Notes on the Occurrence, Distribution, and Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes in the Indian River Lagoon System, Florida
Snelson FF and Williams-Hooper SE. 1981. Notes on the Occurrence, Distribution, and Biology of Elasmobranch Fishes in the Indian River Lagoon System, Florida. Estuaries. 4(2):110-120
This study documents the presence of fifteen species of elasmobranchs, eight sharks and seven rays, in the Indian River Lagoon System. Five of these appear to be year round residents while the others utilize the area only at restricted times of the year or as a nursery ground. Turtle nets were used to capture the collected elasmobranchs. The most abundant resident species are Dasyatis sayi (Bluntnose stingray), Dasyatis sabina (Atlantic stingray) and Carcharhinus leucas (bull shark). The distribution of ocean inlets and salinity appear to be major factors affecting the diversity and numbers of elasmobranchs in the Indian River System. Descriptions of all fifteen species are included with discussions on appearance, range, habit and the collected specimens from each species.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Snelson, Franklin; Williams-Hooper, Sherry
- Units
- CANA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Atlantic stingray ( Dasyatis sabina), Bluntnose stingray ( Dasyatis sayi), bull shark ( Carcharchinus leucas), elasmobranchs, Fish, Indian River Estuarine System, Mosquito Lagoon, Sharks, stingray