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Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Abundance and Distribution of Juvenile Ladyfish (Elops saurus) in Florida Waters (USA)
Relative abundance and distribution are two of the most important life-history characteristics that fishery managers use to make informed decisions, such as identifying nursery grounds or protecting specific habitats. Many researchers have already estimated the relative abundance and distribution of various commercially and recreationally important species (e.g., permit [Trachinotus falcatus], tarpon [Megalops atlanticus], and bonefish [Albula vulpes]) found within and outside of the United States. Unfortunately, comparative information for ladyfish (Elops saurus) is limited and nonexistent for most regions of the world. Given the need to examine the early life-history of ladyfish in more detail, and at a finer scale, the specific objectives of this study were to evaluate the annual relative abundance and distribution (spatial and temporal) of juvenile ladyfish in nine distinct Florida estuaries (USA). Findings showed that juvenile ladyfish recruitment and abundance in Florida waters varied seasonally and annually. Also, the results indicated that juvenile ladyfish recruited into secluded freshwater sites from latewinter to summer depending on the estuary. Annual juvenile ladyfish abundance demonstrated an alternating pattern, and the findings showed that the estimated annual abundance had increased in Tampa Bay and in the Indian River Lagoon during 1987 through 1995. Results also showed that juvenile ladyfish were unevenly distributed throughout Florida estuaries; juvenile ladyfish distribution was skewed towards a limited number of specific locations. It was evident that juvenile ladyfish did not recruit to a wide-variety of habitats; they required specific micro-habitats. In summary, juvenile ladyfish were collected primarily at specific stations located near, or adjacent to, freshwater input or protected bayou areas during late-winter through early summer months
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