Bairdiella Ronchus Research Articles

The Morphology and Feeding Ecology of the Ground Croaker, Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier, 1830), in Salt River Bay, Jamaica

The Morphology and Feeding Ecology of the Ground Croaker, Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier, 1830), in Salt River Bay, Jamaica

Length-Weight Relationships and Relative Condition Factor of 53 Species of Shallow-Water Fish in the Colombian Caribbean Sea

Length-weight relationships (LWR) were described for 53 species of shallow-water fish caught with bottom trawls in a depth range between 7.3 and 108.1 m during September 2013 in the Colombian Caribbean Sea (fishing area 31 of the FAO). A linear regression was performed using the logarithmically transformed data to calculate a and b coefficients and their 95% confidence interval of the LWR for 53 fish species corresponding to 28 families and 44 genera. Six fish species showed a maximum total length greater than that reported in FishBase: Astrapogon alutus (102.00 mm), Eucinostomus harengulus (162.00 mm), Haemulopsis corvinaeformis (293.00 mm), Cyclopsetta chittendeni (390.00 mm), Etropus crossotus (224.00 mm), and Bairdiella ronchus (415.00 mm). A total of 24 species (45.3%) exhibited isometric growth, 21 species (39.6%) negative allometric, and 8 species (15.1%) positive allometric. This study shows the first estimates of LWR for 25 species of shallow-water fish in the Colombian Caribbean Sea. We found interdependence of growth parameters as a function of fish body shape. The analysis of the relative condition factor indicated that 21 fish species (39.6%) showed poor growth conditions. The results obtained from this study contribute to fill information gaps on shallow-water fish populations and also help fisheries scientists in future population assessment studies in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.

Microplastic contamination in tropical fishes: An assessment of different feeding habits

Marine ecosystems are reported to be contaminated by microplastics (MPs) (< 5 mm); however, the ecological mechanisms involved in the ingestion of debris by marine organisms are relatively unknown. By developing and optimising an appropriate protocol of gut digestion for fish species, this study explores a tropical estuarine environment to unriddle the processes responsible for the different ingestion rates of plastic debris. A total of 82 fishes with different feeding habits were analysed, Centropomus undecimalis (n = 30; Piscivore), Bairdiella ronchus (n = 21; Zoobenthivore) and Gobionellus stomatus (n = 31; Detritivore). The microplastic ingestion varied with the feeding strategy; C. undecimalis, the predator, was the most contaminated species. Overall, most MPs were fibres (47%), followed by pellets (40%) and fragments (13%), although these proportions varied among species. A high level of contamination was found in the Estuarine Complex of Santa Cruz Channel, Northeast of Brazil, with many potential input sources of MPs to the estuary, which likely accumulates in the sediment and water column, with unknown consequences for human health.

Dynamics of early life‐history stages of fish along an estuarine gradient

AbstractThis study aimed to identify the spatial and temporal patterns of composition and distribution of early life‐history stages of fish along an estuarine gradient. Samples were collected quarterly between April 2010 and January 2011 using conical‐cylindrical plankton nets in the Vaza Barris estuarine river system (NE Brazil). A total of 38,781 fish eggs and 3,526 larvae, representing 20 families and 42 taxa, were caught. The most abundant larval taxa were Microgobius meeki, Ctenogobius gr. smaragdus/boleosoma, Gobionellus oceanicus, Ctenogobius gr. stigmaticus/saepepallens/shufeldti, Bairdiella ronchus, Achirus sp., Trinectes sp., Stellifer rastrifer and S. stellifer, accounting together for 34.5% of the total catch. Ichthyoplankton distributions were characterized by high seasonal and spatial variability mainly attributed to the environmental characteristics of the estuary. Overall, lower estuarine region served as important accumulation areas for ichthyoplankton, concentrating the greatest diversity and abundance. Salinity gradient, water temperature, and inorganic nutrients were the main variables that affected the larval fish assemblages, presumably influencing spawning, development and survival of individuals or through their effect on food supply. Moreover, this study reinforced the concept that hydrological variations may have a strong influence on estuarine species retention and marine species immigration. Finally, this study highlights the importance of estuaries for the growth and maintenance of stocks of fish species, and the development of strategies to protect these habitats is of utmost relevance.

