Archosargus Probatocephalus Research Articles

Morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural and phylogenetic analysis of Henneguya archosargus n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxosporea) infecting the sparid fish Archosargus probatocephalus in Brazilian waters

The introduction of new fish species to the aquaculture industry is essential to halt the progressive decline of natural fish stocks. The sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus is a commercially valuable sparid fish with potential for breeding in captivity, but with limited information regarding parasitic infections that could pose a significant threat for its sustainable production. Thus, the present study aimed to study the myxozoan diversity infecting A. probatocephalus. A novel Henneguya sp. was detected forming plasmodia in the gill lamellae of specimens inhabiting the Brazilian coast, and is characterized based on morphological, histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and phylogenetic data. Myxospore total length was 21.3 ± 0.8 μm, with myxospore body 10.0 ± 0.5 μm long, 6.2 ± 0.3 μm wide, and 4.8 ± 0.5 μm thick. Caudal appendages were 10.3 ± 0.5 μm long and did not present any type of coating. Two pyriform polar capsules, 3.4 ± 0.3 μm long and 1.5 ± 0.2 μm wide, each containing an isofilar polar tubule with 4–5 coils. Histopathological analyses showed large intralamellar polysporic plasmodia associated with vascular congestion of the gill filament and gill lamellae, as well as epithelial hyperplasia causing partial or total fusion of gill lamellae. Maximum likelihood and Baysesian inference SSU rDNA-based phylogenetic analyses showed the novel sequence grouped within the marine clade of Henneguya spp. that mostly parasitize fishes belonging to Eupercaria incertae sedis.

The common predator, Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), enhances survival of the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) in an experimental setting

Oyster reefs are a vital but declining component of nearshore, estuarine ecosystems. Global efforts to restore this important habitat are ongoing but have had varied success. The potential for biotic factors such as predation to influence restoration trajectories is rarely considered; however, there is mounting evidence that a better understanding of trophic relationships could aid in the restoration of the ecologically critical Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). A common predator-prey interaction within the oyster reef community was examined through manipulative experiments to determine what effect predator presence had on early survivorship of oyster spat – a factor known to influence the success of oyster reef restoration. The juvenile stone crab (Menippe spp.) is a known predator of spat (<30 mm) sized Eastern oysters but also serves as prey for mobile predatory fish. Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), a fish with a diet high in structure-associated invertebrates, are one of many predatory fishes that utilize oyster reefs. Adult Sheepshead presence was found to significantly increase oyster spat survival. Oyster spat survival can be attributed to both trait and density-mediated indirect interactions. These results suggest that changes in the presence of an exploited finfish species can influence oyster spat survivorship.

Regional Variation in Feeding Patterns of Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in the Northwest Gulf of Mexico

Feeding patterns of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus, in the northwest Gulf of Mexico were examined from samples collected at two locations in Texas, USA; Galveston and Port Aransas. A total of 53 sheepshead stomachs (Galveston, n = 35; Port Aransas, n = 18) had their contents analyzed along with tissue samples from the muscle and liver for a stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S) because they provide a contrast between short-term (liver) and long-term (muscle) measurements. Multiple species of amphipods made up the majority of the prey items in sheepshead from Galveston (%IRI = 61.79), whereas barnacles were the primary diet item for sheepshead collected in Port Aransas (%IRI = 39.53). We observed diet shifts prior to and during the spawning season. MANOVA revealed significant differences in δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S stable isotope values from the muscle and liver tissue of sheepshead based on the location. In both muscle and liver samples, δ13C values were lower in Galveston than Port Aransas, but δ15N and δ34S values were higher in Galveston than Port Aransas. Niche size and overlap also differed between sheepshead from both locations and tissue types. Sheepshead collected in Galveston had a larger niche size in the muscle and liver samples ((mean ± SD) 479.3 ± 131.2, muscle; 433.3 ± 120.3, liver) than Port Aransas (178.8 ± 54.3, muscle; 270.0 ± 80.9, liver). The trophic niche of sheepshead from Galveston overlapped Port Aransas in muscle samples by 16.47% and 18.56% in liver samples. The trophic niche overlap of sheepshead from Port Aransas measured in muscle samples overlapped with sheepshead from Galveston by 18.49% and by 39.17% in liver samples. This study shows that there are subtle but significant differences between the diets of sheepshead along the Texas coast, with the majority of the differences potentially attributable to differences in the prey field along the natural salinity gradient of the Texas coast. This work provides an insight into the widely generalist grazing behavior of sheepshead, which potentially changes during the springtime spawning season.

