Storm surge massively helps juvenile tarpon and snook; Here’s how baby fishes survive
Benefits From Storm Surges and King Tides
According to a report by Bill Kearney, South Florida Sun Sentinel, ongoing studies conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust have shed light on how young tarpon and snook take advantage of storm surges and king tides. These events, which bring exceptionally high water levels, serve as a lifeline for the newborn fish. When storm surges push them into remote semi-landlocked ponds, they become the rulers of these miniature underwater kingdoms.
An Evolutionary Advantage
One key advantage of these shallow, isolated ponds is protection. Young tarpon and snook find refuge from larger predators like sharks and adult snook, which cannot access these areas. This safety allows them to grow without the constant threat of becoming someone else's meal.
Survival in Harsh Conditions
Moreover, these juvenile fish are specially adapted to survive in low-oxygen environments, making them uniquely suited to these ponds. While most fish rely on oxygen-rich water passing through their gills, tarpon, for example, can gulp air and absorb oxygen through their swim bladders. This adaptation enables them to thrive in conditions that would be fatal to other species.
The Ecological Impact
As these young fish mature, they benefit from their isolation in another way. They become the dominant predatory fish in these ponds, where they can feast on smaller prey like mosquito fish without competition. Their presence helps maintain ecological balance in these semi-landlocked habitats.
Life in the Pond
Research conducted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has shown that juvenile tarpon and snook can reside in these ponds for one to
