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Comparison of Condition Index (K) of Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) from the Elizabeth and York Rivers, Virginia
Nelson, Kinloch Austin, Herbert M.
Nelson, Kinloch
Austin, Herbert M.
Abstract
Condition Index (K) was measured on spot, Leiostomus xanthums from the York ( control) and Elizabeth rivers (Experimental-polluted) in 1983-1985. Condition indices for the two populations were regressed against seasonal temperature at the time of capture. Between 6.0 and 19.0 C the Condition Index of the two populations rises in synchrony. Above 19 .0 C the Elizabeth River Condition Index continues to rise, and the York begins to drop. Above 26 C the York drops to levels approaching those of winter, and the Elizabeth continues to rise to the highest levels measured. It is hypothesized that this disparity is caused by high population densities of constantly recruiting juvenile polychaete worms in the Elizabeth sediments which are a major food source for the spot, and which provide sufficient nutrition to the fish to keep pace with high metabolic energy requirements. This large forage source, while supportive of high summer metabolism, is a potential pathway for enhanced sediment-fish pollutant transfer.
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1992
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VJS_Austin_Cont1761.pdf
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Fisheries Science Peer-Reviewed Articles
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Virginia Institute of Marine Science