Temporary use of a coastal ecosystem by the fish, Pomadasys corvinaeformis (Perciformes: Haemulidae), at Guaratuba Bay, Brazil

Abstract

· Abstract: Pomadasys corvinaeformis is one ofthe most abundant species found in Guaratuba Bay, an Atlantic coastal, estuarine ecosystem in Paraná, Brazil. We tested whether this species comprises a resident or migratorial population. Abundance, size distribution, and gonad development of individuaIs captured during the year show that pre-adults enter the system when salinities are greater (autumn and early winter). During this time, they are mostly associated with mangroves and adjacent areas. When salinities begin to fall (late spring and summer) these now maturing individuaIs return to the sea where they spawn. Thus, P. corvinaeformis is migratorial and estuarine-dependent and uses this area prior to sexual maturity. During the period in this bay, P. corvinaeformis presents a great plasticity of feeding habits, that include mainly Crustacea, Mollusca and Thaliacea.. Resumo: Pomadm,ys corvinaeformis é uma das espécies de maior representatividade na ictiofauna da Baia de Guaratuba, litoral do Estado do Paraná. Este trabalho investigou se a espécie compõe ali uma população permanente, residente no sistema, ou se é migratória, fi"eqüentando-oapenas em épocas determinadas. Resultados de 12 meses sobre variações de abundância, distribuição de tamanho e aspectos reprodutivos indicam que indivíduos subadultos ingressam no sistema quando a salinidade é maior (outono, começo de inverno). Nesta época, os indivíduos utilizam a área de manguezal e suas adjacências. Quanto a sa1inidadecomeça a cair (final de primavera, verão), estes indivíduos agora em maturação gonadal retomam para o mar, onde desovam. P. corvinaefarmís é, portanto, uma espécie migratória e estuarino-dependente que utiliza a Baía em período anterior ao de maturidade gonadal. Ali, apresenta uma dieta muito variada, constituída basicamente de Crustacea, Mollusca e Thaliacea.

A review of estuarine fish research in South America: what has been achieved and what is the future for sustainability and conservation?

“…A group of eight marine estuarine‐opportunists [rake stardrum Stellifer rastrifer (Jordan 1889), roughneck grunt Pomadasys corvinaeformis (Steindachner 1868), ground croaker Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier 1830), G. genidens , Caitipa mojarra Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier 1829), smooth weakfish Cynoscion leiarchus (Cuvier 1830), bigtooth corvine Isopisthus parvipinnis (Cuvier 1830) and sand whiff Citharichthys arenaceus Evermann & Marsh 1900] consistently represented between 80–90% of numbers and 75% of biomass. The life cycles and ecology of the dominant species have all been comprehensively studied (Chaves, , ; Chaves & Vendel, ; Chaves & Correa, , ; Chaves et al ., ; Chaves & Bouchereau, ; Robert & Chaves, ) and the importance of Guaratuba and its mangroves as a nursery area established beyond question. The common pleuronectiforms of Guaratuba, C. arenaceus and bay whiff Citharichthys spilopterus Günther 1862 spawn in mangrove areas and complete their life cycle wholly within the estuarine area (Chaves & Vendel, ) and S. rastrifer and B. ronchus are also estuarine spawners.…”

Systematic Review of Fish Ecology and Anthropogenic Impacts in South American Estuaries: Setting Priorities for Ecosystem Conservation

“…In mangrove areas, Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Haemulidae), and S. rastrifer were the most representative species (Chaves and Vendel, 1997;Chaves and Bouchereau, 1999;Chaves and Corrêa, 2000) and, E. argenteus, E. melanopterus, B. ronchus, and Citharichthys arenaceus (Paralichthydae) were common species (Chaves and Corrêa, 1998). High catches were recorded for winter months, when temperature decreased and salinity increased (Chaves and Bouchereau, 1999).…”

Population structure and reproductive biology of Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Perciformes, Haemulidae) in the south coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

“…In this context, understanding variation of populational parameters of H. corvinaeformis through the space and time is fundamental to properly access anthropogenic impacts on this bycatch species. In the Southern coast of Pernambuco, the maximum lengths recorded (25 cm) for H. corvinaeformis were greater than those recorded for the same species in other areas in Brazil: 12.5 cm in Caraguatatuba Bay, São Paulo (Denadai et al, 2013); 14.7 cm in Rio Grande do Norte (Silva et al, 2012); 18 cm in Ceará (Costa & Santos, 1995); and 14 cm in Guaratuba Bay, Paraná (Chaves & Corrêa, 2000). Besides the influence of fishing, such size differences may be also related to the ecological characteristics of each region and/or fishing gear type, selectivity and/or area of exploitation (Frédou et al, 2009).…”

“…small fishes, shrimps and copepods) (Denadai et al, 2013) or integrating the diet of other fishes. Furthermore, this species serves as a food source for local fishers (Chaves & Corrêa, 2000;Garcia et al, 2010).…”