Collaborative monitoring of the ornamental trade of seahorses and pipefishes (Teleostei: Syngnathidae) in Brazil: Bahia State as a case study

Abstract

Many species of seahorses and pipefishes (family Syngnathidae) are traded for medicinal purposes and aquaria; some are also sold as souvenirs or curiosities. Brazil is one of the main suppliers of seahorses for the international aquarium trade, nevertheless, little is known about the magnitude of that trade in the country. With regards to pipefishes, virtually nothing is known about their captures for ornamental purposes in Brazil. The present study assesses the magnitude of captures and trade of seahorses and pipefishes, based on data obtained through a collaborative monitoring program established with the main retailer of marine ornamental organisms in the State of Bahia. The syngnathid fishery is conducted in shallow waters never exceeding 7 m, generally by breathhold diving. Both seahorses and pipefishes are mostly caught by hand, and only rarely hand-nets or plastic bags are used. From January/1997 to June/2005, 152 fishers recorded their daily catches of syngnathids. Two species of seahorses, Hippocampus reidi and H. cf. erectus (9,793 specimens captured from 1997 to 2005) and three species of pipefishes, Cosmocampus albirostris, Micrognathus sp. and Syngnathus sp. (143 specimens captured from 1999 to 2005) were traded. H. reidi was the most heavily exploited species.