Charlotte Harbor Estuarine Studi!;S

CHARLOTTE HARBOR ESTUARINE STUDI!;S

•

DISTRIBUTION AND FLUCTUATIONS IN THE FISH FAUNA

OF THE CHARLOTTE HARBOR ESTUARY, FLORIDA

Johnson C. S. Wang Mote Marine Laboratory Sa rasota, Florida

Edwa rd C. Raney Corn ell University Ithaca, New York

950 I Blind Pass Road Sarasota, Florida 33581 DISTRIBUTION AND FLUCTUATIONS IN THE·fISH FAUNA OF THE CHARLOTTE HARBOR ESTUARY, FLORIDA

Sponsored by: The Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota and Placida, Florida

and

Cornell University Ithaca, New York

Principal Investigators: Wang, Johnson C. S., Ph.D. Raney, Edward C., Ph.D.

Editorial Assistance with manuscript: Moores, Donald D.

June, 1971 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors would like to acknowledge the support glVen throughout this study by Dr. Perry W. Gilbert, the Director, and Mr. William R. Mote, the President of the Mote Marine Laboratory.

Dr. Yoshie Dotsu, Mr. Martin Cole, Mr. John B. Heiser, Mr. Barry A. Smith, and Mr. Bruce A. Thompson assisted in the field collection.

Dr. Charles M. Breder, Jr. made numerous helpful suggestions and assisted with some of the identifications during the course of the study.

Miss Patricia Morrissey and Mrs. Katherine von Schmidt assisted in the preparation of this report.

These studies were financed in part by grants to the Mote Marine Laboratory from the National Science Foundation for support of the R/V RHINCODON, the Theodore R. and Grayce W. Bartels Foundation and the Bauer Scientific Trust.

II TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ...... 1 METHODS ...... 1 WATER CONDITIONS ...... 17 SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF FISHES ...... 20 DISCUSSION ...... 49 SUMMARY ...... 54 LITERATURE CITED ...... 54 APPENDIX A (check list of fishes) ...... A-1 APPENDIX B (length-frequency distribution tables) ...... B-1

III INTRODUCTION

Charlotte Harbor is located on the Gulf coast of Florida. It is one of the largest and perhaps the least contaminated of the estuarine complexes in the state of Florida. In the present survey, emphasis has been placed on the small fish fauna of this estuary. Small estuarine fishes playa very important role in supplying a future stock of adults of their own species and as the food of other species. It can be safely predicted that conditions which adversely affect these small fishes will do considerable damage to Florida's commercial and sport-fishing industries.

The fish fauna of Charlotte Harbor was studied by Storey and Gudger (1936) and Storey (1937) in th,e area of Sanibal Island, and by Dr. Charles M. Breder, Jr. during 1939-1942 when he was in charge of operations at the Palmetto Key Laboratory. Gunter and Hall (1965) made an ecological survey of the Caloosahatchee estuary. Springer (1960) made two collections of the fishes of the Caloosahatchee estuary in 1958 and 1959.

Tampa Bay, 60 miles north of Charlotte Harbor, is another of the largest estuaries in Florida. Springer and Woodburn (1960) made a survey of the fishes of that estuary. The most recent reference available is the comparative study by Finucane (1965) between Charlotte Harbor-Pine Island Sound and Tampa Bay-Boca Ciega Bay.

Methods Approximately 120,000 acres of Charlotte Harbor and contiguous waters were covered in this study. The total study includes 131 daytime collecting trips, 1169 trawl efforts, 32 seine hauls, 33 dipnet samples and 104 water samples.

For the majority fo the samples, a 16-foot semi-balloon trawl with l/2-inch mesh and a 1/4-inch mesh liner for the codend was used. Two seines, a 4 x 50 foot bag seine and a 4 x 25 foot bag seine, both with 1/4-inch mesh, were occasionally used, primarily during the reconnaissance stage.

The R/V RHINCOOON, a 33-foot diesel-powered vessel, was used in trawling operations.

Water samples were taken at all stations and were returned to the laboratory for salinity determinations. Temperatures were measured at each station.

All fishes collected were preserved initially in 10% formalin and subsequently transferred to 40% isopropyl alcohol.

Measurements were made using both calipers and a measuring board. Standard length in millimeters was used except where noted in the text.

Common names of fishes are those suggested by the American Fisheries Society (Bailey, et ai., 1970), and the order in which the species are listed also follows the arrangement suggested in that publication.

The species discussed in the Systematic Account section are those collected during this study alone. The check list of fishes at the end of this report includes those taken from the Charlotte Harbor area by other investigators and those on deposit in the Mote Marine Laboratory fish collection which were taken from this area. Limitations Because of the mesh size of our collecting gear and the speed at which the trawl could be pulled by the boat, the size range sampled was primarily limited to small or young fishes. In addition, specimens smaller than 20 mm were rarely taken. As a result, only a portion of the life histories could be followed.

Fishes inhabiting rocky areas or other habitats where nets could not be used were not sampled. Fast-swimming fishes such as mullets, and large fishes such as sharks occur in the estuary but were not collected. Reconnaissance Stage Before a regular sampling program was established, an extensive reconnaissance survey was made, beginning on February 12,1968. During that month, seine surveys were made at Devilfish Key in Gasparilla Sound, and at Bird Key in Placida Harbor. On February 26, trawl collections were made at Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, lower Charlotte Harbor, upper Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River at Punta Gorda. In all, 54 trawling efforts were made, with an average catch of 61 specimens per trawl.

In March, surveys were made at Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay, Matlacha Pass, Bull Bay, Turtle Bay, the junction of the Myakka and Peace Rivers, and the Gulf coast of Gasparilla Island. In all, 159 trawling effects were made. In excess of 19,000 specimens were taken, and over two-thirds of those were anchovies, primarily Anchoa mitchilli.

During April, trawling continue~ at most of the above stations with the exception of Pine Island Sound. An extensive survey was made of Lemon Bay, and a one-day collecting trip was made at the Caloosahatchee River on April 10. Five trawl efforts were made in the river between Cattle Dock Point and Beautiful Island. The species compositions of Lemon Bay north of Englewood Bridge and the Caloosahatchee River are so similar to that of the Peace River that sampling in those two areas was discontinued. Gunter and Hall (1965) may be referred to for a detailed account of the fishes in the Caloosahatchee. In all, 178 trawling efforts were made during April, and of more than 27,339 specimens taken, more than 12,881 were anchovies.

During May, uniform trawling efforts were made at the stations which were selected for the random sampling stage (which see), and in the Gulf of Mexico between Stump Pass and Gasparilla Pass. Samples from the Gulf were very small and trawling there was discontinued. In all, 94 trawling efforts were made during May. Over 5,972 anchovies and 5,263 others were caught. Random Sampling Stage From June, 1968 to May, 1969, uniform trawling efforts were made at each of the trawling stations described below. A total of 33 fish collecting stations and 5 water sampling stations were selected (Fig. 1.). Refer to U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey charts no. 1255 and 857-SC for more detailed examinations of the station locations.

Station No. 1. The Cutoff. Lat. 26°52'00'N. Long 82°18'35"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

This station lies in the Intracoastal Waterway, between Lemon Bay and Placida Harbor. The bottom is composed of silt-sand. The water is usually dark green. The average depth of trawling was 10 feet. Collections were always poor at this station.

-2- CHARLOTTE HARBOR

STATION LOCATIONS

NAUTICAL MI LES

-i

&~~ .t!i~ ~ O~ ~. f) tf ".. ~ C.~tIY. Pa.. ,18 -.;...- ~C> ~

'"?C>

Redtl,h Po.. 20 \\.

Captiva Island

82'-20'W 8Z'OO'W

Fig. I. Sampling stations in

Charlotte Harbor and adja-

cent waters.

-3- N I Stump

GULF

MEXICO

Gasparilla Sound

F iQ. 2. Sampl inQ stations in Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor and

Gasparilla Sound.

-4- Station No.2. South Lemon Bay. Lat. 26°53' 50"N. Long 82°19'35"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

The main current from Stump Pass has a direct influence on this station. The bottom is vegetated with algae, the species varying seasonally. The water is usually blue to green. The average depth of trawling was 7 feet. A greater species diversity was encountered here than at any other station.

Station No.3. Stump Pass. Lat. 26°53'55"N. Long. 82°20'30"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

Water samples only were taken at this station.

Station No.4. Peterson Island Lat. 26°55'10"N. Long. 82°21'25"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

This station lies in Stump Pass Channel between Peterson Island and Englewood Beach at the extreme south end of Manasota Key. There is a residential area on the west side of the channel. Brackish water discharged from several large creeks into Lemon Bay meets higher salinity water from Stump Pass in this area. The bottom is vegetated by algae.

The greatest number of fishes was collected from this station. Belted sandfish (Serranellus subligarius) and spotted scorpionfish (Scorpaena plumieri) occurred at this station but were rare elsewhere.

Station No.5. Englewood Bridge. Lat. 26°56'00"N. Long. 82°21'05"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

Water samples only were taken at this station. The water was usually dark greenish or brownish.

Station No.6. Placida Harbor. Lat. 26°50'00"N. Long. 82°16'30"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

This station lies at the entrance of the Intracoastal Waterway into Charlotte Harbor. The bottom was silt-sand. The average depth of trawling was 10 feet. Fish were abundant at this station. The most common species were pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides) and silver jenny (Eucinostomous gula).

Station No.7. North Gasparilla Sound. Lat. 26°48'30"N. Long. 82°15'30"W. (Figs. 1 & 2)

The bottom at this station was silt-sand with grassbeds (mostly Syringodium) in the adjacent areas. Some areas are densely populated with sponges and other invertrbrates. The average depth of trawling was 8 feet. The water was usually blue to green. Pinfish, silver jenny, pigfish (Orthopristis chrysopterus) and sand sea trout (Cynoscion arenarius) were common.

-5- Station No.8. Sandfly Key and Devilfish-Key. Lat. 26°46'40"N. Long. 82°14'40"W. (Figs. 1 & 3) The bottom in the channel at this station is composed of silt-sand, with grass beds in adjacent areas. The water was usually blue-green to dark green. The most abundant collection was made at this station on November 4, 1968. More than 2,900 pinfish and 2,000 sand sea trout were taken in a single 10-minute trawl.

Station No.9. Jack Point, Boca Grande. Lat. 26°46'00"N. Long. 82°15'00"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

Trawling at this station was done between Three Sisters Key and Jack Point on Gasparilla Island. This area was dredged out to provide fill for the Boca Grande Golf Course. The depth of trawling varied from 5 to 20 feet. The water was usually dark green. Fishing was generally poor at this station.

Tarpon (Megalops atlantica) were abundant in this area during May and June. A young bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo) was caught here on September 3, 1968.

Station No. 10. South edge of Devilfish Key. Lat. 26°46'05"N. Long. 82°14'25"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

The bottom in this area was gras~y, primarily Thalassia testudinium. The average depth of trawling was 5 feet. Young fishes (pinfish, grunts, mojarras, and several species of sciaenid fishes) were very common in this area. Slow-swimming forms such as filefishes, puffers and pipe fishes were also common.

Station No. 11. Bull Bay. Lat. 26°46'30"N. Long. 82°12'30"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

This area is virtually landlocked by small islands with few shallow channels connecting adjacent waters. The bottom is vegetated with algae. The average depth of trawling was 4 feet. Mostly young fishes were caught at this station.

Station No. 12. Turtle Bay. Lat. 26°46'45"N. Long. 82°10'10"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

This area is partly blocked off from Charlotte Harbor by a long sandbar and several small islands, so that it receives mainly low salinity water from upper Charlotte Harbor during the outgoing tides. Mostly young fish were caught at this station.

Station No. 13. Red 4-second flasher. Lat. 26°44'30"N. Long. 82°1O'00"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

This station is in the center of the main channel of Charlotte Harbor. The bottom is composed primarily of dead shell. The average depth of trawling was 12 feet. The water is blue-green at high tides and dark green at low tides. Fishing was generally poor at this station. The most common species were sand perch (Diplectrum formosum), spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) and inshore lizard fish (Synodus foetans).

-6- Station No. 14. Bokeelia. Lat. 26°42'4S"N. Long. 82°10'10"W. (Figs 1 & 3)

This area is sheltered on the northeast by Jug Creek Shoal and by a sandbar on the north. Both are about a mile north of the Bokeelia coastline. The bottom is vegetated by grass beds (Syringodium and Thalassia) and algae. The water is usually dark green. The fish fauna resembles that of the south edge of Devilfish Key. However, slippery dick (Halichoeres bivatattus) were much more abundant at this station.

Station No. 15. Boca Grande Pass. Lat. 26°43'IS"N. Long. 82°14'SO"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

This is the largest pass into Charlotte Harbor. Large quantities of water flow through the relatively narrow and deep channel between Gasparilla and Lacosta Islands. Water samples only were taken at this station.

Station No. 16. Pelican Bay. Lat. 26°41'30"N. Long. 82°14'4S"W. (Figs. 1 & 3)

This station lies between Lacosta Island and Pt.· Blanco. The bottom is densely vegetated with algae (Gracilaria sp. and others). The water is usually dark green. The average depth of trawling was 4 feet. Florida blennies (Chasmodes saburrae) and marbled blennies (Paraclinus marmoratus) occurred only here and at Bull Bay.

Station No. 17. Useppa Island and Cabbage Key. Lat. 26°39'IS"N. Long. 82°13'10"W. (Figs. 1 & 4)

This station lies in the Intracoastal Waterway between Cabbage Key and Useppa Island. It lies more under the influence of currents in Captiva Pass than from Boca Grande Pass. The water is dark green, the bottom composed of dead shell. The average depth of trawling was 8 feet. Collections were more abundant here than at other Pine Island stations, which were generally rather limited.

Station No. 18. Captiva Pass. Lat. 26°36'40"N. Long. 82°12'SO"W. (Figs 1 &4)

The water at this station is always blue-green and of rather high salinity. It is the clearest water in Charlotte Harbor. The bottom is composed of dead shell. The average depth of trawling was 8 feet. Collecting was always poor. Batfish (Ogcocephalus radiatus) and sand perch (Diplectrum formosum) were caught here occasionally.

Station No. 19. Demere Key. Lat. 26°34'40"N. Long. 82°90'IS"W. (Figs. 1 & 4)

This station is located in the center of Pine Island Sound. The bottom is vegetated by algae and grass beds. The water is usually green. The average depth of trawling was 7 feet. Pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), pigfish (Orthopristis chrysopterus) and scaled sardine (Harengula pensacolae) were common here.

-7- GASPARILLA

SOUND

Bay 8 12 N 6; 10

CHARLOTTE 13

HARBOR

Bokeelia Island

~ . Useppa Island

FiQ.3. Sampling stations in Lower Charlotte Harbor.

-8- . (!? ..... ·(u •• ppa ~17 1-°JlOland cabbage(:""\ ...-.., Key ...; ...... ( :...... •.... i

{", : . . . .. Captiva Pas. 18 ~\ \ o ....

Redfish N I

Fig.4. Sampling stations in Pine Island Sound.

-9- Station No. 20. Redfish Pass. Lat. 26°33'10"N. Long. 82°11'00"W. (Figs. 1 & 4)

Trawling was done one-half mile inside the narrow pass. The bottom is composed of dead shell and silt. The water is blue-green. The average depth of trawling was 10 feet. Pinfish, pigfish and silver jenny (Eucinostomous gula) were common here.

Station No. 21. Chino Island. Lat. 26°29'55"N. Long. 82°09'00"W. (Figs. 1 & 5)

This station is located in the Intracoastal Waterway west of Chino Island. The bottom is silt-sand. The water is usually yellow-green. The average depth of trawling was 10 feet. Fishing was generally poor. The striped anchovy (Anchoa Hepsetus) and bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus) were common here.

Station No. 22. St. James City. Lat. 26°28'30"N. Long. 82°05'00"W. (Figs. 1 & 5)

This station is located in the Intracoastal Waterway south of James City. The bottom is silt-sand; the water is green. The average depth of trawling was 11 feet. Collections were generally good at this station.

Station No. 23. San Carlos Bay. Lat. 26°28'50"N. Long. 82°02'20"W. (Figs. 1 & 5)

Water samples only were taken at this station.

Station No. 24. Merwin Key. Lat. 26°30'55"N. Long. 82°03'45"W. (Figs. 1 & 5)

This station lies at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. The bottom is composed of oyster reefs and algae. The water is usually dark green. The average depth of trawling was 8 feet. Spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber) were common here.

Station No. 25. Indian Field. Lat. 26°39'35"N. Long. 82°05'30"W. (Figs. 1&6)

This station is located north of Little Pine Island. The bottom is vegetated with algae. The water is usually dark green. The average depth of trawling was 7 feet. Pinfish, silver perch (Bairdiella chrysura) and Gulf toadfish (Opsanus beta) were common here.

Station No. 26. East of Bokeelia. Lat. 26°42'15"N. Long. 82°06'45"W. (Figs. 1 & 6)

The bottom at this station is silt-sand. The water is usually dark green. The average depth of trawling was 8 feet. Collections were generally poor here. .

-10- Station No. 27. Southeast of Cape Haze. Lat. 28°45'30"N. Long. 82°06'45"W. (Figs. 1 & 6)

This station is located in the vicinity of the white flasher in the center of Charlotte Harbor. The bottom is composed of silt-sand. The water is usually dark green. The average depth of trawling was 12 feet. Collections were generally poor from this area.

Station No. 28. Northeast of Cape Haze. Lat. 26°48'30"N. Long. 82°08'15"W. (Figs. 1 & 7)

Water samples only were taken from this station.

Station No. 29. West of Redfish Key. Lat. 26°48'30"N. Long. 82°05'15"W. (Figs. 1 & 7)

This station is located near a fish meal plant on the east shore of Charlotte Harbor. The bottom is sandy with patches of algae. The water is dark green. The average depth of trawling was 10 feet. Collections were usually very poor from this area. Pinfish were occasionally found here during winter and spring; carangid fishes were collected during the summer.

Station No. 30. Myakka River Marker No.9. Lat. 26°54'25"N. Long. 82°09'30"W. (Figs. 1 & 7)

The bottom at this station is silt-sand. The water is black or dark brown. The average depth of trawling was 15 feet. The fish fauna varied considerably with the seasons. Bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli) and bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus) were common.

Station No. 31. EI Jobean. Lat. 26°57'30"N. Long. 82°12'30"W. (Fig. 1)

This station was located in the Myakka River east of the Florida Highway No. 776 bridge. The bottom is vegetated with algae. The water is black or dark brown. The average depth of trawling was 14 feet. Collections were good here. Common species were bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli), silver perch (Bairdiella chrysura), sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius) and spadefish (Chaetodipterus faber).

