Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico). SOUTHERN FLOUNDER.
Abstract
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. Southern flounder is an estuarine dependent species and lives its entire life in or near estuaries. The southern flounder migrates out of the estuary into the Gulf of Mexico to spawn in October through Febuary. Larvae and juveniles usually live in estuarine areas, but some juveniles live in nearshore areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The species has a maximum age of 10 years. Southern flounders are caught commercially by shrimp trawlers and a few are caught by gigging. Commercial landings (1971-81) have ranged from 1,169,800 to 28,615 lb. There are no data on sport catches of the species. Population dynamics data on the species are weak. Larval and juvenile flounders eat invertebrates. Adults eat a variety of fish and shrimp. Adult southern flounder have been caught in water with temperatures of 5 to 35 C. The species has been caught in water at salinities of 0-36 ppt. Southern flounder prefer mud bottoms over other types. Keywords: Fishes; Feeding; Habitat requirements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA180391
Entities
People
- Roland E. Reagan Jr.
- William M. Wingo