The diet and mouth growth rates of three Gerreidae species (Eugerres brasilianus, Eucinostomus me... more The diet and mouth growth rates of three Gerreidae species (Eugerres brasilianus, Eucinostomus melanopterus and Diapterus rhombeus) were assessed at different ontogenetic phases (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) in order to detect allometric growth, and whether they are related to habitat and seasonal changes in the Goiana Estuary, north-east Brazil. The importance of each prey for each ontogenetic phase was described using the index of relative importance. The three species showed seasonal ontogenetic shifts in diet and allometric growth of mouth morphology. They also had an exclusively zoobenthic diet, comprising mainly Polychaeta, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Gastropoda and Bivalvia. Mouth development showed a possible influence on diet changes for E. melanopterus. Significant interactions (P < 0·01) were detected among seasons, areas and ontogenetic phases for the most important prey for E. brasilianus and E. melanopterus. Diet overlaps are evidence of intra and interspecific competition among gerreids for specific prey. A conceptual model of the competition and seasonal diet shifts among ontogenetic phases of gerreids is given. The sediment ingested due to the feeding mechanisms of Gerreidae species could also partially explain the ingestion of synthetic items observed for all ontogenetic phases, which indicates one of a myriad effects of human activities (e.g. artisanal fishery) in this estuary.
The use of intertidal sandy beaches by fish and macrocrustaceans was studied at different tempora... more The use of intertidal sandy beaches by fish and macrocrustaceans was studied at different temporal scales at the mouth of a tropical estuary. Samples were taken along the lunar and diel cycles in the late dry and rainy seasons. Fish assemblage (number of species, density and biomass), crustaceans and wrack biomass, showed significant interactions among all studied factors, and the combination of moon phase and diel cycle, resulting in different patterns of environmental variables (depth, water temperature and dissolved oxygen), affected habitat use by the different species. Variances in faunal community were detected between seasons, stimulated by salinity fluctuations from freshwater input during the rainy season. These differences suggest an important cycling of habitats and an increase in connectivity between adjacent habitats (estuary and coastal waters). Moreover, the results showed that this intertidal sandy beach also provides an alternative nursery and protected shallow-water area for the initial development phase of many marine and estuarine species. In addition, this intertidal habitat plays an important role in the maintenance of the ecological functioning of the estuarine-coastal ecosystem continuum.
Principle factors which influence mangroveleaf litter turnover, in particular therole of leaf-rem... more Principle factors which influence mangroveleaf litter turnover, in particular therole of leaf-removing crabs, were evaluatedin a riverine mangrove site nearBragana (Par, North Brazil). Ourspecial interest was focussed on the roleof the leaf-removing crab Ucidescordatus. Leaf litter fluxes between themangrove forest and the adjacent estuarywere investigated by estimating the biomassand fate of leaf litter material and propagules. Vegetation is dominated by Rhizophora mangle, with Avicenniagerminans trees, both up to 25 m high,found intermittently. During 1997, Rhizophora trees produced around 1.40 gDW m-2 d-1 of leave fall and0.75 g DW m-2 d-1 of propagules.Leaf decomposition rates on the ground wereabout 0.06 g DW m-2 d-1,irrespective of species, habitat or siteexposure. This amount accounts for -2 d-1. When the mangroveforest was flooded (on average 10 days permonth) the quantity of leaf litterand propagules washed out with the springtide was 10 and 17 times greater thanduring neap...
Life at Interfaces and Under Extreme Conditions, 2000
The mangrove forest along the northern Brazilian coast is not inundated during low tide. However,... more The mangrove forest along the northern Brazilian coast is not inundated during low tide. However, many fish species stay in the mangrove forest during this time. Tidal behaviour strategies are described for fish species that linger in the mangrove forest during low tide. The samples were taken at the end of the dry season (December 1996) and at the end of the rainy season (July 1997). Fish were captured using an ichthyotoxic plant extract (Ichthyotere cunabi). Spatial and temporal fish density and biomass were analyzed statistically. Thirty-six samples were taken with a total density of 2.8 ind m −2 and a total biomass of 17.4 g m −2 distributed among seven families and 14 species. Myrophis punctatus was the most important species in number (1.66 ind m −2 ) and weight (12.68 g m −2 ) of all catches. The total fish densities were not significantly different among areas and between months, although, total biomass differed significantly in time and space. The densities and biomass for the three most dominant species (M. punctatus, Poecilia spp. and Gobionellus smaragdus) differed significantly among species. Only the biomass of these species showed significant monthly differences. The only significant main effect on variance in the densities and biomass of M. punctatus were encountered between months. In addition, the factor area was significantly different for the variable number of species.
