Fish Bulletin 165. The Marine Resources of Anaheim Bay

This report describes 4 years of marine research in Anaheim Bay, Orange County. The history and oceanographic studies describe the background for biological work on marsh plants, invertebrates and fishes. This bulletin attempts to describe what species were present during the study period, their relative abundances, and in some cases a more detailed account of their life histories and population dynamics. The studies were centered on that portion of Anaheim Bay that is landward of the Pacific Coast Highway, within the U.S. Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach; however, annotated checklists are included on invertebrates and fishes of the outer harbor, seaward of the highway. There are 51 species of marsh plants and algae reported. The invertebrates are noted in annotated checklists, with most attention being centered on the polychaetes and parasitic crustaceans. Some detailed data is given and discussed on polychaete distribution and abundances. Comparisons are given of polychaete populations in pristine Anaheim Bay and developed Huntington Harbour. Forty five species of fish are recorded from the inner portion of the bay and 42 species from the outer harbor. Information is given on the abundances, food, and capture of these species. More detailed accounts of the life histories of six of the more common fish species are described. These include the arrow goby, Clevelandia ios; shiner surfperch, Cymatogaster aggregata; California killifish, Fundulus parvipinnis; Pacific staghorn sculpin, Leptocottus armatus; California halibut, Paralichthys californicus; and diamond turbot, Hypsopsetta guttulata. Life histories include discussions on the numbers, age, growth, food and feeding, and behavior in Anaheim Bay. Where applicable comparisons are drawn with populations elsewhere, such comparisons tend to indicate that the Anaheim Bay salt marsh is an area of very high growth rates and productivity