A method for long-term retention of pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) on small migratory fishes.

Achieving long-term retention of pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) has proven difficult for all fishes but is particularly challenging for small migrant species due to the relatively large size of tags. In this study, the authors tested the latest and smallest PSAT model on the market, the mark-report satellite tag (mrPAT), and developed a simple, cost-effective method of tag attachment on sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum 1792), a small marine fish. During laboratory trials, the method of tag attachment used in this study outperformed the existing methods with two c. 40 cm fish retaining their tags for 3 months (the duration of the laboratory study). During field deployments, data were successfully obtained for 17 of the 25 tagged fish [37-50 cm fork length (FL)]. Of these, 14 tags (82%) remained on the fish until the pre-programmed release date resulting in tag retention times of up to 172 days (mean: 140 days). The investigation represents the first extensive study into the feasibility of PSATs for monitoring fishes in this size range. The authors demonstrate that their method of attachment and this latest PSAT model are feasible for c. 5-month deployments on fishes that are relatively small (c. 45 cm FL). These results with A. probatocephalus represent a potentially significant advance in PSAT methodology for fishes of this size. Future investigations are needed to determine if this method is transferrable to other species in the same size range.

Bycatch in a Coastal Black Drum Trotline Fishery

AbstractBycatch remains a challenging issue for many fisheries across the globe. Due to the cost and effort of (bycatch) observer programs, many fisheries—particularly those not in U.S. federal waters—operate with little information about bycatch. The Black Drum Pogonias cromis and Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus fishery in Louisiana comprises one of the largest fisheries by volume and in recent years has exceeded US$5 million in annual value. The vast majority of Black Drum and Sheepshead are harvested by the baited trotline fishery that operates in state waters. Very little is known about the bycatch from this fishery; however, because of the magnitude of the fishery quantifying bycatch is needed for the management of this resource. We observed 59 baited trotline sets on 13 different dates spanning 2 years of sampling (2020–2021). The total bycatch (n = 1,392) was similar in number to the harvest of the target species (n = 1,265). However, most bycatch species were nongame fishes and were released alive. Of all the bycatch caught, only 4% was dead and the majority of that 4% (47 out of 57 fish) consisted of Gafftopsail Catfish Bagre marinus and Hardhead Catfish Ariopsis felis, both species for which there is little fishery and no known issues with the populations. We also found that catch rates for bycatch did not vary by season or between the two areas fished. The catch rate of bycatch did not increase as the catch rate of target species increased; although, as expected, bycatch mortality did significantly increase as water temperature increased. Overall, the baited trotline fishery for Black Drum and Sheepshead catches about one individual of bycatch for one target individual; however, the overall extremely low bycatch mortality (of common species) suggests that this fishery operates with few adverse effects on nontarget species.

Spatial-temporal Variations of Discarded Ichthyofauna from a Small-scale Shrimp Fishery: Influence of Ecological Patterns in a Yucatan Coastal Lagoon