Plastic marine debris is a pervasive type of pollution. River basins and estuaries are a source o... more Plastic marine debris is a pervasive type of pollution. River basins and estuaries are a source of plastics pollution for coastal waters and oceans. Estuarine fauna is therefore exposed to chronic plastic pollution. Three important catfish species [Cathorops spixii (N = 60), Cathorops agassizii (N = 60) and Sciades herzbergii (N = 62)] from South Western Atlantic estuaries were investigated in a tropical estuary of the Brazilian Northeast in relation to their accidental ingestion of plastic marine debris. Individuals from all three species had ingested plastics. In C. spixii and C. agassizii, 18% and 33% of individuals had plastic debris in their stomachs, respectively. S. herzbergii showed 18% of individuals were contaminated. All ontogenetic phases (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) were contaminated. Nylon fragments from cables used in fishery activities (subsistence, artisanal and commercial) played a major role in this contamination. These catfish spend their entire life cycles within the estuary and are an important feeding resource for larger, economically important, species. It is not yet possible to quantify the scale and depth of the consequences of this type of pollution. However, plastics are well known threat to living resources in this and other estuaries. Conservation actions will need to from now onto take plastics pollution into consideration.
The present study investigated the assemblage of fish species in an intertidal mangrove forest du... more The present study investigated the assemblage of fish species in an intertidal mangrove forest during high tide in a macrotide region. We describe the seasonal changes in the fish assemblage composition in relation to biomass, density, and species number in tidal creeks of the Furo do Meio, Caeté Estuary, Brazil. A total of 29 107 individuals of 49 species in 26 families were caught using a block net. Their total weight was 526 kg (total density 0.11 ind. m -2 and total biomass 2.1 g m -2 ). Analysis of the catch data showed that the number of species varied significantly between creeks, and that total fish biomass differed significantly between seasons. The densities and biomass of the 2 most important species, Cathorops pleurops and Colomesus psittacus, were significantly different between seasons. The densities and biomass of C. pleurops, Pterengraulis atherinoides, Pseudauchnipterus nodosus, and Stellifer naso showed significant temporal differences. Significant differences between creeks were observed in the density and biomass of Anchovia clupeoides and Rhinosardinia amazonica. The abundance-biomass comparison (ABC) plots for the fish fauna in the creeks of the Furo do Meio showed that the dominant species increased in number and weight at the beginning of the rainy season. As a result of increased rainfall in March and April, salinity declined to values between 6 and 8 psu. At that time, the dominant species made up more than 60% of the total biomass and density and Hill's index of diversity (N1) declined, whereas the number of species (N0) and evenness (E2) did not change. After April, rainfall decreased, and density and biomass returned to levels similar to those before the rainy season. The number of species and the density and biomass in the mangrove tidal creeks are compared with published data for other tropical and subtropical estuaries. Migration trends were inferred from the results of the seasonal fluctuations of density and biomass of the most important species in the Furo do Meio, and are compared with data from other studies in the main channel of the Caeté Estuary.
The present study describes the seasonal changes of the fish species composition in three areas o... more The present study describes the seasonal changes of the fish species composition in three areas of the main channel of the Caete´River estuary, Brazil. The fish faunas of each habitat differed in density, biomass and species composition. Mean fish density and biomass for the Caete´River estuary channel was 0Á25 individuals m À2 and 0Á9 g m À2 respectively. Analysis of catch data showed that the number of species, total density and total biomass differed significantly between areas and seasons. For the most important species, the mean density of Cathorops spixii, Aspredinichthys filamentosus, Aspredo sp. 2, Pimelodus blochii, Pseudauchnipterus nodosus and Macrodon ancylodon, differed significantly between seasons while the mean density of Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer microps, Aspredo aspredo, Aspredo sp. 1 and Cynoscion acoupa did not. The mean biomass of these species, with exception of S. microps and Aspredo sp. 1, also differed significantly between seasons. In the Caete´estuary seasonal salinity fluctuations appeared to be the main factor that structured the fish assemblage in the entire estuarine system. At least 85% of the species captured by the artisanal and subsistence fisheries in the Bragantine region required estuarine conditions to complete their life cycle. # 2005 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles FIG. 6. Mean AE S.D. of biomass of the 11 dominant species in the (a) upper, (b) middle and (c) lower estuary of the Caete´River in each season. The shaded area represents the rainy season.
