Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation Latest 16 Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ Fri, 29 Mar 2024 15:18:46 +0200 Pensoft FeedCreator https://neotropical.pensoft.net/i/logo.jpg Latest Articles from Neotropical Biology and Conservation https://neotropical.pensoft.net/ A case of leucosis in Heptapterus mustelinus (Siluriformes, Heptapteridae) among populations of streams in southern Brazil. Has leucosis in Heptapterus mustelinus an adaptive value in shaded streams? https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/103523/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 18(3): 177-189

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.18.e103523

Authors: Marlon Ferraz, Uwe Horst Schulz, Carlos Alberto Santos de Lucena, Pablo Lehmann A.

Abstract: Fish populations in environments with a high degree of geographic isolation may be prone to mutations expressed in the phenotypes. These mutations may be related to color pattern, forming leucistic individuals. This work aims to register and to describe possible mechanisms that influence this mutation. Additionally, the study compares other morphometric variations among different populations and leucistic individuals of Heptapterus mustelinus. A total of four leucistic individuals were collected in a small shaded stream, highly segmented by rapids and waterfalls. The biometric analyses showed no significant morphological differences when compared to other populations of the same ecoregion. The selection of leucism may be directly related to the sampled environment, since the leucistic specimens occurred in a shaded stream with dense vegetation cover. Low occurrence of predatory species of fish can be an important point to maintain the characteristic. Consequently, predation may not exert a negative selective pressure on leucistic individuals.

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Research Article Wed, 27 Sep 2023 19:00:06 +0300
Non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala, northern Central America: introduction sources, distribution, history, and conservation consequences https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/80062/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 17(1): 59-85

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.17.e80062

Authors: Diego J. Elías, César E. Fuentes-Montejo, Yasmín Quintana, Christian A. Barrientos

Abstract: Non-native freshwater fishes have been introduced to Guatemalan freshwater ecosystems since the beginning of the last century without prior risk assessment or subsequent evaluation of their impacts. We synthesized historical records, and distributional data from a literature review, online databases and museum records of non-native freshwater fishes in Guatemala. We found records for 22 non-native freshwater fishes with the oldest records dating back to 1926. Non-native freshwater fishes were recorded in 64% of the river sub-basins in Guatemala and we identified that at least 12 species have established populations. The Jaguar guapote (Parachromis managuensis) and Tilapias (Oreochromis spp.) are the most widespread non-native fishes. The species of non-native freshwater fishes introduced indicates that they are human selected (e.g., for farming purposes). Our work shows that aquaculture has been the major driver of introductions in the country, but aquarium release has become an important source in the last 20 years. Given the potential impact of non-native freshwater fishes on native fauna and ecosystems, we highlight an urgent need to assess their ecological effects, as well as to establish a fish fauna monitoring program in Guatemala to detect new introductions. Government and non-governmental agencies should promote the use of native species to supply fish demands in alignment with environmental policies and the objectives of the fishing agency in Guatemala.

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Research Article Mon, 21 Mar 2022 11:33:20 +0200
Current knowledge on biology, fishing and conservation of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/58691/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 16(1): 71-88

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.16.e58691

Authors: Thaísy Emmanuelle Florentino da Silva, Rosangela Lessa, Francisco Marcante Santana

Abstract: The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a large predator in marine ecosystems, figuring as the most common and abundant species in oceanic fisheries. For this reason, many studies on this species were conducted throughout its entire distribution range. However, no comparison has been made regarding the variability of the aspects addressed herein. Thus, the present study aims at analyzing the available information on P. glauca. This species constitutes between 85 and 90% of the total elasmobranchs caught by oceanic fisheries with pelagic longlines. Growth parameters reveal that individuals in the Atlantic Ocean show the highest asymptotic lengths when compared to those found in other oceans. Females present an average uterine fecundity of 30 embryos. Although it shows a diverse diet, it is mainly composed of teleost fish and cephalopods. Currently, the main threat to the species is commercial fishing, being listed in Brazil and worldwide, according to IUCN as Near Threatened. Regardless, information on crucial aspects, such as its population dynamics, are still scarce or unreliable for many areas. Despite the number of studies regarding its distribution, abundance, and biology, data for new stock assessments of P. glauca are still needed to improve the species’ management.