Station No. 32. West of Punta Gorda. Lat. 26°54'00"N. Long. 82°07'45"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

This station is located near the black flasher at the mouth of Peace River. The bottom is composed of silt-sand. The water is black or dark brown. The average depth of trawling was 14 feet. The fauna is comparable to that of the Myakka River mouth.

-11- CHARLOTTE

27 ,, . ,: .: o FI 4 Sec 26 ft. , ' .; ': ~: HARBOR + ',:

.- .. :::::::

I;.: ...... ". I Bokeel ia Is. 26

PINE

ISLAND

Fig. 6. Sampling stations in middle Charlotte Harbor.

-13- R "vER

Pun ta Gorda

32 o I 30 FI4 Sec 22 ft.

.' ...... CHARLOTTE '.;: .. : ..... ,...... : .' .- .. ..- '.: .':

". HARBOR ".

\'u

[},.

28 29 Cape Haze

Fig.7. Sampling stations in upper Charlotte Harbor.

-14- 38,-__~~_

Liverpool Island

Overhead power cabl ..----'f'~

Long

35 HOQ 1~-----"j It \ 'I E It Island /. Eo ~ C Eo \ 34 ~ 33) 26°55'OO"N (~~UNTA GO R DA

32 \

CHARLOTTE ... HARBOR

Fig.8. Sampling sta tions in Peace River and upper Charlotte Harbor.

-15- Station No. 33. Punta Gorda, Gulf Marina. Lat. 26°56'10"N. Long. 82°04'20"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

The bottom at this station is composed of silt-sand with patches of algae. The water is black or dark brown. The average depth of trawling was 12 feet. Bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli), silver perch (Bairdiella chrysura), sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius), bumper (Chloroscombrus chrysurus), and Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus) are common at this area. This station is highly productive.

Station No. 34. North of Punta Gorda Bridge. Lat. 26°56'50"N. Long. 82°03'20"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

The bottom at this station is silt-sand. The water is da~k brown. The average depth of trawling was 6 feet. Bay anchovies, silver perch, sand seatrout, and hogchoker (Trinectes maculatus) were common.

Station No. 35. Long Island. Lat. 26°57'50"N. Long. 81°59'45"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

This station is located at the junction of Peace River and Shell Creek. The bottom is composed of mud; the water is dark brown. Salinity is never higher than 10 p. p. t. The average depth of trawling was 8 feet. Bay anchovies (Anchoa mitchilli), silver perch, sand seatrout, hogchokers and Florida gar (Lepisosteus platyrhincus) were common species.

Station No. 36. Power line crossing. Lat. 27°00'00"N. Long. 81°59'25"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

The point is normally the seaward extent of fresh water at low tide. The bottom is muddy; the water is brown. The trawling depth varied considerably from 5 to 17 feet. Small bay anchovies, hogchokers, sea catfish (Galeichthys felis) and striped mojarra (Diapterus plumieri) were common species at this station.

Station No. 37. Liverpool Island. Lat. 27°02'15"N. Long. 81°59'25"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

This point is normally the extent of salt water at high tide. The bottom is composed of mud and silt;' the water is brown. The average depth of trawling was 6 feet. Small bay anchovies and hogchokers were common species at this station.

Station No. 38. Lettuce Lake Cutoff. Lat. 27°03'40"N. Long. 82°00'00"W. (Figs. 1 & 8)

This is a freshwater station. The bottom is silt-sand; the water is brown. The average trawling depth was 6 feet. Young bay anchovies and hogchokers were common at this station.

-16- WATER CONDITIONS

Myakka and Peace Rivers discharge a large quantity of fresh water into Charlotte Harbor, especially during the summer and fall rainy season. A detailed study of the salinity and temperature profiles of the estuary has been made by Alberts, et al. (1970).

Eleven stations have been selected to demonstrate the effect of dilution from these sources down the long axis of the estuary (Table 1 and Fig. 1). The high salinities at Boca Grande Pass occurred during June, 1968 and January-May, 1969; the lows at that point occurred during July-September, 1968. The first decline in salinity began in the latter part of June, 1968, when Hurricane Abby, passing the Punta Gorda area, was followed by continuous rainfall. Fresh water was recorded as far as Cape Haze. Completely fresh water was recorded at the mouths of the Myakka and Peace Rivers. During the rainy season (August-November, 1968), fresh water was recorded between Stations 35 and 36 in the Peace River. Fresh water retreated back to station 37 (Liverpool Island) during December, 1968-March, 1969. In April, 1969, data were unavailable from upper Charlotte Harbor and Peace River due to engine trouble in the research vessel. The farthest upstream salt water was recorded was at station 37 in May, 1969.

Seventeen stations in the Intracoastal Waterway at or near the passes were selected to demonstrate the patterns of fresh water flow out of the estuary. (Table 2 and Fig. 1). Seasonal variation at these stations is minor except during July and August, 1968. Salinity is generally above 30 p. p. t. at all stations. The highest average salinity was 33.9 p. p. t. recorded at station 2 (Stump Pass); the second highest (32.8 p. p. t.) was recorded at Captiva Pass in Pine Island Sound (station 18). The lowest average salinity was 25.0 p. p. t. at San Carlos Bay (station 23). Since there are no rivers in the vicinity of Captiva Pass, one might have expected the highest salinities to occur at that station. At Stump Pass in North Lemon Bay, there are several large creeks. It is reasonable to believe that current flows generally northward in the Intracoastal Waterway. Salinity at Englewood Bridge (station 5) is always lower than that at Stump Pass. This situation was also noted during the reconnaissance stages at the north end of Lemon Bay.

Salinities at the Cutoff (station 1) were lower than those in Lemon Bay during the summer of 1968, but were no different at other seasons. Generally, salinity is very stable at South Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound (stations 6, 7 & 8) but not at the Jack Point station (station 9) which is more influenced by currents from Charlotte Harbor.

In Pine Island Sound, high salinity was recorded at Captiva Pass, as mentioned before, and gradually decreased toward the south. Bokeelia and Pelican Bay stations (stations 14 and 16) appear to be relatively sheltered from the main current. During the summer months of 1968, Pelican Bay had higher salinities than the Jack Point station even though their positions are similar relative to the main channel. During the remaining months, this situation was reversed.

Useppa Island-Cabbage Key (station 17) appears to be mainly influenced by Captiva Pass. Again, as in North Lemon Bay, the currents in Pine Island Sound are generally northward. The Demere Key station (station 19) is influenced by both Captiva Pass and Redfish Pass. Salinity at Chino Island (station 21) is generally lower, however, and is more under the influence of the Caloosahatchee River. Salinities recorded at St. James City (station 22) are quite similar to those at Chino Island. The lowest salinities at both stations were recorded in July, 1968 (16.3 p. p. t. and 16.9 p. p. t.).

-17- Table

Seasonal variations in salinities (0100) from Charlotte Harbor, Florida. (June, 1968 - May, 1969)

Station Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nav Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

38 o o o o o o o o o o o 37 o o o o o o o o o o· 4.5 36 o o o o o o 1.1 3.2 1.6 2.4 5.4

35 4.5 o o 2.9 2.4 1.5 4.6 9.9 7.2 3.7 6.3 34 6.2 o 2.2 7.4 5.1 10.6 13.2 15.6 15.4 14.2 19.0 8.9 o 7.3 11.6 8.0 14.0 13.9 19.9 19.7 11.6 21.6

32 17.7 3.4 9.2 14.6 17.5 20.1 21.1 28.6 23.0 16.6 23.7

29 26.1 11.7 19.0 13.6 22.4 24.7 24.8 24.4 29.4 19.3 22.2 28.2

27 31.6 13.0 19.5 20.4 24.2 24.5 26.6 32.8 30.9 20.6 23.5 30.8

13 35.5 10.8 26.1 18.4 28.0 25.7 26.5 30.1 31.4 28.5 3\.5 36.2

15 35.7 16.5 29.4 19.5 32.0 32.6 30.9 35.2 34.1 30.8 34.8 36.2

Table 2

Seasonal variations in salinities ("/00) from stations in the intracoastal waterway from Lemon Ba y to San Carlos Bay, Florida. (June, 1968- May, 1969)

Apr May Station Jun Jul------.------Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 5 34.0 25.9 28.9 22.8 29.9 30.6 29.2 31.3 32.3 31.5 32.8 33.6

4 32.3 27.2 31.6 25.7 30.8 33.3 31.9 32.4 32.8 31.5 35.1 32.3

3 34.9 30.7 33.1 33.8 34.3 34.0 32.4 34.4 34.2 32.1 36.4 36.2

2 31.2 25.8 28.8 30.4 34.8 33.3 31.9 33.1 33.6 32.1 34.2 35.3

29.5 23.0, 29.7 28.2 32.9 33.3 31.9 33.0 33.4 32.1 34.2 35.3

6 36.6 26.1 30.9 30.6 34.1 32.7 31.0 32.6 33.7 29.5 35.5 34.9

7 37.9 22.6 24.0 33.1 34.8 35.5 30.5 32.6 33.6 31.5 35.5 38.9

8 33.3 I 7.4 23.3 31.2 34.8 28.8 30.2 32.6 33.5 30.4 35.5 34.9

9 32.9 12.0 22.4 24.3 28.9 28.8 26.0 30.3 34.2 27.6 35.1 37.2

16 27.3 22.0 28.0 27.7 29.3 29.9 30.5 33.3 32.7 25.4 33.8 32.3

17 31.2 25.8 29.3 29.0 30.1 31.2 31.8 33.2 33.4 26.7 34,2 34.9

18 34.0 29.0 30.9 33.2 31.8 31.1 30.5 34.6 33.3 33.2 35.1 36.2

19 34.0 2 I .5 26.9 30.8 29.9 29.9 29,8 30.7 32.8 29.3 33.8 34.9

20 29.9 21.7 29.4 35.1 33.6 30.7 31.3 33.0 33.6 33.2 32.8 34.9

21 22.2 16.3 22.1 25,6 30.3 28.8 31.1 32.9 32.3 28.0 27.5 32.7

22 22.2 16.9 22.1 26.9 29.7 29.3 30.0 31.6 32.0 25.6 28.9 32.7

23 16.9 lUi 21.5 28.1 27.6 24.8 28.0 30.0 31.0 17.4 30.2 32.7

-18- At San Carlos Bay (station 23) a water sample station was set up north of 'B' Bridge of Florida State Highway No. 867. The yearly average salinity (24.9 p. p. t.) was lower than that at Boca Grande Pass (30.6 p. p. t.). This is due to the influence of fresh water from the Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass.

Temperature Air and water temperatures were recorded at all 38 collecting· stations during this survey (Fig. 1). Monthly average temperatures from all stations are shown in Table 3.

The difference between air and water temperature is very minor. Water temperature is slightly higher than air from June to November, 1968, and slightly lower from December, 1968 to May, 1969. The depth in most of Charlotte Harbor is less than 10 feet. Water temperature was observed to require less than 48 hours to adjust to a change in air temperature. Storey (1937) and Storey and Gudger (1936) reported a fish kill at Sanibel Island caused by a cold front invasion. No such events occurred during this study.

Table 3

Averaoe manthly air and water temperatures (in °Cl from Charlotte H ar bor and adjacent waters, June,1968 to May,1969.

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Air Tempera ture 28.4 29.8 29.6 28.4 25.5 20.0 20.5 18.7 17.5 19.3 25.2 28.1

Water Temperature 29.1 30.9 31.0 29.5 25.8 20.8 18.1 17.8 17.3 20.2 24.4 27.4

-19- SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF FISHES

Branchiostomidae Branchiostoma caribeaum Sundevall Lancelet

Five specimens 54-59 mm. total length were collected by trawl at Boca Grande Pass and Matlacha Pass in March, 1968. Salinities were 35.1 and 35.4 p: p. t. and temperatures were 18.5 and 20.5"C.

Sphyrnidae Sphyrna tiburo (Linnaeus) Bonnethead

Four specimens were taken by trawl at the Sandfly-Devilfish Key, Jack Point and Redfish Key stations (8, 9 and 29) in September and October, 1968. All were young, two males and two females. Salinities were 19.5 p. p. t. at the former two stations and 35.5 p. p. t. at the latter; temperatures were 25.0°C at the former and 31.0"C at the latter.

Rhinobatidae Rhinobatus lentiginosus (Garman) Atlantic guitarfish

A single specimen was caught at Captiva Pass (station 18) on October 30, 1968. This fish has often been caught by commercial fishermen who use gill nets to catch mullet in the bay as well as in the coastline of the Gulf.

Dasyatidae Dasyatis americana Hildebrand and Schroeder Southern stingray

Several specimens were taken by trawl at Stump Pass and Gasparilla Pass in April and May 1968, during the reconnaissance stage. Because of the rough character of the bottom in these areas, the net was torn several times. Therefore no trawling was done at these stations during the random samp.le stage. Only 5 specimens were caught at Peterson Island (station 4) and Pelican Bay (station 16) in the summer and fall of 1968.

Dasyatis sabina (Lesueur) Atlantic stingray

Twelve specimens were taken from Stump Pass up to the mouth of Peace River. This species has been recorded in fresh water (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1953). A young specimen was caught at Pelican Bay on September 25, 1968. Salinity and temperature at that station were 27.3 p. p. t. and 28.0°C.

Dasyatis sayi (Lesueur) Bluntnose stingray

Four specimens were taken in a similar range and season as D. americana. This species has not been recorded in fresh water according to Bigelow and Schroeder (1953).

-20- Gymnura micrura (Bloch and Schneider) Smooth butterfly ray

Several specimens were taken by trawl from Lemon Bay to Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass and Bull Bay. None was found in the open waters of Charlotte Harbor. During the reconnaissance stage, extensive trawling was done in Gasparilla Sound. This species was common near the bridges to Gasparilla Island during that time.

Myliobatidae Rhinoptera bonasus (Mitchill) Cownose ray

This species was seen quite often in the summer and fall of 1968 in the upper Charlotte Harbor area. Two specimens were taken by trawl at El Jobean (station 31) on May 15, 1969. Salinity and temperature were 18.6 p. p. t. and 28.9°C.

This species is often found in large schools. The first massive aggregation during this study was observed on a shallow sandbar at Gasparilla Pass on October 30, 1968. The school was found to be feeding on Macrocallista nimbosa (determined by stomach analyses). Dr. Y. Dotsu, visiting professor from Nagasaki University, Japan, estimated the population to be in excess of 500 in a 50 square meter area. Salinity and temperature at the pass were 33.2 p. p. t. and 21.5°C. This aggregation remained some 30 minutes and gradually dispersed into the deeper waters of the Gulf. The same behavior in smaller groups was also observed on several occasions in November, 1968.

Lepisosteidae Lepisosteus platyrhincus DeKay Florida gar

This is a very common species of fish found in fresh and brackish waters in this area. Twenty-six specimens were taken by trawl during this survey at Peace and Myakka River stations. Sizes of specimens ranged from 320 mm. to 1,170 mm. standard length. They were caught most often from Long Island station (station 35). One specimen was caught at station 27, southeast of Cape Haze, on November 20, 1968. Salinity and temperature were 24.3 p. p. t. and 19.0°C.

Elopidae Elops saurus Linnaeus Ladyfish

A fast-moving fish, it is believed to be very abundant in this area, expecially in bayous . and canals as observed from sportfishermen's catches. However, only 3 specimens were taken by trawl in this study. All came from Peace River in July, August and November, 1968. Sizes were 85 mm. to 240 mm. standard length. Leptocephalus larvae of this species were found at Peace River and North Lemon Bay in March and April, 1968.

Clupeidae Brevoortia smithi Hildebrand Yellowfin shad (Appendix B, Table 10) Only 16 specimens were taken by trawl in this study, most of them from Pine Island Sound. This species was taken at the Caloosahatchee River and North Lemon Bay during the

-21- reconnaissance stage. A single specimen, 42 mm. standard length, was taken by trawl at the north end of Lemon Bay on February 10, 1968. Salinity and temperature were 27.2 p. p. t. and 17.0°C respectively. Numerous small specimens (approximately 30 mm. standard length) were taken at the Gasparilla Fishery dock at Placida in the spring and summer of 1968.

Dorosoma pretenense (Gunther) Threadfin shad (Appendix B, Table 11)

Generally, this species is less common than Harengula pensacolae, but it has a similar distribution. Most of the specimens were taken from the mouths of Myakka and Peace Rivers, and from the southern end of Pine Island Sound. Both these areas have relatively low salinities. On July 30, 1968, 156 specimens were taken during a 10-minute trawl at St. James City (station 22). Salinity and temperature were 19.3 p. p. t. and 32.2°C respectively. On May 15, 1969, 27 specimens were taken from station 30 at the mouth of Myakka River. Salinity and temperature were 22.2 p. p. t. and 29.0°C.

Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur) Atlantic threadherring (Appendix B, Table 12)

This species has a similar distribution to that of Dorosoma pretenense in the area studied, but is much less abundant. Twenty-seven were taken by trawl at station 33 in Punta Gorda on December 17, 1968. Salinity and temperature were 14.9 p. p. t. and 12.0°C respectively. Specimens were also taken in North Lemon Bay during the spring of 1968.

Harengula pensacolae Goode and Bean Scaled sardine (Appendix B, Table 13)

This is a very common species in the upper Charlotte Harbor and lower Pine Island Sound areas. On July 30, 1968, a collection of 102 specimens was made during a single 10-minute trawl. Salinity and temperature were 19.3 p. p. t. and 32.2"C. respectively. On May 15, 1969,126 speCimens were taken by trawl at station 30 in the mouth of Myakka River. Salinity and temperature were 22.2 p. p. t. and 29.0"C. Smaller collections were common in the Lemon Bay, Placida and Gasparilla sound areas. Small specimens, 30 mm. standard length, were often collected by dip net at the Gasparilla Fishery dock at Placida during the spring and early summer of 1968, and by trawl during the late summer of 1968.

Engraulidae Anchoa mitchilli (Valenciennes) Bay anchovy (Appendix B, Table 14)

Many thousands of specemens of this species were taken by trawl each month, except in June, 1968. Apparently this is the most abundant species in the Charlotte Harbor area. It was taken at all stations. Salinity is of little consequence in the distribution of this fish (Springer and Woodburn, 1960). This is supported by the present study.

-22- Specimens are very abundant at the jt:nction of the Myakka and Peace Rivers. Most of the smaller specimens, ·20-30 mm. standard length, were taken in the upper stations of the Peace River. Small fish are also common at the north end of Lemon Bay where the salinity is relatively high.

Seine surveys were made at Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound in February, March and August, 1968. Again, A. michilli was one of the most abundant species. The salinity range for this species was 0-35.0 p. p. t. which was wider than that for the same species in Tampa Bay (Springer and Woodburn, 1960).

