Robert D. Ringo

Distribution and Abundance of Postlarval and Early Juvenile Stages of the Brown Shrimp in Galveston Bay, Texas

The early life history of the brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus Ives) in Galveston Bay was investigated during 1963 and 1964. Postlarvae, after entering from the Gulf, were most abundant in the channels and deeper waters as they moved into the upper reaches of the estuary. In each season of study, they were observed to spread throughout the estuary and become concentrated in surrounding marshes and bayous within about 2 weeks of first entry. After spending 2 to 4 weeks in these peripheral areas where they grew rapidly, the young shrimp, now juveniles, once again dispersed throughout the...