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Habitat utilization by postlarval and juvenile penaeid shrimps in Mobile Bay, Alabama

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Abstract

Densities of juvenile and postlarval Farfantepenaeus aztecus, F. duorarum, and Litopenaeus setiferus were compared in vegetated fringing marsh and adjacent nonvegetated areas over a range of environmental conditions in Mobile Bay, Alabama. Densities of all three species were significantly greater in vegetated than nonvegetated areas, with 82% of all penaeids found in vegetated areas. Among vegetated sites, significantly lower densities were found in oligohaline areas, whereas mesohaline areas had the highest densities. Significant positive correlations were found between density and salinity for F. aztecus and F. duorarum but not for L. setiferus. Emergent vegetation is important habitat for F. aztecus and F. duorarum as reported from other locations, and our data support a similar conclusion for L. setiferus. Shoreline emergent marsh vegetation is particularly important in Mobile Bay as it represents the only extensive vegetated habitat readily available to F. aztecus, F. duorarum, and L. setiferus.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, 4170 Commanders Drive, 36615, Mobile, Alabama

    Jeffrey C. Howe, Richard K. Wallace & F. Scott Rikard

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  1. Jeffrey C. Howe
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  2. Richard K. Wallace
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  3. F. Scott Rikard
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Correspondence to Jeffrey C. Howe.

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Howe, J.C., Wallace, R.K. & Scott Rikard, F. Habitat utilization by postlarval and juvenile penaeid shrimps in Mobile Bay, Alabama. Estuaries 22, 971–979 (1999). https://doi.org/10.2307/1353076

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1353076

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