From the length-frequency distribution of this fish, very little information of seasonal trends and growth rate can be seen, possibly owing to a long breeding season. Generally, large fish were taken in winter and small fish in summer and fall. Sizes ranged from 15 to 70 mm. standard length.

Anchoa hepsetus (Linnaeus) Striped anchovy (Appendix B, Table 15)

More than 4,000 specimens were taken by trawl in this survey. Sizes ranged from 4-154 mm. standard length. Some post-larval specimens were taken in June, September and December, 1968, but most of them were lost through the mesh. A similar situation was found by Gunter and Hall (1965) in the Caloosahatchee estuary.

Specimens were most abundant in the Intracoastal Waterway stations, less abundant in lower Charlotte Harbor, and only occasionally caught in upper Charlotte Harbor from January to May, 1969. More than 100 large specimens were taken by trawl at station 30 in the mouth of Myakka River on March 31,1969. Salinity and temperature were 18.3 p. p. t. and 21.0"C. respectively.

Anchoa cubana (Poey) Cuban anchovy (Appendix B, Table 16)

This species closely resembles A. hepsetus and their distributions overlap. Often it was difficult to distinguish the young specimens, but the adults were easily identified.

Numerous specimens were taken from stations in the Intracoastal Waterway, but very few from lower Charlotte Harbor. Several specimens were taken at station 29 in February, and 26 were caught at station 33 at Punta Gorda on May 15, 1969. Salinity and temperature were 21.6 p. p. t. and 26.5"C. respectively.

. Finucane (1965) reported that A. cubana was the dominant species of Engraulidae, but from the results of this study, both A. hepsetus and A. cubana were abundant in the Pine Island Sound area.

Synodontidae Synodus foetens (Linnaeus) Inshore lizardfish (Appendix B, Table 17)

Very few specimens were taken, but a few were caught each month at most of the trawling stations with the exception of those in Peace River. Sizes varied from 29 to 303

-23- mm. standard length and there was no evident trend in length-frequency distribution. Two small specimens, 29 and 31 mm. standard length, were taken at station 2 in South Lemon Bay in February and March, 1969. Salinities were 32.1 and 33.2 p. p. t. and temperatures were 16.5 and 22.8°C respectively. The largest specimen, 303 mm. standard length, was taken at station 10 on the south side of Devilfish Key on May 16, 1969. Salinity and temperature were 37.2 p. p. t. and 26.3°C.

Cyprinidae Notropis sp.

A single specimen, tentatively identified as N. cumminsae Myers, was taken by seine at the picnic site on Liverpool Island (station 37) in Peace River on August 15, 1968. The fish measured 28 mm. total length. It was taken from fresh water. The water temperature was 30.7°C. '

Ariidae Bagre marinus (Mitchill) Gafftopsail catfish (Appendix B, Table 18)

Only 168 specimens were caught during this study. Generally the best collections were made during the summer and fall. One small specimen, 55 min. standard length, was taken by trawl at station 22 on August 23, 1968. Salinity and temperature were 19.3 p. p. t. and 32.0°C respectively. The largest specimen, 468 mm. standard length, was caught at station 34 in Peace River on May 15,1969. Salinity and temperature were 18.5 p. p. t. and 26.5°C. This species was taken at most of the stations except those in the upper Peace River.

Galeichthys felis (Linnaeus) Sea catfish (Appendix B, Table 19)

This is a very common species and was caught at most of the stations in this area. During a massive fish kill at Gasparilla Pass on July 30, 1968, thousands of G. felis were washed up on the beach.

Small fish, 50-60 ~m. standard length, were caught by trawl at Tippecanoe Bay just east of El Jobean in the Myakka River in June, 1968. Salinity and temperature were 8.2 p. p. t. and 31.0OC. Small specimens were also taken at station 34, in fresh water. The water temperature was 30.5 °C.

On July 18, 1968, a female specimen, 248 mm. standard length, was caught at station 11 with 21 fry, most of them still in the yolk-sac stage, in her mouth. Another female, 227 mm. standard length, was taken on the same day at station 12 with her mouth full of large eggs. Another female, 180 mm. standard length, and 32 young were taken by trawl from station 27. Fourteen of the young still possessed a yolk sac. It was not determined whether all the young belonged to the same female. The salinity and temperature at that station were 18.6 p. p. t. and 29.9OC. More small G. felis were taken at the mouth of the Peace River in August, 1968, at a salinity range of 0 - 6.2 p. p. t. Most of the large specimens were taken during the winter. No specimens were taken during April and May, 1969, due to breakdown of the research vessel. Twenty-one specimens were taken between stations 37 and 38 during May, 1968. Salinities were 0 and 13.2 p. p. t. and temperatures were 27.6 and 29.8°C respectively.

-24- Ictaluridae Ictalurus catus (Linnaeus) White catfish (Appendix B, Table 20)

All specimens of this species were caught in fresh water in the Peace River at or above station 35. Fifty.one specimens were caught in July, 1968. From August, 1968, to February, 1969 very few were collected. In March, 1969, 23 specimens, 54-221 mm. standard length, were caught following a heavy rainfall. Salinity and temperature were 0 - 2.4 p. p. t. and 21.0°C, respectively.

Ictalurus natalis (Lesueur) Yellow bullhead

A single specimen, 37 mm. standard length, was caught by trawl at station 38 on July 29, 1968. Salinity and temperature were 0 p. p. t. and 30.5°C.

Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque) Channel catfish

One specimen, 51 mm. standard length, was caught at station 37 on September 11, 1968. Salinity was 0 p. p. t. and temperature was 26.0OC.Another single specimen, 235 mm. standard length, was caught at station 35 on November 26, 1968. Salinity was 2.9 p. p. t. and temperature was 18.2OC.

Ophichthidae Myrophis punctatus Liitken Speckled worm eel

A single specimen, 135 mm. total length, was taken from station 21 in Pine Island Sound on March 6, 1968. Salinity was 36.8 p. p. t. and temperature was 18.2OC.

Ophichthus gomesi (Castelnau) Shrimp eel

Two specimens, 360 and 435 mm. total length, were taken from Placida Harbor on April 11 and April 22, 1968. Salinities were 36.2 and 37.2 p. p. t. and water temperatures were 26.2 and 26.8OC. respectively.

Ophichthus ophis (Linnaeus) Spotted snake eel

A single specimen, 663 mm. total length, was taken at station 14 on April 2, 1968. While alive, this specimen was grayish with brown spots dorsally, with a white abdomen. The fish attempted to bite the collector when it was taken from the trawl for preservation.

Ophichthus sp.

A single specimen, as yet unidentified, was caught at station 1 on December 12, 1968. A similar unidentified specimen in the Mote Marine Laboratory fish collection was caught at Stump Pass on December 18,1958.

-25- Belonidae Strongylura notata (Poey) Redfin needle fish

Two specimens, 209 and 217 mm. standard length, were taken by seine at Bird Key in Placida Harbor on August 12, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 37.0 p. p. t. and 32.0"C. respectively.

Strongylura timucu (Walbaum) Timucu

This was a very abundant species during the summer and fall. Specimens from 131 to 200 mm. standard length were taken by seine and dip net from the shallow portions of Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound. On May 9, 1968, 12 small specimens, 28-64 mm. standard length, were caught by dip net in Pelican Bay (station 16). The salinity and water temperature were 38.6 p. p. t. and 24.9°C. respectively.

Hemirhamphidae Hyporhamphus unifasciatus (Ranzani) Halfbeak

A single specimen, 129 mm.standard length, was taken by trawl at station 8 on August 5, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 24.1 p. p. t. and 30.0°C. respectively.

Cyprinodontidae Cyprinodon variegatus Lad;pede Sheepshead minnow

Many specimens, 12-60 mm. standard length, were taken by seine at Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound. They were taken from a salinity range of 22.0-29.0 p. p. t. and a water temperature range of 20.0-30.0"C. Raney, et al. (1953) reported the reproductive behavior of this species. Simpson and Gunter (1956) have discussed the life histories of the cyprinodontids in great detail, and Kilby (1953) gave considerable attention to their distribution and habitat preferences.

Floridichthys carpio (Gunther) Goldspotted killifish

This species was very commonly caught by seine, especially at Bird Key in Placida Harbor. Its distribution is similar to that of C. variegatus. A good many specimens, 16-56 mm. standard length, were collected by seine at Bird Key on March 28, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 37.2 p. p. t. and 25.5°C. respectively.

Fundulus similis (Baird and Girard) Longnose killifish

This was the most abundant species taken by seine in Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound. Large samples were collected in February, March, and August, 1968. The size range of specimens was 17-82 mm. standard length. They were taken from a salinity range of 28.0-36.8 p. p. t. and a water temperature range of 20.0-32.0"C.

-26- Fundulus grandis Baird and Girard Gulf killifish

This species was often collected by dip net from Gasparilla Sound and a few specimens were collected in Coral Creek in August, 196~. :rhe size range of specimens was 38-75 mm. standard length. They were taken from a sahll1ty range of 12.0-33.1 p. p. t. and a water temperature range of 25.5-30.0"C.

Fundulus seminolis Girard Seminole killifish

Twelve specimens, 28-52 mm. standard length, were collected by seine at station 37 in the Peace River on August 15, 1968. The water was determined to be fresh by tasting and the temperature was 30.7°C. Lucania parva (Baird and Girard) Rainwater killifish

Many specimens were taken by seine and dip net from Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound, and from station 37 in the Peace River. One specimen was caught by trawl in Gasparilla Sound (station 7) on October 21, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 35.5 p. p. t. and 25.0"C. respectively. This species appears to have a wide salinity preference.

Lucania goodei Jordan Bluefin killifish

A single specimen, tentatively identified as Lucania goodei Jordan, was collected by trawl at station 37 in Peace River on May 14, 1968. The specimen measured 28 mm. standard length and 35 mm. total length. Salinity and water temperature at the collecting station were 8.9 p. p. t. and 29.3 "C. respectively.

Poeciliidae Mollienesia latipinna Lesueur Sailfin molly

Two specimens were taken by dip net from the Gasparilla Fishery dock in Placida on November 4, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 33.5 p. p. t. and 23.0°C. respectively. A single specimen was collected by seine at Devilfish Key (station 10) on February 13, 1968. The salinity was not recorded; the temperature was 17.0°C.

Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard) Mosquitofish

This species was collected by seine at stations 37 and 38 in Peace River during most of the survey. Specimens were also collected in Gasparilla Sound. The salinity tolerance of this species appears to be very wide. Most of the specimens were from 16-33 mm. standard length.

Gadidae· Urophycis floridanus (Bean and Dressel) Southern hake

This species prefers cooler waters and visits the Charlotte Harbor area only during the cold winter months. Twenty-one specimens were collected from February to April, 1968,

-27- and 49 were collected from January to March, 1969. Specimens were taken from a variety of habitats throughout the area. Most specimens were caught at temperatures below 20"C. The specimens caught during 1968 ranged from 44-147 mm. and those caught during 1969 ranged from 46-166 mm. standard length.

Syngnathidae Hippocampus erectus Perry Seahorse

Sixteen specimens were taken by trawl from a wide distribution throughout the area at open water stations. Most were taken at salinities from 24.6-32.5 p. p. t. A single specimen was taken from station 30 at the mouth of Myakka River on' January 28, 1969. The salinity and water temperature were 27.5 p. p. t. and 19.8 °C. respectively.

A number of young seahorses were taken by dip net at station 16 on May 9, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 36.8 p. p. t. and 24.9 "C.

Hippocampus zosterae Jordan and Gilbert Dwarf seahorse

Only two specimens were taken by trawl during this survey; one from station 24 on April 28,1969, and one from station 10 on May 16,1969. The salinities were 24.8 and 37.2 p. p. t. and the temperatures were 24.9 and 26.3"C. respectively. During the reconnaissance stage, a single specimen was taken from station 16 in March, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 32.7 p. p. t. and 16.2"C.

Syngnathus floridae (Jordan and Gilbert) Dusky pipefish (Appendix B, Table 21)

Most of the specimens were collected at stations 10,11,12,14 and 16 during June and July, 1968. Salinities recorded in those areas ranged from 19.9-33.8 p.p.t. and temperatures from 28.5-33.0OC. Collections sharply decreased after August, 1968.

Small specimens were collected by seine and dip net during March and May, 1968, in Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Pelican Bay, and by trawl in June and July.

A single ~pecimen, 211 mm. standard length, was caught in freshwater at station 35 in Peace River on June 12, 1968. The water temperature was 28.5OC. Reid (1954) reported a minimum salinity of 17.5 p. p. t. for this species. The majority of specimens in Charlotte Harbor were caught in higher salinity areas.

Syngnathus scovelli (Evermann and Kendall) Gulf pipefish (Appendix B, Table 22)

This is a very common species in the Charlotte Harbor area and has a wide distribution. Specimens which have been tentatively identified as S. scovelli were commonly found in the entrance to Peace and Myakka Rivers. Mostly juveniles were taken in June, 1968 and in February and April, 1969.

-28- The lowest abundance occurred during August, September, and November, 1968. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported the lowest abundance of this species from Tampa Bay during the winter months.

Syngnathus louisianae Gunther Chain pipefish (Appendix B, Table 23)

This species was also widely distributed throughout the Charlotte Harbor area but was less common than either S. floridae or S. scovelli. This is in agreement with the findings of Reid (1954) and Springer and Woodburn (1960). However, contrary to those authors, there was little or no seasonal variation in abundance of S. louisianae during this study.

This species is sometimes pelagic. One specimen was taken from station 27 on June 13, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 31.6 p. p. t. and 28.8OC. respectively. Most specimens were taken from salinities ranging from 27.3-37.2 p. p. t.

Syngnathus springeri Herald Bull pipefish

Three specimens, 123-132 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl from Placida Harbor and Pine Island Sound in April, 1968 and January, 1969. Salinities were 32.9 and 26.6 p. p. t. and water temperatures were 16.2 and 27.5°C. respectively.

Micrognathus crinigerus (Bean and Dressel) Fringed pipefish

This species was taken at stations in Bull Bay, Turtle Bay, Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass, but was not very common. Five specimens, 68-86 mm. standard length, were taken at Bull Bay in March, 1968. The salinity was 34.0 p. p. t. and the water temperature was 16.5 oc. Centropomidae Centropomis undecimalis (Bloch) Snook Three specimens, 364-790 mm. total length, were taken at regular stations in September and October, 1968, and January, 1969. Two were found at stations 36 and 37 in the Peace River, and one at station 1 in Lemon Bay, indicating the wide salinity tolerance of this species.

One small specimen, 35 mm. standard length, was caught by dip net at the Gasparilla Fishery dock in Placida Harbor on September 6, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 32.9 p. p. t. and 32.0°C. respectively.

During the reconnaissance stage, two specimens were caught by trawl in the north end of Lemon Bay.

Serranidae Centropistis striata melana (Ginsburg) Southern sea bass (Appendix B, Table 24)

This species was not commonly taken in the Charlotte Harbor area. Specimens were

-29- found at stations 3, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 22 from a salinity range of 16.0-32.7 p. p. t. and a temperature range of 20.0-32.0°C. Small specimens, 20-45 mm. standard length, were caught by seine at Placida Harbor in February, 1968.

Mycteroperca microlepis (Goode and Bean) Gag (Appendix B, Table 25)

This species was similar to C. striata in distribution. Numerous specimens were collected from station 10 in July and August, 1968. The salinity was less than 20 p. p. t. during most of that period. Finucane (1965) reported this species only from salinities greater than 30 p. p. t. in Pine Island Sound. All specimens in the present study were taken from a salinity range of 16.0-37.2 p. p. t. and a water temperature range of 17 .8-20.6°C.

A single small specimen, 25 mm. standard length, was caught at station 10 on May 16, 1969. The salinity and temperature were 37.2 p. p. t. and 26.3°C. respectively. A second juvenile was collected in June, 1968.

No specimens were taken from December, 1968 to April, 1969. This may possibly reflect migratory behavior.

Diplectrum formosum (Linnaeus) Sand Perch (Appendix B, Table 26)

Most of the specimens were taken at stations 3, 13, and 18, and occasionally from stations 6, 10, 11, 14, and 19. None was caught in the upper Charlotte Harbor stations. Twenty-seven specimens were taken from the lower Charlotte Harbor main channel in February, 1968, during the reconnaissance stage. None was taken during June, 1968. There did not appear to be any seasonal trend in abundance or length-frequency distribution. A few small specimens were taken during January and February, 1969.

Serranellus subligarius (Cope) Belted sandfish (Appendix B, Table 27)

This species was most commonly taken at station 3, and occasionally from station 16. Most of the specimens were caught during the fall and winter months. There did not appear to be any seasonal trend of length-frequency distribution. Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein)

Epinephelus itajara (Lichtenstein) Jewfish

On December 2, 1968, a deserted crab trap was picked up in the trawl at station 12. Two E. itajara, one toadfish (Opsanus beta), and two blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) were trapped together. The jewfish measured 275 and 363 mm. standard length, which was only slightly smaller than the trap. The salinity and temperature were 21.8 p. p. t. and 23.6OC. res pectively.

-30- Epinephelus morio (Valenciennes) Red grouper

Four specimens, 85 to 105 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl during this study. One was caught at station 3 on August 5, 1968, and 3 were caught at station 16 on August 14, 1968. The salinities were 29.8 and 20.7 p. p. t. and the temperatures were 29.6 and 31. 2°C.

Lobotidae Lobotes surinamensis (Bloch) Tripletail

A single specimen, 450 mm. standard length, was caught by trawl at station 30 on June 13, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 21.3 p. p. t. and 29.8OC. respectively.

Lutjanidae Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus) Lane snapper (Appendix B, Table 28)

This species was reported by Springer and Woodburn (1960) as uncommon at Tampa Bay. Only 24 specimens were collected by Gunter and Hall (1965) at the Caloosahatchee River. L. synagris is very common in the Charlotte Harbor area. Most of the specimens in this study were taken from the area of Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound. They were less common in Pine Island Sound, and least common in lower Charlotte Harbor. None was taken above station 13. Adult fish seemed to prefer higher salinities. Small specimens, however, were taken from lower salinities. Juveniles, 16-20 mm. standard length, were taken during the summer and fall from stations 10, 14, and 16. All specimens collected in this study were taken at salinities ranging from 14.0-33.5 p. p. t. and at temperatures from 14.5-32.0°C.

Lutjanus griseus (Linnaeus) Gray snapper

Eighteen specimens were taken by trawl from June-November, 1968. None was taken after that time. A small specimen, 45 mm. standard length, was caught at station 12 on November 6, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 22.2 p. p. t. and 25.5 °C. respectively. A large specimen, 512 mm. total length, was taken at station 16. The salinity and temperature were 29.8 p. p. t. and 31.2 0C.

During the reconnaissance stage, a single specimen was taken in freshwater at station 37.