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Review Article Thu, 21 Jan 2021 14:10:53 +0200
A new record of the exotic Guapote jaguar, Parachromis managuensis (Günther, 1867) (Cichliformes, Cichlidae) in a tropical coastal lagoon of the Mexican Pacific slope https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/57669/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(4): 479-485

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e57669

Authors: Luis Fernando Del Moral-Flores, Rubén Pintor, Eduardo García-Mercado, Cesar León

Abstract: The presence of Parachromis managuensis has been reported for the first time in the Tres Palos Lagoon, State of Guerrero, on the coastal Lagoon of the Mexican Pacific slope. Two specimens (189 mm and 215 mm standard length) were caught by local fishermen from the community of San Pedro de Las Playas. A description of the morphological and meristic characters of the specimens is provided. The natural distribution of the species is from Honduras to Costa Rica and, as it is predatory and highly territorial, in conjunction with other introduced species, it can present a risk to native species and alter the biological dynamics in the lagoon system.

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Short Communication Wed, 18 Nov 2020 10:21:39 +0200
Biology and fishery of Acoupa Weakfish Cynoscion acoupa (Lacepède, 1801): a review https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/55563/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 333-349

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e55563

Authors: Cicero Diogo Oliveira, Rosangela Lessa, Zafira Almeida, Francisco Marcante Santana

Abstract: The present study describes the fishery and biology of Acoupa Weakfish Cynoscion acoupa, an important fishery resource in South America. We found and analyzed 31 articles and 10 publications about the species. Cynoscion acoupa is an estuarine marine species, which has a feeding habit with preference for fish and crustaceans. Its spawning occurs during two periods of the year and the size at maturity of females is 40 to 50 cm, while males mature earlier, with 38–40 cm. Their growth is considered slow to moderate, with growth coefficient k ranging from 0.13 to 0.28, and the species can reach up to 15 years of age. C. acoupa is target of commercial and recreational fisheries in estuarine and marine coastal environments, mainly in the northern region of South America. The fisheries occur throughout the year, with different fishing gear, being more frequent with gillnets. In addition, fishing is more frequent on juveniles, which may compromise the stock. This species is categorized as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, although it has a high degree of vulnerability to fishing, which, combined with overexploitation, shows that C. acoupa should be listed as under threat of extinction to some degree. The lack of studies on the species makes it difficult to establish management measures. Therefore, further studies should be prioritized, especially on reproductive biology, growth and fishing exploitation.

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Review Article Fri, 14 Aug 2020 10:39:51 +0300
Geographic distribution and conservation of seasonal killifishes (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae) from the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion, northeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/51738/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 301-315

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e51738

Authors: Yuri Gomes Abrantes, Lucas Silva de Medeiros, Ana Beatriz Alves Bennemann, Diego de Medeiros Bento, Francisco Keilo Teixeira, Carla Ferreira Rezende, Telton Pedro Anselmo Ramos, Sergio Maia Queiroz Lima

Abstract: The Rivulidae fish family, which includes Neotropical seasonal killifishes, is one of the most diverse taxonomic groups in the aquatic systems of Caatinga in Brazil. Cynolebias and Hypsolebias genera, with 20 and 35 endemic species, respectively, concentrate the greatest diversity of rivulid species in the semiarid. Sixty-eight years after the first records of annual killifishes in the Mid-Northeastern Caatinga ecoregion (MNCE), only four valid species have been sampled in this area. Here we combined bibliographic surveys and recent samplings to investigate the distribution of seasonal rivulids in MNCE. Twenty-one records were obtained, nine of which are new localities, expanding the distribution of three species: Hypsolebias martinsi, H. antenori and Cynolebias microphthalmus. Hypsolebias longignatus is still only known from its type locality in Ceará, near the Environmental Protection Area in Pacoti River, and has not been sampled ever since its description in 2008. Among the four species present in MNCE, H. antenori is the only species occurring within the limits of a conservation unit in the Furna Feia National Park. Anthropogenic impacts were observed in most temporary habitats visited, which ranged from river channel to small ponds in cave entrances. All records are found in coastal basins that discharge in the northern coast of the MNCE, in Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte states, which are crucial for the conservation of the Caatinga’s killifishes. The results also evidenced the importance of karstic habitats in the Jandaíra Formation as potential biotopes for seasonal fish in MNCE. This information must be used to update the conservation status of these species and highlight the importance of strategies for preserving the Caatinga’s temporary aquatic habitats, which should be considered for environmental licensing purposes.

