LAUSR

AbstractIn Florida, the population status of the Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula is unknown, and harvest of this species was prohibited in 2006. Although abundance estimates are needed, first information about its habitat use and life history is required. We examined movement, habitat use, and home range of Alligator Gars in the Escambia River, an unregulated coastal river in Florida. Twenty-two fish (TL range = 92–193 cm) were captured by using large-mesh gill nets and were tagged with external transmitters. Detachment of tags resulted in 16 fish being tracked for the study (tag retention time = 2–19 months). Seasonal movements of fish were monitored by active daytime tracking and via fixed-station receivers to determine home and core ranges. Results suggested that Alligator Gar movement was seasonal and related to water temperature. Mean linear home ranges and core ranges were each approximately five times smaller during the cold season (water temperature ≤ 15°C) than during the warm season (>15°C). ...