Salinity effects

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American oyster

Scientific name
Crassostrea virginica
Reference

Cake (1983)

Study location
Louisiana
United States
Salinity tolerance results

American oysters have a normal salinity range of 10 to 30 ppt. Spawning American oysters can be found in areas of 10 to 30 ppt. Larvae are prevalent in regions from 7.5 to 22.5 ppt. Survival of Crassostrea virginica at <5 ppt is highly unlikely.

American oyster

Scientific name
Crassostrea virginica
Reference

Casas & La Peyre (2015)

Study location
Louisiana
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Although a minimum salinity of 10 psu is required for metamorphosis, these oysters thrive in ~13 psu waters, and are most abundant under these conditions.

Atlantic croaker

Scientific name
Micropogonias undulatus
Reference

Pulich et al. (2002)

Study location
Texas
Louisiana
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Juvenile and adults both appear to prefer salinities of <15 ppt.

Atlantic rangia

Scientific name
Rangia cuneata
Reference

BIO-WEST (2009a)

Study location
Louisiana
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Larval rangia have a salinity tolerance of between 2-10 ppt, and require salinity for development. Adults will not tolerate salinities >18 ppt.

Bay anchovy

Scientific name
Anchoa mitchilli
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Louisiana
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Bay anchovies are most abundant in regions of 0.5 - 25.0 ppt.

Bay anchovy

Scientific name
Anchoa mitchilli
Reference

TPWD (1998) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 10-20 ppt.

Benthic amphipod

Scientific name
Gammarus oceanicus
Reference

Normant & Lamprecht (2006)

Study location
Baltic Sea
Salinity tolerance results

Low salinity basin (5-7 psu). Physiological performance examined from 5-30 psu. Feeding & metabolic rates decreased with increasing salinity; nutritive absorption increased. Feces production and ammonia excretion rates decreased strongly from lowest to highest salinity. Greatest scope for growth at 7 psu.

Benthic communities in Gulf of Mexico estuaries

Reference

Engle et al. (1994)

Study location
Alabama
Florida
Louisiana
Mississippi
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

An increase in salinity (up to 40 ppt) typically yields an increase in the mean number of benthic species and polychaete species.

Benthic foraminifera

Scientific name
Rosalina globularis
Reference

Saraswat et al. (2015)

Study location
Goa
India
Salinity tolerance results

In a laboratory experiment, specimens kept between 10-15 psu were much smaller than specimens kept at >25 psu. Smaller specimens kept at 10-15 psu were unable to reproduce.

Benthic macroinfaunal communities

Reference

MBHE (2008)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Benthic macroinfaunal communities were shown to thrive with a higher biomass in brackish (12-16 ppt), rather than marine (22-27 ppt), areas of the same bay due to freshwater inflow. Changes in community structure typically occur between 18 and 22 ppt.

Benthic macroinfaunal communities

Reference

Montagna & Palmer (2010)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

A field study was done in an estuary that normally has a low salinity <25 psu. When the salinity exceeded 25 psu, macrofaunal biomass appeared to decrease in density.

Benthic meiofaunal communities

Reference

Irlbeck & Ward (2000)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Benthic meiofaunal communities were observed to be most abundant where waters had salinity values of between 10 and 40 ppt. Greatest abundance was noted at 18 to 22 ppt.

Benthic molluscs

Reference

Montagna et al. (2008)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Able to thrive in salinities <1 psu, Corbicula fluminea, Rangia cuneata, and Neritina usnea are good indicators of freshwater environments. Preferring mid to high range salinities (<10-15 psu), Tagelus plebeius, Crassostrea virginica, Mulinia lateralis, Littoraria irrorata, and Ischadium recurvum can be used to indicate that the environment is brackish or marine.

Benthic molluscs and annelids

Reference

TDWR (1980a)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Littoridina sphinctosoma, Mediomastus californiensis and Rangia cuneata were observed to be quite euryhaline across the Lavaca Bay, as they were abundant at each sampling site despite salinity levels not being equivalent at all sampling stations. Sites ranged between 4 ppt and 24 ppt.

