What does this research mean for the field?

Co-occurring estuarine predatory fishes exhibit distinct seasonal movement patterns and varying degrees of habitat overlap, with bull sharks and alligator gar demonstrating the highest interspecific spatial overlap. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Compare movement and habitat use dynamics among three sympatric predatory fish species within and adjacent to an estuarine system.

August 28, 2026Marine BiologyOpen Access

Spatial dynamics of three estuarine predatory fishes in a subtropical estuary

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Authors

PFPaco Fontaine CJChristine C. Jensen PMPhilip Matich

Discussion

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Overview

Observational tracking reveals distinct seasonal movement and habitat overlap among estuarine predators, highlighting the role of seasonal shifts and habitat connectivity.

Key Points

Compare movement and habitat use dynamics among three sympatric predatory fish species within and adjacent to an estuarine system.
Tracked alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula, n=13), bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas, n=12), and Atlantic stingrays (Hypanus sabinus, n=11) in the Galveston Bay Complex using acoustic telemetry.
Evaluated spatial movement, seasonal variation, and both interspecific and intraspecific habitat connectivity using network analysis.
Alligator gar were present year-round within the estuary, while bull sharks migrated seasonally, increasing estuarine use during warmer months and moving to southern bays during winter.
Atlantic stingrays demonstrated restricted movements during summer, with detections limited in other seasons.
Interspecific habitat overlap was greatest between alligator gar and bull sharks, while bull sharks exhibited the highest intraspecific overlap, potentially driving size-based habitat partitioning.

Cite This Study

Fontaine et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a914622d15324a1df3a9914 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-026-04930-6

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August 28, 2026Marine BiologyOpen Access

Spatial dynamics of three estuarine predatory fishes in a subtropical estuary

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

PFPaco Fontaine CJChristine C. Jensen PMPhilip Matich

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Observational tracking reveals distinct seasonal movement and habitat overlap among estuarine predators, highlighting the role of seasonal shifts and habitat connectivity.

Key Points

Compare movement and habitat use dynamics among three sympatric predatory fish species within and adjacent to an estuarine system.
Tracked alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula, n=13), bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas, n=12), and Atlantic stingrays (Hypanus sabinus, n=11) in the Galveston Bay Complex using acoustic telemetry.
Evaluated spatial movement, seasonal variation, and both interspecific and intraspecific habitat connectivity using network analysis.
Alligator gar were present year-round within the estuary, while bull sharks migrated seasonally, increasing estuarine use during warmer months and moving to southern bays during winter.
Atlantic stingrays demonstrated restricted movements during summer, with detections limited in other seasons.
Interspecific habitat overlap was greatest between alligator gar and bull sharks, while bull sharks exhibited the highest intraspecific overlap, potentially driving size-based habitat partitioning.

Cite This Study

Fontaine et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a914622d15324a1df3a9914 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-026-04930-6

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