Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone Research Articles

Taxonomy of Placospongia Gray, 1867 from Northern and Northeastern Brazil, with description of two new species (Porifera: Demospongiae: Clionaida).

The demosponge genus Placospongia includes 13 valid species, of which six occur in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. In the present study, we describe two new species of Placospongia from Northern (off the Amazon River mouth) and Northeastern Brazilian continental shelf and oceanic islands (i.e., Fernando de Noronha Archipelago), viz., Placospongia beatrizae sp. nov. and Placospongia amphinolastra sp. nov., and redescribe the holotype of Placospongia cristata Boury-Esnault, 1973, a poorly known species. In addition, we revise the Brazilian records of the allegedly cosmopolitan species P. carinata, P. melobesioides and P. intermedia, and provide new records of P. colombiensis and P. ruetzleri from Brazil. We demonstrate that P. carinata sensu Coelho & Mello-Leito and P. intermedia sensu Muricy & Moraes and Jimenez et al. belong in fact to P. ruetzleri, and that P. melobesioides sensu Mothes et al. and Gonzlez-Faras is a new species, described here as Placospongia beatrizae sp. nov. With the description of the two new species and synonymyzation of previous records, six species of Placospongia are currently known in Brazilian waters, two of which are endemic. A key to Placospongia species is also provided.

Oil reaching the coast: Is Brazil on the route of international oceanic dumping?

After the oil spill disaster occurred in 2019, various events of tar balls reaching the Brazilian coast and archipelagos have been reported. The hypothesis here is that the oil/waste dumped in international waters by ships on-route to Cape of Good Hope is reaching the Brazilian coast. On that account, 30-year probabilistic simulations were used to estimate the probability of dumped oil residue reaching the Brazilian coast. The simulations considered three Zones following the South Atlantic route. The results have shown that up to 28.5 % of large ships could dump oil on-route. Inside the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, the probability of dumped oil/waste reaching the coastline is about 62 % and quickly decreases for Dumping Zones 2 and 3. Equatorial and Northeast shores of Brazil are the most vulnerable to oceanic dumping when compared to other regions.

Marine carbonate mining in the Southwestern Atlantic: current status, potential impacts, and conservation actions

Marine carbonate sediments have economic value because of their high concentration of calcium minerals and important trace elements. However, increasing mining interest in these stocks is threatening unique ecosystems, such as rhodolith beds, which provide many ecosystem goods and services. We review the potential of the unexplored Brazilian deposits and the rising conflicts with other blue economic sectors and biodiversity hotspots. The tropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, particularly the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, has the largest deposit of marine limestone worldwide, which is very attractive to the global industry, with reserves measured at more than 1355,157,240 tons of CaCO3 and it is especially useful as a supply for agriculture and animal nutrition. This large mining potential raises concerns regarding licenses and potential impacts, especially considering the biological and socio-economic importance of extensive rhodolith beds, which may conflict with mining. Additionally, future dredging activities will take place in vulnerable ecosystems without adequate marine spatial planning (MSP). Currently, there is no long-term scientific information on the available carbonate stocks, stock recoverability, risks to connectivity with other ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs), and the reduced provision of ecosystem services which may affect activities such as artisanal fisheries. In this context, encouraging carbonate mining without science-based information and MSP accelerates the unsustainable exploitation of this important ecosystem. This activity will contribute to the degradation of tropical marine biodiversity and threaten the food security of traditional and vulnerable human communities, which is in opposition to the Sustainable Development Goals and reaching the 2030 United Nations Agenda.

