Postmortem Length Changes in Six Florida Fish Species Stored on Ice

Abstract

AbstractRepresentatives of six species of fishes belonging to the families Lutjanidae, Centropomidae, Pomatomidae, Scombridae, Carangidae, and Sciaenidae were stored on ice for 6 h after being euthanatized, in order to assess postmortem length changes. Standard length, fork length (where applicable), total length using the relaxed caudal fin method, and rigor mortis were measured immediately after deaths and at 30 min intervals thereafter. Two species, lane snapper Lutjanus synagris and common snook Centropomus undecimalis, showed an increase in mean total lengths during the first hour after death. Common snook continued to increase in mean total length for the duration of the study, while lane snapper subsequently decreased. Declines in mean standard, fork, and total lengths also were observed in bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix, Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus, and Florida pompano Trachinotus carolinus. Minimal changes in mean standard and total length were observed for spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus. There was little direct correlation between rigor mortis and length variation for any of the studied species. The observed length changes may have implications for both law enforcement personnel and anglers.