Species Profiles: Life Histories and Environmental Requirements of Coastal Fishes and Invertebrates (North and Mid-Atlantic): Tautog and Cunner
Abstract
Species profiles are summaries of literature on the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal finfishes and shellfishes. They are designed to assist in environment impact assessment. Tautog (Tautoga onitis) and cunner (Tautogolabrus adspersus) are common coastally distributed species along the northeast U.S. Both species are active during the day and require shelter sites at night, when they are inactive. They also require overwintering shelter when torpid. Cunner are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of primarily benthic species; tautog feed primarily on mussels (Mytilus edulis). Tautog spawn from mid-May to mid-August and cunner from early May to late August. Longevity of cunner, the smaller of the two species, is 6 years and that of tautog, the larger species, is about 34 years. Due to their nocturnal and low-temperature inactivity, these species are unable to avoid short-term detrimental environmental disturbances. Since they undertake no long-distance migrations, they are key indicators of site-specific stress along the coast. (AW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214300
Entities
People
- Peter J. Auster
Organizations
- University of Connecticut