Species Profiles. Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (Mid-Atlantic). Spot
Abstract
Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) is an important species to recreational fishermen and to the commercial fishing industry. Landings in Virginia are reported to be nearly 2 million pounds annually and in North Carolina 3 to 7 million pounds. Spot are distributed throughout the Mid-Atlantic area and their larvae are found up to 63 nautical miles from land. The larvae are reported to metamorphose to the juvenile phase near estuarine inlets and the juveniles appear in estuaries from about mid-December to mid-April where they remain until September or October. The juveniles may constitute 80%-90% of the total number of fish present in tidal creeks and seagrass meadows. Growth rates (weight) of juvenile spot vary but are reported as 3% per day. Lengths of young-of-year were reported by various authors to be about 80-181 mm; age-1, 122-230 mm; age-2, 215-290 mm; and age-3, 275 mm. Relatively few spot are over 3 years old. Their diet includes benthic fauna which varies with location. Spot may be eaten by a variety of predators, including striped bass. Spot occur at temperatures ranging from 8-31 C and at saltinities of 0-66 ppt. They were shown to increase their oxygen consumption with weight, swimming speed and activity. They appear to be more efficient consumers of oxygen than some major estuarine species, such as the striped bass and white perch. Keywords: Fish; Growth physiology; Salinity; Temperature; Fisheries; Feeding habits; Life cycle; Oxygen; Leiostomus xanthurus; Spot; Habitat requirements; Reproduction physiology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210182
Entities
People
- D. P. Moran
- J. H. Kerby
- J. M. Phillips
- M. T. Huish
Organizations
- North Carolina State University