Seasonal length-biomass relationships for juvenile Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus)
Presentation Type
Presentation
Full Name of Faculty Mentor
Juliana Harding, Marine Science
Major
Marine Science
Presentation Abstract
Intertidal estuaries are key nursery habitats for juvenile marine fish species. Post-larval spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) enter southeastern estuaries during late winter/early spring months as light and temperature are increasing. Juvenile spot have high fidelity for specific intertidal creek pools that provide protection from predators and access to food. Spot annual growth rates have been determined using length-frequencies but rarely have cohorts within the same year been analyzed for differences. Spot seasonal trends in standard length (mm), biomass (g dry tissue), and growth rates (mm/day) were quantified in Crabhaul Creek, North Inlet estuary, SC in relation to water temperature in 2021. Spot were collected approximately bi-weekly from January 2021 to December 2021 using seines or cast nets. Standard length (mm), total length (mm), and biomass (g dry weight) were measured for at least 20 individuals from each collection. Fish standard length demographics were evaluated using FiSAT II to determine the cohorts and an ANCOVA was used to determine differences in length-based growth rates between cohorts. Crabhaul Creek water temperature and salinity during 2021 ranged from 6 - 35 oC and 5 - 37 ppt, respectively. Spot standard lengths were 19 - 102 mm with corresponding biomass from 0.013 - 3.135 g. The results document seasonal trends in juvenile spot habitat use related to water temperature including when spot change from isometric to allometric growth. This could help us understand young of the year survival rates, as well as possible management strategies for related fisheries.
Start Date
11-4-2023 8:40 AM
End Date
11-4-2023 9:00 AM
Disciplines
Oceanography
Recommended Citation
Berrocal, Jacob, "Seasonal length-biomass relationships for juvenile Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus)" (2023). Undergraduate Research Competition. 9.
https://digitalcommons.coastal.edu/ugrc/2023/fullconference/9
Seasonal length-biomass relationships for juvenile Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus)
Intertidal estuaries are key nursery habitats for juvenile marine fish species. Post-larval spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) enter southeastern estuaries during late winter/early spring months as light and temperature are increasing. Juvenile spot have high fidelity for specific intertidal creek pools that provide protection from predators and access to food. Spot annual growth rates have been determined using length-frequencies but rarely have cohorts within the same year been analyzed for differences. Spot seasonal trends in standard length (mm), biomass (g dry tissue), and growth rates (mm/day) were quantified in Crabhaul Creek, North Inlet estuary, SC in relation to water temperature in 2021. Spot were collected approximately bi-weekly from January 2021 to December 2021 using seines or cast nets. Standard length (mm), total length (mm), and biomass (g dry weight) were measured for at least 20 individuals from each collection. Fish standard length demographics were evaluated using FiSAT II to determine the cohorts and an ANCOVA was used to determine differences in length-based growth rates between cohorts. Crabhaul Creek water temperature and salinity during 2021 ranged from 6 - 35 oC and 5 - 37 ppt, respectively. Spot standard lengths were 19 - 102 mm with corresponding biomass from 0.013 - 3.135 g. The results document seasonal trends in juvenile spot habitat use related to water temperature including when spot change from isometric to allometric growth. This could help us understand young of the year survival rates, as well as possible management strategies for related fisheries.