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Research Article Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:25:12 +0300
An update of the invasive Pterygoplichthys Gill, 1858 (Actinopterygii, Loricariidae) in Guatemala: new records and notes on its interactions with the local fauna https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/53020/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 285-300

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e53020

Authors: Carlos A. Gaitán, César E. Fuentes-Montejo, Manolo J. García, Julio C. Romero-Guevara

Abstract: Fishes have been introduced in non-native ecosystems all over the world. These introductions have been recognised for their overall negative effects on native biodiversity. Plecos (Pterygoplichthys Gill, 1858) have been introduced worldwide due to bad practices in the aquarium trade and, in Central America, there is little information regarding these invasive fishes. Plecos have been demonstrated to be a threat in non-native ecosystems because they interfere with their new ecosystems through bottom-up impacts, altering nutrient availability and interactions with native wildlife. Herein, new records of plecos are reported for river basins from Guatemala in northern Central America where they had not previously been reported. Evidence of interactions of plecos with the native fauna that had not been recorded to date are also included. We compiled a total of 34 records in Guatemala, with eight new records. We present the first records of the genus in a river basin of the Caribbean drainage for Guatemala. Three new interactions of fauna preying upon plecos are presented (Black vulture, Bare-throated tiger Heron and Domestic dog), along with a compilation of previously known interactions. Establishing a monitoring and surveillance programme should be a priority in Guatemala, along with other actions to safeguard the native wildlife that could be at high risk because of biological invasions, such as the one with plecos. In order to better understand this invasion, joint efforts of local fishermen and rangers with State institutions should be promoted.

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Research Article Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:29:02 +0300
Diet and foraging behavior of Ageneiosus inermis (Teleostei, Auchenipteridae) https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/53383/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 15(3): 209-218

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.15.e53383

Authors: Tiago Magalhães da Silva Freitas, William Oliveira dos Santos, Bruno da Silveira Prudente, Luciano Fogaça de Assis Montag

Abstract: Ageneiosus inermis is the largest species of the family Auchenipteridae (Siluriformes) and has a primarily piscivorous diet, although no comprehensive data are available on the habitat use of this species. Given this, the present study describes the diet of A. inermis, and provides inferences on its habitat use, based on the known behavior of its prey species. We analyzed the stomach contents of 14 specimens collected in the middle of Xingu River in the Brazilian state of Pará, which we complemented with data on 47 other specimens obtained from two published studies. Most of the ingested items were fish associated with the bottom substrate and riverbanks. Although A. inermis is considered a pelagic species, we conclude it forages by exploring the river’s bottom and margins. Furthermore, as A. inermis is presumed to be diurnal, we assume that it does not pursue its prey actively, given that most of the prey species are nocturnal, but rather searches actively during the daytime for prey hidden in the bottom substrate. This hypothesis on the feeding strategy of A. inermis can only be confirmed by underwater observations, either in the wild or under captive conditions.

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Research Article Mon, 13 Jul 2020 11:33:51 +0300
Características reprodutivas de peixes invasores no rio Paranapanema, bacia do alto rio Paraná, sul do Brasil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/49079/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 511-528

