| Description |
ix, 85 leaves, 16 leaves of plates : illustrations, maps ; 30 cm |
| Summary |
The trophic interactions, spatial and temporal distributions of Menidia menidia and Membras martinica in the lower Chesapeake Bay were determined through feeding and vertical distribution experiments, gut content analyses, neuston collections, and beach seining techniques. Feeding experiments and gut content and analyses indicated that Menidia >61mm ate epibenthic prey and zooplankton, while Membras fed exclusively on zooplankton. Membras adults and juveniles were abundant in surface mid-bay waters. Menidia never occurred offshore, but concentrated in shallow inshore zones at or near the bottom. Membras juveniles >5mm occurred in large numbers offshore from June through August, 1981. Mid-bay surface waters are believed to be an important nursery area for juvenile Membras. Juvenile Menidia were absent mid-bay, and appear to inhabit inshore environments. Membras catches were much greater in hte James than in the York or the Rappahannock drainages. Menidia and Membras were found to be ecologically separated with respect to food selection, vertical and geographic distribution, and salinity preference. |
| Notes |
Published on demand |
|
M.A. College of William and Mary, 1982 |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographic references |
| Subject |
Silversides
|
| Genre/Form |
Academic theses.
|
| Author |
College of William and Mary, degree granting institution.
|
|