ABSTRACT This study assessed whether the developmental series of the ariid Cathorops spixii (Agas... more ABSTRACT This study assessed whether the developmental series of the ariid Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) is related to growth patterns during its early ontogeny. The main morphological events of C. spixii were studied from the newly neurula embryo (6.99±0.69 mm TL) to juveniles (53.38±14.43 mm TL) in order to characterize and corroborate patterns of ontogenetic allometries. Prior to hatching, embryos were well-developed, with an ossified axial and appendicular skeleton. Embryos grew slowly, but positive allometric growth was observed in head width (b 1 = 1.65) and eye diameter (b 1 = 1.59). This seems to be related to the fast development of sensory organs such as otoliths, Weberian apparatus, lenses, nostrils and barbels during the embryonic period when eggs are under the care of adult males. After hatching, mouth-brooding free-embryos grew horizontally isometric, except for the snout length that presented quick growth related to the end of endogenous feeding (b 1 = 1.73). Slow growth was observed in head width (b 1 = 0.44) and eye diameter (b 1 = 0.26), taking into account that sensory organs are formed in free-embryos. The end of the yolk-sac period was characterized by a direct change from free-embryo to juvenile, without a true larval period. Juveniles are characterized by growth patterns nearly isometric in all body regions, suggesting that they already bear most of characteristics of adult fish. The quick growth of morphometric variables that are related to sensorial organs before hatching and the increase in horizontal growth after the first 6 weeks (hatched free-embryos) reflect developmental priorities during the earliest stages where important sensorial organs are being developed for juvenile survival strategies.
Page 1. Nursery Habitat Shifts in an Estuarine Ecosystem: Patterns of Use by Sympatric Catfish Sp... more Page 1. Nursery Habitat Shifts in an Estuarine Ecosystem: Patterns of Use by Sympatric Catfish Species David Valença Dantas & Mario Barletta & André Ricardo Araújo Lima & Jonas de Assis Almeida Ramos & Monica Ferreira da Costa & Ulrich Saint-Paul ...
ABSTRACT This study describes the seasonal feeding habits of different size classes of Cathorops ... more ABSTRACT This study describes the seasonal feeding habits of different size classes of Cathorops spixii and Cathorops agassizii along an estuarine ecocline and the food overlap when different size classes occur together. These species were essentially zoobenthivorous, feeding mainly on Polychaeta Nereis sp., Copepoda Pseudodiaptomus acutus, Ostracoda Asterope sp., Gastropoda: Littorinidae, and Bivalvia Mytilus sp. and Anomalocardia brasiliana. However, during their life cycle and between different habitats and seasons, their trophic guild can change to zooplanktivore. The competition for resources was observed among C. spixii and C. agassizii, but was significantly reduced due to the seasonal diference in habitat use by different ontogenetic phases in the main channel of the estuary. The food niche separation was strongly influenced by environmental fluctuations, principally of salinity, resulting from rainfall and river inflow. High abundance of some preys, such as P. acutus (all estuary), Asterope sp. (upper and middle estuary), and Littorinidae (upper and lower estuary), could influence the significant diet overlap, principally during the rainy season, and call for more detailed studies of the benthic community structure. Moreover, dietary overlap was observed mainly between smaller sizes (intraspecific and/or interspecific) or between corresponding ontogenetic phases (interspecific), suggesting some differentiation in the diet in relation to the size class. Differences in prey type and size between the different ontogenetic phases of these ariids, principally among juveniles and adults, could be related to the size of the mouth, since adults are able to successfully capture larger preys or larger quantities of particular items.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2012
Artisanal fisheries in tropical estuaries are an important economic activity worldwide. However, ... more Artisanal fisheries in tropical estuaries are an important economic activity worldwide. However, gear (e.g. ropes, nets, buoys, crates) and vessels are often in use under dangerous conditions. Polyfilament nylon ropes are used until they are well beyond human and environmental safety limits. Severe wear and tear results in the contamination of the environment with micro-fragments. The spread of these fragments in the marine environment and their ingestion by the biota are documented in the scientific literature and are increasing concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ingestion of plastic fragments by two fish (drum) species in relation to seasonal, habitat and fish size-class variation. The stomach contents of 569 individuals of Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer stellifer from the main channel of the Goiana Estuary were examined to identify variation in the number and the weight of plastic fragments and relate this variation to differences among the seasons (early dry, late dry, early rainy and late rainy), the habitats within the estuary (upper, middle and lower) and the size classes of the fish (juveniles, sub-adults and adults). Plastic fragments were found in 7.9% of the individuals of these two drum species captured from December 2005 to August 2008. Nylon fragments occurred in 9.2% of S. stellifer and 6.9% of S. brasiliensis stomachs. The highest number of nylon fragments ingested was observed in adults during the late rainy season in the middle estuary. Blue polyfilament nylon ropes are used extensively in fisheries and can be lost, inappropriately discarded or damaged during use in