Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico). SHEEPSHEAD.
Abstract
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 statements. The sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus, contributes moderately to the multi-million dollar commercial and sport fishery in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Commercial landings for 1982 were 558 t valued at $225,300; more than 1.8 million sheepshead were caught by anglers in 1979. Juveniles and adults move offshore as temperatures decline in fall. Spawning probably takes place in offshore waters during the spring. Larvae move inshore to grass flats in estuaries where they feed on soft plants and animals. Juveniles and adults live near structures on the bottom, such as pilings, or along the shore; they are omnivorous, but primarly eat mollusks and crustaceans. Sheepshead can tolerate wide ranges of temperatures and salinities. Little is known about the actual time of inshore and offshore movements, growth rate, age composition, role in tropic dynamics of estuaries, and age at maturity. Keywords: Estuaries; Fishes; Growth(Physiology); Habitat requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA180390
Entities
People
- Cecil A. Jennings