There is very little information about the spawning behavior of this species. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported that they were spawning offshore in the Gulf.

Centrarchidae Lepomis microlophus (Gunther) Redear sunfish

A single specimen, 43 mm. standard length, was taken by trawl in freshwater at station 38. The water temperature was 21.0OC.

-31- Pomatomidae Pomatomus saltatrix (Linnaeus) Bluefish

A single specimen, 33 mm. standard length, was taken by seine at Placida Harbor on March 30, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 36.2 p. p. t. and 23.0 °C. respectively.

Carangidae Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Linnaeus) Bumper (Appendix B, Table 29)

This species was very abundant, particularly in Pine Island Sound and upper Charlotte Harbor, during the summer and fall. Very few fish were taken from January to May, 1969. However, in the reconnaissance stage, they were abundant during those months.

Small specimens, 11-20 mm. standard length, were taken in June, July, September and October, 1968. Large specimens, greater than 106 mm. standard length, were taken in June and August, 1968, and May, 1969.

Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported 10 specimens from Tampa Bay; Gunter and Hall (1965) collected only one specimen from the Caloosahatchee estuary.

Caranx hippos (Linnaeus) Crevalle jack

This is a very common species in the Charlotte Harbor area; however, only 4 specimens were taken by trawl during this study. This fish was often observed jumping over the trawl in Gasparilla Sound. The specimens were caught in upper Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass, and lower Pine Island Sound. Their sizes ranged from 79-160 mm. standard length. They were taken from a salinity range of 19.3-30.2 p. p. t. and a temperature range of 20.1-32.0OC.

Oligoplites saurus (Bloch and Schneider) Leatherjacket (Appendix B, Table 30)

Few specimens were taken by trawl from July to December, 1968, most of them from upper Charlotte Harbor. None was collected by trawl from January to May, 1969. One specimen was caught at station 35 on April 24, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 17.5 p. p. t. and 27.5OC. respectively. All the specimens were taken from a salinity range of 12.9-30.6 p. p. t. and a temperature range of 18.0-32.0OC.

Numerous small specimens, 15-32 mm. standard length were caught by dip net in Placida Harbor on April 16, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 29.8 p. p. t. and 30.5°C. They were observed at the surface of the water performing the "twist exercise" described by Breder (1942).

-32- Selene vomer (Linnaeus) Lookdown (Appendix B, Table 31)

A few specimens were collected by trawl from July to December, 1968. None was collected in October, 1968, or from January to May, 1969. Most of the specimens were taken from stations in the Intracoastal Waterway. A single specimen was taken from station 13 in July, 1968. They were taken from a salinity range of 10.8-32.5 p. p. t. and a temperature range of 22.2-31.3"C.

A single specimen was taken from Placida Harbor on August 12, 1969, after the completion of this study.

Vomer setapinnis (Mitchill) Atlantic moon fish

A single specimen, 15.5 mm. standard length, was caught by trawl at station 7 on April 1, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 36.8 p. p. t. and 24.7"C. respectively. A single specimen was caught by Springer and Woodburn (1960) at Tampa Bay.

Trachinotus falcatus (Linnaeus) Permit

A single specimen, 117 mm. standard length, was taken at station 6 on October 21, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 34.2 p. p. t. and 25.0°C. respectively. Like Caranx hippos, this is a fast-swimming species, and was often seen jumping over the trawl.

Numerous small specimens, 30-71 mm. standard length, were taken by seine at Gasparilla Pass on August 12, 1968. Specimens were taken from a salinity range of 32.0-34.8 p. p. t. and a temperature range of 31.6-33.0°C.

Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus (Cuvier) Bluntnose jack

A single specimen, 83 mm. standard length, was caught by trawl at station 16 on July 30, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 24.4 p. p. t. and 31.1°C. respectively. This is the first record of this species from the Charlotte Harbor area.

Seriola sp.

A single specimen, 33 mm. standard length and 42 mm. total length, was caught by trawl at station 29 on September 24, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 19.2 p. p. t. and 28.0°C. respectively.

Gerridae Eucinostomus gula (Cuvier) Silver jenny (Appendix B, Table 32)

This is one of the most common species in the Charlotte Harbor area. They were very abundant at the Intracoastal Waterway stations, but less abundant in Charlotte Harbor. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported a preference by this species for higher salinities. Specimens taken in this study came from salinities higher than 19: 9 p. p. t.

-33- small specimens, 35-58 mm. standard length, were taken by seine at Gasparilla Sound in February, 1968. Small specimens, 39-60 mm. standard length, were taken at Placida Harbor in March, 1968.

Very small specimens, 11-20 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl at stations 9, 10, 14 and 16 during June, August, September and November, 1968. These stations are densely vegetated with algae (Gracilariasp. and others). Similar situations were reported by Reid (1954) and Springer and Woodburn (1960).

Very few large speCimens, greater than 101 mm. standard length, were found in the area during the winter months.

Eucinostomus argenteus Baird and Bean Spotfin mojarra (Appendix B, Table 33)

This species was less abundant than E. gula in the Charlotte Harbor area. E. argenteus and E. gula were commonly found schooling together at stations 1 and 6 in salinities from 23.0"'26.1 p. p. t., and temperatures from 28.8-31.3"C. Although the distributions of the two species overlap, E. argenteus has a wider range of salinity tolerance, and seems to prefer a lower salinity. This situation was reported for Tampa Bay by Springer and Woodburn (1960). Small specimens, 27-58 mm. standard length, were taken during the summer months at station 37 in Peace River. The salinity and temperature were 2.1 p. p. t. and 20.4 0c. respectively. Small specimens were also taken from stations 6 and 10 during February and March, 1968, at higher salinities. A few specimens were taken in upper Charlotte Harbor during the winter months.

Diapterus plumieri (Cuvier) Striped mojarra (Appendix B, Table 34)

This species was commonly caught in the Peace and Myakka Rivers and at their junction. They were also taken from North Lemon Bay and Placida Harbor during April and May, 1968.

A single specimen, 45 mm. standard length, was caught at station 31 on August 22, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 6.9 p. p. t. and 31.3°C. respectively. Five small specimens, 44-55 mm. standard length, were taken at the same station on September 4, 1968. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported small specimens in Tampa Bay during August.

This species was especially abundant at station 36 in Peace River, at salinities ranging from 0-5.4 p. p. t. U:innberg (1894) first reported this species from Punta Gorda.

Pomadasyidae Orthopristis chrysopterus (Linnaeus) Pigfish (Appendix B, Table 35)

This species is much more abundant in the Charlotte Harbor area than at Tampa Bay as reported by Springer and Woodburn, (1960). Small specimens were taken inshore near station 29 on April 18, 1968. The salinities were 35.8-37.1 p. p. t. and t'emperatures were

-34- 25-26OC. The majority of the specimens were taken from Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound. This species appears to prefer higher salinities. It was never caught at salinities lower than 15 p. p. t.

Small specimens, 16-25 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl at stations near passes during June, 1968, and January-May, 1969. This situation was also encountered during the reconnaissance stage. They were always found in mixed schools with Lagodon rhomboides.

Large specimens, in excess of 150 mm. standard length, were caught only during the summer and fall, and most of those at station 16. Springer and Woodburn (1960) discussed the preference by adults of this species for the deeper waters of the Gulf.

Haemulon plumieri (Lacfpede) White Grunt

Four specimens, 49-135 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl from stations 10, 20 and 21 in July and September, 1968. They were found in a salinity range of 18.6-35.7 p. p. t. and a temperature range of 29.6-35.0°C.

Bathystoma aurolineatum(Jordan and Swain) Tomtate

Five specimens, 25-34 mm. standard length, were taken from stations 4 and 16 during August and September, 1968. The salinities ranged from 29.0-32.0 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 17.0-32.5OC. Specimens were also observed at the Gasparilla Fishery dock at Placida Harbor on several occasions during the same period. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported this species to be quite common at offshore reefs. Station 4 has a sand-silt bottom but has numerous pilings which might supply a suitable habitat; station 16 has a rocky bottom.

Sciaenidae Bairdiella chrysura (Lace pede) Silver perch (Appendix B, Table 36)

This species was abundant at all times in Charlotte Harbor, and at almost all stations. Small specimens, 11-25 mm. standard length, were taken from station 11 on January 16, 1969. The salinity and temperature were 23.3 p. p. t. and 16.1 OC. respectively. Small specimens were absent during February and April, 1969, and then were caught from a number of stations in May. They were found as far inshore as station 31 in the Myakka River.

Hildebrand and Cable (1930), Gunter (1945) and Springer and Woodburn (1960) discussed the possibility that B. chrysura spawns in the open sea. Since numerous small specimens were taken near the passes as well as upper Charlotte Harbor, it is possible that spawning takes place both in the bay and offshore.

Specimens larger than 100 mm. standard length were taken year-round, and were especially abundant in November and December, 1968. This species was found at salinities from 0-35.5 p. p. t. and at temperatures from 12.3-32.2OC.

-35- 25-26"C. The majority of the specimens were taken from Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound. This species appears to prefer higher salinities. It was never caught at salinities lower than 15 p. p. t.

Haemulon plumieri (Lacepede) White Grunt

Bathystoma aurolineatum(Jordan and Swain) Tomtate

Five specimens, 25-34 mm. standard length, were taken from stations 4 and 16 during August and September, 1968. The salinities ranged from 29.0-32.0 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 17.0-32.5"C. Specimens were also observed at the Gasparilla Fishery dock at Placida Harbor on several occasions during the same period. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported this species to be quite common at offshore reefs. Station 4 has a sand-silt bottom but has numerous pilings which might supply a suitable habitat; station 16 has a rocky bottom

Sciaenidae Bairdiella chrysura (Lacepede) Silver perch (Appendix B, Table 36)

This species was abundant at all times in Charlotte Harbor, and at almost all stations. Small specimens, 11-25 mm. standard length, were taken from station 11 on January 16, 1969. The salinity and temperature were 23.3 p. p. t. and 16.1 "C. respectively. Small specimens were absent during February and April, 1969, and then were caught from a number of stations in May. They were found as far inshore as station 31 in the Myakka River.

-35- Leiostomus xanthurus Lad'!pede Spot (Appendix B, Table 37)

This is a very common species in the Charlotte Harbor area. Like B. chrysura, it is found at a wide range of salinities, from 0-34.5 p. p. t. Small specimens, 25-49 mm. standard length, were taken in Placida Harbor and at Devilfish Key (station 10) by seine during February, 1968; and 27 specimens, 20-32 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl in north Lemon Bay during the same month. The salinity was 27.7 p. p. t. and the temperatures ranged from 17.0-26.5°C. More juveniles, 21-60 mm. standard length, were seined at Placida on March 24, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 36.2 p. p. t. and 18.5°C. respectively.

In February, 1968, five specimens, 27-37 mm. standard length, were taken from stations in Peace River by trawl. The salinities ranged from 0-19.1 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 19.0-19.5°C. In March, 44 more juveniles, 22-35 mm. standard length, were taken by seine at station 37 in the Peace River. The salinity and water temperature were 2.1 p. p. t. and 20.4 °C. respectively.

From the above data, it is suspected that L. xanthurus spawned during December or January in the higher salinity areas, or possibly offshore. Springer and Woodburn (1960) found a similar situation in Tampa Bay.

Larger specimens were taken primarily at Lemon Bay, Pine Island Sound, and at the junction of the Myakka and Peace Rivers. Finucane (1965) reported this species to be the most common sciaenid in Pine Island Sound. Few specimens were taken from the open waters of Charlotte Harbor.

Micropogon undulatus (Linnaeus) Atlantic Croaker (Appendix B, Table 38)

This species is not abundant in the Charlotte Harbor area. Gunter and Hall (1965) and Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported similar findings in the Caloosahatchee estuary and Tampa Bay. Specimens were commonly taken in April and May, 1968, during the reconnaissance stage at the Caloosahatchee River. None was found in the entire area from August to November. In December, 2 small specimens, 16 and 21 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl in the Peace River. The salinities were 0 and 2.1 p. p. t. and the temperatures were 14.0 and 21.-0°C. at the collecting sites. More small specimens were taken in the same area during January, and at the north end of Lemon Bay in February, 1969. Small specimens were found in both these areas during the reconnaissance stage in March and April, 1968.

Welsh and Breder (1923) reported that spawning of this species took place in estuaries (Chesapeake Bay). Since no large specimens were taken in Charlotte Harbor, it is likely that spawning takes place in the Gulf. Suttkus (1955) reported that this species spawned on the Louisiana Coast during October and January.

Menticirrhus americanus (Linnaeus) Southern kingfish (Appendix B, Table 39)

This species was not very abundant in the Charlotte Harbor area. The greatest number of specimens came from stations 31, 32 and 33 at the mouths of the Myakka and Peace

-36- Rivers. Occasionally specimens were collected from Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound.

During the reconnaissance stage in May, 1968, small specimens, 40-53 mm. standard length, were taken from the Peace River. The salinity and temperature were 8.9-9.2 p. p. t. and 29.3-29.6 °C. respectively. None was taken, however, during May, 1968. A few small specimens were caught during July, August and November, 1968. Adults, larger than 150 mm. standard length, were taken from December to March, 1969.

Menticirrhus littoralis (Holbrook) Gulf kingfish

A single specimen, 74 mm. standard length, was taken by seine on the outside of Gasparilla Pass on August 12, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 32.9 p. p. t. and 31.6°C. respectively.

Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier) Spotted seatrout (Appendix B, Table 40)

Few specimens were taken by trawl. Unlike most other sciaenids, young C. nebulosus were caught in locations having higher salinities. Small specimens, 16-35 mm. standard length, were taken at stations 9, 10 and 16 during the summer of 1968. The salinities were 16.6-33.5 p. p. t. and the water temperatures were 27. 9-31.6°C, Larger fish were caught mostly in Gasparilla Sound, and occasionally at Peace and Myakka Rivers and north Lemon Bay. None was caught from March to May, 1969. Springer and Woodburn (1960) also reported no c. nebulosus from February to April in Tampa Bay.

Cynoscion arenarius Ginsburg Sand seatrout (Appendix B, Table 41)

This is an abundant species with a wide distribution in the Charlotte Harbor area. Many small specimens, 21-76 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl from stations in the Peace River on May 14,1968. The salinities ranged from 0-20.9 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 28.5-29.6°C. Again on May 19, numerous juveniles,~ 17-57 mm. standard length, were encountered at the same locations. The salinities were 0-6.8 p. p. t. and the temperatures 27.0-29.5°c' Juveniles were taken from June through December, but none from January to April, 1969.

Large specimens were taken all year long at all locations with the exception of those in the upper Peace River. Large fish were not very abundant from January to April, 1969.

On November 4, 1968, a large collection of 2,043 specimens was caught at station 8. The salinity was 29.8 p. p. t. and the temperature was 23.5 OC.

C. arenarius were caught at salinities from 0-34.5 p. p. t. and at temperatures from 15.0-33.0°C. during this study.

Pogonias cromis (Linnaeus) Black drum Seventeen specimens, 191-365 mm. standard length, were captured during this study. Nine were taken on February 10, 1969 at an incidental station in north Lemon Bay. The

-37- salinity and temperature were 27.7 p. p. t. respectively. Six were taken at station 35 in Peace River on November 11, 1968, in freshwater. The water temperature was 21.0°C. Two more were caught at station 1 on July 16, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 23.0p. p. t. and 31.3°C.

Sciaenops ocellatus (Linnaeus) Red drum

This species is commonly caught by fishermen in the Charlotte Harbor area, but none was taken by trawl during this study.

Four small specimens, 61-81 mm. standard length, were caught by seine at station 10 on February 13, 1968. The salinity was not recorded. The water temperature was 17.0°C.

Mullidae Mullus auratus Jordan and Gilbert Red goat fish

Seven specimens, 39-73 mm. standard length, were taken at stations 4, 6, 18 and 20 during March-May, 1968. The salinities ranged from 25.5-38.0 p. p. t.; the temperatures were 21.5-28.0°C. This species was not recorded from this area from the 12-year Mote Marine Laboratory collection.

Sparidae Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum) Sheepshead

This species is commonly caught by fishermen in the Charlotte Harbor area, but due to its preference for rocks and pilings, it is seldom caught by trawling. Only 13 specimens were taken by trawl during this study. Most of those came from station 1 from a salinity range of 23.0-31.6 p. p. t. Specimens were also taken from north Lemon Bay, where the salinity and temperature were 27.7 p. p. t. and 17.0OC. respectively, on February 10, 1969, and from station 31 in the Myakka River on November 6, 1968, where the salinity and temperature were 11.8 p. p. t. and 25.5OC.

Juveniles were taken at stations 9 and 12 in June, 1968. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported finding juveniles in June in Tampa Bay.

Sheepshead were frequently found associated with Pogonias cromis.

Calamus arctifrons Goode and Bean Grass porgy

Three specimens, 43-107 mm. standard length, were caught at stations 10, 14 and 20 in July, August and September, 1968. The salinities were 16.0-35.7 p. p. t. and the water temperatures were 30.0-32.0°C. A single small specimen, 26 mm. standard length, was caught by seine on Sandfly Key in Gasparilla Sound on March 29, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 35.5 p. p. t. and 24.0°C. respectively.

-38- Diplodus holbrooki (Bean) Spottail pinfish

Thirty-five specimens were taken by trawl from June-December, 1968, primarily from stations 4, 6, 9, 10 and 14. Their sizes ranged from 31-100 mm. standard length. No large specimens were found such as Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported from Tampa Bay.

Lagodon rhomboides (Linnaeus) Pinfish (Appendix B, Table 42)

From February to June, 1968, numerous juvenile pinfish were caught in the vicinity of lower Peace River and Myakka River (between El Jobean and Punta Gorda). During July, heavy rainfall caused fresh water to extend as far as Cape Haze. From that time until November, pinfish were taken only south of station 32.

During November, 1968, the salinity increased noticeably in the upper bay, and pinfish were once again caught at Gulf Marina, Punta Gorda, on December 17, 1968. The salinity at that time was 14.9 p. p. t.

A pinfish tracing program was begun in January, 1969. During January, juveniles were taken at stations 12, 14, 16, 17, 25 and 26. The first single juvenile from the Peace River was taken at station 36 on Feburary 11. The salinity was 3.2 p. p. t.and the water temperature was 17 .O"C. Juveniles continued to occur at stations throughout the bay, but not in Peace River, during February, April and May.

Springer and Woodburn (1960) stated that they believed pin fish spawn in the Gulf in December or earlier, and the larvae subsequently drift into the bays. Gunter and Hall (1965) concurred. They found young in the Caloosahatchee estuary as early as December.