Benthic molluscs and annelids

Reference

TDWR (1980b)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Benthic gastropods and bivalves a higher biomass in regions where salinity is at 8-16 ppt. Annelids were most abundant in regions of higher salinity of about 20-32 ppt. Measurements of biomass were taken from the San Antonio Bay.

Blue crab

Scientific name
Callinectes sapidus
Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

It was observed that blue crabs were most abundant in salinities of between 18-23 ppt, although they were spotted in all regions of the salinity spectrum of a Texas estuary and are therefore presumed euryhaline.

Blue crab

Scientific name
Callinectes sapidus
Reference

Longley (1994) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Adults prefer salinities of <20 ppt. Juveniles prefer salinities of between 6-21 ppt.

Blue crab

Scientific name
Callinectes sapidus
Reference

TPWD (1998) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 0-15 ppt.

Bluntnose flyingfish

Scientific name
Prognichthys occidentalis
Reference

Randall et al. (2015)

Study location
Mississippi
United States
Salinity tolerance results

P. occidentalis prefer highly saline environments (>35 psu). They are most abundant in areas with higher salinities.

Bonnethead shark, Finetooth shark, Scalloped hammerhead

Scientific name
Sphyrna tiburo, Carcharhinus isodon, Sphyrna lewini
Reference

Ward-Paige et al. (2015)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

S. tiburo juveniles thrive in moderately saline conditions (30-35 psu); C. isodon thrive in (<20 psu) lower saline conditions, S. lewini prefer highly saline conditions (>35 psu). Sharks utilized in the study were juveniles.

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus aztecus
Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Despite being apparently abundant in all regions of the salinity spectrum of a Texas estuary, brown shrimp seemed to be the most abundant in regions of >23 ppt.

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus aztecus
Reference

Keiser & Aldrich (1973)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Shrimp selected for salinities between 5-20 ppt. (Postlarval)

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus aztecus
Reference

Longley (1994) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Adults prefer salinities of between 24-26 ppt. Juveniles prefer salinities of between 10-20 ppt.

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Farfantepenaeus aztecus
Reference

Saoud & Davis (2003)

Study location
Alabama
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Growth significantly higher at salinities of 8-12 ppt than at salinities of 2-4 ppt.

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus aztecus
Reference

TPWD (1998) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 10-20 ppt.

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus aztecus
Reference

Zein-Eldin & Aldrich (1965)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In laboratory experiments with temperatures < 15 °C, postlarval survivial decreased in salinities < 5 ppt.

Brown shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus aztecus
Reference

Zein-Eldin (1963)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In laboratory experiments with temperatures 24.5-26.0 °C, postlarvae grew equally well in salinities of 2-40 ppt.

Bull shark, Smalltooth sawfish

Scientific name
Carcharhinus leucas, Pristis pectinata
Reference

Simpfendorfer et al. (2011)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

C. leucas thrives in 7-20 psu salinities and P. pectinata prefer higher salinities of 18-24 psu.

Bull sharks

Scientific name
Carcharhinus leucas
Reference

Drymon et al. (2014)

Study location
Alabama
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Bull sharks have the highest affinity for moderate salinities of about 10.5 psu.

Burrowing mayfly

Scientific name
Hexagenia limbata
Reference

Chadwick & Feminella (2001)

Study location
Alabama
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Laboratory bioassays showed that H. limbata nymphs could survive elevated salinities (LC50 of 6.3 ppt at 18 °C, 2.4 ppt at 28 °C). Similar growth rates at 0,2,4, & 8 ppt.