Interactions between oceanographic variables and population structure of the yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares (Bonnaterre, 1788) in the Western Central Atlantic

AbstractPelagic fish species, such as tunas, represent important resources for the fishing fleets of several countries. Identifying spatiotemporal distributions of abundance, structure of sizes, weights and influences of environmental variables is extremely important to promote sustainable catches and efficient management plans for fisheries stocks. This present study aimed to analyse the spatiotemporal distribution of Thunnus albacares, their relationships with oceanographic variables, as well as size and weight structure, and the proportions of life stages/phases in catches, mainly within the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Data were obtained on longline fleet catches; the sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll‐a (Chla) were measured in an area ranging from 42.2° to 24.8° W and 5.9° S to 8.8° N; the lunar cycle was also studied. Generalised Additive Models and spatial statistics techniques were used to model the effect of the variables on catch per unit effort (CPUE) and on length structure. The results indicate that the distribution, abundance and length structure of T. albacares are strongly associated with environmental (SST and Chla), temporal (year, months, seasons and moon phases) and spatial (latitude, longitude and hemisphere) variables. The comparison of catch sizes with the first length at maturity (L50) indicated that approximately half of the catches are on young specimens, showing great variation over the years, reaching 74.8% in 2012. These results show that providences should be taken focusing on mitigating young specimens' capture and the sustainable exploitation of tuna in the Atlantic. The patterns of CPUE and length strongly support the feeding and spawning migration hypotheses.

Rich and underreported: First integrated assessment of the diversity of mesopelagic fishes in the Southwestern Tropical Atlantic

Mesopelagic fishes play critical ecological roles by sequestering carbon, recycling nutrients, and acting as a key trophic link between primary consumers and higher trophic levels. They are also an important food source for harvestable economically valuable fish stocks and a key link between shallow and deep-sea ecosystems. Despite their relevance, mesopelagic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by direct and indirect human activities while representing some of the largest and least understood environments on Earth. The composition, diversity, and other aspects of the most basic biological features of numerous mesopelagic groups of fishes are still poorly known. Here, we provide the first integrative study of the biodiversity of mesopelagic fishes of the southwestern Tropical Atlantic (SWTA), based on two expeditions in northeastern Brazil in 2015 and 2017. A full list of mesopelagic fishes of the region is provided, including rare species and new records for the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone and the indication of potentially new species in groups such as the Stomiiformes and Beryciformes. Key aspects of the diversity of mesopelagic fishes of the region were also assessed, considering different depth strata and diel periods. At least 200 species, 130 genera, 56 families, and 22 orders of the Teleostei and one shark (Isistius brasiliensis, Dalatiidae, Squaliformes) were recorded, including potentially eight new species (4%) and 50 (25%) new records for Brazilian waters. Five families accounted for 52% of the diversity, 88% of specimens collected, and 66% of the total biomass: Stomiidae (38 spp., 8% of specimens, 21% of biomass), Myctophidae (34 spp., 36%, 24%), Melamphaidae (11 spp., 2%, 7%), Sternoptychidae (9 spp., 26%, 10%), and Gonostomatidae (7 spp., 16%, 4%). During the day, richness and diversity were higher at lower mesopelagic depths (500–1000 m), with contributions of typically bathypelagic species likely associated with seamounts and oceanic islands. At night, richness and diversity increased at epipelagic depths, indicating the diel ascension of several species (e.g., myctophids and sternoptychids) that can endure temperature ranges of up to 25°C. Information on the geographic distribution of several rare species worldwide is also provided.

New records of rare deep-sea fishes (Teleostei) collected from off north-eastern Brazil, including seamounts and islands of the Fernando de Noronha Ridge.

Here we report on new data on the occurrence and distribution of rare deep-sea fishes (Teleostei) collected from off north-eastern Brazil, including seamounts and oceanic islands of the Fernando de Noronha Ridge (Rocas Atoll and Fernando de Noronha Archipelago). Collections were made by the French RV Antea during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions between 29 September and 21 October 2015, and 9 April and 10 May 2017. Occurrences of Photostylus pycnopterus (Alepocephalidae), Gigantura chuni (Giganturidae), Ahliesaurus berryi (Notosudidae), Benthalbella infans, Rosenblattichthys hubbsi, Scopelarchoides danae (Scopelarchidae), Scopelengys tristis (Neoscopelidae), Zu cristatus (Trachipteridae), Stylephorus chordatus (Stylephoridae) and Pseudoscopelus cordilluminatus (Chiasmodontidae) are reported for the first time or confirmed in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Photostylus pycnopterus and G. chuni are also recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic, whereas records of P. cordilluminatus are the first in the western Atlantic. Other records of rare species of those families are also reported and discussed.

