Caracterização morfométrica da corvlna Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest) (Pisces, Sciaenidae) na Baía de Sepetiba, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Morphometric characterization ofthe white croaker Micropogonias fumieri (Desmarest) (Pisces, Sciaenidae) in Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The white croaker Mi cropogonias furnieri (Oesmarest, (823) is one of the most abundant fish species in the Sepetiba Bay, being heavily exploited in fisheries . Two hundred eleven fishes, captured from October 1998 to September 1999, in monthly samplings with otter trawling, were studied . The aim here is to characterize morphometrics of populations that use de Bay in order to compare with other areas. Measurements included standard length (SL), head length (HL), Pre-dorsal distance (POO), pectoral distance (PO), ventral distance (V O) and anal distance (AD), pectoral length (PL) and eye diameter (EO). The values ofHL, POO, PO, VO, AD, were related to SL, while EO was related to HL. Scatterplot from logaritmized data, by sex, were analyzed in order to assess alometry. Males outnumber females with diffcrences being highly significant (p < 0.0 1), mainly in size class 100 and 150 mm SL. The studied population varying from 62 to 205 mm. Head length varied from 28.7 to 38 .6% SL; POO 32.5 to 42.9%; PO 27.6 to 41. 1 %; VO 26.6 to 44.8%; AD 58.1 to 76.8%; and PL 10.8 to 29.8%. Eye diameter varied from 16.7 to 26.1 % HL. Positive alometry (k > I) were shown for PL in both sexes, and for AD in female, indicating that these measurements increase proportionately more than the standard length; isometric growth (k = I) were shown for HL, POO, PO, VO in both sexes, for AD in males ; negative alometry (k < l) was shown only for EO in relation to head length (HL), in both males and females. The white croaker populations in the Sepetiba Bay seems to be similar in their morphometrics aspects to lhe populations of coastal zone at Southeast Brazil, which differ from South coastal zone populalions. KEY WOROS . Morphometric, Sciaenidae, coas tal fishes , bays, Sepetiba BayMicropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) popularmente conhecida como corvina, é uma das espécies de peixe mais abundante na Baía de Sepetiba, sendo objeto de intensa atividade pesqueira. Apresenta ampla distribuição geográfica, ocorrendo das Antilhas e América Central (Costa Rica) até a Argentina (MENEZES & FIGUEIREDO 1980). Essa espécie demersal costeira desova em locais próximos a baías e estuários para onde os indivíduos jovens são recrutados e encontram maior disponibilidade de alimento e maior proteção durante o desenvolvimento inicial da vida (V AZZOLER 1991).