Abstract
An updated and reviewed checklist of coastal fishes of the Rio Grande do Norte state, northeastern coast of Brazil, is presented. Between 2003 and 2013 the occurrence of fish species were recorded through collection of specimens, landing records of the artisanal fleet, literature reviews and from specimens deposited in ichthyological collections. A total of 459 species from 2 classes, 26 orders, 102 families and 264 genera is listed, with 83 species (18% of the total number) recorded for the first time in the study area. Additionally, Halichoeres radiatus, Lachnolaimus maximus and Canthigaster jamestyleri are reported for the first time in the Brazilian coast and nine other species have their geographic distribution extended.
Highlights
The Rio Grande do Norte state (RN), extreme northeastern Brazil, is located in an important transition area of north-south oriented coastline that abruptly changes its direction to the east-west
At present, 459 species of coastal fishes are known from the Rio Grande do Norte state (RN)
According to the latest compilation, 1,297 species of marine fishes were found on the Brazilian coast (Menezes et al 2003), of which about 35% is recorded in the coast of RN
Summary
The Rio Grande do Norte state (RN), extreme northeastern Brazil, is located in an important transition area of north-south oriented coastline that abruptly changes its direction to the east-west. In addition to this abrupt change, marked differences can be seen along the RN shore. The climate is semi-arid with annual rainfall less than 750 mm and predominance of northeastern winds (Nimer 1989). The climate is warm-humid with annual rainfall reaching 1,250 mm and with southeastern winds prevailing (Nimer 1989).
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