Juvenile Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) age and growth in two North Inlet, S.C. tidal creeks
Presentation Type
Presentation
Full Name of Faculty Mentor
Juliana Harding, Marine Science
Major
Marine Science
Presentation Abstract
Tidal creek geomorphology may influence demographics and growth rates of estuarine-dependent juvenile nekton. Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) was used as a model species to assess potential creek-specific differences in age-at-length and growth rates during 2022. Spot have high fidelity for specific tidal creeks during their first year as well as otoliths that include daily growth lines. Juvenile Spot were collected from two geomorphologically distinct tidal creeks in North Inlet estuary, S.C. during low tide on July 15, 2022. Spot standard length was measured when otoliths were dissected from each fish (n >20 for each creek). Lapilli were mounted on slides so that daily growth lines could be exposed by sanding. The resulting line counts were used to determine the age-at-length and corresponding growth rates for individuals. A coefficient of variation was calculated for each otolith, and only fish with coefficients of variation <2% were used for analysis. Comparisons of age demographics and growth rates between the two tidal creeks will be presented.
Start Date
12-4-2023 3:00 PM
End Date
12-4-2023 3:20 PM
Disciplines
Oceanography
Recommended Citation
Schroeder, Lea, "Juvenile Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) age and growth in two North Inlet, S.C. tidal creeks" (2023). Undergraduate Research Competition. 60.
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ugrc/2023/fullconference/60
Juvenile Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) age and growth in two North Inlet, S.C. tidal creeks
Tidal creek geomorphology may influence demographics and growth rates of estuarine-dependent juvenile nekton. Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) was used as a model species to assess potential creek-specific differences in age-at-length and growth rates during 2022. Spot have high fidelity for specific tidal creeks during their first year as well as otoliths that include daily growth lines. Juvenile Spot were collected from two geomorphologically distinct tidal creeks in North Inlet estuary, S.C. during low tide on July 15, 2022. Spot standard length was measured when otoliths were dissected from each fish (n >20 for each creek). Lapilli were mounted on slides so that daily growth lines could be exposed by sanding. The resulting line counts were used to determine the age-at-length and corresponding growth rates for individuals. A coefficient of variation was calculated for each otolith, and only fish with coefficients of variation <2% were used for analysis. Comparisons of age demographics and growth rates between the two tidal creeks will be presented.