Spatial And Temporal Distribution Patterns Of Larval Sciaenids In The Estuarine System And Adjacent Continental Shelf Off Santos, Southeastern Brazil

Based on data collected during the project "The influence of the Santos-São Vicente estuarine system on the ecosystem of the adjacent continental shelf" (ECOSAN), from Nov/2004 to Mar/2006, the space-temporal distribution pattern of Sciaenidae larvae in relation to biotic and abiotic factors was investigated. Bongo net was used for sampling, aboard the R/V "Prof. W. Besnard" on the shelf, and the boats "Veliger II" and "Albacora" in the estuarine region. Twelve taxa were identified: Bairdiella ronchus, Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus, Cynoscion spp., Isopisthus parvipinnis, Macrodon atricauda, Micropogonias furnieri, Menticirrhus spp., Nebris microps, Ophioscion punctatissimus, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Stellifer rastrifer and Stellifer spp. Sciaenidae larvae were widespread on the continental shelf in both campaigns (frequency of occurrence &gt;80%). They were most abundant in Mar/2006 (mean = 6.47 larvae.m-2; sd = 8.36) and least abundant in Sep/2005 (mean = 2.37 larvae.m-2; sd = 3.33). The average abundance in the estuarine region ranged from 0.12 larvae.m-2 (sd = 0.11) in Jun/2005 to 4.28 larvae.m-2 (sd = 1.99) in Nov/2004. Frequency of occurrence minimum occurred in Aug/2005 (50%) and the maximum in Nov/2004 (100%). The presence of Sciaenidae larvae in most locations and periods suggests that the reproductive process of this family in the region is continuous, spawning being more intense in the warmer months.

The influence of seasonality on fish life stages and residence in surf zones: a case of study in a tropical region

Resident fishes and their seasonal use of a surf zone were characterized and identified in the Jaguaribe beach, located on the Island of Itamaracá, state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Monthly towings (March 2006 to February 2007) with a beach seine net (20 m long, 1.5 m high, 5 mm mesh size) in different moon phases and periods of the day (day and night) were conducted. A total of 6,407 specimens, 35 families and 90 species were recorded. Seven species were considered as annual residents (Anchoa tricolor, Anchoviella lepidentostole, Bairdiella ronchus,Larimus breviceps, Lycengraulis grossidens, Polydactylus virginicus and Pomadasys corvinaeformis), three resident throughout the dry season (Conodon nobilis, Lile piquitinga andMenticirrhus americanus) and two resident species in the rainy period (Cathorops spixii and Nicholsina usta). Among these 12 species, concerning their life cycle, three of them (A. tricolor, C. spixii and L. piquitinga) showed only adult individuals, whileB. ronchus, M. americanus and N. usta were the only species represented exclusively by juvenile in both seasons. The surf zone of Jaguaribe beach presents a considerable ecological importance as it encompasses a great diversity of fishes, including species considered rare for this ecosystem, as well as species which are resident annually or seasonally. The distribution pattern of species found in this study shows that the ichthyofauna of the surf zone in Jaguaribe beach is rich, mainly dominated by small-sized individuals including juveniles of several species, with the presence of some species most commonly found in neighboring environments, such as seagrass beds, estuaries and reefs. As an integrated component of interconnected environments in coastal areas of Pernambuco, and owing to its function in the life cycle of coastal fishes, the surf zone of Jaguartibe beach presents an apparently common ecological pattern for tropical sandy beaches.

Feeding ecology of fish in a coastal river of the Atlantic Rain Forest

Feeding ecology of fish assemblage in a costal river of the Atlantic Rain Forest in Southern Brazil was investigated. Monthly samples using different fishing techniques were completed on a section of the river characterized as a freshwater environment, and an adjacent tide-influenced estuarine section. Species were grouped into three major Feeding Mode Functional Groups: Zoobenthivore, Omnivore and Detritivore. The river section with the greatest occurrence was the site where the most abundant species are likely to feed most intensively. Freshwater strangler species (Cyphocharax santacatarinae - detritivorous, Rhamdia quelen and Oligosarcus hepsetus - zoobenthivorous) presented higher stomach repletion in the freshwater environment while marine migrants (Genidens genidens and Etropus crossotus - zoobenthivorous) and estuarine residents (Bairdiella ronchus - zoobenthivorous) presented higher repletion in the tide-influenced estuarine stretch. Use of food resources was influenced by spatial and temporal variations linked to environmental characteristics such as salinity, habitat heterogeneity, life history evolution, feeding specialization and resource partitioning. Hypotheses concerning potential keystone species, ecosystem engineers or strong interactors were also discussed.

