Abstract
The knowledge of the temporal and spatial dynamics in the composition of fish fauna makes it possible to identify patterns of occupation of ecosystems, providing a basis for evaluation and preservation of the local biodiversity. Monthly samplings were carried out at seven sites in a coastal lagoon, using a casting net, dip net and beach seine. A total of 4,110 individuals were collected, distributed in 23 families and 49 taxa of fish, with a predominance of Mugilliza, M.curema, Atherinellabrasiliensis, Micropogoniasfurnieri and Eucinostomusargenteus, corresponding to more than 80% total weight of all individuals caught. Regarding seasonality, greater abundances were recorded in fall, influenced by the high abundance of A.brasiliensis in this period. In addition to fall, this species was also abundant in summer. However, this pattern of dominance was different for the families Mugilidae and Gerreidae, with higher abundances in spring and summer, respectively. The highest abundances were found in the southern section of the lagoon, which are related to the high abundance of A.brasiliensis, M.liza and M.curema. In relation to the indices of average taxonomic distinctness and variation in the taxonomic distinctness, no significant differences were detected between the seasons of the year. Thus, the patterns of distribution and occurrence of fish in the lagoon were consistent with the patterns observed in Brazilian coastal lagoons and estuaries, as well as to the coastal shallow areas of the southeastern and southern regions.
Highlights
According to Yáñez-Arancibia and Nugent (1977), fish are considered regulators of the ecosystem
In addition to the composition and structure of the fish fauna, the present study evaluates the occurrence of seasonal and spatial variations in the taxonomic structure of the Conceição Lagoon
The taxa Atherinella brasiliensis (N=770), Mugil spp. (N=748), Mugil liza (N=712), Mugil curema (N=580), Eucinostomus lefroyi (N=226), Eucinostomus argenteus (N=208), Eucinostomus gula (N=111) and Poecilia sp. (N=92) were more abundant, accounting for more than 80% of the total catch, and A. brasiliensis and Mugil spp. corresponded to approximately 35% of the total
Summary
According to Yáñez-Arancibia and Nugent (1977), fish are considered regulators of the ecosystem. The ecological role of fish in the energy chain is of paramount importance, especially for fish from coastal lagoons, as they participate in different trophic levels, exchanging or storing energy with neighboring ecosystems, or storing energy through juvenile fish. 1994; Suzuki et al 1998) These ecosystems, like estuaries, are highly productive and dynamic environments of fundamental importance in the ecological processes of the coastal biota, especially for fish (Day Jr. and Yáñez-Arancibia 1982). They are commercially important environments and home to some species of fish such as mojarra (Eugerres spp), fat snook (Centropomus parallelus) (Aguierre-León et al 2014) and mullet (Mugil spp.) (Embarek et al 2017)
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