the estuary. These fragments were the only type of plastic detected during this study. The ingestion of nylon fragments by fish probably occurred during the animals' normal feeding activities. During the rainy season, the discharge of freshwater transports nylon fragments to the main channel and makes the fragments more available to fish. Fishery activities are responsible for a significant amount of the marine debris found in the estuary. The ingestion of fragments of nylon threads by fish is a demonstrated form of pollution in the Goiana Estuary. The physiological and toxicological consequences of the ingestion of this type of debris are unknown, as is the actual extent of the problem worldwide. The solutions to the problem are in the hands of authorities and communities alike because the good care and timely replacement of gear requires education, investment and effective policies.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2009
Background, aim, and scope At tropical latitudes, and especially on the semi-arid coasts of the B... more Background, aim, and scope At tropical latitudes, and especially on the semi-arid coasts of the Brazilian Northeast, the rainfall regime governs the water quality of estuaries due to the pronounced difference between the rainy and dry seasons. These changes may be responsible for seasonal changes in bioavailability of mercury (Hg) and other pollutants to the estuarine and coastal biota. Mercury bioaccumulates along estuarine-marine food chains usually result in higher concentrations in tissues of top predators and posing a risk to both marine mammals and humans alike. The Goiana River Estuary (7.5°S) is a typical estuary of the semiarid tropical regions and supports traditional communities with fisheries (mollusks, fish, and crustacean). It is also responsible for an important part of the biological production of the adjacent coastal waters. Materials and methods Trichiurus lepturus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) is a pscivorous marine straggler. Fish from this species (n=104) were captured in a trapping barrier used by the local traditional population and using an otter trawl net along the main channel of the low estuary during two dry seasons (D1=Novemberand the end of a rainy season (R=August, September, October 2006). Fish muscle samples were preserved cold and then freeze-dried prior to analysis of its total mercury (Hg-T) contents. Total mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. Results The studied individuals (n=104) were sub-adult (30-70 cm, 71 ind.) and adult fish (>70 cm, 33 ind.). Weight (W) (204.1±97.9 g, total biomass=21,229.7 g) and total length (TL) (63.1±10.1 cm, range 29.5-89.0 cm) presented a significant (p<0.05) correlation. Two-way ANOVA (n=81) showed that TL and W had significant differences (p<0.05) among seasons, being higher in D1 than in D2 and R, respectively. Moreover, season vs. month interaction were detected for the variables length and weight. For the variable weight was detected significant difference for the factor month (p<0.05). It suggests that the fish enter the estuary at the end of the rainy season and increase in length and weight during the time they spend in the estuary. Fish from this estuary are shown to be fit for human consumption (125.3±61.9 μgHg-T kg -1 w.wt.; n=104). Fish mercury contents increased with size and weight. Correlations between TL and Hg-T (r=0.37286) and between W and Hg-T (r=0.38212) were significant Environ Sci Pollut Res (2009) 16:423-430
The Goiana Estuary was studied regarding the seasonal and spatial variations of microplastics ( o... more The Goiana Estuary was studied regarding the seasonal and spatial variations of microplastics ( o5 mm) and their quantification relative to the zooplankton. The total density (n 100 m À 3 ) of microplastics represented half of the total fish larvae density and was comparable to fish eggs density. Soft, hard plastics, threads and paint chips were found in the samples (n ¼216). Their origins are probably the river basin, the sea and fisheries (including the lobster fleet). In some occasions, the amount of microplastics surpassed that of Ichthyoplankton. The highest amount of microplastics was observed during the late rainy season, when the environment is under influence of the highest river flow, which induces the runoff of plastic fragments to the lower estuary. The density of microplastics in the water column will determine their bioavailability to planktivorous organisms, and then to larger predators, possibly promoting the transfer of microplastic between trophic levels. These findings are important for better informing researchers in future works and as basic information for managerial actions.
Mercury loads in tropical estuaries are largely controlled by the rainfall regime that may cause ... more Mercury loads in tropical estuaries are largely controlled by the rainfall regime that may cause biodilution due to increased amounts of organic matter (both live and non-living) in the system. Top predators, as Trichiurus lepturus, reflect the changing mercury bioavailability situations in their muscle tissues. In this work two variables [fish weight (g) and monthly total rainfall (mm)] are presented as being important predictors of total mercury concentration (T-Hg) in fish muscle. These important explanatory variables were identified by a Weibull Regression model, which best fit the dataset. A predictive model using readily available variables as rainfall is important, and can be applied for human and ecological health assessments and decisions. The main contribution will be to further protect vulnerable groups as pregnant women and children. Nature conservation directives could also improve by considering monitoring sample designs that include this hypothesis, helping to establish complete and detailed mercury contamination scenarios.
