Species profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Gulf of Mexico): Pigfish. [Orthopristis chrysoptera]
Technical Report
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OSTI ID:6595408
Pigfish are common inhabitants of warm gulf waters. Pigfish spawn during late winter and spring in open gulf waters. Young fish first appear in nearshore or estuarine environments in April to June. Juvenile pigfish may school with other species of fish (e.g., pinfish). Adult pigfish are found in higher salinity, coastal areas; they are also found in offshore, open shelf waters, as well as offshore reefs and platforms. Recreational fishermen frequently catch pigfish, especially in Florida gulf waters. Pigfish have little economic value; however, they are used for live bait and are considered to be a good quality food fish. Young pigfish are planktivorous, becoming carnivorous as they grow in length (first polychaetes, then shrimps). Pigfish have been taken in water temperatures ranging from 13.7 to 36/sup 0/C, and in salinities of 0 to 38 ppt; however, they have been found in warmer water with salinities greater than about 15 ppt. Pigfish are found over vegetated sandy substrates, muddy bottoms, or hard substrates, such as reefs, jetties, and offshore platforms. Pigfish are prey of spotted seatrout and weakfish.
- Research Organization:
- National Wetlands Research Center, Slidell, LA (USA); Gulf Coast Research Lab., Ocean Springs, MS (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 6595408
- Report Number(s):
- TR-EL-82-4/82-11-71; ON: TI87900646
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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