Abundance and distribution of ichthyoplankton in Florida Bay and adjacent waters
Powell AB, Hoss DE, Hettler WF, Peters DS, Simoneaux L, Wagner S. 1987. Abundance and distribution of ichthyoplankton in Florida Bay and adjacent waters. Rept. SFRC-87/01. Everglades National Park, South Florida Research Center. Homestead, FL
An ichthyoplankton survey was carried out in Florida Bay (Everglades National Park), and adjacent waters that focused on the abundance and distribution of larvae of four target species--red drum (Sciaenops ocellata), snook (Centropomus undecimalis), gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulous). Twenty sampling stations were established--eight to document larval entry into Florida Bay and adjacent waters, and 12 within Florida Bay and adjacent waters--to provide insight into larval fish distribution and movement. Spotted seatrout was the only target species whose larvae were regularly collected. No snook, one red drum and 16 potential gray snapper were collected. Results indicated that seatrout spawn in intermediate to high salinity within western Florida Bay. Snapper larvae were found in the Atlantic Ocean, but not in park waters, while juveniles were found in both Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Data was provided on the distribution and abundance of non-gamefish within the study area; gobiid larvae dominated the catch. This report also presented information on the development and design of bongo plankton nets for use in shallow water. The device is portable, detachable and can be used in water as shallow as 1.5 m. Study Period: March 1984-September 1985, Study Type: Qualitative, quantitative; Gear Type: Bongo nets/333 um mesh; Number of Stations: 20; Number of Replicate/Station: 4; Temporal Frequency: Monthly; Habitat: Water column; Biological Component: Ichthyoplankton; Abiotic Parameters Measured: Salinity, temperature; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: Spotted seatrout, gobiid larvae.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Powell, A; Hoss, D; Hettler, William; Peters, D; Simoneaux, L; Wagner, S
- Date of Issue
- 1987
- Publisher
- Everglades National Park, South Florida Research Center
- Units
- EVER , WRD
- Keywords
- Clemson, Distribution, Ecology, Everglades National Park, Fish, FL, Florida Bay, Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus), Larvae, Movement (Animal), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus, snook (Centropomus undecimalis), Spotted Seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)