Species profiles: Life histories and environmental requirements of coastal fishes and invertebrates (Mid-Atlantic)

Species profiles are literature summaries of the taxonomy, morphology, range, life history, and environmental requirements of coastal species. They are designed to assist in environmental impact assessments. The summer flounder supports an important commercial and recreational fishery in the Mid-Atlantic and are important constituent of estuarine and continental shelf systems throughout the region. Summer flounder spawning begins in September and winter flounder spawning begins in June. Summer flounder eggs are pelagic whereas winter flounder eggs are demersal. Summer flounder larvae are more abundant in inlets, and juveniles are found in estuarine seagrass beds in salinities {>=}12 ppt. Winter flounder juveniles are abundant in shallow bays and estuaries, moving seaward in spring and summer. Growth of winter flounder and summer flounder is seasonal. There are probably three spawning populations of both species which produce a complex stock pattern. Summer flounder are tolerant of a wide range of chemical and physica faactors, but prefer {gt}10 ppt salinities. Winter flounder optimal temperature is 18.5 {degree}C. Diseases of winter flounder are more prevalent in polluted waters. Summer flounder are tolerant of sediments laden with contaminants. 64 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.