Mercury distribution in water masses of the South Atlantic Ocean (24°S to 20°S), Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic globally spread pollutant that has been found at increasing concentrations in the South Atlantic Ocean. The present work provides the first insight into the total mercury (HgT, unfiltered waters) content in the water of the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone (BEEZ), within a 24°S to 20°S. Water samples were collected from surface to 3400 m depth along transects, and analyzed with atomic fluorescence. The mean HgT concentration for the Tropical Water mass (TW) was 6.3 ± 1.4 pM (n = 16), for the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), 5.9 ± 0.7 pM (n = 8), for the Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW), 5.0 ± 0.6 pM (n = 2), for the Upper Circumpolar Deep Water (UCDW), 6.5 pM (n = 1), and for the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW), 5.7 ± 0.9 pM (n = 12). HgT concentrations were highest throughout the BEEZ in comparison with other parts of the Atlantic Ocean, farther from the coast.

Deep-sea dragonfishes (Teleostei: Stomiiformes) collected from off northeastern Brazil, with a review of the species reported from the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

Abstract The Stomiiformes includes about 455 species of mostly mesopelagic fishes in the families Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, and Stomiidae. Here we report 55 species of the order collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil, including islands and seamounts of Fernando de Noronha Ridge. Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Pachystomias microdon and Melanostomias biseriatus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. Eustomias bibulbosus, Grammatostomias ovatus and Photonectes achirus (Stomiidae) are recorded for the first time in the South Atlantic. Eustomias minimus (Stomiidae), previously known from four poorly preserved specimens, is reported for the first time in the Atlantic. Occurrences of 18 species are confirmed or recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone: Triplophos hemingi (Diplophidae), Gonostoma denudatum (Gonostomatidae), Aristostomias grimaldii, Astronesthes gudrunae, Bathophilus nigerrimus, Borostomias elucens, Eustomias bibulbosus, E. braueri, E. minimus, E. schmidti, Grammatostomias ovatus, G. dentatus, Leptostomias gladiator, Melanostomias biseriatus, M. bartonbeani, Pachystomias microdon, Photonectes achirus, and Photostomias goodyeari (Stomiidae). Diagnostic and distributional data for all species recorded are provided, with new anatomical information presented for Melanostomias bartonbeani and Grammatostomias ovatus. A checklist of the 108 species of Stomiiformes confirmed in Brazilian waters is also presented.

Bnormal average increase in sea surface temperature may promote the first documented mortality event of a marine sponge in the Southeastern Brazil

Frequent heat waves and mass mortality events on marine biota are positively correlated to ocean warming. Although literature has indicated some species of marine sponges, and some oceanic regions, like the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone, may be less affected or seem to be more resilient under future scenarios of climate changes, few studies have focused on the species responses on the climate change issue along Brazilian coast. This paradigm was undone throughout 2019 after an exceptional average increase of 2 °C in the sea surface temperature (SST) and on precipitation values since 2015 at Ilha Grande Bay (IGB, SE Brazil). The combination of SST and precipitation average increase possibly favored an environmental context for the unprecedented strong population decline and mass mortality rate of the marine sponge species Desmapsamma anchorata in the austral spring. The species used to be one of the most frequent benthic species at IGB however it was only recorded in 41.7% sites (n = 12). From 162 individuals recorded at Abraãozinho along 180 m rocky shore, 83 individuals (51.2%) were healthy, 74 (45.7%) were intensively covered by cyanobacteria and locally bleached, and five (3.1%) were completely bleached or died. Desmapsamma anchorata population deterioration in a biogeographic transition zone (Rio de Janeiro state) may reflect a shift in the marine community of IGB, opening space for opportunistic species establishment and coverage increase, since IGB has a high species turnover. The three-dimensionality, the shelter for several species, the high competitive ability and the potential to indicate polluted or not polluted areas make D. anchorata a key species for IGB monitoring in a climate change scenario.

