(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - flounder, starry
OTHER COMMON NAMES -
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Fish
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - ,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - ,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - ,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - Pleuronectidae,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - Platichthys,
SPECIES AND SSP - stellatus,
SCIENTIFIC NAME - Platichthys stellatus
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES - 232
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
The starry flounder is a member of the flatfish family, Pleuronectidae.
This family is mraine, but a few species, including the starry flounder,
enter fresh water *232*.
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Migrant
See Comments
REFERENCES FOR STATUS - 232
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
The starry flounders make inshore-offshore migrations with the seasons
*232*.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has managerial authority over starry
flounder extending to 3 mi offshore. Because harvesting of starry flounder
is minimal, however, no management plan has been formulated *232*.
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Distribution
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
DISTRIBUTION
Distribution - 1 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - MARINE
AQUATIC
REFERENCES FOR HABITAT - 232
LAND USE -
Water
Streams and Canals
Bays and Estuaries
REFERENCES FOR LAND USE - 232
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Marine
REFERENCES FOR NWI - 232
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The flatfish family is marine, but a few species, including the starry
flounder, enter fresh water. Starry flounder is distributed along the coast
of the Arctic Region in nearshore areas and brackish water. It is common in
brackish water and may ascend rivers even into fresh water *232*.
The larvae are pelagic, and after metamorphosis, starry flounders become
bottom dwellers *232*.
There is evidence that spawning starry flounders use shallow water near
river mouths and sloughs *232*.
During summer, the fish are inshore, in shallow water and estuaries *232*.
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
REFERENCES FOR TROPHIC LEVEL - 232
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
Larva Plankton Not Specified
Juvenile Annelids Not Specified
Juvenile Polychaetes Not Specified
Juvenile Crustaceans Not Specified
Juvenile Molluscs Not Specified
Juvenile Bivalve Molluscs Not Specified
Adult Worms Not Specified
Adult Annelids Not Specified
Adult Polychaetes Not Specified
Adult Molluscs Not Specified
Adult Bivalve Molluscs Not Specified
Adult Crustaceans Not Specified
Adult Malacostraca Not Specified
Adult Brittle/Serpent Star Not Specified
Adult Plants Not Specified
Adult Osteichthyes See Comments
Adult Clupeiformes Egg/Fetus stage
Larva See Comments; Food See Comments
Juvenile See Comments; Food See Comments
Adult See Comments; Food See Comments
General Molluscs Not Specified
General Bivalve Molluscs Not Specified
General Crustaceans Not Specified
General Malacostraca Not Specified
General Osteichthyes See Comments
General Clupeiformes Egg/Fetus stage
General See Comments; Food See Comments
REFERENCES FOR GENERAL FOOD - 232
REFERENCES FOR ADULT FOOD - 232
REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE FOOD - 232
REFERENCES FOR LARVAE FOOD - 232
COMMENTS ON FOOD -
Starry flounders are reported to eat razor and surf clams in Kodiak, clams
and sand shrimp in Cook Inlet, and herring eggs on kelp, clam siphons,
brittle stars, and crabs in the northeast Gulf of Alaska. The primary foods
in the northeast Bering Sea and Southeast Chukchi Sea were brittle stars and
clams. Starry flounders near Kotzebue were found with herring eggs in their
stomachs *232*.
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
Types of Feeding Areas Used: Starry flounders feed on organisms that live
on or burrow into silt substrates. Mud and occasionally, bits of bark and
pebbles have been found in the stomachs *232*.
Factors Limiting Availability of Food: Light and temperature may limit the
production of plankton, which is the food of pelagic larvae of starry
flounder. Adults are benthic feeders and forage on many species. Any
disruption of the bottom sediment, however, could destroy the food source of
adults *232*.
Feeding Behavior: The food habits of the starry flounder vary with
increases in the size of the fish. Observations of food in the stomachs
indicated that starry flounders cracked the shells of large clams, swallowed
smaller clams, brittle stars, and pea crabs whole, and swallowed whole or
severed at any level nemerteans, priapulids, and polychaetes worms. Starry
flounders in Washington apparently began feeding about sunrise and fed
through the day until sunset *232*.
COMMENTS ON ADULT FOOD -
Adults fed mainly on nemertean and polychaete wroms, small clams and crabs,
and brittle stars in Washington. Adults from the outer MacKenzie delta in
Canada consumed isopods and plant material *232*.
