Abstract
Abstract The whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri, which is exploited off the state of Maranhão, Brazil, reinforces the need for maintenance programs of natural stocks of this species to assist in the management of this exploited resource. The aim of the present study was to describe aspects regarding its reproductive characteristics (gonadosomatic index and condition factor) and also the length distribution and weight-length relationships. The fish were caught in Lençóis Bay in the state of Maranhão (eastern Amazon) between June 2010 and July 2011. A total of 570 individuals were caught (318 males and 252 females). Differences in length were found between the sexes, with females larger than males. The sex ratio indicated a tendency for females to be more abundant in the rainy season (first semester), whereas males predominated in the dry season (second semester). The weight-length relationship indicated negative allometric growth for both sexes. The analysis of the variation in the condition factor suggests that lower values coincided with higher gonadosomatic index values and that this factor is a good reproductive indicator for M. furnieri in the region.
Highlights
The marine and estuarine fishing resources in northeastern Brazil are considered to be of vital importance to the integrated development of the region, especially as a raw material for fishing industries as well as a means of sustenance and source of protein for the populations that live near the areas of occurrence of these resources (CASTRO, 1997)
The family Sciaenidae stands out among highly exploited fishing resources. This family includes species of considerable importance throughout the world and is represented in Brazil by 21 genera and 54 marine species (MENEZES et al, 2003). One member of this family found on the coast of the state of Maranhão is the whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri, (DESMAREST, 1823), which is a coastal species with demersal habits and a broad geographical distribution running from the Yucatan Peninsula (Gulf of Mexico 20o N) to the San Matias Gulf (Argentina, 41o S), associated with the mouths of rivers (ISAAC, 1988)
The aim of the present study was to acquire information on Micropogonias furnieri through the study of variables related to its population and reproductive characteristics, such as length distribution, weight-length relationship, gonadosomatic index and condition factor, to offer knowledge that can assist in the management and sustainable exploitation of this resource
Summary
The marine and estuarine fishing resources in northeastern Brazil are considered to be of vital importance to the integrated development of the region, especially as a raw material for fishing industries as well as a means of sustenance and source of protein for the populations that live near the areas of occurrence of these resources (CASTRO, 1997).The family Sciaenidae stands out among highly exploited fishing resources. This family includes species of considerable importance throughout the world and is represented in Brazil by 21 genera and 54 marine species (MENEZES et al, 2003) One member of this family found on the coast of the state of Maranhão (northeastern Brazil) is the whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri, (DESMAREST, 1823), which is a coastal species with demersal habits and a broad geographical distribution running from the Yucatan Peninsula (Gulf of Mexico 20o N) to the San Matias Gulf (Argentina, 41o S), associated with the mouths of rivers (ISAAC, 1988). It is essential to conduct studies to acquire knowledge on the fishing resources in the state of Maranhão to assist in the establishment of exploitation limits and management measures
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