Deep-sea anglerfishes (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) from off northeastern Brazil, with remarks on the ceratioids reported from the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

Abstract The deep-sea anglerfishes of the suborder Ceratioidei (Lophiiformes) are represented by about 170 valid species with some of the most extraordinary morphological and reproductive adaptations among vertebrates, including extreme sexual dimorphism and male parasitism. Here we report on the diversity and distribution of rare ceratioids collected during the ABRACOS (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expeditions off northeastern Brazil and the Fernando de Noronha Ridge (Rocas Atoll, Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and associated seamounts). Chaenophryne ramifera, Oneirodes anisacanthus, O. carlsbergi, Gigantactis watermani, and unidentified specimens of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis are recorded for the first time in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. Ceratias uranoscopus, Melanocetus johnsonii, and Chaenophryne draco have their distributions extended in Brazilian waters. Caulophryne, O. anisacanthus, and G. watermani are also recorded for the first time in the western South Atlantic. The specimen of G. watermani reported here represents the third known specimen of the species, and variations of its escal anatomy in relation to the holotype are described. Based on specimens examined and a review of records in the literature, 20 species of the Ceratioidei, in addition to unidentified species of Caulophryne, Dolopichthys, and Rhynchactis, are confirmed in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone.

Deep-sea smelts, pencil smelts, and barreleyes (Teleostei: Argentiniformes) from oceanic islands and seamounts off northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT New data on the taxonomic composition and distribution of rare deep-sea species of the Bathylagidae, Microstomatidae, and Opisthoproctidae (Argentiniformes) collected off northeastern Brazil, including the Rocas Atoll, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, and seamounts off Rio Grande do Norte State are provided. Collections were made by the French RV Antea during the ABRACOS 2 (Acoustics along the BRAzilian COaSt) expedition, between April 9 and May 6, 2017. Among the six species of argentiniforms identified, three are reported for the first time in Brazilian waters: Xenophthalmichthys danae (Microstomatidae), Opisthoproctus soleatus and Rhynchohyalus natalensis (Opisthoproctidae). Three additional species previously recorded off Brazil have their geographic distributions extended to the northeastern region of the country: Dolicholagus longirostris, Melanolagus bericoides (Bathylagidae), and Winteria telescopa (Opisthoproctidae). Remarks on other species of the Argentiniformes reported in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone are also provided. A total of 11 genera and 14 species of the order are confirmed to occur in the region.

First assessment on Southwestern Atlantic equatorial deep-sea coral communities

Deep-sea coral communities are poorly known in the Southwestern Atlantic (SWA), particularly in the equatorial/subequatorial latitudes embraced by the northeastern Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Such knowledge gap has lead to the idea that the latter has low species richness when compared to southern Brazilian regions. Recent studies, however, indicate the northeastern slope as highly suitable for deep-sea coral habitats. Herein, based on recent sampling efforts, we confirm that deep-sea coral richness in that region is higher than previously thought. Trawl surveys carried out in 2011 at the Potiguar Basin, Rio Grande do Norte State, yielded the identification of at least 51 coral species, including 28 octocorals, 16 scleractinians, and seven antipatharians, including five new records for the South Atlantic and 11 new occurrences for the northeastern Brazilian waters. Comprising 29 species, the upper slope communities (102–200 m) showed the highest richness. Species richness between northeastern and southern Brazil is briefly compared, indicating a decrease of species richness southwards. Since most of the studied area is under influence of the same water masses, proximity to the Caribbean fauna may explain the species richness found in the northern Brazilian external shelf and slope. Finally, we suggest that biogeographic units within the Brazilian upper and middle slope are closer to shallow-water provinces than to deep-sea ones.