Fish communities of two tidal creeks in the Pinheiros bay, state of Paraná, southern Brazil

Tidal creeks are meandering channels that are highly influenced by tidal changes and can experience substantial variation in salinity and depth over the course of the same day. The goal of the present work is to survey the ichthyofauna associated with these environments and to assess seasonal differences in their composition in tidal creeks of the euhaline sector of the estuary of the Paranagua. Two tidal creeks of the Pinheiros bay were sampled monthly at the same time using fyke nets. A total of 13,755 fish from 55 species and 27 families were captured. Only the clupeiforms Anchoa parva, Cetengraulis edentulus, and Harengula clupeola showed substantial seasonal variation in abundance, being most frequent during the fall and its adjacent months. Benthophagic individuals such as Sphoeroides testudineus, Bairdiella ronchus and Cathorops spixii were the most dominant in terms of biomass and were present all year long, although with irregular abundance. Sciaenid species were most frequent in the fall and winter, both as juveniles and as adults. The spring and part of the fall were characterized by the highest number of species with mature gonads, whereas the fall was the most important recruitment period, causing an increase in the richness indices and in the number of captured individuals. Tidal creeks were intensively visited by fish of all trophic levels and ages. These results, together with the high richness and diversity indices, corroborate the importance of tidal creeks for the preservation of estuarine environments.

Fish predation on brachyuran larvae and juveniles in the Pinheiros river, Guaratuba Bay, Paraná, Brazil

Fish predation is thought to exert an important influence on the demographical dynamics of larvae and juveniles of estuarine brachyuran crabs but few studies have investigated this phenomenon in nature. In this study, fishes were captured during full moons (in January and February 2005), when many brachyuran species are known to release their larvae. Samples were carried out in the Pinheiros river, Guaratuba Bay, Paraná, Brazil. The stomach contents of collected fishes were surveyed to determine the species that are most likely to prey on brachyuran immature forms in this location. Two techniques were used to capture fishes: manual samplings, using a 5-mm mesh size net (1.8m depth), and bottom trawling with a 20-mm mesh size net. The collected specimens were fixed using 10% formaldehyde and preserved in 70% ethanol. A total of 2941 fishes of 43 different species were collected and the stomach contents of 962 individuals were analyzed in laboratory. Food items were identified and quantified. The fish species captured using manual nets that showed the highest number of preyed zoeae per stomach was the clupeid Platanichthys platana (Regan, 1917). Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Centropomus parallelus Poey, 1860 showed the highest levels of predation on megalopae. Of the fish species captured using trawl nets, Genidens genidens (Cuvier, 1829) showed the highest average number of zoeae per analyzed stomach and Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier, 1830) was the most important predator on brachyuran megalopae and on young juveniles. The obtained data indicate that brachyuran crab restocking efforts performed in the Guaratuba Bay should include strategies to avoid or, at least, reduce the access of fishes to the released early juvenile stages, given the potential substantial losses caused by fish predation. Considering that, in general, predation potential was 8.5 times lower in juveniles than in megalopae, releasing immature forms produced in laboratory in the juvenile phase or releasing megalopae into tethered areas and maintaining than under this condition until they reach the juvenile phase may be tested as a method to reduce losses given to fish predation.

Description of larvae and juveniles of &lt;i&gt;Bairdiella ronchus&lt;/i&gt; (Sciaenidae: Teleostei) in southeastern Brazil

Developmental stages from flexion larvae to early juvenile of Bairdiella ronchus were described and illustrated from specimens collected along the margins of tidal creeks in the southern zone of the Cananeia-Iguape System on the southeastern coast of Brazil. The B. ronchus larvae were identified working backwards from the juvenile using characteristics common to successively earlier ontogenetic stages. The number of myomeres was 25 (11+14). The flexion of notochord was completed by 5.5 mm SL. The fin formation began in the following sequence: caudal, second dorsal and anal, pelvic fins, first dorsal and pectoral. It was fully completed in this sequence: principal caudal, second dorsal, anal, first dorsal, pelvic and pectoral fins. Squamation began between 10.0 mm SL and 11.1 mm SL, and was entirely completed by 35.0 mm SL. The major head spines included the posterior preocular, supraocular and post-temporal. The larval morphology and pigmentation, mainly the swath pigmentation pattern, were very similar to those described for B. chrysoura in the South Atlantic Bight of the United States. Among sciaenid larvae co-occurring in the study area, Stellifer rastrifer shows larval characteristics more similar to those of B. ronchus, mainly in the preflexion and flexion stages, and in the contraction of the swath pigmentation. They can be differentiated by the fact that in S. rastrifer there is a post-anal lateral pigmentation or caudal pigment on the ventral midline radiating dorsally, which is absent in B. ronchus.