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e49079

Authors: Diego Azevedo Zoccal Garcia, Ana Paula Vidotto-Magnoni, Mário Luís Orsi

Abstract: Estudos sobre biologia reprodutiva podem fornecer explicações sobre o sucesso na colonização de novas áreas, dado que características biológicas associadas às espécies invasoras podem conferir vantagem na invasão. Objetivamos avaliar variações de características reprodutivas de peixes invasores em lagoas e rios livres de barragens. Foram estudadas populações de Serrasalmus marginatus, Loricariichthys platymetopon, Ossancora eigenmanni, Auchenipterus osteomystax e Trachelyopterus galeatus em habitat lêntico (Lagoas 1 e 2) e lótico (rios Pirapozinho e Anhumas) durante as estações seca e chuvosa. Fêmeas predominaram na maioria das populações (χ2, α < 0,05). Fêmeas de L. platymetopon e T. galeatus apresentaram maior índice gonadossomático durante a estação chuvosa no rio Anhumas e na Lagoa 2, respectivamente (teste de Mann-Whitney, α < 0,05). Populações de S. marginatus, L. platymetopon, O. eigenmanni e T. galeatus apresentaram atividade reprodutiva muito intensa na Lagoa 1. Trachelyopterus galeatus apresentou atividade reprodutiva muito intensa nas duas lagoas e no rio Pirapozinho. Enquanto algumas espécies exibem alto investimento reprodutivo, independentemente do tipo de habitat (T. galeatus), outras podem apresentar variações (S. marginatus e L. platymetopon). Fêmeas em maiores razões sexuais, alto investimento reprodutivo, cuidado parental, fertilização interna e desova parcelada podem ser características que favorecem o estabelecimento na área receptora. Serrasalmus marginatus e L. platymetopon apresentam estratégia de história de vida intermediária Equíbrio/Sazonal e Equilíbrio, respectivamente, enquanto A. osteomystax e T. galeatus apresentam estratégia Sazonal. Por apresentarem indivíduos que se dispersam, sobrevivem e se reproduzem em diferentes tipos de habitat, essas espécies possuem extensa área de ocorrência e invadiram com sucesso a bacia do alto rio Paraná. Portanto, são necessárias ações que controlem as populações e minimizem seus impactos.

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Research Article Wed, 18 Dec 2019 09:43:37 +0200
First report of Rhabdochona acuminata (Nematoda, Rhabdochonidae) in Astyanax aff. fasciatus (Characiformes, Characidae) from Lake Guaíba, southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/49025/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 479-488

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e49025

Authors: Moisés Gallas, Cláudia Calegaro-Marques, Suzana B. Amato

Abstract: Specimens of Rhabdochona (Rhabdochona) acuminata (Molin, 1860) were collected in Astyanax aff. fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) from Lake Guaíba, municipalities of Guaíba (30°08.28'S, 51°18.53'W) and Barra do Ribeiro (30°17.11'S, 51°18.01'W), southern Brazil. In the present study, the prevalence of R. (R.) acuminata was low (1.43%) when compared to other studies performed with Astyanax spp. from Brazil. The specimens of R. (R.) acuminata showed some morphological differences (mainly the deirids) that have not yet been reported for the species. This is the first report of R. (R.) acuminata from Lake Guaíba, filling a gap of occurrence of this nematode in South America.

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Research Article Fri, 13 Dec 2019 09:40:19 +0200
The biggest or the most abundant? Predation of the Black Drum Pogonias cromis (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) on benthic organisms in southern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/48493/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 431-438

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e48493

Authors: Paulo Roberto Santos dos Santos, Beatriz Paiva, Gonzalo Velasco

Abstract: Predators that consume larger prey acquire a greater net return of energy per individual, even though they are less abundant. The objective of this work is to analyze the feeding biology of Pogonias cromis in southern Brazil, in order to test for the occurrence of ontogenetic changes in diet as fish reach larger sizes, by consuming larger prey as they grow. Between August 2014 and May 2016, 347 specimens were collected from catches of the fishing fleet that operate in the Patos lagoon estuary and in the adjacent marine area of Cassino beach, that use artisanal fishing gillnets. The prey-specific relative importance index, food overlap, niche breadth and prey length preference were calculated for three length classes, class 1 (27.8–48.73 cm), class 2 (48.73–69.66 cm) and class 3 (69.66–90.60 cm). A total of 13 food items (6 species of crustaceans, 5 species of mollusks, fish fragments and non-animal fragments) were identified, where two species of mollusks (Heleobia australis and Erodona mactroides) represented 90.49% of the diet. The overlap index was moderate between classes 1 and 2, high between 2 and 3 and moderate between 1 and 3. There was a low niche breadth at the population level and for each length class. There were no significant differences in the length of prey consumed among classes. The data obtained here indicates that P. cromis can be classified as a predator specialized in mollusks, with low tendency to ontogenetic changes in southern Brazil. Considering information from the population of P. cromis from Argentina, it can be inferred that the species in the waters of southern South America is a benthic predator adapted to local conditions.