Caribbean portunid crabs

Reference

Norse (1978)

Study location
Colombia
Jamaica
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In slightly brackish waters of 0.0-10.0 ppt, crabs C. maracaiboensis, C. bocourti, C. sapidus were most abundant. In brackish waters of 10.1-30.0 ppt, crabs C. exasperatus were most abundant. In near-marine waters of 30.1-33.0 ppt, C. marginatus, C. danac, and C. exasperatus were most abundant. In marine waters of 33.1-35.5 ppt, C. ornatus, C. marginatus and C. exasperatus were most abundant.

Caridean shrimp

Scientific name
Palaemon peringueyi
Reference

Allan et al. (2006)

Study location
South Africa
Salinity tolerance results

At constant salinity of 35 ppt, respiration rate increased with increased temperature. At constant temperature of 15 °C, respiration rate increased with increased salinity.

Chinook salmon

Scientific name
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Reference

Crader et al. (2010)

Study location
California
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Upon the instigation of the smoltification stage, Chinook salmon prefer salinities of around 1.5 to 2.5 ppt.

Code goby

Scientific name
Gobiosoma robustum
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Highly abundant in regions of >25.0 ppt.

Common rangia

Scientific name
Rangia cuneata
Reference

Hopkins, Anderson & Horvath (1973)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Significant changes in salinity, either increasing from >1 ppt or decreasing from <16 ppt, are an environmental cue to induce spawning. Embryos and early larvae thrive in a strict salinity range between 2 and 15 ppt.

Common rangia

Scientific name
Rangia cuneata
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Highly abundant in areas of 0.5 - >25 ppt. Southern Florida and Texas estuaries have higher salinities than other Gulf of Mexico estuaries, so R. cuneata are less abundant in those areas.

Copepod

Scientific name
Acartia tonsa
Reference

Armstrong (1987)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Acartia tonsa was found in salinities >80 psu. Combined with previous information on this species, it can be concluded that the copepod has a higher salinity range compared to other fauna.

Cownose ray

Scientific name
Rhinoptera bonansus
Reference

Bulger et al. (1993)

Study location
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Can tolerate salinities between 13 and 30 ppt. They are considered primarily marine organisms.

Cownose ray

Scientific name
Rhinoptera bonasus
Reference

Collins et al. (2008)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

When water inflow is decreased and, as a result, salinity is increased in the area, R. bonasusestablish themselves further upriver.

Delta smelt

Scientific name
Hypomesus transpacificus
Reference

Bennett (2005)

Study location
California
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Despite being able to tolerate salinities between 0.0 and 18.0 psu, these fish thrive in 0.2 to 2.0 psu. Younger fish are found closer to the 0.2 range, and older fish are found closer to the 2.0 range.

Dermo

Scientific name
Perkinsus marinus
Reference

BIO-WEST (2009a)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Dermo are known to prefer waters of >15 ppt. Dermo cell division is known to increase at >10 ppt. Cell growth significantly drops with salinities <10 ppt.

Dire whelk

Scientific name
Lirabuccinum dirum
Reference

Nielsen & Gosselin (2011)

Study location
British Columbia
Canada
Salinity tolerance results

Distribution is directly influenced by salinity. Although they can tolerate salinities as low as 12.4 psu, they much prefer higher salinities of about 30 psu. A high abundance of L. dirum will indicate that the area is highly saline.

Eastern oyster

Scientific name
Crassostrea virginica
Reference

BIO-WEST (2009a)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Oyster growth is stunted at salinities <7.5 ppt; however, oysters can survive between 5-40 ppt. Salinities >25 ppt are not ideal and can yield greater mortalities for the community, as Perkinsus marinus thri

Estuarine bivalve populations

Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Bivalves Rangia cuneata, Rangia flexuosa and Macoma mitchelli are common indicators of low salinities (<10 ppt).

Estuarine gastropod populations

Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Gastropods Littoridina sphinctosoma and Probythinella protera are known to be indicative of river-influenced environments (<10 ppt).

Estuarine macrobenthic communities

Reference

Chertoprud et al. (2012)

Study location
Tamil-Nadu
Salinity tolerance results

In salinities of about 19 psu, diversity and biomass of estuarine macrobenthic communities tend to be significantly higher than in any other region of the estuary.

