Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico). Sand Sea Trout and Silver Sea Trout

摘要

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal aquatic species. They are designed to assist in environmental impact assessment. Sand seatrout are one of the most abundant fishes in the estuarine and nearshore areas of the Gulf of Mexico. Although silver seatrout are also abundant, little research has been conducted for this species. Sand seatrout spawn in lower estuarine environments or in nearshore gulf waters with two spawning; one in spring, and another in late summer. Silver seatrout follow a similar reproductive pattern. Sand seatrout are common in bays, sounds, and shallow offshore gulf water, while silver seatrout are more abundant in deeper waters. Both seatrout are important components in the industrial bottom fisheries; and seatrout also are a valuable recreational species. Shrimp and other crustaceans are most commonly eaten by small sand and silver seatrout, while larger fish shift to a more piscivorous diet. Small sand seatrout are usually found in waters with temperatures greater than 15 C and salinity values less than 15 ppt, while larger fish are found over a wider temperature range (5 to 30 C), and in salinities greater than 15 ppt. Silver seatrout generally prefer waters salinities greater than 25 ppt with temperatures ranging from 5 to 30 C.