Population structure and reproductive biology of Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Perciformes, Haemulidae) in the south coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

Leandro N Eduardo,Flavia Lucena Frédou,Alex S Lira,Thierry Frédou

doi:10.1590/1678-4766e2018007

Leandro N Eduardo, Flavia Lucena Frédou + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4766e2018007

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Abstract

ABSTRACT: Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. However, the population dynamic of this species is poorly known in the region. The aim of this study was to describe aspects of the population structure and reproductive biology of the H. corvinaeformis, providing important information for the development of sustainable management practices. Specimens were collected monthly from August 2011 to July 2012 and quarterly from October 2012 to June 2014. A total of 1,140 individuals was collected; 340 males (29.8%), 391 females (34.3%), and 409 were immature and could not be sexed (35.9%). Total length ranged from 7 to 25 cm. In general, total length of females [12.85 ± 2.49 cm (mean± SD)] and males [12.72 ± 2.46 cm (mean ± SD)] were similar (p > 0.05). The proportion of males and females was similar along the year, except in March. The relationship between total length and total weight was statistically significant (p< 0.05), showing an isometric growth. The (GSI) coupled with the distribution of maturational stages suggests that females reproduce all year around, with a peak during October-November. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 11.88 cm for females and 11 cm for males.

Highlights

Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil
The Roughneck Grunt Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Steindachner, 1868) (Perciformes: Haemulidae) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, representing 10% of the total biomass
In the Southern coast of Pernambuco, the maximum lengths recorded (25 cm) for H. corvinaeformis were greater than those recorded for the same species in other areas in Brazil: 12.5 cm in Caraguatatuba Bay, São Paulo (Denadai et al, 2013); 14.7 cm in Rio Grande do Norte (Silva et al, 2012); 18 cm in Ceará (Costa & Santos, 1995); and 14 cm in Guaratuba Bay, Paraná (Chaves & Corrêa, 2000)

Summary

Introduction

Roughneck Grunt (Haemulopsis corvinaeformis Steindachner, 1868) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. O comprimento total das fêmeas [12,85 ± 2,49 cm (média ± DP)] e machos [12,72 ± 2,46 cm (média ± DP)] foram similares (p > 0.05). The Roughneck Grunt Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (Steindachner, 1868) (Perciformes: Haemulidae) is the second most important species caught as bycatch of the shrimp fishery in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, representing 10% of the total biomass. This species occurs in the Western Atlantic, from Mexico to Southern Brazil (Smith, 1997). This species serves as a food source for local fishers (Chaves & Corrêa, 2000; Garcia et al, 2010)

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