Sauz-Sánchez, J.J.; López-Rocha, J.A.; Arceo-Carranza, D., and Poot-López, G.R., 2022. Spatial-temporal variations of discarded ichthyofauna from a small-scale shrimp fishery: Influence of ecological patterns in a Yucatan coastal lagoon. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(4), 860–869. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. Spatial-temporal variations of discarded catches associated with a shrimp-small scale fishery from the Celestun lagoon, Yucatan, Mexico, were analyzed throughout seasonal and spatial (inner, middle, and external estuarine zones) physicochemical gradients to observe the influence of ecological patterns on discarded ichthyofauna. Differences in abundance, biomass, composition, and physicochemical variables between seasons and among zones were tested using a two-way ANOVA and an analysis of dissimilarity, respectively. The best subset of environmental variables (BIOENV) function was used to observe the influence of physicochemical gradients on the discarded fish community. A total of 1611 individuals belonging to 36 species of discarded fish were identified, with mostly an abundance of juveniles occurring for the following species: Achirus lineatus, Archosargus probatocephalus, Cynoscion nebulosus, Eucinostomus gula, Floridichthys polyommus, Lagodon rhomboides, Lucania parva, Mayaheros urophthalmus, and Sphoeroides testudineus. Hence, the data shows a strong selection pressure on juvenile fish. Significant differences in abundance, species composition, and physicochemical variables were observed between seasons and zones. Results from the BIOENV indicated that temperature, salinity, and pH gradients, generated by underground freshwater discharges, influenced the spatial-temporal variations of discarded ichthyofauna from the Celestun lagoon. Furthermore, reproductive seasons, and capabilities to tolerate salinity concentrations also spatially structures a discarded fish community. The results showed the ecological complexity in which fish discards occur, in addition, suggesting measures to reduce discards by including ecological and social aspects to maintain the sustainability of this artisanal shrimp fishery.

Underwater Video as a Tool to Quantify Fish Density in Complex Coastal Habitats

Habitat loss is a serious issue threatening biodiversity across the planet, including coastal habitats that support important fish populations. Many coastal areas have been extensively modified by the construction of infrastructure such as ports, seawalls, docks, and armored shorelines. In addition, habitat restoration and enhancement projects often include constructed breakwaters or reefs. Such infrastructure may have incidental or intended habitat values for fish, yet their physical complexity makes quantitatively sampling these habitats with traditional gears challenging. We used a fleet of unbaited underwater video cameras to quantify fish communities across a variety of constructed and natural habitats in Perdido and Pensacola Bays in the central northern Gulf of Mexico. Between 2019 and 2021, we collected almost 350 replicate 10 min point census videos from rock jetty, seawall, commercial, public, and private docks, artificial reef, restored oyster reef, seagrass, and shallow sandy habitats. We extracted standard metrics of Frequency of Occurrence and MaxN, as well as more recently developed MeanCount for each taxon observed. Using a simple method to measure the visibility range at each sampling site, we calculated the area of the field of view to convert MeanCount to density estimates. Our data revealed abundant fish assemblages on constructed habitats, dominated by important fisheries species, including grey snapper Lutjanus griseus and sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus. Our analyses suggest that density estimates may be obtained for larger fisheries species under suitable conditions. Although video is limited in more turbid estuarine areas, where conditions allow, it offers a tool to quantify fish communities in structurally complex habitats inaccessible to other quantitative gears.

Hemagglutination in gill capillaries of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Perciformes: Sparidae), infected by a myxosporidean.

During a survey Myxozoa, four specimens of the sheepshead (18 ± 1.5 cm and 59 ± 2.5 g) (Archosargus probatocephalus) were collected in the Ipioquinha river (Maceió/AL). Transmission electron microscopy observations revealed erythrocyte agglutinations in gill capillaries located near spherical cysts containing myxospores of the genus Henneguya. This hemagglutination partially or totally obstructed the gill capillaries. Erythrocytes occurred in close adherence to each other, with a closed intercellular space. A few lysed erythrocytes were observed among agglutinated cells. The reduced lumen of the capillaries was partially filled with amorphous dense homogenous material adhering to the erythrocytes. In addition, heterogeneous masses of irregular lower electron density were observed in the reduced channel of the capillary. The agglutinated erythrocytes appeared dense and homogenous, lacking cytoplasmic organelles. The nuclei had the appearance of normal condensed chromatin masses, generally without visible nucleoli. This occurrence of hemagglutination only in the capillaries located in close proximity to the developing myxozoan cysts suggests that parasite development may be a factor triggering erythrocyte agglutination. This is supported by previous experimental studies that showed a probable correlation between parasitic infections and hemagglutination. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary in order to better understand the physicochemical processes involved in this phenomenon.

Ultrastructure of intracytoplasmic Rickettsia-like infection of the gills of the teleost Archosargus probatocephalus (Sparidae) in northeastern Brazil.

