Salinity and Size in Marine Fishes

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Abstract
Many motile estuarine organisms have similar life histories. Spawning takes place in high salinity waters, but the young grow up in low salinity waters and return to the sea. Seaward movement of the young, as they grow larger, leads to a direct correlation between salinity and size. Whether or not the correlation is a true one, dependent upon salinity, remains to be determined. Definitive studies of the question must rest upon the following criteria: (1) Sampling should cover at least 1 annual life cycle, should include the full size range of the species, and adequate samples of all sizes should be collected. (2) The full salinity range at which the species lives must be sampled. (3) Each specimen must be related to the salinity at which it is caught. All data must be used and selection by year classes or other means is not valid.) Conclusions concerning the relation between salinity and size of marine organisms are not warranted when based upon seasonal data which do not cover the size range of the species or the salinity range at which it lives.

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