Estuarine macrobenthic community

Reference

Chollett & Bone (2007)

Study location
Venezuela
Salinity tolerance results

Immediately after heavy rainfall (~25 psu), spionid polychaetes showed large increases in density & richness versus normal values (~41 psu).

Estuarine macrobenthic community

Reference

Drake et al. (2002)

Study location
Spain
Salinity tolerance results

Species richness, abundance, and biomass decreased in the upstream direction, positively correlated with salinity. Highly significant spatial variation in macrofaunal communities along the salinity gradient. Salinity range: 0-40 ppt.

Estuarine macrobenthic community

Reference

Kalke & Montagna (1991)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Chironomid larvae & polychaete Hobsonia florida: increased densities after freshwater inflow event (1-5 ppt). Mollusks Mulinia lateralis & Macoma mitchelli: increased densities & abundance during low flow event (~20 ppt). Streblospio benedicti & Mediomastus californiensis: positively correlated with increasing salinity in low flow.

Estuarine macrobenthic community

Reference

Montagna et al. (2002b)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Macrofauna increased abundances, biomass & diversity with increased inflow; decreased during hypersaline conditions. Macrofaunal biomass & diversity had nonlinear bell-shaped relationship with salinity: maximum biomass at ~19 ppt, maxiumum diversity at ~9 ppt. Meiofauna abundance increased with increasing inflow.

Estuarine macrobenthic community

Reference

Rozas et al. (2005)

Study location
Louisiana
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Increased density and biomass with increases in freshwater inflow and reduced salinities. Salinity ranged from 1-13 psu.

Estuarine macroinfaunal community

Reference

Rutger & Wing (2006)

Study location
New Zealand
Salinity tolerance results

Infaunal community in low salinity regions (2-4 ppt) showed low species richness and abundance of bivalves, decapods, and Orbiniid polychaetes, but high abundance of amphipods and Nereid polychaetes compared to higher salinity regions (12-32 ppt).

Estuarine nematodes

Reference

Hourston et al. (2010)

Study location
Perth
Australia
Salinity tolerance results

Nematodes have the tendency to be most abundant in downstream areas of estuarine environments at all times of the year due to the salinity concentration closer to the marine areas being higher at >29 ppt. Estuarine productivity is presumed greater at lower to moderate salinities.

Estuarine oligochaete populations

Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Tubificioides heterochaetus and Peloscolex gabriellae are indicative of environments with <10 ppt salinities.

Estuarine oyster communities

Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Studies have shown that oysters are incapable of tolerating salinities <5 ppt for more than ~3 days. Exposure to >25 ppt waters will increase the risk of Perkinsus marinus and Thais haemostoma on oyster reefs. Salinities above 10 ppt typically induce spawning in estuarine oysters.

Estuarine oyster communities

Reference

Longley (1994)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Adults prefer salinities of between 10-24 ppt. Juveniles prefer salinities of between 10-30 ppt.

Estuarine polychaete populations

Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Streblospio benedicti and Mediomastus ambista are common indicators of environments with salinities <10 ppt.

Estuarine shrimp and oyster guilds

Reference

Science Advisory Committee (2004)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Estuarine shrimp and oyster populations are known to require salinities of 10-20 ppt to thrive in the environment. Between 1988-1990, shrimp and oyster populations in a Texas estuarine environment (Nueces Bay) dropped significantly due to a two-year drought. The drought raised salinities to >36 ppt.

Finfish

Reference

TPWD (1998) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 20-25 ppt.

Freshwater prawns and shrimp

Scientific name
Macrobrachium spp.
Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

These crustaceans are typically only found in bays after a flood has occurred. They exist in salinities <5 ppt.

Grass shrimp

Scientific name
Palaemonetes pugio
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Highly abundant in areas of 0.0 - >25 ppt in the Matagorda Bay only. In other Texas bays, these shrimp have regions of high abundance in the 0.5 - 35 ppt. Associated with high abundance of vegetation or oysters.