It appears likely that only juveniles can tolerate brackish water. Specimens larger than 90 mm. standard length were rarely found in the upper bay, and most of those found anywhere in the bay were less than 100 mm. standard length. Only a few specimens as large as 150-200 mm. were captured, and those at stations 6, 16 and 17, all of which are relatively high salinity stations located near passes to the Gulf. Apparently adult pinfish prefer to stay in the Gulf rather than in estuaries.

Ephippidae Chae to dip terus faber (Broussonet) Atlantic spadefish (Appendix B, Table 43)

This species is common and widespread in the Charlotte Harbor area, particularly at lower salinity stations. They were much more common than those reported at Tampa Bay by Springer and Woodburn (1960) or at the Caloosahatchee River by Gunter and Hall (1965).

Spadefish were found at stations 27, 29, 31 and 32. They were often taken at stations 18, 20 and 24, and occasionally at station 34 north of the Punta Gorda bridge on the Peace River.

During the reconnaissance stage, large specimens were abundant in north Lemon Bay. They were less commonly caught in Placida Harbor or Gasparilla Sound.

-39- Springer and Woodburn reported that C. faber spawns in the spring or summer. Fish smaller than 25 mm. were not caught in the gear used in this study. As a result, little information can be gained concerning spawning from the length-frequency distribution.

Labridae Halichoeres bivittatus (Bloch) Slippery Dick (Appendix B, Table 44)

This species was most abundant at stations 10 and 14 in June, 1968, and was occasionally taken at stations 4,9,11,12 and 20. None was caught from December, 1968 to April, 1969. A single specimen, 147 mm. standard length, was taken at station 14 on May 19,1969. The salinity and temperature were 29.9 p. p. t. and 27.5°C. respectively.

Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported that this species was seen on rocky reefs offshore at Tampa Bay. In this study, however, the species was most abundant at station 14 (Bokeelia) which is predominately a grassy habitat.

Small specimens were taken in June and November, 1968. It is possible that this species migrates into the bay during summer and fall.

Scombridae Scomberomorus maculatus (Mitchill) Spanish mackerel

This species is commonly caught by fishermen in the area, but swims too rapidly to be caught in a trawl. However, asingle specimen, 121 mm. standard length, was captured at station 22 on July 19, 1969. The salinity and water temperature were 14.5 p. p. t. and 20.0°C. respectively.

Gobiidae Gobiosoma robustum Ginsburg Code goby (Appendix B, Table 45)

This species was common in shallow grass beds. Two consecutive trawls at station 11 caught 12 and 23 specimens on March 25, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 37.2 p. p. t. and 16.1-16.5OC. respectively. From July to December, 1968 only 4 specimens were caught. Springer and Woodburn (1960) found no such drop in abundance during those months.

A single specimen, 22 mm. standard length, was caught by seine from station 37 in the Peace River, on March 26, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 2.1 p. p. t. and 20.4 °C. respectively. Springer and Woodburn reported taking G. robustum from salinities as low as 7.0 p. p. t. In June, 1968, 30 specimens were taken at stations in Tippecanoe Bay at the mouth of the Myakka River. The salinities ranged from 8.2-18.6 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 28.0-29.5OC.

Microgobius gulosus (Girard) Clown goby Seventeen specemens, 30-43 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl and dip net from the Myakka and Peace Rivers, the Gasparilla fisheries dock in Placida, and from the

-40- north end of Lemon Bay. The salinities ranged from 0-32.7 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 19.0-29.0°C.

Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes) Frillfin goby

Only 6 specimens, 22-63 mm. standard length, were taken by dip net at the Gasparilla Fishery dock in Placida Harbor in June and September, 1968. The salinities ranged from 33.1-36.6 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 28.0-28.5"C. This species is probably more abundant in this area, but usually inhabits rocky areas and was not collected by trawl or seine at the usual sampling stations.

Gobionellus oceanicus Pallas Highfin goby

A single specimen, 230 mm. total length and 160 mm. standard length, was caught by trawl at station 6 on April 18, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 37.2 p. p. t. and 25.5°C. respectively. This species was present in the Mote Marine Laboratory fish collection, but was not recorded by Springer and Woodburn (1960) from Tampa Bay.

Microdesmidae Microdesmus longipinnis (Weymouth) Pink wormfish

A single specimen was taken by trawl at station 16 in Pelican Bay on July 19,1968. When the fish was alive, its body was pink. The standard length of the specimen was 165 mm. and the total length was 177 mm.

On several occasions, cormorants were observed in Pelican Bay feeding on worm-like or eel-like fishes, possibly M. longipinnis.

Scorpaenidae Scorpaena plumeri Bloch Spotted scorpionfish

Three specimens were taken by trawl during the regular survey, at stations 2,4, and 17. During the reconnaissance stage, this species was common between the two bridges to Gasparilla Island. On February 14, 1969, an extra trawl was made at that location. One specimen, 21 mm. standard length, was taken. The salinity and temperature were 34.0 p. p. t. and 16.8°C. respectively.

Gunter and Hall (1965) reported only one specimen from the San Carlos Bay area, and Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported none from Tampa Bay.

Triglidae Prionotus scitulus latifrons Ginsburg Leopard searobin (Appendix B, Table 46)

This species was widely distributed in the Charlotte Harbor area. During the reconnaissance stage, in February, 1968, numerous specimens were taken from the lower Charlotte Harbor main channel. Specimens were taken from stations in upper Charlotte

-41- Harbor during January and February, 1969. The salinities ranged from 26.9-34.0 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 14.3-30.8°C.

Prionotus tribulus crassiceps Ginsburg Bighead searobin (Appendix B, Table 47)

This species was taken by trawl from October, 1968 to February, 1969. Like P. scitulus latifrons, it too was widely distributed. More specimens were taken from the upper Charlotte Harbor stations, however. The salinities and temperatures at those stations ranged from 15.7-33.5 p. p. t. and 14.5-26.5 0c. respectively. A single specimen, 205 mm. standard length, was taken at station 6 in Placida Harbor on April 19, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 34.5 p. p. t. and 25.8OC.

Prionotus roseus Jordan and Evermann Bluespotted searobin

Only two specimens were taken by trawl. One, 76 mm. standard length, was caught during the reconnaissance stage on February 28, 1968, in the lower Charlotte Harbor main channel. The salinity and temperature were 34.0p. p. t. and 16.0°C. respectively. The second specimen, 143 mm. standard length, was caught at station 2 on July 16,1968. The salinity and water temperature were 25.8 p. p. t. and 31.1OC.

Uranoscopidae Astroscopus y-graecum (Cuvier) Southern stargazer Two specimens were taken by seine in Placida Harbor near the Florida Highway 771 bridge on February 16, 1968. The specimens were 21 and 32 mm. standard length. Salinity was not recorded at the time. The water temperature was 20.0°C. Several attempts were made in March and August in the same area, but no more were found.

Clinidae Paraclinus marmoratus (Steindachner) Marbled blenny Thirteen specimens were collected (two during the reconnaissance stage, and the remainder during the survey proper), all from station 16. The specimens ranged from 18 to 55 mm. standard length.

Breder (1939 and 1941) reported on the life history and reproductive behavior of this species, and Springer (1954) investigated the genus Paraclinus. Springer reported P. marmoratus from Cedar Key based on specimens on deposit at the U. S. National Museum. Springer and Woodburn (1960) collected 3 specimens north of Anclote Key.

They also reported that Dr. Eugenie Clark had collected one specimen from Lemon Bay on August 14, 1956. That specimen is deposited in the Mote Marine Laboratory fish collection. Blenniidae Chasmodes saburrae Jordan and Gilbert Florida blenny This species frequents oyster reefs and rocky habitats and is not commonly taken by

-42- nets. Five specimens, 26-48 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl from Pelican Bay and Matlacha Pass during this survey. The salinities ranged from 13.1-26.8 p. p. t. and the temperatures from 16.0-33.0°C, A few specimens were taken from those locations and from stations 11 and 12 during the reconnaissance stage.

Reid (1954) and Springer (1959) reported the distribution and breeding behavior of this species.

Stromateidae Poronotus triacanthus (Peck) Butterfish

A single specimen, 39 mm. standard length and 57 mm. total length, was collected by trawl from station 7 on February 18, 1969. Five other specimens were taken during the reconnaissance stage, 4 from upper Charlotte Harbor and the vicinity of the Myakka River, and one from Gasparilla Sound.

Sphyraenidae Sphyraena borealis (DeKay) Northern sennet

Two specimens, 45 and 50 mm. standard length, were taken at station 10 on April 22, 1967. The salinity and temperature were 36.5 p. p. t. and 27.5OC. respectively.

Mugilidae Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus) Striped mullet

This species is very commonly caught by commercial fishermen in the Charlotte Harbor area. Fishing was heavy during the winter months, both in the bay, and outside in the Gulf. Mullets are very fast swimmers and are virtually impossible to catch in a trawl. Large schools of adults were observed on many occasions.

Many small specimens were taken by seine and dip net in Gasparilla Sound and Placida Harbor as well as from fresh water in the Peace River.

The spawning behavior and growth rate of this species have been discussed by Breder (1940), Kilby (1949), Gunter (1945), Arnold and Thompson (1958), Anderson (1958), and Springer and Woodburn (1960).

Mugil curema Valenciennes White mullet

Five specimens, 36-75 mm. standard length, were collected by seine at Bird Key in Placida Harbor on August 12, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 35.7 p. p. t. and 22.0°C. respectively. Atherinidae Menidia beryllina (Cope) Tidewater silverside Several hundred specimens were taken by seine at Placida Harbor and Gasparilla Sound in Feb~~ary, March and August, 1968. They were occasionally taken by dip net at the

-43- Gasparilla Fishery dock. A single specimen, 48 mm. standard length, was taken by trawl at station 37 in the Peace River on January 28, 1969. The water was fresh and the temperature was 20.6°e.

Gunter (1945) and Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported in detail the growth rate and spawning behavior of this species.

Polynemidae Polydactylus octonemus (Girard) Atlantic threadfin

Two specimens, 154 and 167 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl at station 2 in June and September, 1968. The salinities were 25.8 and 30.8 p. p. t. and the temperatures were 27.0 and 31.0°C.

Bothidae Paralichthys albigutta Jordan and Gilbert Gulf flounder (Appendix B, Table 48)

Several small specimens, 38-57 mm. standard length, were caught by seine at Placida Harbor in February, 1968. A single 34 mm. specimen was colIected by trawl at station 4 on May 19, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 32.3 p. p. t. and 27.0°e. respectively. Three large specimens were taken in June, July and November, 1968. All specimens were taken from salinities higher than 23.0 p. p. t. and temperatures from 18.0-31.3°C. Those collected came from Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound; none was caught above Turtle Bay.

No specimens were collected from December, 1968 to April, 1969.

Paralichthys oblongus (Mitchill) Fourspot flounder

This species had a distribution similar to that of P. albigutta. Specimens came from Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, and Pine Island Sound. Small specimens, 20-85 mm. standard length, were collected by seine in Placida Harbor in February and March, 1968. The salinity range of this species was 23.7-36.2 p. p. t. and the temperatures were 18.5-28.5°e.

Etropus crossotus Jordan and Gilbert Fringed flounder (Appendix B, Table 49)

A total of 17 specimens, 54-109 mm. standard length, were collected by trawl during this survey. Most of those came from Lemon Bay and Placida Harbor. A single specimen was caught at station 33 in the Peace River. The salinity was 15.7 p. p. t. and the water temperature was 16.0°e. All specimens were taken from a salinity range of 14.5-33.5p. p. t. and temperatures of 14.5-30. O°e. Citharichthys macrops Dressel Spotted whiff

Two specimens, 71 and 92 mm. standard length, were collected by trawl during the

-44- reconnaissance stage; none was collected during the regular survey. One came from the main channel of lower Charlotte Harbor on February 28, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 36.6 p. p. t. and 15.5°C. respectively. The second was taken at station 18 on March 21, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 32.8 p. p. t. and 21.0°C.

Springer and Woodburn (1960) did not report this species from Tampa Bay. One specimen from Sarasota Bay is deposited in the Mote Marine Laboratory fish collection.

Soleidae Trinectes maculatus fasciatus (Lad:;pede) Hogchoker (Appendix B, Table 50)

This species was very common but was taken only in the Peace and Myakka Rivers. It was never taken south of stations 30 or 32.

A large number were collected from June to November, 1968, after which the catch dropped off sharply. The salinity increased at those stations after December, 1968. Although Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported one large specimen from 32.0 p. p. t., this species has been found in fresh springwater, and appears to prefer brackish waters (Kilby, 1953). Gunter and Hall (1965) found this species abundant at the Caloosahatchee River during January and February. It is likely that the fish retreated farther up the Peace and Myakka Rivers during periods of low rainfall.

Achirus lineatus (Linnaeus) Lined sole (Appendix B, Table 51)

Only a few specimens were taken by trawl from lower Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound. They were found in a salinity range of 18.6-35.5 p. p. t. and temperatures of 14.5-29.4OC.

Cynoglossidae Symphurus plagiusa (Linnaeus) Blackcheek tongue fish (Appendix B, Table 52)

This species is widely distributed in the Charlotte Harbor area, but few were taken by trawl. None was collected from June to Septemb~r, 1968. Most of those caught came from stations 30, 31, 32 and 33. These areas have relatively low salinity and muddy or sandy bottoms. This is in agreement with Reid (1954) who stated that this species prefers sandy or muddy habitats. The specimens were taken from salinities of 14.5-34.5 p. p. t. and temperatures of 12.0-29 .O°e.

Echeneidae Echeneis naucrates Linnaeus Sharksucker

Twelve specimens, 125-434 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl from August to December, 1968, aqd in March, 1969. Most of them came from Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor,

-45- Gasparilla Sound and Pine Island Sound. They were caught in salinities of 21.3-30.4 p. p. t. and temperatures of 17. 9-32.0°C,

Balistidae Monocanthus hispidus Linnaeus Planehead filefish (Appendix B, Table 53)

Large collections were made in the summer of 1968 at stations 4, 10, 14 and 16. After that, the collections were smaller. None was caught in May, 1969.

The majority of the specimens were small. Three large fish, 125, 136 and 172 mm standard length, were caught at station 6 on November 18, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 31.8 p. p. t. and 22.2°C. respectively.

This species apparently prefers relatively high salinities. Only one specimen, 47 mm. standard length, was taken from the upper Charlotte Harbor (station 29) and that from a salinity of 35.8 p. p. t. The salinity range reported by Springer and Woodburn (1960) for this species was 24.3-34.0 p. p. t. and that reported by Gunter and Hall (1965) was 23.0-33.7p. p. t.

Alutera schoepfi (Walbaum) Orange filefish

This species was quite often caught by commercial fishermen while fishing for mullets.

Seven specimens, 45-288 mm. standard length, were caught by trawl during this survey, all of them from open water in lower Charlotte Harbor or from the passes. The salinity range was 27.3-36.2 p. p. t. and the water temperatures were 19.1-31.2"C.

Ostraciidae Lactophrys quadricornis (Linnaeus) Cowfish (Appendix B, Table 54)

During the reconnaissance stage, 58 specimens were collected by trawl in February, 1968, and 69 were caught in March. Most of those came from stations in the lower bay or near the passes. Small specimens, 21-38 mm. standard length, were collected by seine from the north shore of Devilfish Key on February 13, 1968. The salinity was not recorded and the water temperature was 17.0°C. Small specimens, 26-35 mm. standard length, were taken by trawl in September, 1968, and January and March, 1969.

The largest specimen collected, 210 mm. standard length, was taken at station 6 on May 16, 1969. The salinity and temperature were 34.9 p. p. t. and 26.9"C. respectively.

The majority of the specimens were taken at stations in lower Charlotte Harbor and adjacent areas. The salinity range was 28.5-37.9 p. p. t. Only one specimen was taken as far inshore as station 29, on April 18, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 31. 9 p. p. t. and 25.5°C.

-46- Tetraondontidae Spheroides nephelus (Goode and Bean) Southern puffer (Appendix B, Table 55)

. This species was more commonly caught by seine or dip net than by trawl. Eleven small specimens, 7-13 mm. standard length, were taken by dip net at Pelican Bay on May 9, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 36.8 p. p. t. and 24.9°C. respectively. Small specimens, 14-35 mm. standard length, were caught by trawl in November, 1968, and January, 1969. Most specimens came from stations 10, 11, 12, 14, and 16.

A single specimen was taken from station 29 on April 18, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 30.2 p. p. t. and 25.2°C.

Diodontidae Chilomycterus schoepfi (Walbaum) Striped burrfish (Appendix B, Table 56)

This species is very common in the Charlotte Harbor area, and was especially abundant during the winter months (both 1968 and 1969). This is contrary to the findings of Springer and Woodburn (1960) who caught very few during the winter.

Small specimens, less than 25 mm. standard length, were taken in May, June and July, 1968. The largest, 263 mm. standard length, was also caught in July. The majority were taken at stations near the passes to the Gulf. Only one specimen, 18 mm. standard length, was taken at an extra station at Tippecanoe Bay, near the mouth of the Myakka River. The salinity and temperature were 18.6 p. p. t. and 29.5°C. respectively. This specimen might have been carried there by currents.

Batrachoididae Opsanus beta (Goode and Bean) Gulf toadfish (Appendix B, Table 57)

This species was commonly found in discarded beer cans. On several occasions, deserted crab traps were brought up in the trawl, and invariably they contained toadfish. Specimens were also taken by trawl at stations 4, 10 and 16. A single specimen, 60 mm. standard length, was caught at station 31 in the Myakka River on March 18, 1968. The salinity and temperature were 23.3 p. p. t. and 20.2OC. respectively.

Small specimens, 20-45 mm. standard length, were collected in June, 1968, and December, 1968 to March, 1969. Springer and Woodburn (1960) reported a similar situation. Springer reported finding toadfish eggs on the Texas coast during June.

No specimens were collected in October or November, 1968, or May, 1969.

Ogcocephalidae Ogcocephalus radiatus Batfish (Appendix B, Table 58) There is presently much confusion concerning the taxonomy of the local species of

-47- batfish. Springer and Woodburn (1960) report that the specimens collected in Tampa Bay most closely conform to the O. cubifrons of Longley and Hildebrand (1941). According to Jordan, Evermann and Clark (1962), O. cubifrons has been placed in synonymy with O. radiatus.

Specimens were collected most commonly at stations 1, 13 and 18. The size distribution was widely scattered and offers no information regarding growth rate or breeding habits. Small specimens were taken during the winter and spring. The smallest specimen, 51 mm. standard length, was caught at station 1 on December 3, 1968. The salinity and water temperature were 30.88 p. p. t. and 18.S°C. respectively.

~48~ DISCUSSION

By far the most abundant species in the Charlotte Harbor area was A nchoa mitchilli (Table 4). This species was collected at everyone of the sampling stations and was the most abundant in all areas except the Lemon Bay-Gasparilla Sound area. The next most common species were Lagodon rhomboides, which was the most abundant in the above mentioned areas, Bairdiella chrysura, Orthopristis chrysopterus, Eucinostomus !tula and Cynoscion arenarius (Table 5).

