Population Biology and Diet of the Pompano Trachinotus carolinus (Perciformes: Carangidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Population Biology and Diet of the Pompano Trachinotus carolinus (Perciformes: Carangidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, Southeastern Brazil This study evaluated the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology, and diet of the pompano Trachinotus carolinus in Caraguatatuba Bay. Samples were taken monthly from August 2003 through October 2004, by trawling in two previously selected areas (South and North). The North area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the South area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The fish were measured for length, and the sex and reproductive stage identified. The abundance of pompano was compared between areas and among months. The diet was identified and quantified. T. carolinus showed a very irregular temporal distribution during the study period, with 90.5% of the individuals occurring during the summer (December to March).