Observations on the biology of sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius) in Galveston and Trinity Bays, Texas.

Abstract

Sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius) is of commercial and recreational importance to the Gulf states. Spawning behavior, feeding habits, length-weight relationships and standard length-total length relationships were determined for 498. Sand seatrout distribution, gonadal development and the time young-of-the-year appeared in the estuaries indicated that this species spawns near Gulf-to-bay passes in the Gulf of Mexico between March and August with a spawning peak during spring. Fish and crustaceans dominated the diet of sand seatrout, crustaceans occurred more frequently in fish < 160 mm SL and fish predominated in those > 160 mm SL. The length-weight regressions derived from 267 sand seatrout 125-375 mm SL differed between sexes. The standard length-total length relationship was TL= 0.7 + 1.1 SL.