Gray snapper

Scientific name
Lutjanus griseus
Reference

Tolan (2008)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Gray snapper are euryhaline, and have been observed in salinities between 0.0 ppt and 67.0 ppt.

Gulf menhaden

Scientific name
Brevoortia patronus
Reference

BIO-WEST (2009a)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Non-gravid, developing adults thrive in salinities of approximately 20-25 ppt. Postlarval and juvenile menhaden prefer salinities of anywhere between 5-30 ppt. However, a study was done in 2005 that concluded Gulf menhaden in the Sabine Estuary in Texas, USA preferred salinities between 3-6 ppt.

Gulf menhaden

Scientific name
Brevoortia patronus
Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Gulf menhaden are most abundant in regions of <15 ppt and regions of 18-23 ppt.

Gulf menhaden

Scientific name
Brevoortia patronus
Reference

Longley (1994) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 0-12 ppt for both adults and juveniles.

Gulf menhaden

Scientific name
Brevoortia patronus
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Juveniles can be found in all salinity regions of the Matagorda Bay; however, in most other Texas bays they are most abundant in regions of 0.5 - >25 ppt

Gulf menhaden

Scientific name
Brevoortia patronus
Reference

TPWD (1998) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 10-15 ppt.

Harpacticoid copepod

Scientific name
Paramphiascella fulvofasciata
Reference

Dahms (1990)

Study location
Helgoland
Germany
Salinity tolerance results

After 2 hours, no mortality in salinities of 25-55 ppt. Almost all displayed dormant behavior < 20 ppt and > 55 ppt.

Harpacticoid copepods

Scientific name
Tigriopus japonicus, Tachidius previcornis, Tisbe sp.
Reference

Finney (1979)

Study location
Maryland
United States
Salinity tolerance results

All species tested for response to salinities from 0-210 ppt. Tigriopus became dormant at 90 ppt died at 150 ppt. Tachidius became dormant at 60 ppt, died at 150 ppt. Tisbe died shortly after exposure to 45 ppt.

Inland silverside, Tidewater silverside

Scientific name
Menidia beryllina, Menidia peninsulae
Reference

Johnson (1975)

Study location
Texas
Louisiana
Alabama
Mississippi
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

M. peninsulae is found in higher salinities of anywhere between 0.5 - >25 ppt, and M. beryllina are normally found in fresher waters of 0.0 - 0.5 ppt.

Insecta, Crustacea, Mollusca, Polychaeta and Ophiuroidea

Reference

Pollack et al. (2009)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Insecta tend to be indicative of freshwater environments with salinities from 0.0 to 6.2 psu. Ampelisca abdita, Macoma mitchelli, Mulinia lateralis, Parandalia ocularis, and Streblospio benedicti are indicative of brackish environments with salinities from 15.0 to 26.2 psu. Apseudes sp. A, Corbula contracta, Periploma cf. orbiculare, Amphiodia atra, and Minuspio cirrifera are indicative of marine environments with salinities from 27.2 to 28.9.

Mummichog

Scientific name
Fundulus heteroclitus
Reference

Bulger et al. (1993)

Study location
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Can tolerate salinities between 0 and 30 ppt. They are considered estuarine organisms.

Nemertean worm

Scientific name
Carcinonemertes errans
Reference

McCabe, Jr. (1986)

Study location
Washington
United States
Salinity tolerance results

This estuarine study had shown that C. errans are incapable of tolerating lower salinities of ~0.5 to 15 ppt. Abundance and salinity were positively correlated.

New Zealand little neck clam, Pipi

Scientific name
Austrovenus stutchburyi, Paphies australis
Reference

McLeod & Wing (2008)

Study location
New Zealand
Salinity tolerance results

Sustained exposure (> 30 d) to salinity < 10 ppt significantly decreased survivorship.

Non-biting midges

Scientific name
Chironomidae
Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

These insects are known to be highly abundant in regions of low salinities, <5 ppt.

