The biology of the spot, Leiostomus xanthurus Lace�pède, and Atlantic croaker, Micropogon undulatus (Linnaeus), in two Gulf of Mexico nursery areas

Abstract

The distribution of spot and Atlantic croaker in the vicinity of Lake Borgne, Louisiana and Galveston Bay, Texas was determined in relation to temperature, salinity, and certain hydrographic features. Geographic variations in spawning, growth rates, distribution and food habits were evaluated. Length-weight relationships were compared between the two areas and, in Galveston Bay, condition of fish was studied in relation to size of fish, habitat, season, temperature, and salinity. Based on the appearance of postlarvae, the spawning period for spot was of short duration, extending from December through January in the vicinity of Lake Borgne, and from January through March off Galveston Bay. Growth of young-of-the-year differed in the two areas and within successive year classes in Galveston Bay. Young spot utilized these areas as nursery habitat from postlarvae through late juvenile stages and generally migrated back to the Gulf by August before reaching a total length of 80 mm. ...