The average monthly catch (Fig. 9) was highest in June and November, 1968. The first decline in catch size during July reflects the rather drastic drop in salinity which accompanied the rainy season. Severa. of the most abundant species such as Lagodon rhomboides, Eucinostomus gula and Orthopristis chrysopterus prefer higher salinities and many left the bay during the summer months. As the rainy season ended in October, the salinity increased in the bay, and the catch increased correspondingly. When the air and water temperatures dropped to about 20°C. in the winter months, the average monthly catch dropped to its lowest levels.

The entire Bay area, excluding Peace River and Matlacha Pass, has been divided into three geographical subareas for comparative purposes. Each area is represented by 5 stations: (1) the Charlotte Harbor area - stations 13, 26, 29, 31 and 32; (2) the Pine Island Sound area - stations 14, 18, 20,21 and 22; and (3) the Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound area - stations 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8. The stations in the Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound areas correspond fairly well to those used by Finucane (1965) during his survey in 1964-1965. Table 6 compares Finucane's data to those of the present study. Generally, the average catch was greater during the present study, although this may reflect differences in sampling. Tables 7, 8, and 9 compare the relative abundance of various families from the three areas. The Lemon Bay/Gasparilla Sound area is by far the most productive area both in terms of catch size and species diversity. In this area, pinfish are the most abundant species and bay anchovies are second. The distribution of all species is very uniform throughout the area.

In Pine Island Sound, the fish distribution is also quite uniform, but the composition varied quite markedly from month to month. The most productive stations were at Bokeelia (station 14) and Redfish Pass (station 20).

In the Charlotte Harbor area, the distribution is less uniform. Engraulids, sciaenids, clupeids and carangids were caught mainly at stations 31 and 32. Of the three gerrid species, Diapterus plumieri were taken at stations at the mouths of the Peace and Myakka Rivers, Eucinostomus gula from lower Charlotte Harbor, and E. argenteus from both areas. Pigfish were restricted to the lower Charlotte Harbor area.

The relative abundance and composition varied considerably from those obtained by Finucane. This may be a cyclic phenomenon or may reflect differences in weather conditions during the two surveys. This could be resolved only by a long-term study of the annual fluctuations in the fish fauna of Charlotte Harbor.

-49- Table 4

Total fish catch from Cnarlotte Harbor and adjacent wa t ers from June, 1968 to May, 1969.

Families Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Engraulidae

Total catch 484+ 5391+ 6632+ 3752+ 4792+ 7103+ 2546+ 9348+ 8363+ 3881+ 5997+

Catch/trawl 9.1 88.5 93.4 56.8 74.8 124.6 35.4 139.5 99.6 117.6 181.7

lIJ Others t- lIJ ...J Total catch 10182 5370 5001 4493 3438 10524 2510 725 1035 1150 11. 1116 ~ 0 Catch !trawl 192.1 80.1 70.4 68.1 53.7 184.6 34.9 10.B 12.3 34.B u 33.B z

Trawling efforts 53 67 71 66 64 57 72 67 B4 33 33

Table 5

Most abun dant fish species, excl uding Anchovies, from Char lotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969, in percent of mo nthly catch.

JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

LOflodon rhomboid., 45.8 24.8 7.6 27.9 43.7 58.9 60.2 28.7 41.1 26.2 55.8 25.5

Bo;rd;~"o chrysura 22.9 15.8 27.6 20.5 17.7 10.2 15.9 IB.I 15.1 16.3 17.6 14.2

Euc;nostomu. flula 2.7 10.1 24.4 13.3 10.9 2.7 5.5 7.0 8.3 1.6 3.7 0.6

Orthopr;stls chrysopt.rus 20B 13.7 6.5 2.6 3.2 0.7 0.01 5.5 7.5 4.B 3.6 IB.I

Cynosc;on ar.nar;us 0.4 4.1 5.6 12.6 B.3 21.3 3.6 4.4 0.03 I.B 3.4 11.6

Total 92.6 68.5 71.7 76.9 83.B 93.B 85.21 63.7 72.03 50.7 84.1 70.0

-50- Fig. 9 Fluctuations in the fish catch, salinity, and air and water temperatures in Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Fish catch Air temperature CI) ----+ o "0 Water temperature ;:, ----x Salinity o C;. 200~ 40 30 c: I'D ILl ... IX Q IC CJI '" CD £ '" "0 '" ;:, '" en Q (3 )( ;:, I ~ 1501<:>30 25 ::; Vl +- -. '< ... ~ X\///~ -0 CI) +~:. ... ~o ;:, +. -ILl .....o - o - x ______x CJI ... c: CI)

~ 1001 e20 20 0 CI) -::----.- ... I- ~. ///' t: . t~ .s= u -0 U

CI) CJI 50 10 15 0... CI) «>

Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Table 6

Comparison of the manthly fish catch of this study and Finucane (1965) from Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound.

JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

CHARLOTTE HARBOR

Wang & Raney 83.1 54.9 68.6 125.7 227.9 160.0 29.2 59.3 89.0 254.2 7.4

Finucane 71.0 119.2 81.0 10.8 64.4 28.6

PINE ISLAND SOUND

Wang & Raney 445.1 397.3 420.1 219.1 47.5 105.6 16.8 79.1 3.4 17.8 1.2 6.2

Finucane 40.0 286.6 104.4 70.0 23.8 49.2

LEMON BAY IPLACIDA HARBOR I GASPARILLA SOUND

Wang & Raney 143.5 364.9 212.0 172.0 120.9 767.9 98.5 29.5 55.0 243.8 117.6 25.8

Table 7

Percent composition of major families in the fish fauna of th e Charlotte Har bar area, June 1968 to May 1969.

FAMILY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

Spar ida. 1.0 0.7 0.6 5.3 2.7 0.3 8.7 4.2 3.1 4.2 z (") Pomadaayidae 0.1 0.5 0.7 0 0.3 i: " Gerridae 0.3 0.6 0.8 0.2 0.8 0.3 0.6 0.2 r ITI -i Sciaenidae 94.2 92.3 86.6 67.9 1.8 3.3 49.8 1.2 1.8 28.6 ITI 43.2

Engraulidae 0.7 0.5 5.8 17.8 93.0 92.6 38.4 84.7 90.9 60.0

Total 95.9 93.5 93.4 91.6 98.3 96.4 97.7 95.9 97.1 93.0 43.5

-52- Table 8

Percent composition of major families in the fish fauna of the Pine Island Sound orea, June 1968 to May 1969.

FAMILY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

Sparidae 51.2 1.7 1.3 4.8 37.7 71.0 66.1 4.7 20.6 5.7 16.6 32.2

Pomadasyidae 41.4 3.9 4.0 1.0 4.0 2.1 0.5 0.3 6.5

Gerridae 2.6 0.2 1.1 5.0 8.6 4.3 8.4 0.4 1.8 0.3

Sciaenidae 2.2 4.3 1.1 0.6 9.3 6.9 2.4 1.3 5.9 2.6 16.6 16.6

EnQraulidae 0.1 69.8 8'5.8 73.5 32.6 12.2 8.3 90.9 17.6 75,1

Total 97.5 79.9 93.3 84.9 92.2 96.5 85.7 97.8 45.9 84.0 33.2 54.8

Table 9

Percent composi tion of major families in the fish fau no of the Lemon Bay I Placida Harbor IGasparilia Sound area, Jun e 1968 to May 1969.

FAMILY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY

SPARIDAE 27.3 17.S 16.4 47.7 49.2 64.1 57.5 38.5 36.7 7.1 7.0 11.8

POMADASYIDAE 26.6 9.0 4.7 4.2 6.7 05 2.2 10.3 10.9 3.7 47.3 1.0

GERRIDAE 7.5 11.2 39.9 18.1 19.3 1.6 9.0 14.1 13.3 1.1 3.9 2.1

SCIANIDAE 7.5 1.3 6.7 10.7 6.0 29.1 7.5 17.9 5.5 36 13.2 9.5

ENGRAULIDAE 25.6 59.2 24.8 4.1 1.8 2.0 16.4 11.3 24.0 82.4 17.8 73.0

TOTAL 94.5 985 92.5 84.8 83.0 97.3 92.6 92.1 90.4 97.9 89.2 97.4

-53- SUMMARY

1. The dominant species of fishes in the Charlotte Harbor area are the bay anchovy (Anehoa mite h illi) , the pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), the silver perch (Bairdiella ehrysura), the silver jenny (Eueinostomus gula) and the sand seatrout (Cynoscion arenarius).

2. The greatest abundance of fishes and the greatest species diversity occurred in the Lemon Bay/Placida Harbor/Gasparilla Sound area. Pine Island Sound is very productive in the norther portion, but productivity drops off toward the mouth of the. Caloosahatchee River. Charlotte Harbor is rather poor in terms of abundance except for the rather high abundance of euryhaline forms and juveniles of many species near the mouths of the Peace and Myakka Rivers.

3. The abundance of fishes in the bay was related to both temperature and salinity. Peak abundance occurred during June and November. During' the rainy season, the salinity dropped and with it, the fish catch. Likewise the fish catch again dropped with the low winter temperatures.

LITERATURE CITED

Alberts, J., A. Hanke and R. Harriss 1970. Studies on the geochemistry and hydrography of the Charlotte Harbor estuary, Florida. Progress Report No. 1. Charlotte Harbor Estuarine Studies, Mote Marine Laboratory. 34 pp.

Anderson, W. W. 1958. Larval development, growth, and spawning of striped mullet (Mugil eephalus) along the south Atlantic coast of the United States. U. S. Fish and wildI. Serv., Fish. Bull. 58(144): 501-519.

Arnold, E. L., Jr. and J. R. Thompson 1958. Offshore spawning of the striped mullet, Mugil eephalus, in the Gulf of Mexico. Copeia 1958(2): 130-132. Bailey, R. M., et al 1970. A list of common and scientific names of fishes from the United States and Canada. 3rd ed. Amer. Fish. Soc. Spec. PubI. No.2., Ann Arbor, Mich. 150 pp.

Bigelow, H. B. and w. C. Schroeder 1953. Fishes of the western north Atlantic. Mem. Sears Found. Res., No.1, part 2:43-402. Bigelow, H. B. and W. C. Schroeder 1953. Fishes of the western north Atlantic. Mem. Sears Found. Res., No 1, part 2: 43-402.

Breder, C. M., Jr. 1939. On the life history and development of sponge blenny, Paraclinus marmoratus(Steindachner). Zoologic a 24:487-496. 1940. The spawning of Mugil eephalus on the Florida west coast. Copeia 1940(2): 138-139. 1941. On the reproductive behavior of sponge blenny, Paraclinus marmoratus (Steindachner). Zoologica 26: 233-235. 1942. On the behavior of young Oligoplites saurus (Bloch and Schneider). Copeia 1942(4): 267.

-54- Finucane, J. H. 1965. Faunal production report. Report, Bur. Comm. Fish. Biol. Sta., St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Fiscal Year 1965. U. S. Fish and wildlf. Serv., Circular 242: 18-20.

Gunter, G. 1945. Studies on marine fishes of Texas. Publ. Inst. Mar. Sci. 1 (1): 1-190.

Gunter, G. and G. E. Hall 1965. A biological investigation of the Caloosahatchee estuary of Florida. Gulf Res. Reports 2(1): 1-72.

Hildebrand, H. H. and L. E. Cable 1930. Development and life history of fourteen teleostean fishes at Beaufort, N. C. Bull. U. S. Bur. Fish. 46 (1931): 383-488.

Jordan, D. S., B. W. Evermann and H:. W. Clark 1962. A check list of the fishes and fishlike vertebrates of North and Middle America north of Venezuela and Colombia. Lundberg., Ashton, Md. 670 pp.

Kilby, J. D. 1949. A preliminary report on young striped mullet (Mugil cephalus Linnaeus) in two Gulf coastal areas of Florida. Quart. Jour. Fla. Acad. Sci., 1948.11(1): 7-23. 1953. The fishes of two Gulf coastal marsh areas of Florida. Tulane Studies in Zoology, June, 1953: 175-247.

Longley, W. H. and S. F. Hildebrand 1941. Systematic catalogue of the fishes of Tortugas, Florida. Carnegie Inst. Wash. Publ. 535: xiii + 331 pp., 34 pIs.

Lonnberg, A. J. E. 1894. List of fishes observed and collected in south Florida. Ofvers. Kougl. Akad. Forh. 3: 109-131.

Raney, E. c., R. H. Backus, R. W. Crawford and C. R. Robins 1953. Reproductive behavior in Cyprinodon variegatus Lacepede, in Florida. Zoologica 38(2): 97-104.

Reid, G. K., Jr. 1954. An ecological study of the Gulf of Mexico fish in the vicinity of Cedar Key, Florida. Bull. Mar. Sci. Gulf Carib., 4(1): 1-94.

Simpson, D. G. and G. Gunter 1956. Notes on habitats, systematic characters and life histories of Texas salt water cyprinodontes. Tulane Studies in Zoology 4(4): 115-134.

Springer, V. G. 1954. Western Atlantic fishes of the genus Paraclinus. Tex. Jour. Sci. 6(4): 422-441. 1959. Blennid fishes of the genus Chasmodes. Tex. Jour. Sci. 11(3): 321-334. 1960. Icthyological survey of the Caloosahatchee River area. IN Phillips, R. C. and V. G. Springer. 1960. A report on the hydrography, marine plants and fishes of the Caloosahatchee River area, Lee County, Florida. Fla. St. Bd. Conserv. Spec. Sci. Rept. No.5, pp. 20-34.

-55- Springer, V. G. and K. D. Woodburn 1960. An ecological study of fishes of the Tampa Bay area. Fla. St. Bd. Conserv. Prof. Papers, Ser. No.1: 1-104.

Storey, M. 1937. The relation between normal range and mortality of fishes due to cold at sanibel Island, Florida. Ecology 18(1): 10-26.

Storey, M. and E. W. Gudger 1936. The mortality of fishes due to cold at sanibel Island, Florida, 1886-1936. Ecology 17 (4): 640-648.

Suttkus, R. D. 1955. Seasonal movements and growth of the Atlantic croaker (Micropogon undulatus) along the east Louisiana coast. Proc. Gulf Carib. Fish. Inst. 1954: 151-158.

Welsh, W. W. and C. M. Breder, Jr. 1923. Contributions to life histories of Sciaenidae of the eastern United States coast. Bull. U. s. Bur. Fish. 39(1942): 141-201.

-56- APPENDIX A

Check list of fishes collected in Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters.

A. Dipnet and seine at Gasparilla Sound and Placida Harbor, February 1968-February 1969. B. Dipnet and seine at Peace River, March 1968-August 1969. C. Trawl at Caloosahatchee River, April 1968-May 1969. D. Trawl at North Lemon Bay, April 1968-May 1968. E. Trawl at Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters (reconnaissance stage), February 1968-May 1968. F. Trawl at Charlotte Harbor and its adjacent area (random sample stage), June 1968-May 1969. G. Fishes collected by Mote Marine Laboratory during the 12-year period 1955-1968 on the Gulf Coast from Venice to Estero Island, including Charlotte Harbor. H. Fishes reported by Springer (1960) from the Caloosahatchee Estuary. I. Fishes reported by Gunter and Hall (1965) from the Caloosahatchee Estuary.

(-) indicates species not collected. (+) indicates species present in collection. (?) indicates uncertain identitication. A B C D E F G H I

BRANCHIOSTOMIDA Branchiostoma caribaeum + ODONTASPIDAE Odontaspis taurus + ORECTOLOBIDAE Ginglymostoma cirratum + CARCHARHINIDAE Carcharhinus acronotus + Carcharhinus leu cas + Carcharhinus limbatus + Carcharhinus maculipinnis + Carcharhinus milberti + Carcharhinus obscurus + Galeocerdo cuvieri + Mustelis norrisi + Negaprion brevirostris + Aprionodon isodon + SPHYRNIDAE Sphyrna leweni + Sphyrna mokarran + Sphyrna tiburo + + PRISTIDAE Pristis pectinatus + RHINOBATIDAE Rhinobatis lentiginosus + + RAJIDAE Raja eglanteria + DASYATIDAE Dasyatis americana + + + Dasyatis sabina + + + + + Dasyatis sayi + + + Gymnura micrura + + + MYLIOBATIDAE Aetobatis narinari + Rhinoptera bonasus + + MOBULIDAE Manta birostris + LEPISOSTEIDAE Lepisosteus platyrhincus + + + Lepisosteus sp. + AMIIDAE Amia calva + ELOPIDAE Elops saurus + + + + + + Megalops atlantica +

-A-2- A B C D E F G H I

CLUPEIDAE Brevoortia patronus + + Brevoortia smithi + + + + + ? + Dorosoma pretenense + + + Harengula pensacolae + + + + + + + + Opisthonema oglinum + + + + + Sardinella anchovia + ENGRAULIDAE Anchoa mitchilli + + + + + + + + + Anchoa hepsetus + + + + + + Anchoa cubana + + + + + ? SYNODONTIDAE Synodus foetens + + + + + + + CYPRINIDAE Notemigonus crysoleucas + Notropis maculatus + Notropis petersoni + Notropis sp. + ARIIDAE Galeichthys felis + + + + + + + Bagre marinus + + + + + + ICT ALURIDAE Ictalurus catus + + + Ictalurus punctatus + + Ictalurus natalis + Notorus leptocanthus + ANGUILLIDAE Anguilla rostrata + MURAENIDAE Gymnothorax nigromarginatus + OPHICHTHIDAE Bascanichthys scuticaris + Myrophis punctatus + + + Myrophis intertinctus + Ophichthus gomesi + + Ophichthus ophis + Ophichthus sp. + + BELONIDAE Ablennes hians + Strongylura marina + + Strongylura notata + + + + Strongylura raphidoma + Strongylura timucu + + HEMIRHAMPHIDAE Hyporhamphus unifasciatus + + + EXOCOETIDAE Cypselurus heterurus +

