Distribution of Young Red Drums among Different Sea-Grass Meadows

Abstract

Sea-grass meadows appear to be a primary habitat for young red drums Sciaenops ocellatus in south-Texas estuaries. The abundance of small red drums (6–27 mm standard length) in different meadows averaged 0.10–0.80/m2. Density estimates of young red drums showed no significant or nearly significant differences between the two types of sampling gear (benthic sled or 1.0-m2 cage) or among sampling sites, which differed in plant height, blade density, or water depth. Small red drums were not found on large (>5 m across) nonvegetated sites; however, the ecotone between sea grass and nonvegetated bottom had significantly more red drums than did homogeneously vegetated sites. Heterogeneous sea-grass meadows, therefore, may support more young red drums than homogeneous ones.