Northern red snapper

Scientific name
Lutjanus campechanus
Reference

Switzer, Chesney & Baltz (2015)

Study location
Louisiana
United States
Salinity tolerance results

L. campechanus larvae thrive in lower salinities (30 psu); as they grow, they gradually move to more saline environments.

Oyster reef communities of decapod crustaceans & fish

Reference

Tolley et al. (2006)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Upper stations (~20 ppt) and stations near high-flow tributaries (6-12 m3 s-1) were typified by decapod Eurypanopeus depressus & gobiid fishes. Downstream stations (~30 ppt) and stations near low-flow tributaries (0.2-2 m3 s-1) were typified by decapods E. depressus and Petrolisthes armatus. Community structure present at upper stations distinct from downstream; high-flow tributaries distinct from near low-flow tributaries.

Pigeye shark

Scientific name
Carcharhinus amboinensis
Reference

Knip et al. (2011)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

During the wet season, C. amboinensis will alter their home range areas in an attempt to avoid freshwater inflow (decreased salinity). Juveniles were used in this study.

Pinfish

Scientific name
Lagodon rhomboides
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Adults and juveniles are abundant in regions of 0.5 - >25.0 ppt.

Polychaete worm

Scientific name
Hobsonia florida
Reference

Galveston Bay National Estuary Program (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

H. florida (other names including Hypaniola gunneri floridus and Amhicteis gunneri) are indicators of recent flooding events in the area. They are known to thrive in lower salinities than most polychaete worms, <5 ppt.

Polychaete worm

Scientific name
Mediomastus californiensis
Reference

TDWR (1981c)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In the Trinity-San Jacinto Estuary, Mediomastus californiensis was found at high levels of abundance in every sampling site, regardless of salinity. They are known to be able to thrive in salinities of between 4 and 26 ppt.

Polychaete worm, Common rangia

Scientific name
Paraprionospio pinnata, Rangia cuneata
Reference

Longley et al. (1994)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Rangia cuneata were found to be indicative of areas consisting of <10 ppt. Paraprionospio pinnata were found in areas of 20 to ~33 ppt. The following moderately euryhaline species have been shown to favor anywhere between 5 to 30 ppt: Cossura delta, Glycinde solitaria, Littoridina sphinctosoma, Lyonsia hyalina floridana, Macoma mitchelli, Mediomastus californiensis, Mulinia lateralis, Nereis succinea, and Parandalia fauveli.

Post-hurricane estuarine benthic communities

Reference

Engle & Hyland (2008)

Study location
Louisiana
Alabama
Mississippi
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Diversity decreases significantly in benthic communities as a result of a major drop in salinity. Open water areas are more likely to be affected by salinity drops. Salinity drops in studied areas were from between 18-30 ppt to 5-18 ppt.

Red beard sponge

Scientific name
Microciona prolifera
Reference

Fell et al. (1990)

Study location
Connecticut
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Significant declines of as little as 10 ppt in salinity can be lethal for most known sponges, even those adapted to tolerate estuarine conditions.

Red drum

Scientific name
Sciaenops ocellatus
Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In a 25 year long study, red drum were most abundant in regions of <15 ppt and 15-18 ppt.

Red drum

Scientific name
Sciaenops ocellatus
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Juvenile red drum can be found in regions of >25 ppt.

Red River pupfish, plains killifish, plains minnow, smalleye shiner and sharpnose shiner.

Scientific name
Cyprinodon rubrofluviatilis, Fundulus zebrinus, Hybognathus placitus, Notropis buccula, and Notropis oxyrhynchus
Reference

Ostrand & Wilde (2001)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In a laboratory experiment, the sharpnose shiner, smalleye shiner and plains minnow were shown to have high mortality curves at ~14 ppt, whereas the Red River pupfish and plains killifish were able to withstand salinities of up to ~31 ppt.

