Fishes of the Indian River Lagoon and Adjacent Waters

Abstract

A qualitative analysis of the ichthyofauna of east central Florida including the Indian River lagoon, its tributaries, and the adjacent continental shelf has accumulated records for 609 species. These species are listed in tabular form, including biotopic distribution and relative abundance. It is predicted that 704 species should eventually be collected from this area. The transitional nature of the Indian River ichthyofauna is emphasized, as tropical Caribbean and warm temperate Carolinian faunas overlap considerably within the Cape Canaveral area. Recorded as new range extensions into this area are 135 fishes, mostly of tropical origin.

A physical description of the region is also given with a brief discussion of geology, water salinities, and temperature.