Age and growth of spotted seatrout in the indian river lagoon, Florida

Abstract

Age and growth were estimated from scales and sectioned otoliths for 184 spotted seatrout {Cynoscion nebulosus) collected from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, between November 1986 and April 1988. Marginal increment measurements showed that a single annulus formed on scales and otoliths during March and April. The otolith method proved to be more reliable and was the preferred method for estimating growth in this study. The von Bertalanffy growth equation calculated using average back-calculated standard lengths at age class estimated by the otolith method seemed to accurately describe the growth of spotted seatrout in the Indian River Lagoon up to age class five. Back-calculated growth rates as estimated by the otolith method were similar to those estimated 30 years ago. Data indicated that average back-calculated standard length at age class estimated by the otolith method were accurate up age class four. Length at age class estimated by Florida Marine Research Institute did not agree with those estimated during this study. It was assumed that the differences were due to the two different methods used to derive these data. Due to this comparison, there existed the possibility that length at age were underestimated by the methods used in the present and past studies.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1990

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Snelson, Franklin F.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Biology

Format

PDF

Pages

110 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0027250

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Accessibility Status

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