Document Type

Article

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

Winter 1992

Journal

Virginia Journal of Science

Volume

43

Issue

4

First Page

381

Last Page

388

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.

Publication Statement

VIMS Contribution No. 1761.

Download

Share Feedback

Share

COinS