-The factors that influence the selection of marine macrophytes by meso-herbivores are complex, and may include the nutritional quality of algae, the value of the habitat as a shelter, and the availability of algae in the environment. Here we investigated the existence of differential use of Sargassum filipendula C. Agardh, 1824 (Phaeophyta) and Galaxaura stupocaulon Kjellman, 1900 (Rhodophyta) as habitats and feeding resources by species of Hyalidae and Ampithoidae, in laboratory manipulation experiments and in an algal bed on the northern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. In the field, 19 fronds were collected from each alga and the associated amphipods were identified and counted. To evaluate food preference and habitat selection by amphipods, we conducted laboratory experiments using containers containing fragments of algae and individuals of Cymadusa filosa Savigny, 1816 or Hyale nigra (Haswell, 1879). In natural conditions, the density of C. filosa was significantly higher on G. stupocaulon, while in the feeding and habitat preference experiment we found a higher density on S. filipendula. The densities of H. nigra did not differ between the algae in both experiments, probably as a result of the variety of food items in its diet, and its high mobility and wide distribution on different substrates. The different results for C. filosa suggest that the pattern of feeding and habitat selection can be affected by external characteristics of the algae; probably, refuge from predation is an important selective force acting on the use of algae by these animals.
This study reports the results of 5 years of monitoring reef fish post‐larvae using light traps in the Bay of Tamandaré, north‐east Brazil. An annotated checklist of pre‐settlement fish species, their frequency of occurrence and taxonomic characteristics are provided. In total, 4,422 post‐larval fishes belonging to 36 families, 56 genera and 76 species were captured. The most species‐rich families were Carangidae (7), Lutjanidae (6) and Pomacentridae (4), while the families Gerreidae (30.47%), Holocentridae (16.54%), Blenniidae (12.01%), Labrisomidae (8.36%), Lutjanidae (8.29%) and Acanthuridae (5.95%) were the most abundant. This is the first study of the taxonomic diversity and assemblage structure of settlement‐stage reef fishes in the tropical south‐west Atlantic Ocean. Although a few common species were not captured due to selectivity of light traps, the composition and taxonomic diversity of this first collection suggests that light traps are useful for studies of the early life history of a wide range of pre‐settlement reef fishes.
Artificial reefs (ARs) have been deployed on the inner shelf of Paraná, Southeast Brazil, as protection against destructive trawling activities, and to offer habitat for local fauna for recovery of biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary characterization of the ichthyoplankton community associated with both artificial and natural reefs in the Currais Archipelago, and perform a comparison of fish larvae composition between ARs and nearby unconsolidated substrate. Two sampling methods were used, light traps and a plankton net. A total of 12 families and 14 species were identified, expanding the total species list in the area by eight species and three families. Differences among assemblages on ARs and unconsolidated substrate indicate that ARs seem to be effective attractors to fish larvae. Particular attention is drawn in regard to the "attractor effect" for exotic species that do not naturally reside in the area, such as Omobranchus punctatus. The large abundance of fish eggs on ARs suggests that these artificial structures can improve local production. These results are the first step needed to better define guidelines for sustainable use and management of ARs and Currais Archipelago, a Marine National Park.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.