Seasonality of larger animals in a Texas turtle grass community.

Date

1963

Authors

Hoese, H.D.
Jones, R.S.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

A one-year study was made of macro-invertebrates and fishes in the grass flats of Redfish Bay, Texas, using a drop-net quadrat. The major invertebrate was Penaeus duorarum and the major fish Lagodon rhomboides. Poplulation levels of nearly all species suddenly increased to high levels and decreased as rapidly to former low levels. Heaviest populations occurred in spring (4.9 gm/m2 in May) with a secondary high in fall (3.5 gm/m2 in mid-September and October). Lowest populations occurred in summer (0.8 gm/m2 in mid-July to mid-August) and winter (0.46 gm/m2 in January). Total population densities were correlated best with water level, but summer and winter minimums coincided with many adverse factors. The fauna was similar to that of Florida west coast bays where the major habitat type is the same.

Description

p. 37-47.

Keywords

seasonality, aquatic plants, marine organisms, turtle grass, Thalassia testudinum, plant populations, aquatic communities, aquatic animals

Citation