A histopathological survey was conducted to investigate the presence of microparasites in fish Archosargus probatocephalus in a river near Maceió, Brazil. Light microscope observations of fragments of gill showed the presence of small cysts containing numerous myxospores that were morphologically identified as Henneguya. Transmission electron microscopy observations further revealed several gill cells containing groups of prokaryotic cells within large cytoplasmic vacuoles. Each infected host cell displayed a single vacuole containing a variable number of Rickettsia-like cells (up to 11), some of which presented the dumbbell shape characteristic of binary fission. The Rickettsia-like cells were pleomorphic, without a nucleus and with chromatin dispersed in the cytoplasm. They had a thin electron-dense wall of Gram-negative type. The morphology of these prokaryotic was similar to those of the order Rickettsiales and was described as a Rickettsia-like organism. Histopathological evaluation showed that several vacuole membranes had a lysed appearance. Some had ruptured, thus allowing direct contact between the Rickettsia-like organism and the cytoplasm of the host cell. The rupturing of the branchial epithelium may have contributed towards reduction of the surface area of the gills, but it is not possible to say that this was the cause of the host's death.

Spatio-Temporal Models of Juvenile and Adult Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in Tampa Bay, Florida from 1996 to 2016

Spatio-Temporal Models of Juvenile and Adult Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in Tampa Bay, Florida from 1996 to 2016

Genetic relationships and hybridization among three western Atlantic sparid species: sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), sea bream (A. rhomboidalis) and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides)

Three species of sparids in the western Atlantic, sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), sea bream (A. rhomboidalis), and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), share overlapping habitats, spawning seasons, and spawning grounds, providing opportunities for interaction among these species. Three regions of mitochondrial DNA and three nuclear DNA intron sequences were used to construct the genetic relationships among these species. The results showed that these species are closely related, suggesting the presence of soft polytomy with sheepshead and western Atlantic sea bream as sister species. However, western Atlantic sea bream and pinfish are equally divergent from sheepshead. We used a suite of 18 microsatellite markers to verify the occurrence of hybridization, identify the parental types, and evaluate the filial-generation status of 36 individuals morphologically identified as hybrids from the Indian River Lagoon system, in Florida. The 36 putative hybrids were analyzed with a reference group of 172 western Atlantic sea bream, 232 pinfish, and 157 sheepsheads and were all genetically determined to be F1 of sheepshead and western Atlantic sea bream with very little indication or no introgressive hybridization among the 172 reference specimens of western Atlantic sea bream. Hybridization was asymmetric, with western Atlantic sea bream males crossing with sheepshead females. Hybrids were first observed in the Indian River Lagoon in 2005, after the western Atlantic sea bream had become common there, in the 1990s. Their occurrence could be associated with unique features of the Indian River Lagoon that bring the two species together or with recent anthropogenic changes in this system. Further study is needed to determine the causes and long-term effects of the recurrent production of F1 hybrids and the degree of their sterility in the Indian River Lagoon.

Trophic Ecology of Sheepshead and Stone Crabs at Oil and Gas Platforms in the Northern Gulf of Mexico's Hypoxic Zone

AbstractOil and gas platforms (platforms) may provide important habitat for reef‐associated organisms in the Gulf of Mexico's hypoxic zone. While summer hypoxia typically affects the bottom 3.0 m of the water column, platforms span from the bottom to above the surface and provide hard substrate in oxygenated waters overlaying hypoxia. However, little is known about the effects of hypoxia on organisms living at these platforms. We compared diets of Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus and Gulf stone crabs Menippe adina during early and late summer at platforms with mild (shoal platforms) and intense hypoxia (seaward platforms) using a combination of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and gut contents analyses. We hypothesized that diets at seaward platforms would shift from bottom to platform‐dwelling prey during late summer when hypoxia had fully developed and decimated benthic communities, but no such effect was found. Barnacles (Balanidae) were the most common prey found in Sheepshead guts for all samples collected (64.1% of gut contents). Sheepshead gut contents showed high predation of mantis shrimp (Squillidae; 35.2% of gut contents) soon after the formation of hypoxia at seaward platforms, likely reflecting Sheepshead exploiting benthic prey that were vulnerable because of hypoxia. These findings indicate that hypoxia affected the behavior of mantis shrimp in a way that altered their availability for Sheepshead associated with platforms. Comparisons of Sheepshead and stone crab isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) to those of their potential prey and basal sources suggested a high dependence on barnacles (proxy for water column particulate organic matter) and filamentous algae throughout the summer. However, comparisons of isotope values in early and late summer indicated no apparent effect of hypoxia. High contributions of barnacles to Sheepshead diet showed that platform‐dwelling prey were an important resource for Sheepshead.