The diet and mouth growth rates of three Gerreidae species (Eugerres brasilianus, Eucinostomus me... more The diet and mouth growth rates of three Gerreidae species (Eugerres brasilianus, Eucinostomus melanopterus and Diapterus rhombeus) were assessed at different ontogenetic phases (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) in order to detect allometric growth, and whether they are related to habitat and seasonal changes in the Goiana Estuary, north-east Brazil. The importance of each prey for each ontogenetic phase was described using the index of relative importance. The three species showed seasonal ontogenetic shifts in diet and allometric growth of mouth morphology. They also had an exclusively zoobenthic diet, comprising mainly Polychaeta, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Gastropoda and Bivalvia. Mouth development showed a possible influence on diet changes for E. melanopterus. Significant interactions (P &amp;amp;lt; 0·01) were detected among seasons, areas and ontogenetic phases for the most important prey for E. brasilianus and E. melanopterus. Diet overlaps are evidence of intra and interspecific competition among gerreids for specific prey. A conceptual model of the competition and seasonal diet shifts among ontogenetic phases of gerreids is given. The sediment ingested due to the feeding mechanisms of Gerreidae species could also partially explain the ingestion of synthetic items observed for all ontogenetic phases, which indicates one of a myriad effects of human activities (e.g. artisanal fishery) in this estuary.
The use of intertidal sandy beaches by fish and macrocrustaceans was studied at different tempora... more The use of intertidal sandy beaches by fish and macrocrustaceans was studied at different temporal scales at the mouth of a tropical estuary. Samples were taken along the lunar and diel cycles in the late dry and rainy seasons. Fish assemblage (number of species, density and biomass), crustaceans and wrack biomass, showed significant interactions among all studied factors, and the combination of moon phase and diel cycle, resulting in different patterns of environmental variables (depth, water temperature and dissolved oxygen), affected habitat use by the different species. Variances in faunal community were detected between seasons, stimulated by salinity fluctuations from freshwater input during the rainy season. These differences suggest an important cycling of habitats and an increase in connectivity between adjacent habitats (estuary and coastal waters). Moreover, the results showed that this intertidal sandy beach also provides an alternative nursery and protected shallow-water area for the initial development phase of many marine and estuarine species. In addition, this intertidal habitat plays an important role in the maintenance of the ecological functioning of the estuarine-coastal ecosystem continuum.
Principle factors which influence mangroveleaf litter turnover, in particular therole of leaf-rem... more Principle factors which influence mangroveleaf litter turnover, in particular therole of leaf-removing crabs, were evaluatedin a riverine mangrove site nearBragana (Par, North Brazil). Ourspecial interest was focussed on the roleof the leaf-removing crab Ucidescordatus. Leaf litter fluxes between themangrove forest and the adjacent estuarywere investigated by estimating the biomassand fate of leaf litter material and propagules. Vegetation is dominated by Rhizophora mangle, with Avicenniagerminans trees, both up to 25 m high,found intermittently. During 1997, Rhizophora trees produced around 1.40 gDW m-2 d-1 of leave fall and0.75 g DW m-2 d-1 of propagules.Leaf decomposition rates on the ground wereabout 0.06 g DW m-2 d-1,irrespective of species, habitat or siteexposure. This amount accounts for -2 d-1. When the mangroveforest was flooded (on average 10 days permonth) the quantity of leaf litterand propagules washed out with the springtide was 10 and 17 times greater thanduring neap...
Life at Interfaces and Under Extreme Conditions, 2000
The mangrove forest along the northern Brazilian coast is not inundated during low tide. However,... more The mangrove forest along the northern Brazilian coast is not inundated during low tide. However, many fish species stay in the mangrove forest during this time. Tidal behaviour strategies are described for fish species that linger in the mangrove forest during low tide. The samples were taken at the end of the dry season (December 1996) and at the end of the rainy season (July 1997). Fish were captured using an ichthyotoxic plant extract (Ichthyotere cunabi). Spatial and temporal fish density and biomass were analyzed statistically. Thirty-six samples were taken with a total density of 2.8 ind m −2 and a total biomass of 17.4 g m −2 distributed among seven families and 14 species. Myrophis punctatus was the most important species in number (1.66 ind m −2 ) and weight (12.68 g m −2 ) of all catches. The total fish densities were not significantly different among areas and between months, although, total biomass differed significantly in time and space. The densities and biomass for the three most dominant species (M. punctatus, Poecilia spp. and Gobionellus smaragdus) differed significantly among species. Only the biomass of these species showed significant monthly differences. The only significant main effect on variance in the densities and biomass of M. punctatus were encountered between months. In addition, the factor area was significantly different for the variable number of species.