Red shiner

Scientific name
Cyprinella lutrensis
Reference

Edwards (1997)

Study location
New Mexico
United States
Salinity tolerance results

These fish were observed to have a salinity tolerance of up to 10 ppt.

Sandy beach macrobenthic community

Reference

Lercari et al. (2002)

Study location
Uruguay
Salinity tolerance results

Abundance, biomass, species richness, diversity & evenness significanty increased from salinity of ~6 ppt to salinity of ~25 ppt.

Sheepshead minnow

Scientific name
Cyprinodon variegatus
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Most abundant in regions of >25 ppt salinity, although it is not uncommon to see them in 0.5 - 25.0 ppt salinity regions.

Silver perch

Scientific name
Bairdiella chrysoura
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Abundant in regions of 0.5 - >25 ppt.

Skilletfish

Scientific name
Gobiesox strumosus
Reference

Bulger et al. (1993)

Study location
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Can tolerate salinities between 4 and 26 ppt. They are considered estuarine organisms.

Snapping shrimp, Polychaete worm, Sipunculan worm

Scientific name
Alpheus viridari, Terebellides parva, Golfingia cylindrata
Reference

Ferraris et al. (1994)

Study location
Belize
Salinity tolerance results

Organisms subjected to acute, repeated exposure to 25, 35, or 45 ppt. A. viridari hyperosmotic conformer at decreased salinity, but osmoconformer at increased saliniry. G. cylindrata always osmoconformer. T. parva always osmoconformer; decreased survival at 45 ppt.

Southwest Florida mollusc communities

Reference

Montagna et al. (2008)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Corbicula fluminea, Rangia cuneata, & Neritina usnea only species to occur < 1 psu. R. cuneata good indicator of mesohaline salinity zones with tolerence to 20 psu. Gastropod N. usnea common in fresh to brackish salinities. Polymesoda caroliniana present between 1-20 psu (oligo- to mesohaline zones). Tagelus plebius, Crassostrea virginica, Mulinia lateralis, Littoraria irrorata, & Ischadium recurvum good indicators for polyhaline salinity zones.

Spotted seatrout

Scientific name
Cynoscion nebulosus
Reference

Pattillo et al. (1992)

Study location
Alabama
United States
Salinity tolerance results

In areas of 0.5 to 25.0 ppt, adult and juvenile seatrout are abundant. In areas of greater than 25 ppt, adults can still be found in any season excluding Winter, and larvae can be found during the Fall.

Striped mullet

Scientific name
Mugil cephalus
Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Striped mullets are most abundant in regions of 15-18 ppt.

Submersed vegetation and benthic animals

Reference

Montague & Ley (1993)

Study location
Florida
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Mean salinity ranged from ~11-31 ppt. Standard deviation of salinity was best environmental correlate of mean plant biomass and benthic animal diversity. Less biota at stations with greater fluctuations in salinity. For every 3 ppt increase in standard deviation, total benthic plant biomass decreased by an order of magnitude.

Texas hornshell

Scientific name
Popenaias popeii
Reference

Carman (2007)

Study location
New Mexico
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Beginning at salinities of 7.0 ppt, Texas hornshells will become stressed and die shortly after.

Threadfin shad

Scientific name
Dorosoma petenense
Reference

Bulger et al. (1993)

Study location
Maine
Vermont
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Connecticut
Rhode Island
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Can tolerate salinities between 0.0 and 17.0 ppt. They are considered primarily freshwater organisms.

White shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus setiferus
Reference

FINS (2006)

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

White shrimp have been spotted at all regions of Texas estuaries; however, they are significantly more abundant in regions of 18-23 ppt.

White shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus setiferus
Reference

Longley (1994) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Adults prefer salinities of between 3-7 ppt. Juveniles prefer salinities of between 10-25 ppt.

White shrimp

Scientific name
Penaeus setiferus
Reference

TPWD (1998) *

Study location
Texas
United States
Salinity tolerance results

Preferred salinity was shown to be between 10-15 ppt.