Spatial and temporal changes in the nekton of the Terminos Lagoon, Campeche, Mexico

This study describes the current state of the nektonic communities in Terminos Lagoon in relation to the main environmental factors, and documents variations in number of fish species, dominance and abundance, compared to studies performed in 1980. Information on several environmental factors (temperature, salinity, oxygen, pH and transparency) in the Terminos Lagoon between October 1997 and March 1999 allowed the classification of the lagoon into five zones or subsystems. The hydrological characteristics of these subsystems showed spatial differences compared with studies carried out during the 1980s. During the study period, the number of fish species was 105, compared with 154 species reported in the 1980s. Five fish assemblages were identified and appeared to be associated with the five zones or subsystems. Five fish species considered important based on their abundance in the lagoon during the 1980s declined in numbers: pig fish Orthopristis chrysoptera, Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulates, striped burrfish Chilomycterus schoepfi, spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus and Gulf toadfish Opsanus beta. Six fish species, previously of minor importance, however, were very abundant: star drum Stellifer lanceolatus, Atlantic anchoveta Cetengraulis edentulus, gafftopsail catfish Bagre marinus, sand seatrout Cynoscion arenarius, striped mojarra Eugerres plumieri and ground croaker Bairdiella ronchus. Among the dominant species, the silver croaker Bairdiella chrysoura and the sea bream Archosargus rhomboidalis experienced significant changes in average abundance and distribution patterns. These changes were probably related to the impact of human activities in the Terminos Lagoon and natural variability.

A study of the fish community structure in a tidal creek.

The fish assemblage in a mangrove tidal creek was studied in monthly collections between August 1998 and July 1999 in the quadrature low tide and high tide, using a fyke net of 30 m x 1.5 m and meshes of 8 and 10 mm. Simultaneously with the biological collections, temperature, salinity, pH, water transparency, and current speed data were obtained. The collections resulted in the capture of 36,873 fish representing 22 families and 52 species. Immature individuals abounded (63.8%), and among the adult specimens there was a larger number of females. The species Anchoa parva, Harengula clupeola, Genidens genidens, and Bairdiella ronchus, contributed to 84.9% of the total capture of fish, however the contribution in mass was of 55.2%, indicating a predominance of small individuals. A smaller number of fish and species seem to occupy the area in the period between August and December, in comparison to the period between February and July, when the larger aggregations appear, mainly of the species Anchoa parva, Harengula clupeola, Opisthonema oglinum, Genidens genidens, Diapterus rhombeus, and Bairdiella ronchus. The environmental factors, pH, water transparency, and rainfall seem to have an influence in the structure of the observed biological patterns.

Alimentação de Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier) (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) na Baía de Guaratuba, Paraná, Brasil

Seasonal variation of food items of Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier, 1830) classified by size was analysed based on monthly samples between september/1993 and september/1996 at the Guaratuba Bay, Southern Brazil. The stomach contents of a hundred eighty-two fishes were analysed by the Occunence Frequency Method and Point Count for a Lot Method. The individuais were divided in two groups, smaller and longer than 140mm, and a comparative study of digestive tract and branchial are was performed for these groups. For fishes smaller than 140mm the following sequence of items was obtained matching both methods by using the Preponderance indices: decapods (subdivided in Brachyura, Caridea and Penaeidea), polychaets, isopods, fishes, unidentified material, copepods, amphipods, molluscs and plant material. For fishes longer than or equal to 140mm the sequence was decapods, polychaets, fishes, copepods, amphipods, isopods, molluscs and plant material, in this order. These results suggest that Bairdiella ronchus at the Guaratuba Bay is a carnivorous species using mainly decapod crustaceans as food throughout the year.