Plastic marine debris is a pervasive type of pollution. River basins and estuaries are a source o... more Plastic marine debris is a pervasive type of pollution. River basins and estuaries are a source of plastics pollution for coastal waters and oceans. Estuarine fauna is therefore exposed to chronic plastic pollution. Three important catfish species [Cathorops spixii (N = 60), Cathorops agassizii (N = 60) and Sciades herzbergii (N = 62)] from South Western Atlantic estuaries were investigated in a tropical estuary of the Brazilian Northeast in relation to their accidental ingestion of plastic marine debris. Individuals from all three species had ingested plastics. In C. spixii and C. agassizii, 18% and 33% of individuals had plastic debris in their stomachs, respectively. S. herzbergii showed 18% of individuals were contaminated. All ontogenetic phases (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) were contaminated. Nylon fragments from cables used in fishery activities (subsistence, artisanal and commercial) played a major role in this contamination. These catfish spend their entire life cycles within the estuary and are an important feeding resource for larger, economically important, species. It is not yet possible to quantify the scale and depth of the consequences of this type of pollution. However, plastics are well known threat to living resources in this and other estuaries. Conservation actions will need to from now onto take plastics pollution into consideration.
The present study investigated the assemblage of fish species in an intertidal mangrove forest du... more The present study investigated the assemblage of fish species in an intertidal mangrove forest during high tide in a macrotide region. We describe the seasonal changes in the fish assemblage composition in relation to biomass, density, and species number in tidal creeks of the Furo do Meio, Caeté Estuary, Brazil. A total of 29 107 individuals of 49 species in 26 families were caught using a block net. Their total weight was 526 kg (total density 0.11 ind. m -2 and total biomass 2.1 g m -2 ). Analysis of the catch data showed that the number of species varied significantly between creeks, and that total fish biomass differed significantly between seasons. The densities and biomass of the 2 most important species, Cathorops pleurops and Colomesus psittacus, were significantly different between seasons. The densities and biomass of C. pleurops, Pterengraulis atherinoides, Pseudauchnipterus nodosus, and Stellifer naso showed significant temporal differences. Significant differences between creeks were observed in the density and biomass of Anchovia clupeoides and Rhinosardinia amazonica. The abundance-biomass comparison (ABC) plots for the fish fauna in the creeks of the Furo do Meio showed that the dominant species increased in number and weight at the beginning of the rainy season. As a result of increased rainfall in March and April, salinity declined to values between 6 and 8 psu. At that time, the dominant species made up more than 60% of the total biomass and density and Hill's index of diversity (N1) declined, whereas the number of species (N0) and evenness (E2) did not change. After April, rainfall decreased, and density and biomass returned to levels similar to those before the rainy season. The number of species and the density and biomass in the mangrove tidal creeks are compared with published data for other tropical and subtropical estuaries. Migration trends were inferred from the results of the seasonal fluctuations of density and biomass of the most important species in the Furo do Meio, and are compared with data from other studies in the main channel of the Caeté Estuary.
The present study describes the seasonal changes of the fish species composition in three areas o... more The present study describes the seasonal changes of the fish species composition in three areas of the main channel of the Caete´River estuary, Brazil. The fish faunas of each habitat differed in density, biomass and species composition. Mean fish density and biomass for the Caete´River estuary channel was 0Á25 individuals m À2 and 0Á9 g m À2 respectively. Analysis of catch data showed that the number of species, total density and total biomass differed significantly between areas and seasons. For the most important species, the mean density of Cathorops spixii, Aspredinichthys filamentosus, Aspredo sp. 2, Pimelodus blochii, Pseudauchnipterus nodosus and Macrodon ancylodon, differed significantly between seasons while the mean density of Stellifer rastrifer, Stellifer microps, Aspredo aspredo, Aspredo sp. 1 and Cynoscion acoupa did not. The mean biomass of these species, with exception of S. microps and Aspredo sp. 1, also differed significantly between seasons. In the Caete´estuary seasonal salinity fluctuations appeared to be the main factor that structured the fish assemblage in the entire estuarine system. At least 85% of the species captured by the artisanal and subsistence fisheries in the Bragantine region required estuarine conditions to complete their life cycle. # 2005 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles FIG. 6. Mean AE S.D. of biomass of the 11 dominant species in the (a) upper, (b) middle and (c) lower estuary of the Caete´River in each season. The shaded area represents the rainy season.