Brazil Offshore Wind Resources and Atmospheric Surface Layer Stability

Brazil’s offshore wind resources are evaluated from satellite winds and ocean heat flux datasets. Winds are extrapolated to the height of modern turbines accounting for atmospheric stability. Turbine technical data are combined with wind and bathymetric information for description of the seasonal and latitudinal variability of wind power. Atmospheric conditions vary from unstable situations in the tropics, to neutral and slightly stable conditions in the subtropics. Cabo Frio upwelling in the southeast tends to promote slightly stable conditions during the spring and summer. Likewise, Plata plume cold-water intrusions in southern shelf tends to create neutral to slightly stable situations during the fall and winter. Unstable (stable) conditions are associated with weaker (stronger) vertical wind shear. Wind technical resource, accounting for atmospheric stability and air density distribution, is 725 GW between 0–35 m, 980 GW for 0–50 m, 1.3 TW for 0–100 m and 7.2 TW for the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Resources might vary from 2 to 23% according to the chosen turbine. Magnitudes are 20% lower than previous estimates that considered neutral atmosphere conditions. Strong winds are observed on the north (AP, PA), northeast (MA, PI, CE, RN), southeast (ES, RJ) and southern states (SC, RS). There is significant seasonal complementarity between the north and northeast shelves. When accounting for shelf area, the largest integrated resource is located on the north shelf between 0–20 m. Significant resources are also found in the south for deeper waters.

Assessing drivers of tropical and subtropical marine fish collapses of Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone

Overfishing is a concerning threat that can lead to the collapse of fish stocks. We assessed the combinations of factors, including biological traits, types of exploitation and responses to sea temperature and salinity changes, that drive species to collapse in the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) tropical and subtropical regions. We applied a catch-based method of stock classification and a catch time series of 61 years from 132 exploited fish species. Species were categorized as Collapsed, Overexploited, Fully Exploited or in Development, and we used a GAM analysis to understand their categorization over time. Furthermore, a Redundancy Analysis was developed to assess the species characteristics that best predicted each exploitation category. Twelve species were classified as Collapsed, 55 as Overexploited, 46 as Fully Exploited and 19 as in Development. Tropical and subtropical exploited species collapses in Brazil were best explained by a complex combination of a negative impact of warmer sea temperatures, fishery exploitation and specific life-history traits. A synergistic interaction between these factors could bring species to collapse. We hypothesize that the exploitation of species with vulnerable traits may alter how these species respond to temperature and, therefore, lead them to collapse given that intense exploitation may affect their ability to respond to temperature increases. Measures to mitigate climate change impacts should take into consideration incentives to decrease the exploitation of vulnerable species and, specifically, consider species with more sensitive biological traits. Such measures are also important to minimize the socioeconomic impacts on the people that depend on these species.

The Tonkin weakfish, Cynoscion similis (Sciaenidae, Perciformes), an endemic species of the Amazonas-Orinoco Plume

ABSTRACT Despite its importance in biogeographical, ecological, and commercial terms, the fish fauna of the northern Brazilian coast is still poorly known, representing the least sampled portion of the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. We collected Tonkin weakfish, Cynoscion similis specimens during extensive surveys of the northern Brazilian coast and concluded that C. similis is common in this region. While the species had not previously been reported for the northern Brazilian state of Pará, it may have been recorded in studies of industrial fisheries, being identified only as Cynoscion sp. or by the common name pescada negra. This reinforces the need for the reliable taxonomical identification of species, to guarantee the collection of accurate data on ecology and fisheries, and ultimately, support the development of effective conservation strategies. Here we provide additional morphological and molecular data to distinguish Cynoscion similis from the closely related Cynoscion jamaicensis, and other congeners.

