Life History and Food Habits of the Grubby, Myoxocephalus aeneus (Cottidae), in a Cape Cod Estuary
Lazzari MA, Able KW, Fahay MP. 1989. Life History and Food Habits of the Grubby, Myoxocephalus aeneus (Cottidae), in a Cape Cod Estuary. Copeia. 1989(1):7-12
The grubby, Myoxocephalus aeneus, is a year round resident of Nauset Marsh, Cape Cod, where it occurs primarily in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds. Spawning occurs in winter. Some females may spawn during their first year. Larvae hatch in mid-winter and occur in plankton collections throughout the estuary in April, whereas juveniles first appear in summer collections. Based on lengths and age estimates from otoliths, juveniles grow to about 60-65 mm SL in the first year. Females grow to a larger maximum size than males. Myoxocephalus aeneus of all sizes feed primarily on crustaceans, particularly Crangon septemspinosa. Amphipods and isopods are more important in juveniles' diets whereas fishes are a minor component found only in adult stomachs.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Lazzari, M; Able, Kenneth; Fahay, M
- Units
- CACO
- Keywords
- (Myoxocephalus aeneus ), Animal Studies, Fish, Food, Growth, grubby, Life History, Nauset Marsh, Reproduction