-A-3- A B C D E F G H I CYPRINODONTIDAE Adinia xenica + + Cyprinodon variegatus + + + + Floridichthys carpio + + + Fundulus confluentus + + Fundulus grandis + + + Fundulus chrysotus + + Fundulus similis + + + + Fundulus seminolus + + + Jordanella floridae + + Lucania parva + + + + + + Lucania goodei ? + + POECILIIDAE Gambusia affinis + + + + Mollienesia latipinna + + + + Heterandria formosa + GADIDAE Urophycis floridanus + + + SYNGNATHIDAE Hippocampus erectus + + + + + Hippocampus zosterae + + + + Micrognathus crinigerus + + + Syngnathus floridae + + + + + Syngnathus louisianiae + + + + + + Syngnathus scovelli + + + + + + Syngnathus springeri + + REGALECIDAE Regalecus glesne + CENTROPOMIDAE Centropomus parallelus + Centropomus pectinatus + Centropomus undecimalis + + + + + + SERRANIDAE Centropristis striata + + + + + Centropristis ocyurus + Diplectrum arcuarium + Diplectrum formosum + + + Epinephelus drummondhayi + Epinephelus itijara + + Epinephelus morio + + Mycteroperca microlepis + + + Mycteroperca phenax + Rypticus saponaceus + Serranellus subligarius + + + LOBOTIDAE Lobotes surinamensis + + LUTJANIDAE Lutjanus griseus + + + + Lutjanus blackfordi + Lutjanus jocu + Lutjanus synagris + + + + + Rhomboplites aurorubens +

-A-4- A B C D E F G H I CENTRARCHIDAE Lepomis microlophis + Lepomis macrochirus + + + Lepomis marginatus + Enneacanthus gloriosus + PRIACANTHIDAE Pristigenys alta + APOGONIDAE Apogon conklini + Apogon maculatus + BRANCHIOSTEGIDAE Malacanthus plumieri + POMATOMIDAE Pomatomus saltatrix + + RACHYCENTRIDAE Rachycentron canadum + CARANGIDAE Caranx hippos + + + + + + + Caranx crysos + Caranx latus + Chloroscombrus chrysurus + + + + + + Oligoplites saurus + + + + + + Selene vomer + + + Trachinotus falcatus + + + + + Trachinotus carolinus + + Trachinotus glaucus + Vomer setapinnis + Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus + Seriola dumerili + Seriola zonata + Seriola sp. + GERRIDAE Diapterus plumieri + + + + + + Eucinostomus gula + + + + + + + Eucinostomus argentius + + + + + + + + POMADASYIDAE Orthopristis chrysopterus + + + + + + + Haemulon plumieri + + + Bathystoma aurolineatum + + SCIAENIDAE Bairdiella chrysura + + + + + + + Leiostomus xanthurus + + + + + + + + + Cynoscion arenarius + + + + + + + Cynoscion nebulosus + + + + + + Cynoscion regalus + Equetus acuminatus + Menticirrhus littoralis + + + Menticirrhus americanus + + + + + + Menticirrhus focaliger + + + Micropogon undulatus + + + + + + + Pogonias cromis + + + + + Sciaenops ocellata + + + +

-A-5- A B C D E F G H I MULLIDAE Mullus auratus + SPARIDAE Lagodon rhomboides + + + + + + + + + A rchosargus probatocephalus + + + + + Calamus arctifrons + + + Calamus bajonado + Calamus calamus + Diplodus holbrooki + + + Pagrus sedecim + KYPHOSIDAE K yphosus sectatrix + EPHIPPIDAE Chaetodipterus faber + + + + + + CHAETODONTIDAE Chaetodon ocellatus + Holacanthus bermudensis + Pomacanthus aureus + POMACENTRIDAE Abudefduf saxatilis + Eupomacentrus leucostictus + LABRIDAE Halichoeres bivittatus + + + Halichoeres caudalis + Lachnolaimus maximus + SCARIDAE Nicholsina usta. + + Scarus punctulatus + Sparisoma radians + ACANTHURIDAE Acanthurus bahianus + Acanthurus coeruleus + TRICHIURIDAE Trichiurus lepturus + SCOMBRIDAE Scomberomorus maculatus + + Scomberomorus cavalla + GOBIIDAE Bathygobius soporator + + Garmannia macrodon + Gobionellus oceanicus + + Gobionellus smaragdus + Gobionellus boleosoma + Gobiosoma bosci + + + Gobiosoma robustum + + + + + + Gobiosoma longipala + Lphogobius cyprinoides + Microgobius gulosus + + + + + +

-A-6- A B C D E F G H I MICRODESMIDAE Microdesmus longipinnis + + SCORPAENIDAE Scorpaena plumieri + + + Scorpaena braziliensis + + TRIGLIDAE Prionotus roseuw + + + Prionotus scitulus + + + + + Prionotus tribulus + + + + + OPISTHOGNATHIDAE Opisthognathus maxillosus + URANOSCOPIDAE Astroscopus y-graecum + + + + CLINIDAE Paraclinus marmoratus + + + BLENNIIDAE Blennius marmoreus + Blennius nicholsi + Chasmodes saburrae + + + Hypleurochilus geminatus + Hypsoblennius hentzi + OPHIDIIDAE Ophidion holbrooki + Ophidion welshi + STROMATEIDAE Poronotus tricanthus + + Peprilus alepidotus + SPHYRAENIDAE Sphyraena barracuda + Sphyraena borealis + + MUGILIDAE Mugil cephalus + + + + + Mugil curema + + + + ATHERINIDAE Membras martinica + + + Menidia beryllina + + + + Labidesthes sicculus + POL YNEMIDAE Polydactylus octonemus + + BOTHIDAE Ancylopsetta quadrocellata + Citharichthys macrops + + + Etropus crossotus + + + + Paralichthys albigutta + + + + + + Paralichthys oblongus + + + + Paralichthys lethostigma +

-A-7- A B C 0 E F G H I

SOLEIDAE Achirus lineatus + + + + + Gymnachirus nudus + Trinectes maculatus + + + + + + + CYNOG LOSSIDAE Symphurus plagiusa + + + + + + ECHENEIDAE Echeneis naucrates + + + BALISTIDAE Balistes capriscus + Alutera schoepfi + + + Alutera scripta + Cantherines pullus + Monocanthus ciliatus + Monocanthus hispidus + + + + + + OSTRACIIDAE Lactrophys quadricornis + -+ + + + Lactophrys trigonis + TETRAODONTIDAE Sphaeroides nephelus + + + + + + + Sphaeroides spengleri + Lagocephalus laevigatus + DIODONTIDAE Chilomycterus schoepfi + + + + + + + Diodon hystrix + BATRACHOIDIDAE Opsanus beta - + + + + + + + Opsanus tau + Porichthys porissimus + GOBIESOCIDAE Gobiesox strumosus + ANTENNARIIDAE Antennarius ocellatus + Histrio his trio + OGCOCEPHALIDAE Ogcocephalus radiatus + + + Ogcocephalus sp. +

TOT AL SPECIES This study 125 Mote Lab collection 216 _ Springer (1960) 39 Gunter & Hall (1965) 94

GRAND TOTAL SPECIES 246

-A-8- APPENDIXB

Length-frequency distribution tables for the fishes collected from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968-May 1969.

-B-l- Table 10

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Brevoortia smithi from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

41-45

86-90 3 91-95 96-100 101-105 106-110 111-115 116-120 121-125 126-130 131-135 136-140 2

161 Total Meas. 4 6 3

Total Catch 4 6 3

Table II

Monthly length -fraq uency d istri bution of Dorosoma pretenense from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

I - 5 6 - 10 II - I 5 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31 - 35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 5 2 51 -55 8 56-60 10 4 61-65 18 4 66-70 25 2 71-75 16 4 3 76-80 2 2 81-85 2 2 86-90 13 91-95 2 8 96- 100 101 - 105

Total meas. 7 75 26 8 6 2 24

Total catch 7 166 38 9 6 2 27

-B-2- Table 12

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Opisthonema oglinum from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

81-85 86-90 2 91-95 96-100 1 2 101 -105 2 4 106-110 2 111-115 2 116 -120 3 2 121-125 8 126-130 2 131-135

Total meas. 6 26 2

Total catch 6 27 2

Table 13

Monthly length -frequency d istri butian of Harengula pensacalae from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 I 36-40 2 41-45 3 46-50 51-55 10 56-60 16 2 2 3 61-65 22 4 7 5 II 6 66-70 14 6 5 7 31 9 71-75 10 4 9 7 8 10 17 76-80 2 3 20 4 10 2 5 81-85 I II 12 20 2 4 7 86-90 2 5 26 15 3 4 10 91-95 5 25 29 3 2 10 96-100 2 12 15 3 5 101 - 105 8 3 106- 110 2 111- I 15 116-120 3 121-125 2 126-130 131-135

Total meaa. 83 29 59 98 119 20 3 2 66 4 70

Total catch 139 29 101 103 265 20 3 2 161 4 175

-B-3- Table 14

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Anchoa m itchilli from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May

I - 5 6 -10 1\ - 15 16-20 6 12 6 7 9 10 21 -25 2 25 27 23 54 16 35 40 9 26-30 10 43 38 50 37 29 49 26 63 2 8 31-35 21 40 90 54 136 56 29 23 35 6 19 36-40 28 76 117 85 220 147 28 20 51 3 7 41 -45 7 105 109 80 127 139 41 38 92 8 8 46- 50 58 82 17 55 103 48 141 110 18 27 51-55 14 40 9 35 68 49 190 207 48 51 56-60 35 6 42 38 127 123 54 14 61-65 4 5 6 33 53 27 6 66-70 2 7 71-75

Total meas. 69 369 554 325 678 614 326 648 746 173 140

Total catch 435 4621 5774 2875 4611 6968 2384 9347 8314 2945 5964

Table 15

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Anchoa hepsetus from Charlotte Harbar and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May

I - 5 6 -10 1\ - I 5 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 2 51-55 3 56-60 4 13 I 61 - 65 19 4 66-70 45 2 71-75 52 17" 4 76- 80 37 17 20 10 81 -85 27 16 18 19 86-90 5 II 9 23 6 91 -95 7 22 8 3 I 96- 100 I 15 II 3 3 2 3 9 2 101 - 105 3 2 106- 110 I I I 3 3 3 1\ 1-1\5 2 2 3 3 I 116 -120 121 -125 126 - 130 131 -135 136 -140 141 -145 146- 150 151 - 155 156 - 160 Total meas. 16 202 72 61 91 32 6 9 20 10

Total catch 16 1286 725 729 181 135 6 118 321 II

-B-4- Table 16

Monthly length -frequency d istri bution of Anchoa cuban a from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May 1 - 5 6 - 10 2 11 _ 15 1 3 2 16-20 6 25 1 21 -25 11 14 6 4' 4 26-30 4 1 2 41 38 1 31-35 5 5 26 2 I 36-40 11 11 2 41 -45 5 12 9 14 4 1 10 46- 50 2 3 35 11 3 2 51-55 4 18 56-60 61-65 17 66-70 71 -75 76- 80 Total meas. 27 24 32 77 70 24 67 40 22

Total catch 33 24 133 121 156 49 818 193 22

-B-5- Table 17

Monthly len9th -frequency d istri bution of Syn odus foe tens from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waterl, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-100 101 - 105 106-110 II I - 115 116 -120 121 - 125 126 -130 131 -135 136 - 140 3 141 -145 2 146 - 150 151 - 1515 156 - 160 160 -165 166-170 I 2 171- 175 2 176 -180 I 2 2 181 -185 2 186 -190 3 191 -195 2 2 196 -200 2 201 -205 206 -210 211 -215 216 -220 221-225 226-230 231

253 256-260 264 270 277 283

303

Totol meos. 16 7 8 10 4 14 10 5 12 5 4 4

Total catch 16 7 12 10 4 16 10 6 12 5 4 4

-B-6- Table 18

Monthly lenoth -frequency d istri bution of Bagre mar; n us from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

51-60 61-70 71-80 5 3 81-90 21 3 91-100 5 2 3 2 101-110 3 2 6 4 111-120 3 5 2 3 121 -130 2 :3 5 5 131-140 5 2 I 141 -150 I, 3 2 151 -160 161 -170 171 -180 181 -190 2 191 -200

211 -220

231-240

321 -330

468

Total meas, 2 38 15 13 24 9 13 8 7

Total catch 4 46 20 20 24 9 26 10 7

-B-7- Table 19

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Ga/eichthys fe/is from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jon Feb Mar Apr May

21-30 3 31-40 II 41-50 6 23 10 51-60 7 2 24 61-70 I 10 6 71-80 23 2 81-90 8 91-100 3 101-110 I 10 111-120 I II 3 121-130 5 I 8 3 131-140 3 141-150 151-160 161-170 171-180 181-190 2

191-200 2 201- 21 0 I 211-220 3 4 2 2.21-230 2 231-240 4 2 241-250 2 I 251-260 7 2 3 261-270 3 I 271-280 2 3 2 7 281-290 5 291-300 2 2 4 301-310 3 4 I 311-320 2

Total meas. 22 39 55 17 37 28 55 20 18 7

Total catch 24 155 73 21 89 30 73 64 18 8

-B-8- Table 20

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Icfalurus cafus from Charlotte Harbor and ad; acent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 2 26-30 5 I 31-35 2 2 36-40 6 5 41 -45 12 46-50 8 51-55 5 56-60 2 61-65 3 2 66-70 I 71 -75 2 2 76-80 I 2 81-85 2 4 86-90 5 91 -95 2 96-100 2 2 101 - 105 106-110 151

167

175

221

Total meas. 53 II 5 2 5 23

Totol cat ch 2 53 19 5 2 5 23

-B-9- Table 21

Monthly lenoth -frequency distribution of Syngna thus floridae from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 10 May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II -15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31 -35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81 -85 86-90 91 -95 2 96-100 101 - 105 2 106-110 I II I -115 2 116 -120 2 121 -125 3 126 -130 5 2 131 -135 2 136-140 5 141 - 145 2 2 146 - 150 3 3 151 -15S 7 156 -160 5 3 160 -165 4 166 - 170 3 171- 175 3 4 176 -180 4 181 -185 2 5 2 186-190 2 4 191 -195 5 3 2 196 -200 2 201 -205 206-210 211-215 2 216 -220 221-225 226-230 231-235 238

252

258

Total meas. 69 38 12 8 4 3 3

Total catch 72 38 13 8 3 5 3 3 5

-B-IO- Table 22

Monthly lenGth -frequency distribution of Syngnathus scovelli from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 10 May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 2 41 -45 46-50 2 51 -55 2 56-60 3 61-65 3 I 66-70 4 2 2 71 -75 4 2 4 2 5 76-80 3 4 2 81-85 6 I I I 86-90 4 2 2 5 I 2 91 - 95 3 I 2 96- 100 2 2 2 101 - 105 4 2 106- 110 3 I 111-115 I 2 2 116 - 120 4 3 121 - 125 126 -130 131 - 135 136 - 140 141 - 145 166 - 170 201 -205

245

255

262 Total meas. 41 18 2 2 2 2 14 21 " 17 6 17 Total catch 45 18 2 2 2 2 14 21 II 17 6 20

-B-ll- Table 23

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Syngnathus lauisianiae from Charlott. Harbor and adjacent watlr. , Jun. 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

8S-90 91-95 96-100 101 -105 106-110 111-115 116-120 121 -125 12S-130 131 -135 13S-140 141 -145 146 -150 151 -155 156 -160 161 -165 166-170 171 -175 2 176 -180 181 -185 186-190 191 -195 196-200 2

221-225

271 276

288-289

Total meas. 2 3 3 4 2 5 2 2 4

Total catch 2 4 5 4 3 4 2 5 3 4 4

Table 24

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Centroprist .. striata melana from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

5S-S0 76-80 96-100 101-105 10S-110 2 111-115 116 -120 121-125 126-130

146- 150 151-155 2

171-175

Total meal. 3 6 4

Total catch 3 S 4 3

-B-12- Tobie 25

Monthly length -frequ!lncy distribution of Myeteroperea mierolepis from Charlotte Harbor and adj acent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46- 50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71 -75 76-80 81-85 4 86-90 2 91-95 96- 100 101 - 105 2 106- I 10 3 111-115 I 116 - 120 2 2 121 - 125 126 - 130 3 131 - 135 136- 140 2 141 - 145 2 146 - 150 151 - 155 156 - 160 160 - 165 166-170 171- 175 176- 180 181 - 185

205

Total meas. 14 9 8 3

Total catch 14 9 8 3

-B-13- Table 26

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Dip/ectrum formosum from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent watera, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May 1 - 5 6 - 10 11 - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 1· 61-65 66-70 71-75 2 76-80 81-85 86-90 91 -95 96-100 2 2 101 - 105 106-110 III -115 116 -120 121 -125 126-130 131 -135 136-140 2 141 -145 146-150 151 -155 156-160 160 -165 166-170 171-175 176-180

Total meal. 6 4 4 3 2 7 9 8 4 5

Total catch 6 4 5 3 2 7 9 8 4 5

-B-14- Table 27

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Serraneltus subligarius from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 10 May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

21-25 26-30 31-35 2 2 36-40 4 2 41-45 46-50

Total meas. 3 4 3 4 2

Talal catch 3 4 3 7 2

Table 28

Monthly length - freq uen cy d islri bution of Lufjanus synagris from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent watera, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm} Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 2 21 -25 2 4 3 26-30 I 2 4 3 31-35 2 2 2 36-40 3 7 2 2 41 -45 4 4 5 46-50 5 I 3 5\-55 5 56-60 2 6 61-65 3 2 66-70 I 9 71-75 4 7 76-80 3 8 81-85 7 13 4 3 86-90 4 10 6 I 91-95 9 7 13 I 2 96- 100 2 II 13 2 I 101 - 105 4 6 II 2 3 2 106-110 2 12 2 2 3 II I - 115 4 7 5 3 116 -120 3 5 2 5 121 -125 4 126 -130 3 2 131 -135 I 136 -140 2 14\ -145 146- 150 151 -155 156 - 160 160 -165

Total meas. 10 12 55 128 72 40 29 4 3 3

Tolal catch 10 12 55 131 73 40 29 4 3 3

-B-lS- Table 29

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Chloroscombrus chrysurus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 I 2 I 16-20 4 2 6 21-25 21 3 2 3 26-30 17 I 9 5 31-35 18 3 19 2 2 36-40 41 6 15 3 41 -45 43 25 17 46-50 47 39 23 51-55 16 39 II 2 56-60 6 25 8 4 2 61-65 4 20 18 II 3 66-70 10 32 27 12 2 71-75 3 7 13 20 13 7 76-80 3 8 16 10 4 81-85 7 6 6 86-90 2 4 7 4 91 -95 2 I 3 5 96- 100 2 3 I 101 - 105 2 106-110 II I - 115 6 116 -120 5 121 -125 126 -130 131 - 135 136-140 141 - 145 146 - 150 151 - 155 2 156 -160 160 -165 166 - 170 171 - 175 176 - 180

Total meas. 21 221 189 194 118 60 15 2 2

Total catch 21 467 342 351 127 70 15 2 2

-B-16- Table 30

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Oligoplites saurus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 3 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81 -85 86-90 91-95 96- 100

Total meas. 2 6

Totol catch 2 2 6

Table 31

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Selene vomer "from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

