Species profiles: life histories and environmental requirements (Gulf of Mexico) - spotted seatrout

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are prepared to assist in environmental impact assessment. The spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus, lives in estuaries or nearshore areas its entire life. Larvae and juveniles primarily live in vegetated parts of estuaries; adults school and occupy both estuaries and nearshore areas. Spawning occurs from February to October. Few spotted seatrout live over 5 years and females live longer than males. Commercial catches (1950-1977) in the Gulf of Mexico ranged from 1572-3374 mt; sport catch usually exceeds commercial harvest. Population dynamics data on the species are weak. Adults are opportunistic carnivores; primary foods are fish and shrimp. They have been collected in a temperature range of 5-35 degrees Celsius and a salinty range of 0.2-77 ppt.