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Short Communication Thu, 28 Nov 2019 08:43:59 +0200
Alimentação de Auchenipterichthys punctatus (Siluriformes, Auchenipteridae) em lagos do rio Cuiuni, Amazonas, Brasil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/47917/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 399-409

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e47917

Authors: Eletuza Uchôa Farias, Jamerson Aguiar Santos, Sara de Castro Loebens, Hélio Daniel Beltrão, Carlos Edwar de Carvalho Freitas, Kedma Cristine Yamamoto

Abstract: Auchenipterichthys punctatus é uma espécie de peixe muito abundante durante o período de águas baixas no rio Cuiuni, sendo objetivo deste estudo investigar a alimentação de A. punctatus em lagos desse rio. O conteúdo estomacal, o grau de repleção, índice alimentar (IAi), itens preferenciais e amplitude de nicho trófico (BA) de 130 indivíduos foram analisados. Os resultados demonstram que 26,9% dos indivíduos apresentam estômagos com grau de enchimento baixo, 23,0% moderado, 13,0% semicheio e 10,7% completamente cheio. Foi possível identificar três categorias de conteúdo quanto à origem: animal, vegetal e material não identificado. Os itens de maior consumo e diversidade estão dentro da categoria animal, representados por diferentes ordens de insetos de origem autóctone e alóctone. De acordo com os dados da dieta, a composição alimentar de A. punctatus durante o período da seca nos lagos do rio Cuiuni evidencia o hábito carnívoro com tendência à insetivoria. Os valores de amplitude de nicho trófico foram considerados baixos em todos os lagos. A atividade alimentar evidenciou que durante o período da seca houve restrição devido ao alto consumo de um único item. Ressaltamos a necessidade de mais estudos sobre a espécie, além de outros auchenipterídeos, envolvendo a ecologia trófica durante todas as fases do pulso de inundação em lagos de água preta na Amazônia para completar as lacunas existentes sobre sua ecologia.

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Research Article Tue, 26 Nov 2019 08:43:49 +0200
Alternatives for the biomonitoring of fish and phytoplankton in tropical streams https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/38088/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(4): 361-380

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e38088

Authors: Hugo de Oliveira Barbosa, Karine Borges Machado, Maisa Carvalho Vieira, Hasley Rodrigo Pereira, Leonardo Fernandes Gomes, João Carlos Nabout, Fabrício Barreto Teresa, Ludgero Cardoso Galli Vieira

Abstract: Biomonitoring programs need to balance accurate responses in assessments of changes in biological communities with sampling that is fast and low cost. In this study, we evaluated the concordance among fish and phytoplankton communities of streams. We tested the cross-taxa surrogacy, taxonomic, numerical resolution and ecological substitute group (habitat use and trophic guilds) resolution with Procrustes analyses aim of simplifying the biomonitoring process. We collect a total fish abundance of 8,461 individuals, represented by the ecological classes of habitat, including benthic, nektonic, nektobenthic, marginal and trophic guilds by detritivore, terrestrial invertivore, aquatic invertivore, piscivore, algivore and herbivore. We sampled a phytoplankton total density of 1,466.68 individuals/ml, represented by four Morphology-Based Functional Groups and nine Reynolds Functional Groups. Our results don’t support the use of substitute groups among fish and phytoplankton. For fish, habitat use and trophic guild are good surrogates for species-level data. Additionally, our results don’t support the use of functional groups as surrogates for phytoplankton. We suggest the use of higher taxonomic levels (genus and family) and record only the occurrence of species and/or genus for fish and phytoplankton. Our findings contribute to decreasing the costs and time of biomonitoring programs assessments and/or conservation plans on fish and phytoplankton communities of headwater streams.