ABSTRACT This study assessed whether the developmental series of the ariid Cathorops spixii (Agas... more ABSTRACT This study assessed whether the developmental series of the ariid Cathorops spixii (Agassiz, 1829) is related to growth patterns during its early ontogeny. The main morphological events of C. spixii were studied from the newly neurula embryo (6.99±0.69 mm TL) to juveniles (53.38±14.43 mm TL) in order to characterize and corroborate patterns of ontogenetic allometries. Prior to hatching, embryos were well-developed, with an ossified axial and appendicular skeleton. Embryos grew slowly, but positive allometric growth was observed in head width (b 1 = 1.65) and eye diameter (b 1 = 1.59). This seems to be related to the fast development of sensory organs such as otoliths, Weberian apparatus, lenses, nostrils and barbels during the embryonic period when eggs are under the care of adult males. After hatching, mouth-brooding free-embryos grew horizontally isometric, except for the snout length that presented quick growth related to the end of endogenous feeding (b 1 = 1.73). Slow growth was observed in head width (b 1 = 0.44) and eye diameter (b 1 = 0.26), taking into account that sensory organs are formed in free-embryos. The end of the yolk-sac period was characterized by a direct change from free-embryo to juvenile, without a true larval period. Juveniles are characterized by growth patterns nearly isometric in all body regions, suggesting that they already bear most of characteristics of adult fish. The quick growth of morphometric variables that are related to sensorial organs before hatching and the increase in horizontal growth after the first 6 weeks (hatched free-embryos) reflect developmental priorities during the earliest stages where important sensorial organs are being developed for juvenile survival strategies.
Page 1. Nursery Habitat Shifts in an Estuarine Ecosystem: Patterns of Use by Sympatric Catfish Sp... more Page 1. Nursery Habitat Shifts in an Estuarine Ecosystem: Patterns of Use by Sympatric Catfish Species David Valença Dantas & Mario Barletta & André Ricardo Araújo Lima & Jonas de Assis Almeida Ramos & Monica Ferreira da Costa & Ulrich Saint-Paul ...
ABSTRACT This study describes the seasonal feeding habits of different size classes of Cathorops ... more ABSTRACT This study describes the seasonal feeding habits of different size classes of Cathorops spixii and Cathorops agassizii along an estuarine ecocline and the food overlap when different size classes occur together. These species were essentially zoobenthivorous, feeding mainly on Polychaeta Nereis sp., Copepoda Pseudodiaptomus acutus, Ostracoda Asterope sp., Gastropoda: Littorinidae, and Bivalvia Mytilus sp. and Anomalocardia brasiliana. However, during their life cycle and between different habitats and seasons, their trophic guild can change to zooplanktivore. The competition for resources was observed among C. spixii and C. agassizii, but was significantly reduced due to the seasonal diference in habitat use by different ontogenetic phases in the main channel of the estuary. The food niche separation was strongly influenced by environmental fluctuations, principally of salinity, resulting from rainfall and river inflow. High abundance of some preys, such as P. acutus (all estuary), Asterope sp. (upper and middle estuary), and Littorinidae (upper and lower estuary), could influence the significant diet overlap, principally during the rainy season, and call for more detailed studies of the benthic community structure. Moreover, dietary overlap was observed mainly between smaller sizes (intraspecific and/or interspecific) or between corresponding ontogenetic phases (interspecific), suggesting some differentiation in the diet in relation to the size class. Differences in prey type and size between the different ontogenetic phases of these ariids, principally among juveniles and adults, could be related to the size of the mouth, since adults are able to successfully capture larger preys or larger quantities of particular items.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2012
Artisanal fisheries in tropical estuaries are an important economic activity worldwide. However, ... more Artisanal fisheries in tropical estuaries are an important economic activity worldwide. However, gear (e.g. ropes, nets, buoys, crates) and vessels are often in use under dangerous conditions. Polyfilament nylon ropes are used until they are well beyond human and environmental safety limits. Severe wear and tear results in the contamination of the environment with micro-fragments. The spread of these fragments in the marine environment and their ingestion by the biota are documented in the scientific literature and are increasing concerns. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ingestion of plastic fragments by two fish (drum) species in relation to seasonal, habitat and fish size-class variation. The stomach contents of 569 individuals of Stellifer brasiliensis and Stellifer stellifer from the main channel of the Goiana Estuary were examined to identify variation in the number and the weight of plastic fragments and relate this variation to differences among the seasons (early dry, late dry, early rainy and late rainy), the habitats within the estuary (upper, middle and lower) and the size classes of the fish (juveniles, sub-adults and adults). Plastic fragments were found in 7.9% of the individuals of these two drum species captured from December 2005 to August 2008. Nylon fragments occurred in 9.2% of S. stellifer and 6.9% of S. brasiliensis stomachs. The highest number of nylon fragments ingested was observed in adults during the late rainy season in the middle estuary. Blue polyfilament nylon ropes are used extensively in fisheries and can be lost, inappropriately discarded or damaged during use in the estuary. These fragments were the only type of plastic detected during this study. The ingestion of nylon fragments by fish probably occurred during the animals&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; normal feeding activities. During the rainy season, the discharge of freshwater transports nylon fragments to the main channel and makes the fragments more available to fish. Fishery activities are responsible for a significant amount of the marine debris found in the estuary. The ingestion of fragments of nylon threads by fish is a demonstrated form of pollution in the Goiana Estuary. The physiological and toxicological consequences of the ingestion of this type of debris are unknown, as is the actual extent of the problem worldwide. The solutions to the problem are in the hands of authorities and communities alike because the good care and timely replacement of gear requires education, investment and effective policies.