Simpfendorfer, Colin A., Freitas, Garin G., Wiley, Tonya R., and Heupel, Michelle R. (2005) Distribution and habitat partitioning of immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in a southwest Florida estuary. Estuaries, 28 (1). pp. 76-83.

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Abstract

The distribution and salinity preference of immature bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) were examined based on the results of longline surveys in three adjacent estuarine habitats in southwest Florida: the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay, and Pine Island Sound. Mean sizes were significantly different between each of these areas indicating the occurrence of size-based habitat partitioning. Neonate and young-of-the-year animals occurred in the Caloosahatchee River and juveniles older than 1 year occurred in the adjacent embayments. Habitat partitioning may reduce intraspecific predation risk and increase survival of young animals. Classification tree analysis showed that both temperature and salinity were important factors in determining the occurrence and catch per unit effort (CPUE) of immature C. leucas. The CPUE of ,1 year old C. leucas was highest at temperatures over 29 degrees C and in areas with salinities between 7‰ and 17.5‰. Although they are able to osmoregulate in salinities from fresh to fully marine, young C. leucas may have a salinity preference. Reasons for this preference are unknown, but need to be further investigated.

Item ID:	8100
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	1559-2731
Related URLs:	Publisher
Date Deposited:	23 Feb 2010 04:15
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 90% 05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050205 Environmental Management @ 10%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9605 Ecosystem Assessment and Management > 960502 Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Environments @ 100%
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