Ecology and Life History of Snook Species in Texas

Abstract In recent years, the abundance and distribution of snook species ( Centropomus spp.) have increased expanded in Texas. As mobile predators, potential to alter marine communities as they expand; however, little is known about functional impact Here, a long‐term (1982–2019) fishery‐independent data set was utilized describe life history characteristics. Bag‐seine gill‐net were used determine distribution, size, spawning, recruitment seasonality for Common Snook C. undecimalis Fat parallelus collected from lower Laguna Madre diet, length–weight relationships, sex ratios. Results indicated that both range Texas with expansion primarily led by Snook. larger than based on length frequency analysis, but latter heavier at given length. Spawning season occurred during summer peaked July August snook, respectively. Evidence protandric hermaphroditism observed females being significantly males 50:50 male‐to‐female ratio occurring 670 mm total (TL). Diet analyses are generalist predators feeding variety prey species. An ontogenetic shift diet individuals <500 TL fed shrimp, those ≥500 fish. subadult possessed high degree dietary overlap, shrimp most common item identified each. These findings provide managers foundational aspects time when effects remain largely undescribed.