36-40 41 -45 46-50 2 51 -55 56-60 2 61-65 2 66-70 2 71-75 76-80 81 -85 86-90 2 91-95 2 96-100 101-105

Toiol meas. 10 10 3

Total catch 10 10 3

-B-17- Table 32

Monthly length -frequency d istri bution of Eucinostomus gula from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 20 4 3 21-25 19 3 9 17 9 3 26-30 15 12 27 27 14 5 31-35 7 8 23 14 17 13 36-40 20 14 10 14 12 2 41 -45 I 38 28 8 7 10 46-50 4 62 32 2 7 7 2 51-55 58 67 10 7 7 3 2 2 56-60 II 73 30 14 8 7 I 7 61-65 2 50 59 21 15 10 5 II 2 I 66-70 5 6 26 119 41 31 39 8 31 I 2 71-75 18 9 3 107 46 46 30 II 28 4 7 I 76-80 20 8 38 47 43 29 12 13 3 3 2 81-85 18 3 4 5 10 20 10 6 5 2 2 3 86-90 29 3 9 2 2 91-95 12 96- 100 2 101 - 105 2 2 106-110 2 III -115 116-120

Total meas. 174 240 360 450 258 238 134 51 103 18 16 7

Total catch 270 547 1221 599 374 281 139 51 103 18 18 7

Table 33

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Eucinostomous argentius from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 2 z 0 26-30 2 31-35 2 I () 36-40 I 2 3 0 r 41-45 2 4 II r 111 46-50 7 8 () -I 51-55 6 2 5 6 0 56-60 2 8 4 z 61-65 3 7 66-70 3 5 2 71-75 2 I 76-80 81-85 3 86-90 91-95 96- 100 2

Total meas. 14 22 40 25 5 4 3 II

Total catch 16 94 75 25 5 4 3 II

-B-18- Table 34

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Diapferus plumieri from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

41- 50 4 51-60 61-70 71-80 I 81-90 2 3 91 -100 13 101 -110 17 2 z III -120 5 a 121 -130 6 4 2 I- (J 131 -140 7 3 5 w ...J 141 -150 4 3 ...J a 151 -160 (J 161 -170 2 a 171 ~180 z 181 -190 191 -2.00 201 -210 I 211 -2.20 2 221 -230 2

Total meos. 41 24 3 10 9 5 12 6

Total catch 44 89 3 10 9 5 12 6

-B-19- Table 35

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Orthopristis chrysopterus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 3 2 I II 21-25 2 2 2 19 26-30 4 4 9 31-35 5 12 36-40 15 I 16 41-45 26 I 5 46-50 28 2 4 51-55 17 12 9 56-60 22 18 8 61-65 23 14 12 3 66-70 42 15 16 71-75 32 19 13 76- 80 49 23 14 2 8 81 -85 29 20 13 9 7 3 86-90 25 28 17 6 5 2 3 13 22 8 91-95 10 36 15 13 3 2 21 6 96- 100 3 22 19 14 12 3 18 13 101 - 105 4 16 16 8 18 7 3 8 106-110 15 16 9 19 7 4 6 3 III -115 7 13 6 10 8 4 3 I 116 -120 3 6 10 17 12 6 4 2 3 121 -125 4 I 14 9 8 7 2 2 2 126 -130 3 2 14 3 6 2 131 -135 2 2 4 2 6 136-140 2 141 - 145 3 146 - 150 2 151 - 155 2 156 -160 5 160 -165 3 166-170 3 171- 175 2 176 -180 2 2 181 -185 I 2 186-190 4 191 -195 196 -200 201 -205 206-210 211-215 2

225

Total meal. 359 286 180 106 101 73 28 40 93 51 14 105

Totol cotch 2108 735 324 119 110 75 28 40 93 55 16 202

-B-20- Table 36

Monthly lenGth-frequency distribution of Bajrdj~lIa chrysura tram Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 7 4 21 16-20 32 2 2 20 21-25 78 4 4 20 26-30 65 4 4 31-35 65 7 I 36-40 41 II 3 41 -45 38 29 23 46-50 23 30 30 I 51-55 20 38 27 5 I 56-60 7 36 36 10 I· 3 61-65 10 30 35 25 4 I 6 66-70 18 50 18 6 4 2 71-75 19 38 24 9 3 3 10 76-80 10 22 19 15 7 12 5 81-85 7 7 14 16 16 6 8 4 I 86-90 2 II 15 16 16 9 13 2 91-95 2 4 13 22 27 6 13 3 3 96-100 I 2 13 24 4 16 13 9 3 101 - 105 2 9 22 34 15 24 13 4 5 106-110 4 2 9 17 31 21 16 8 I" - 115 6 I 14 20 22 "6 14 8 I 6 116 -120 2 I 4 21 27 5 8 5 3 2 121 -125 2 4 5 14 6 7 4 4 126 -130 I 5 2 6 4 "8 I I I 6 131 -135 3 4 2 8 4 9 2 3 2 5 6 136-140 3 4 4 12 4 10 2 3 3 2 141 -145 2 3 3 I 4 8 13 I 5 2 146 - 150 3 4 3 7 13 8 I 2 3 3 151 -15S 2 5 I 2 6 4 3 2 156 -160 3 3 3 9 5 3 160 -165 2 2 I 166-170 2 3 171- 175 176 -180 Total meas. 407 269 313 152 176 236 301 131 136 78 31 III

Total catch 2328 849 1380 922 607 1079 400 131 186 187 77 159

-B-21- Table 37

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Leiostomus xonfhurus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent wate,., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 2 21-25 9 26-30 16 31-35 6 36-40 41 -45 3 46-50 3 51-55 7 56-60 II 61-65 4 66-70 3 71-75 2 76-80 3 I 81-85 I I 3 86-90 3 3 6 91-95 3 I 2 96- 100 3 2 5 101 - 105 3 3 I 106-110 7 3 9 5 3 III - 115 13 3 8 6 4 116 - 120 II 5 10 7 2 121 -125 2 I 18 6 2 126 -130 4 3 6 3 2 3 131 -135 2 5 7 2 5 136- 140 6 4 3 6 141 - 145 2 3 I 3 2 146 - 150 5 2 3 I 3 151 - 155 3 156-160 160 -165 I 166-170 2 171- 175 176-180

Total meas. 55 26 76 46 15 13 2 2 53 37 3 28

Total cotch 55 36 113 98 15 15 2 10 55 222 3 28

-B-22- Table 38

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Micropogon undu/otu5 from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 I 21-25 5 26-30 2 31-35 4 36-40 2 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 4 61-65 3 66-70 3 71-75 2 76-80 2 81-85 86-90 91 -95 96- 100 2 JOI - 105 106- 110

Total meas. 2 15 4 18 6

Total catch 2 15 5 18 9

-B-23- Table 39

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Menticirrhus americanus from Charlotte Harbar and adjacent waterl, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May 1 - 5 6 -10 11 - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 2 56-60 61-65 66-70 2 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 1 2 96- 100 2 101 - 105 106-110 111 - 115 3 116 -120 2 4 121 -125 2 126 -130 2 131 - 135 3 136 -140 2 141 -145 146- 150 151 -155 156 -160 160 -165 166-170 171-175 2 176-180 181 -185 186-190 191 -195 196-200 201 -205 2 206-210 2 211-215 2 216-220

226 230 233 237 238 272 307

Total mea •. 2 3 2 2 9 7 14 20 18

Total catch 2 3 3 2 9 7 14 20 18

-B-24- Table 40

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Cynoscion nebulosus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent watera, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 4 3 I 26-30 I 3 2 31-35 2 36-40 I 41 -45 3 46- 50 51-55 56-60 61-65 2 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-100 101 - 105 106- 110 II I -115 116 -120 121 -125 126 -130 131 - 135 136 -140 141 - 145 146- 150 151 - 1515 156 - 160 160 -165 166-170 171- 175 176 -180 181 -185 186-190

233 235

Total meos. 13 10 10 8 2 6 4 3

Total catch 15 II 10 8 2 6 4 3

-B-2S- Table 41

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Cynoscion arenarius from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent wate,., June 1968 to Moy 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II -15 16-20 I 21-25 3 2 26-30 4 3 3 31-35 6 3 8 4 36-40 4 5 5 10 3 10 41-45 5 6 4 12 8 4 2 46-50 4 13 14 9 8 2 3 51-55 5 18 9 19 2 3 I 3 56-60 2 19 23 13 7 9 2 2 2 61-65 I 21 16 14 6 7 I 66-70 15 9 10 4 2 3 71-75 15 12 10 7 3 I 76-80 4 5 6 4 2 2 81 -85 3 16 4 9 I 86-90 5 3 7 I 2 91-95 2 5 5 3 2 96-100 2 3 I 101 - 105 6 8 5 I 106-110 7 4 2 2 II I - 115 2 3 5 2 2 2 116 -120 2 5 6 5 4 121 -125 3 2 4 3 2 4 126 -130 2 7 7 3 6 3 7 4 131 -135 8 13 3 I 4 136-140 3 7 8 16 II 3 2 I 2 141 -145 2 15 14 7 4 3 3 146- 150 I 13 14 14 2 3 14 151 -155 3 10 15 4 6 156 -160 3 14 2 II 3 160 -165 3 10 4 4 5 166-170 2 3 3 3 2 3 171- 175 2 2 4 4 176-180 3 5 181 -185 2 2 2 I 186 -190 2 3 3 191 - 195 3 4 I 196-200 3 4 3 3 2 201 -205 2 2 206-210 211 -215 216-220 221 -225 2 226-230 231 -235

253

Total meas. 45 145 168 198 196 120 89 32 36 21 14 87

Total catch 45 222 290 567 284 2241 92 32 36 21 15 130

-B-26- Table 42

Monthly length -freq uency d istri bution of Lagodon rhomboides from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size{mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 3 17 I 16-20 7 77 4 9 I 21-25 II 53 20 14 II 26-30 8 6 16 14 15 13 31-35 40 3 13 6 17 36-40 62 8 4 3 5 41 -45 67 9 2 2 8 46-50 50 8 3 6 51-55 49 21 5 2 17 56-60 32 40 23 2 4 61-65 18 17 26 5 3 66-70 14 24 34 13 I 3 2 71-75 3 28 40 28 3 6 6 76- 80 4 32 42 58 15 12 12 II 7 12 81-85 2 20 54 75 45 39 57 23 18 34 86-90 9 17 42 87 76 74 110 46 51 30 2 91-95 6 20 33 69 123 93 122 50 37 17 II 96- 100 4 II 33 48 123 53 80 24 39 10 7 I 101 - 105 II 9 II 25 61 33 41 2 13 5 4 5 106-110 6 6 4 II 40 21 23 2 8 3 111-115 5 8 6 3 9 10 13 8 liS -120 12 24 8 I 7 I 2 4 121 -125 10 22 15 2 5 3 126 -130 5 9 4 3 7 3 131 -135 3 7 3 3 2 136-140 2 5 5 4 2 141 -145 2 5 2 14S- 150 2 151 -155 156 -160 ISO -165 166-170 171- 175 176-180

Total maas. 422 349 399 435 525 353 472 187 351 173 76 95

Total catch 4664 1332 831 1253 1504 6206 1510 208 508 301 244 285

-B-27- Table 43

Monthly lenGth -frequency distribution of Chaefodipferus faber from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 11- 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 2 46-50 3 3 51-55 13 6 5 2 2 56-60 2 22 3 61-65 3 18 2 3 2 66-70 4 13 4 71-75 10 I 76-80 7 2 2 81 -85 I 4 86-90 2 I 91-95 I 96-100 2 101 - 105 4 111-115 7 116 -120 2 121 -125 7 126 -130 4 131 - 135 136 - 140 141 - 145 3 146 - 150 151 -15t! 156 -160 160 -165 166-170 171- 175 176 -190 181 -185 186 -190 191 -195 2

Total meas. 2 9 35 100 17 14 8 5 3 6 II

Total catch 3 15 42 III 18 20 12 5 3 6 II

-B-28- Table 44

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Halichoeres bivittatus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 10 May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 3 66-70 71 -75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 2 96-100 101 - 105 106-110 2 2 II I -115 116 - 120 121 - 125 4 126 -130 3 2 131 - 135 I 136 - 140 3 141 - 145 2 146 - 150 151-15:5 156 -160 2 160 -165 166-170 171- 175 176 - 180

Tolal meas. 24 7 2 e

Total calch 24 7 2 e

Table 45

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Gobiosoma robustum from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waler., June 1968 10 May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 I 2 16-20 8 21-25 10 2 26-30 I 2 31-35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 5 Total meal. 20 4 5 4

5 4 5 Total catch 30 2 4

-B-29- Table 46

Monthly length -frequency distribution of Prionotus scitulus latifrons from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent wate.. , June 1968 10 May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31 - 35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 2 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81 -85 2 86-90 91-95 96- 100 101 - 105 106- 110 III -I 15 116 -120 121 -125

136

156

191

Tota I meas. 2 2 3 2 7

Totol calch 2 2 -, 3 2 7

Table 47

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Prionotus tribulus crassiceps from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent wllter., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II -15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 I 36-40 2 2 41-45 I 46-50 3 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-10 71-75 76-80 81-85

Totlll mea •. 2 3 5 8 4

Total catch 2 3 6 10 4

-B-30- Table 48

Monthly length - frequen cy distribution of Paralichthys albigutta from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

31 -40 41 -50 51 -60 61-70 71-80 81 -90 91-100 101-110 111-120 121-130 131-140 141-150 151-160 161-170 171-180 181-190 191-200 201-210 211-220 221-230 231-240 281

381 385

Total me as. 4 2 2 2 3

Total catch 4 3 2 3 :3 3 Table 49

Monthly length -frequency distribution of E:tropus crossotus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent water., June 1968 to May 1969.

Toto I meas. 3 2 3 5

Total catch :3 2 :5 5

-B-31- Table 50

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Trinectes maculatus fasciatus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent wat.r., June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 I 2 2 16-20 5 3 12 2 3 21-25 16 10 2 2 2 26-30 39 9 I I 6 I 3 31-35 18 35 2 4 4 I 36-40 10 22 6 2 3 6 4 41 -45 6 28 3 7 2 3 3 46-50 3 29 5 6 5 2 51-55 16 4 8 5 6 56-60 16 2 4 2 2 61-65 2 2 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90

Total meal. 98 171 25 38 18 46 3 II 4 II 7

Total catch 150 194 25 38 18 46 3 13 6 II 7

Table 51

Monthly length-frequency distribution of Achirus lineatus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31 -35 36-40 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80

Total meas. 2

Total catch 2

-B-32- Table 52

Monthly lenoI h -frequen cy distribution of Symphurus plaQiusa from Ch orlolle Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

51- 5 5 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81 -85 86-90 91 -95 96-100 10 1- 105 106- 110 II 1-115

131 -135

Total meas. 2 2 5 2

Totol catch 2 2 7 2

Table 53

Monthly lenoth -frequency d istri bution of M"nocanfhus hispidus from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waters, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 4 31-35 8 I I 36- 40 7 3 3 3 41 -45 5 4 3 46-50 4 51 -55 5 2 56-60 4 61 - 65 2 66-70 5 I 71 -75 2 4 2 76- 80 I 81 - 85 3 2 86-90 2 91 -95 96-100 2 101 - 105 106- 110 I II I - 115 2 116 - 120 121 - 125 126 -130 131 - 135 136-140 141 - 145 146 - 150 151 - 155 156 - 160 160 - 165 166-170 172

Total meas. 44 29 8 7 4 10 4 8 4 2 2

Total colch 54 30 8 7 4 10 4 8 4 2 2

-B-33- Table 54

Monthly lenllth -frequency distribution of Lactophrys quadricornis from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent wate", June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II -15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61 -65 66-70 I 71-75 2 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 2 96- 100 101 - 105 106-110 III -.115 116 - 120 121 -125 126-130 2 2 131 -135 136-140 I. 141 -145 3 146- 150 151-155 2 156-160 160 -165 166-170 171 - 1715 176-180 181 -185 2

210

Total mea •. 15 2 4 2 6 3 II 3

Total catch 15 3 4 2 6 3 13 3 3

-B-34- Table 55

Monthly lenGth -frequency distribution of Spheroides nephe/us from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent watera, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31-35 2 36-40 3 41 -45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 2 71 -75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91 -95 96- 100 101 - 105 106- 110 3 II I - 115 116 -120 3 3 121 -125 126 - 130 131 - 135 136 - 140 141 -145 146- 150 151 - 1515 156 -160 160 -165 166-170 171- 175 176-180

210

Total meas. 9 5 2 4 8 3 3 2

Total catch 9 5 2 4 8 3 3 2

-B-35- Table 56

Monthly length - freq uen cy d istri bution of Chilomycterus schoepf; from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent watera, June 1968 to Moy 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 -10 II - 15 16-20 2 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 I 41-45 2 46-50 51-55 4 56-60 2 61-65 I 66-70 2 71-75 I 76-80 2 81-85 I I 86-90 4 3 91-95 6 I 2 96-100 I 3 2 3 101 - 105 2 3 106-110 3 I 3 III -115 2 2 2 I 2 2 2 116 -120 3 4 2 121 -125 2 2 126 -130 2 I 4 131 - 135 2 2 3 136-140 2 4 141 -145 2 I 146- 150 I 2 2 151 - 155 2 156 -160 2 160 -165 4 2 166 - 170 I 171- 175 176 -180 181 -185

205

263

Total meos. 23 II 5 II 18 39 25 31 8 7 3

Totol cotch 31 II 5 12 3 18 42 25 32 9 7 3

-B-36- Table 57

Monthly lenoth -frequency d istri bution of Opsanus beta from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waterl, June 1968, to May 1969.

Size(mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21 -25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41 -45 I 2 46-50 2 51-55 56-60 I 61-65 2 66-70 71-75 76- 80 81-85 2 86-90 91-95 96.100 2 101 - 105 106- 110 111-115 116 -120 121 -125 126 -130 131 - 135 136-140 141 -145 146 - 150 151 - 155

170

215

236

270

Total maas, 2 6 4 2 8 5 4 3

Total catch 2 6 4 10 8 5 4 3

-B-37- Table 58

Monthly lenllth -frequency distribution of Ogcocephalus (radiatus?) from Charlotte Harbor and adjacent waterl, June 1968 to May 1969.

Size (mm) Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May I - 5 6 - 10 II - 15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 71-75 76-80 81 -85 86-90 91-95 96-100 101 - 105 106- 110 II I - 115 116 -120 121 -125 126 - 130 131 - 135 136-140 141 - 145 146 - 150 151 - 155 156-160 160 -165 166-170 171- 175 176 -180 181 -185 186 -190 191 -195 196 -200

225

Total meas. 2 3 2 2 5 2

Total catch 2 4 2 2 5 2

-B-38-