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2009
Background, aim, and scope At tropical latitudes, and especially on the semi-arid coasts of the B... more Background, aim, and scope At tropical latitudes, and especially on the semi-arid coasts of the Brazilian Northeast, the rainfall regime governs the water quality of estuaries due to the pronounced difference between the rainy and dry seasons. These changes may be responsible for seasonal changes in bioavailability of mercury (Hg) and other pollutants to the estuarine and coastal biota. Mercury bioaccumulates along estuarine-marine food chains usually result in higher concentrations in tissues of top predators and posing a risk to both marine mammals and humans alike. The Goiana River Estuary (7.5°S) is a typical estuary of the semiarid tropical regions and supports traditional communities with fisheries (mollusks, fish, and crustacean). It is also responsible for an important part of the biological production of the adjacent coastal waters. Materials and methods Trichiurus lepturus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes) is a pscivorous marine straggler. Fish from this species (n=104) were captured in a trapping barrier used by the local traditional population and using an otter trawl net along the main channel of the low estuary during two dry seasons (D1=Novemberand the end of a rainy season (R=August, September, October 2006). Fish muscle samples were preserved cold and then freeze-dried prior to analysis of its total mercury (Hg-T) contents. Total mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. Results The studied individuals (n=104) were sub-adult (30-70 cm, 71 ind.) and adult fish (>70 cm, 33 ind.). Weight (W) (204.1±97.9 g, total biomass=21,229.7 g) and total length (TL) (63.1±10.1 cm, range 29.5-89.0 cm) presented a significant (p<0.05) correlation. Two-way ANOVA (n=81) showed that TL and W had significant differences (p<0.05) among seasons, being higher in D1 than in D2 and R, respectively. Moreover, season vs. month interaction were detected for the variables length and weight. For the variable weight was detected significant difference for the factor month (p<0.05). It suggests that the fish enter the estuary at the end of the rainy season and increase in length and weight during the time they spend in the estuary. Fish from this estuary are shown to be fit for human consumption (125.3±61.9 μgHg-T kg -1 w.wt.; n=104). Fish mercury contents increased with size and weight. Correlations between TL and Hg-T (r=0.37286) and between W and Hg-T (r=0.38212) were significant Environ Sci Pollut Res (2009) 16:423-430
The Goiana Estuary was studied regarding the seasonal and spatial variations of microplastics ( o... more The Goiana Estuary was studied regarding the seasonal and spatial variations of microplastics ( o5 mm) and their quantification relative to the zooplankton. The total density (n 100 m À 3 ) of microplastics represented half of the total fish larvae density and was comparable to fish eggs density. Soft, hard plastics, threads and paint chips were found in the samples (n ¼216). Their origins are probably the river basin, the sea and fisheries (including the lobster fleet). In some occasions, the amount of microplastics surpassed that of Ichthyoplankton. The highest amount of microplastics was observed during the late rainy season, when the environment is under influence of the highest river flow, which induces the runoff of plastic fragments to the lower estuary. The density of microplastics in the water column will determine their bioavailability to planktivorous organisms, and then to larger predators, possibly promoting the transfer of microplastic between trophic levels. These findings are important for better informing researchers in future works and as basic information for managerial actions.
Mercury loads in tropical estuaries are largely controlled by the rainfall regime that may cause ... more Mercury loads in tropical estuaries are largely controlled by the rainfall regime that may cause biodilution due to increased amounts of organic matter (both live and non-living) in the system. Top predators, as Trichiurus lepturus, reflect the changing mercury bioavailability situations in their muscle tissues. In this work two variables [fish weight (g) and monthly total rainfall (mm)] are presented as being important predictors of total mercury concentration (T-Hg) in fish muscle. These important explanatory variables were identified by a Weibull Regression model, which best fit the dataset. A predictive model using readily available variables as rainfall is important, and can be applied for human and ecological health assessments and decisions. The main contribution will be to further protect vulnerable groups as pregnant women and children. Nature conservation directives could also improve by considering monitoring sample designs that include this hypothesis, helping to establish complete and detailed mercury contamination scenarios.
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Papers by Mario Barletta