Diurnal and tidal movements of snapper (Pagrus auratus, Sparidae) in an estuarine environment

• DOI: 10.1071/mf02095
• Publication Date: 2003-12-30T17:46:45Z
• Authors: B. W. Hartill; M. A. Morrison; M. D. Smith; J. Boubée; D. M. Parsons
• Keywords: Sparidae; Pagrus; Sciaenidae; Lutjanidae

Using individually coded acoustic transponders and an array of 15 moored receivers (detection range ~300 m), the temporal spatial movements temperate snapper Pagrus auratus (Sparidae) were studied within estuary. Of 28 fish initially tagged, 20 subsequently detected study area for up to 70 days. The scale daily was in order hundreds metres most fish, suggesting relatively restricted home ranges over period monitored (November–January). detectability remaining estuary lower at night, probably because moving out main channel onto surrounding shallow banks during darkness. Temporal movement patterns using spectral analyses (Fast Fourier Transforms) predominantly diurnal, with subordinate tidal behaviour also evident some fish. These results demonstrate that this system, occupy small (hundreds metres) discrete areas soft sediment seafloor, which repeated, predictable are made. Variability among has highlighted need a better understanding relationship between fine-scale habitat features (metres).