A Contribution to the Life History of the Cunner, Tautogolabrus adspersus, in Fishers Island Sound, Connecticut

Abstract

During February through December 1969 I investigated a nearshore population of cunners,Tautogolabrus adspersus (Labridae), in Fishers Island Sound off the coast of Connecticut and Rhode Island. I examined length-weight relationships and seasonal changes in condition, age and growth, spawning period, age at maturity and sex ratio; nocturnal and winter habits were observed using SCUBA. No significant difference was observed between male and female length-weight equations when gonads and stomach contents were removed. Body condition, possibly related to fat storage prior to overwintering, improved perceptibly from spring through fall, and fall condition was significantly better than spring and summer condition. Males were larger than females of the same age, and maximum readable age for both sexes was five years. Both males and females matured and spawned during their second year of growth when one year old. The spawning period was well defined and occurred primarily during June. I found an overall male to female sex ratio of 2.2∶1. The predominance of males over females increased for older fish, indicating greater longevity for male cunners. Nocturnal behavior consisted of a quiescent, resting attitude accompanied by a camouflaging pattern change in those cunners most exposed to view. Activity dwindled in the fall until a state of dormancy was reached at about 7 to 8 C, with the larger fish becoming dormant first. Cunners overwintered in the same inshore areas where they were found during other times of the year.