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Research Article Thu, 7 Nov 2019 10:28:09 +0200
Invasion alert: new record of the exotic Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 in the Puna Austral region, Northwestern of Argentina https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/36535/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(2): 291-295

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e36535

Authors: Julieta Andreoli Bize, Luis Fernández

Abstract: We report the first record of Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 at elevations above 1,615 m in the Puna Austral, Provincia Catamarca, Argentina. This fish was introduced by intentional release. The Puna is characterized by an endorheic system, where the exotic species would cause a negative impact on the aquatic fauna by predation of eggs and larvae of native fish. Unfortunately, Argentinian conservation policies are directed to protect exotic fish before endemic ichthyofauna.

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Short Communication Fri, 9 Aug 2019 10:11:06 +0300
Diversity and space-time dynamics of fish assemblages in a coastal lagoon, western Atlantic https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/37667/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(2): 221-239

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e37667

Authors: André Pereira Cattani, Gisela Costa Ribeiro, Olímpio Rafael Cardoso, Maíra Gnoatto Afonso, Maurício Hostim-Silva, Helen Audrey Pichler, Henry Louis Spach

Abstract: The knowledge of the temporal and spatial dynamics in the composition of fish fauna makes it possible to identify patterns of occupation of ecosystems, providing a basis for evaluation and preservation of the local biodiversity. Monthly samplings were carried out at seven sites in a coastal lagoon, using a casting net, dip net and beach seine. A total of 4,110 individuals were collected, distributed in 23 families and 49 taxa of fish, with a predominance of Mugil liza, M. curema, Atherinella brasiliensis, Micropogonias furnieri and Eucinostomus argenteus, corresponding to more than 80% total weight of all individuals caught. Regarding seasonality, greater abundances were recorded in fall, influenced by the high abundance of A. brasiliensis in this period. In addition to fall, this species was also abundant in summer. However, this pattern of dominance was different for the families Mugilidae and Gerreidae, with higher abundances in spring and summer, respectively. The highest abundances were found in the southern section of the lagoon, which are related to the high abundance of A. brasiliensis, M. liza and M. curema. In relation to the indices of average taxonomic distinctness and variation in the taxonomic distinctness, no significant differences were detected between the seasons of the year. Thus, the patterns of distribution and occurrence of fish in the lagoon were consistent with the patterns observed in Brazilian coastal lagoons and estuaries, as well as to the coastal shallow areas of the southeastern and southern regions.

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Research Article Mon, 22 Jul 2019 08:52:53 +0300
Reproductive biology of the mutton hamlet on the coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/37601/ Neotropical Biology and Conservation 14(2): 157-168

DOI: 10.3897/neotropical.14.e37601

Authors: Maria Ester Ribeiro Simoni, Edson Bortoletto Garciov Filho, Paulo Guilherme Vasconcelos de Oliveira, Mariana Gomes do Rêgo, Fábio Hissa Vieira Hazin, Paulo Travassos

Abstract: This paper focuses on the reproductive biology of the Mutton Hamlet, Alphestes afer, a fish belonging to the family Epinephelidae, and aims to provide information on the main reproductive parameters of the species on the north coast of the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. From a total of 783 individuals, collected between March 2007 and June 2010, and from February to November 2014, the gonads of 322 fishes (235 females and 87 males) were analyzed, for the identification of sex and maturational stages. Females were more abundant and larger than males, with a sex ratio of 2.4 females: 1 male, during the reproduction season. The size at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 16.8 cm total length for females, and 16.2 cm for males. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) indicated that a reproductive cycle occurs all year round, while reproduction takes place from June to November. The fecundity of Alphestes afer ranged from 105,317 to 270,192 oocytes, averaging 173,458 oocytes. The females are more abundant than males due to the process of protogyny and also because individuals are regularly captured at growth stages above the L50, being a positive aspect for the sustainability of the fishery. According to the GSI, the species presents a split-type spawning with two peaks occurring throughout the year.

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Research Article Mon, 15 Jul 2019 16:06:34 +0300