habitat shelters year-round. During breeding season, male blennies attract mates to nest and protect developing embryos within the nest. Salinity requirements establish blenny spatial distribution in the estuary. Seasonal spawning activity by these temperate blenny species is related to water temperature and seasonal productivity patterns. Coral reef blenny spawning is positively related to the lunar cycle. Blenny nest site occupancy patterns relative to the lunar cycle, water depth and salinity were quantified during 2020 and 2021 in North Inlet estuary, SC. Underwater time lapse cameras recorded diel blenny activity in and around nest sites from early April until July 2020 and 2021. Videos were analyzed to document resident blenny presence or absence, presence of female mates, and daily time of male nest site occupancy. Male blennies display high site fidelity, exhibit crepuscular activity patterns, and appear to be near or in the nest shelter during most daylight hours. Blenny activity decreased in the presence of large transient species including green sea turtles, sheepshead, and blue crabs. The influence of lunar cycle, water depth, and salinity on these metrics will be discussed.
Striped blenny behavior and shelter use in a southeastern saltmarsh tidal creek
Room 2 (BRTH 112)
Temperate estuaries are important habitats for resident species and maturing juvenile transient fishes. The North Inlet estuary, SC resident fish fauna includes the Striped Blenny (Chasmodes bosquianus), Freckled Blenny (Hypsoblennius ionthas), and Crested Blenny (Hypleurochilus geminatus). Individual male blennies occupy habitat shelters year-round. During breeding season, male blennies attract mates to nest and protect developing embryos within the nest. Salinity requirements establish blenny spatial distribution in the estuary. Seasonal spawning activity by these temperate blenny species is related to water temperature and seasonal productivity patterns. Coral reef blenny spawning is positively related to the lunar cycle. Blenny nest site occupancy patterns relative to the lunar cycle, water depth and salinity were quantified during 2020 and 2021 in North Inlet estuary, SC. Underwater time lapse cameras recorded diel blenny activity in and around nest sites from early April until July 2020 and 2021. Videos were analyzed to document resident blenny presence or absence, presence of female mates, and daily time of male nest site occupancy. Male blennies display high site fidelity, exhibit crepuscular activity patterns, and appear to be near or in the nest shelter during most daylight hours. Blenny activity decreased in the presence of large transient species including green sea turtles, sheepshead, and blue crabs. The influence of lunar cycle, water depth, and salinity on these metrics will be discussed.