Sheepshead Foraging Patterns at Oil and Gas Platforms in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractIn the northern Gulf of Mexico, there are over 2,000 oil and gas platforms (hereafter, “platforms”) that are de facto artificial reefs. The ecological importance of platforms is the subject of debate, but little information exists on the extent to which fish feed on platform‐dwelling benthic organisms. We used a camera array to characterize the frequency and duration of incidents in which Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus foraged on platform‐dwelling benthic organisms. We also characterized abundances and distributions of select platform‐dwelling benthic organisms (barnacles, blennies, and stone crabs). Sheepshead foraging was more strongly associated with dissolved oxygen (DO, mg/L; measured at each camera) and time to slack tide (high or low) than other biological (prey densities), physiochemical, locational, or temporal variables. The number of Sheepshead foraging incidents increased by 18.9 incidents·m−2·h−1 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.6–33.3) when DO increased by 1.0 mg/L; foraging incidents increased by 4.5 incidents·m−2·h−1 (95% CI = 1.6–7.4) when time to slack tide increased by 1.0 h. The time Sheepshead spent foraging increased by 245.4 s·m−2·h−1 (95% CI = 144.1–346.7) when DO increased by 1.0 mg/L, and time spent foraging increased by 78.0 s·m−2·h−1 (95% CI = 60.5–95.5) when time to slack tide increased by 1.0 h. Abundances of barnacles and blennies decreased with increasing depth. The presence of hypoxia near the seafloor during the late summer appeared to cause barnacle mortality, which shifted barnacle depth distributions upward (i.e., 1–3 m shallower). Platform‐dwelling benthic organisms persisted throughout the hypoxia season and served as prey for Sheepshead.

Artisanal fisheries and artificial reefs on the southeast coast of Brazil: Contributions to research and management

This work aims to analyse the contribution of artificial reefs (ARs) to marine biota based on fishers’ local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the species associated with ARs. Data were collected from November 2016 to May 2017 through 60 ethnographic interviews with artisanal fishers at the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro. Local fishers use seven methods to catch fish, with trawl nets being the most frequent (32.5%, n = 41). Some fishers use more than one gear of fish equipment, allowing the capture of several species throughout the year and to alternate the target species. The fishers reported 25 species associated with the ARs, although 15 species appeared after the installation of the artificial complex. The most frequent were the sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus 43.3%, n = 26), black margate (Anisotremus surinamensis 41.7%, n = 25), spiny lobster (Panulirus sp. 33.3%, n = 20), caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus 31.7%, n = 19), and smooth puffer (Lagocephalus laevigatus, 31.7%, n = 19). The fishers described several ecological functions of the ARs, acting as a species reproduction site (25.93%, n = 21), increasing fish weight (18.5%, n = 15), attracting fish (16.0%, n = 13) and reducing industrial fishery (8.6%, n = 7). The interviewees had consistent LEK about local marine biota, especially species associated with the ARs. They maintained a positive perception of the ARs and pointed to the need for public policies when installing new artificial structures that can increase fish stocks in the region.

Spatial variability in the growth of Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in the Southeast US: Implications for assessment and management

Understanding geographic variation in growth dynamics is essential for the management of exploited fish populations because such variation can be used to define stock structure and influence perceptions of stock productivity. Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) is a species targeted by both commercial and recreational fisheries, and is distributed throughout the north and central Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. We analyzed fishery-dependent and –independent length-at-age and weight-at-length data from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia to investigate the geographic variation in growth of Sheepshead. We constructed a series of von Bertalanffy growth functions (VBGF) and length-weight power equations using a Bayesian framework that included sex, latitudinal, and regional effects. Median posterior VBGF parameter estimates of asymptotic length (L∞) for females ranged from 561 mm fork length in the Virginia Chesapeake Bay to 418 mm in Florida Gulf coast, while the posterior median growth coefficient (k) ranged from 0.42 yr−1 in Texas to 0.20 yr−1 in the Florida Atlantic. Predicted length-at-age and weight-at-length varied considerably among States. Predicted length-at-age for age-1 and -5 individuals was greater in the Gulf of Mexico than the Atlantic. However, predicted length-at-age for older age classes was greater in the Atlantic. Predicted weight-at-length decreased along latitudinal gradients in the Atlantic and the lowest values were found in Mississippi. Given the impact of growth on fisheries reference points, such geographic variation in growth can inform the development of assessment efforts for Sheepshead in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic.