Atividade reprodutiva de Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier) (Pisces, Sciaenidae) na Baía de Guaratuba, Paraná, Brasil

Bairdiella ronchus is one of the most common species of demersal ichthyofauna in Guaratuba Bay, south Brazil. However, this study reveals that is does not inhabits permanently the mangroove area. Individuals with more than 94mm total lenght leave mangroove area in late summer and early auntumn and returming in the spring. when they start ovarian veitellogenesis. During late spring and early summer, the oocytes are hydrated, and empty follicles can be found in the ovaries, indicating that this is the reproductive time for this species As other Sciaenidae. B. ronchus is a multiple spawner species.

Interactions between mangrove and seagrass habitats mediated by estuarine nekton assemblages: coupling of primary and secondary production

In Terminos Lagoon, Mexico, more than 80 fish species use the mangrove and seagrass habitats. We studied nekton dynamics in an inlet seagrass system and a more sheltered seagrass/mangrove system located behind a barrier island. Seasonal community biomass ranges from 0.6 to 5.2 g wet wt m-2. For the two habitats together, there are 28 dominant species. Eleven species were common to both areas: Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus, 1758), Archosargus rhomboidalis Linnaeus, 1758, A. probatocephalus (Walbaum, 1792), Arius felis (Linnaeus, 1766), A. melanopus (Gunther, 1864), Eucinostomus gula (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Bairdiella chrysoura (Lacepede, 1803), Orthopristis chrysoptera (Linnaeus, 1766), Chilomycterus schoepfi (Walbaum, 1792), Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1879) and Lutjanus griseus (Linnaeus, 1758). Ten species used exclusively the inlet seagrass system: Urolophus jamaicensis (Cuvier, 1817), Haemulon aurolineatum (Cuvier, 1829), H. bonariense (Cuvier, 1830), H. plumieri (Lacepede, 1802), Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus, 1758), Odontoscion dentex (Cuvier, 1830), Corvula sanctae-luciae (Jordan, 1890), Nicholsina usta (Valenciennes, 1839), Stephanolepis hispidus (Linnaeus, 1766) and Diodon hystrix Linnaeus, 1758. Seven species were dominant only in the seagrass/mangrove system: Anchoa mitchilli (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1848), Scorpaena plumieri Bloch, 1789, Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Diapterus rhombeus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Bairdiella ronchus (Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1830), Cichlasoma urophtalmus (Gunther, 1862) and Acanthostracion quadricornis (Linnaeus, 1758). Comparative analysis showed that periodic variation in biomass and diversity of fish assemblages in seagrass and seagrass/mangrove habitats were synchronized with sizes and densities of population, season of the year (dry, wet, ‘nortes’), circulation pattern, and patterns of primary production (phytoplankton, Thalassia testudinum Konig, 1805; and Rhizophora mangle Linnaeus). This analysis allowed the definition of 3 life-cycle patterns with a clear nektonic ‘seasonal programming’ following the timing of primary production in these critical habitats: (1) marine species which spawn in or near the inlet with eggs and larvae transported into and distributed throughout the lagoon by the predominant currents; (2) estuarine-marine species which spawn in different habitats of the lagoon and use the seagrass/mangrove system as a nursery area, and (3) species which complete their life history in the inlet seagrass and/or seagrass/mangrove systems.

Note on the selectivity of meshes used by the Santos fishing fleet

In this paper the relationship between total length and girth (circumference) of seven species: "Corvina" (Micropogon furnieri), "Pescada-foguete" (Macrodon ancylodori), "Goete" (Cynoscion petranus), "Tortinha" (Isopisthus parvipinnis), "Cangaua" (Bairdiella ronchus), "Maria Luisa" ("Paralonchurus brasiliensis), and "Oveva" (Larimus breviceps), are expressed in the form of fitted regressions. Theoretical selection lengths assuming, at the one extreme, the mesh to be completely flexible, and at the other extreme to be rigid with axes of 2:3 are calculated. The fish is assumed to be able to adopt a circular cross section. If the fish is not circular but retains its normal form, the difference in the selection length is shown to be little different. The Brazilian commercial boats fishing from Santos are shown to use a mesh which has a very low selection point well below the size of fish which are acceptable on the fish market. The Japanese boats use a much larger mesh, which select fish of marketable size.