Full Description

"Spawning was identified by large aggregation sounds and was detected at 8% of the selected stations."

"It is possible to use this method because spotted seatrout form spawning aggregations throughout their protracted spring-through-summer spawning season (Gilmore 2003), and males generate sounds associated with these aggregations by vibrating sonic muscles against the swim bladder starting at dusk (Tavolga 1969; Fish and Mowbray 1970; Holt et al. 1985)."

"Most sounds (13% of all sampled stations) were categorized as one to two individuals (Table 3). Only 8% of sampled stations had large aggregations of spotted seatrout (Table 3). Although large aggregations were detected throughout most of Tampa Bay, they were not equally distributed among the seven regions."

"Spectrographs of (A) an individual spotted seatrout courtship call composed of three sets of multiple pulses followed by a long grunt and (B) a large aggregation."

"To be conservative, spotted seatrout in this study were considered to be spawning only when sounds were detected at the large aggregation level. It is possible that sounds heard from smaller groups may have been associated with spawning, which would lead to an underestimation of spawning in this study."

Observation Environment Quotes

"Once at a sampling station within a grid, the boat’s engine was turned off, Global Positioning System and depth measurements were recorded, and a mobile hydrophone (HTI; 96-min model, 164 dBV/lPa sensitivity) was lowered 1 m into the water."

Behaviour Description Quotes

"Spawning was identified by large aggregation sounds and was detected at 8% of the selected stations. "

"If sciaenid courtship calls were heard, then a recording was made."

"Male spotted seatrout produce distinct courtship calls (Figure 2). Their calls can be distinguished from those of other soniferous fishes based on pulse duration, repetition rate, and dominant frequency range."

Sound Name Quotes

"Spawning was identified by large aggregation sounds and was detected at 8% of the selected stations. "

"Spectrographs of (A) an individual spotted seatrout courtship call composed of three sets of multiple pulses followed by a long grunt and (B) a large aggregation."