COMMENTS ON JUVENILE FOOD -
Juvenile starry flounders in Washington consumed polychaete worms, mysids,
amphipods, and clams *232*.
COMMENTS ON LARVAE FOOD -
The pelagic larvae of starry flounder feed on plankton *232*.
Food Habits - 2 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
J
J
J
L Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
L
LIM
G
G Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
G Water Depth Preference: 500-1000 ft.
BA Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
BA Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
E Water Temperature: Below 15 degrees C
E Water Temperature: Specified in Comments
G Substrate: Sand
G Substrate: Rocks
G Substrate: Specified in Comments
G Bottom Type [Aquatic]: Gravel
G Bottom Type [Aquatic]: Specified in Comments
FA Substrate: Mud or silt
FA Substrate: Specified in Comments
BA Water Depth Preference: Specified in Comments
BA Water Depth Preference: 50-100 ft.
REFERENCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR LIMITING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR LARVAE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
REFERENCES FOR EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ - 232
COMMENTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS -
Water Quality: No information is available on the pH, dissolved oxygen, or
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
turbidity tolerances of starry flounder. Starry flounder tolerates a wide
range of salinities. It is common in brackish water and may ascend rivers
even into fresh water. Salinity was a limiting factor in the distribution
of starry flounder in the southeastern Chukchi Sea. Starry flounders are
more common in low-salinity water and are replaced by other forms in
high-salinity water *232*.
Water Depth: Starry flounders are normally found in shallow water, but
catches have been reported from water deeper than 275 m. Depth
distribution for starry flounder may be seasonal. They summer in shallow
nearshore water and winter in water up to 300 m *232*.
Substrate: Starry flounder prefers a soft sand or mud substrate. When
distrubed, it may use dorsal, anal, and caudal fins to cover itself with
sand or mud. Starry flounder is taken commercially on gravel, clear
shifting sand, hard stable sand, and mud, appearing to avoid only rock.
Starry flounder can alter its colors and color patterns to match the
substrate *232*.
COMMENTS ON LIMITING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Salinity was a limiting factor in the distribution of starry flounder in
the southeastern Chukchi Sea. Starry flounders are more common in
low-salinity water and are replaced by other forms in high-salinity water
*232*.
COMMENTS ON FEEDING ADULT ENVIRONTAL ASSOC_ -
Adult starry flounders in Washington stopped feeding in winter, when the
bottom temperatures were lowest (8-9 oC) *232*.
Starry flounders feed on organisms that live on or burrow into silt
substrates. Mud and, occasionally, bits of bark and pebbles were found in
the stomachs *232*.
COMMENTS ON BREEDING ADULT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Starry flounders are reported to spawn when water temperatures are near 11
oC. There is evidence that spawning starry flounders usu shallow water
near river mouths and sloughs. In California, starry flounders in spawning
condition were commonly caught in depths of 30 m or less *232*.
Spawning occurs from February to April in Puget Sound and British Columbia,
and later farther north, with the height of the spawning season
corresponding with water temperatures near 11 oC *232*.
COMMENTS ON JUVENILE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Juvenile flatfish in California were found in salinities of 6 to 10 ppt
*232*.
COMMENTS ON LARVAE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Larval starry flounder in the Canadian Northwest Territories were found in
colder, more saline waters below the surface waters *232*.
COMMENTS ON EGG ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOC_ -
Temperatures for hatching have not been reported in the field; however, in
Environment Associations - 2 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
the lab, eggs hatched in 68 hours at 12.5 oC and in 110 hours at 10.5 oC
*232*.
Environment Associations - 3 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
LIFE HISTORY
Feeding Behavior: Starry flounders in Washington apparently began feeding
about sunrise and fed through the day until sunset *232*.
Reproductive Habitat: There is evidence that spawning starry flounders use
shallow water near river mouths and sloughs. In California, starry
flounders in spawning condition were commonly caught in depths of 30 m or
less *232*.
Reproductive Seasonality: In California, ripe, spawning, and spent fish
occurred in November, became more numerous in the middle part of January,
and gradually disappeared in February. Spawning occurs from February to
April in Puget Sound and British Columbia, and later farther north, with the
height of the spawning season corresponding with water temperatures near 11
oC *232*.