Corrigendum

Corrigendum

Genetic population structure of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Sparidae), a coastal marine fish off the southeastern United States: multiple population clusters based on species-specific microsatellite markers

Sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792), have long been separated into three subspecies based on meristic traits, particularly counts of pigmented bars on the sides of the body. Here, we evaluate sheepshead genetic variation—both mtDNA and microsatellite—in the domain of the two morphologically defined subspecies, Archosargus probatocephalus probatocephalus and Archosargus probatocephalus oviceps. Sheepshead were collected in coastal habitats of the southeastern United States, from North Carolina (Atlantic Ocean) to Texas (Gulf of Mexico). Significant variations in the mtDNA control region data indicated that the sheepshead is divided into two populations by a genetic break originating somewhere between Apalachicola (Florida gulf coast) and Indian River (Florida Atlantic coast), leaving a wide margin of uncertainty as to the exact area of the division. However, use of species-specific microsatellite markers revealed that the sheepshead is geographically structured by two genetic breaks into three population clusters. The first genetic break occurs at Apalachee Bay, close to the boundary between the two morphologically defined subspecies (i.e., between Apalachicola and Steinhatchee, on Florida's gulf coast). The second genetic break occurs off south Florida (Atlantic Ocean), where it coincided with a discontinuity of estuarine habitat between Miami and Palm Beach that likely impedes gene flow between populations. This second genetic boundary had been unrecognized for sheepshead, although it has been widely recognized as a genetic boundary for many other nearshore fish species in the southeastern United States.

Teeth penetration force of the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier and sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus.

This study examined the minimum force required of functional teeth and replacement teeth in the tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier and the sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus to penetrate the scales and muscle of sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus and pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera. Penetration force ranged from 7·7-41·9 and 3·2-26·3 N to penetrate A. probatocephalus and O. chrysoptera, respectively. Replacement teeth required significantly less force to penetrate O. chrysoptera for both shark species, most probably due to microscopic wear of the tooth surfaces supporting the theory shark teeth are replaced regularly to ensure sharp teeth that are efficient for prey capture.

Age and growth of sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in Tampa Bay, Florida

Age and growth of sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in Tampa Bay, Florida

Effects of Pile Driving on the Residency and Movement of Tagged Reef Fish.

The potential effects of pile driving on fish populations and commercial fisheries have received significant attention given the prevalence of pile driving occurring in coastal habitats throughout the world. Behavioral impacts of sound generated from these activities on fish typically have a greater area of influence than physical injury, and may therefore adversely affect a greater portion of the local population. This study used acoustic telemetry to assess the movement, residency, and survival of 15 sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) and 10 grey snapper (Lutjanus griseus) in Port Canaveral, Florida, USA, in response to 35 days of pile driving at a wharf complex. No obvious signs of mortality or injury to tagged fish were evident from the data. Received sound pressure levels from pile strikes on the interior of the wharf, where reef fish primarily occur, were on average 152–157 dB re 1 μPa (peak). No significant decrease in sheepshead daytime residency was observed during pile driving within the central portion of the wharf and area of highest sound exposure, and no major indicators of displacement from the exposure wharf with the onset of pile driving were observed. There was evidence of potential displacement from the exposure wharf that coincided with the start of pile driving observed for 2 out of 4 grey snapper, along with a decrease in daytime residency for a subset of this species with high site fidelity prior to the event. Results indicate that snapper may be more likely to depart an area of pile driving disturbance more readily than sheepshead, but were less at risk for behavioral impact given the lower site fidelity of this species.