Age at Sexual Maturity: Sexual maturity for starry flounders in California
and Washington is reached at age 2 for males and age 3 for females. Females
grow faster and reach a larger size than males. The growth of Washington
starry flounders slows after sexual maturation, especially in males *232*.
Frequency of Breeding: Spawning in California occurs no more often than
once a year. The arctic flounder (Liopsetta glacialis), which ranges from
Bristol Bay northward, apparently spawns only every second year *232*.
Fecundity: The fecundity of a female of 565 mm standard length was about
11,000,000 eggs. The eggs have diameters ranging from .89 to 1.01 mm, are
slightly lighter than seawater, and are nonadhesive *232*.
Incubation Period/Emergence: The times from fertilization to hatching were
found to be 110 hours at 10.5 oC and 68 hours at 12.5 oC. Metamorphosis
from the planktonic to benthic life stage occurs when the fish is about 7 mm
long at an age ranging from 27 to 104 days. Although size and age both
influence the onset of metamorphosis, the influence of size is stronger.
The time to metamorphosis is shorter than that for most flatfish, which
would limit the dispersal of starry flounder *232*.
Movements Associated with Life Functions: The starry flounders make
inshore-offshore migrations with the seasons. During summer, the fish are
inshore, in shallow water and estuaries. In the winter, they move into
deeper water. Tagging has shown that starry flounders seldom move more than
8 km. Juveniles and adults, however, have been recorded moving up rivers as
far as 200 km *232*.
Natural Factors Affecting Populations: Starry flounders are pelagic in
their larval stage, and growth and survival are strongly influenced by
physical and biological factors, such as water temperature and planktonic
food sources. Cold years or years with low food supply could lead to high
mortality and low dispersal, which reduce local recruitment of stocks. In a
study conducted in the southeastern Chukchi Sea, an extremely low density of
starry flounders, with smaller sizes than reported in more southern waters,
was found. It suggested that the physical climate of the Arctic Ocean area
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
may limit the population size of flatfish and depress normal growth patterns
*232*.
Human-related Factors Affecting Populations: Starry flounder eggs are
buoyant, and the larvae are planktonic. These characteristics make them
vulnerable to any toxicants that may be released into the water. Juveniles
and adults are benthic and rely on benthic food sources, so that any
contaminiation or disruption of the sediment could reduce the population. A
summary of possible impacts from human-related activities includes: changes
in biological oxygen demand or nutrient loading; changes in the chemical
composition of water; changes in dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, or
salinity; entrapment; changes in sedimentation rates, turbidity, or
suspended solids; changes in substrate composition and location; and shock
waves, blasting *232*.
LIFE HISTORY CODES -
Periodicity: Active at night
Average Number of Offspring/Reproductive Effort: Grea
Number of Broods/Litters (Reproductive Efforts) Per Ye
Gestation/Incubation Period: 3-4 days
Gestation/Incubation Period: 5-7 days
Breeding/Spawning Season: January
Breeding/Spawning Season: February
Breeding/Spawning Season: March
Breeding Spawning Season: April
Breeding/Spawning Season: November
Breeding/Spawning Season: December
REFERENCES FOR LIFE HISTORY- 232
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling sedimentation
Beneficial Developing/maintaining suitable pH
Beneficial Developing/maintaining suitable salinity
Adverse Salinity alteration
Beneficial Other management practices [specified in comments]
Adverse Other management practices [specified in comments]
Adverse Underwater explosions
Adverse Applying other toxicants
REFERENCES FOR BENEFICIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 232
REFERENCES FOR ADVERSE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - 232
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Starry flounder eggs are buoyant, and the larvae are planktonic. These
characteristics make them vulnerable to any toxicants that may be released
into the water. Juveniles and adults are benthic and rely on benthic food
sources, so that any contaminiation or disruption of the sediment could
reduce the population. A summary of possible impacts from human-related
activities includes: changes in biological oxygen demand or nutrient
loading; changes in the chemical composition of water; changes in dissolved
oxygen, temperature, pH, or salinity; entrapment; changes in sedimentation
rates, turbidity, or suspended solids; changes in substrate composition and
location; and shock waves, blasting *232*.
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species flounder, starry
Species Id M010123
Date 27 AUG 96
References
232 * State of Alaska Department of Fish, and Game. 1986. Alaska
Habitat Management Guide: Life Histories and Habitat
Requirements of Fish and Wildlife. (ed.). Alaska Department of
Fish and Game Juneau, Alaska:763.
References - 1