A Amazônia Azul: recursos e preservação

The area encompassed by the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and its extensions is estimated to cover a total area of 4.5 million square kilometers, which corresponds to more than half of continental Brazil. This sea area over which Brazil is entitled to have some sort of sovereignty has been named Blue Amazon. Despite the enormous potential of resources existing in this EEZ, such as living resources, mineral resources, energy resources, and non-extractive resources – some of which have already been exploited – the perception of Brazilians as regards their sea and its resources is still incipient. One of the consequences of the lack of maritime mentality is that the exploitation of resources in the Brazilian EEZ is not always carried out in a sustainable manner

A Amazônia Azul e o domínio marítimo brasileiro

We put forward a discussion on the general context and features of the development of the modern Law of the Sea regarding the widening of sovereign rights over the sea and seabed related to the changes and developments of economic appropriation of the ocean and naval warfare. We present the legal framework of rights of coastal and flag states over the sea space and resources. The Blue Amazon discourse is viewed not as a tool for analysis, but as a propagandistic construction to promote the awareness of public opinion as regards the need of public policies for building and keeping sovereign control over the Brazilian exclusive economic zone and continental shelf

SENSITIVITY MAPPING FOR OIL SPILL RESPONSE: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK TO IDENTIFY WILDLIFE AND AREAS AT RISK ALONG THE COASTLINE OF BRAZIL

2017-365 Abstract The Environmental Mapping for Emergency Response at Sea Project (Mapeamento Ambiental para a Resposta à Emergência no Mar – MAREM, in Portuguese) resulted from a collaborative agreement between the Brazilian Institute of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (IBP) and the Brazilian Federal Environmental Agency (IBAMA). In order to provide support for planning and management of response operations involving marine oil spills, MAREM’s first and second phases, named Shoreline Protection and Cleanup Project (Projeto de Proteção e Limpeza de Costa – PPLC), created a geo-referenced database of the entire Brazilian coastline (approximately 7,500 km) in 2013. MAREM’s third phase was the Wildlife Protection Project (Projeto de Proteção à Fauna). It started in 2015 and was developed by a consortium involving Aiuká, Witt O’Brien’s Brasil and national and international experts. The Wildlife Protection Project identified, compiled and mapped relevant information on coastal and marine wildlife at risk from oil spill incidents and associated responses along the Brazilian coastline. The Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone was divided into 18 geographic units to facilitate the integration of marine, freshwater and terrestrial biogeographical data, regional geopolitics, and the incorporation of the zonal management of national oil production. Standardized decision trees were developed to provide an objective and consistent method for the identification of priority species and areas for protection in the event of an oil spill within each management unit. The decision trees incorporated previously identified critical habitats or natural resources meeting international conservation strategies (such as Ramsar wetlands, Important Bird Areas and the World Heritage Convention) and the Brazilian National Action Plans for Species Conservation. Species were classified by integrating two components: (a) assessing their vulnerability to oil spills using standardized criteria, and (b) their conservation status under international, national and regional conventions to generate an assessed prioritization for protection in case of oil spills, minimizing potential impacts. The Wildlife Protection Project has produced (i) a comprehensive dataset on species and habitat vulnerability in Brazil, and (ii) and a publicly-available WebGIS database of the critical information relevant to oil spill responses and response management, available at www.marem-br.com.br. These two products contain key information on the biology, distribution, seasonality and behavior of the identified vulnerable species, in conjunction with operational information on the locations, biological, geopolitical and logistic aspects of the priority areas identified. Factsheets were produced for each high-priority species and areas, compiling selected details in a readily accessible format for field teams involved in oil spill responses. The Wildlife Protection Project represents an unprecedented and unique approach for oiled wildlife planning and response in Brazil.

ESPÉCIES, SEXOS E TAMANHOS DO CAMARÃO-ROSA, Farfantepenaeus spp., NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO (BRASIL)

Este trabalho trata da ocorrência de espécies, sexos e tamanhos do camarão-rosa, em amostras de capturas na área de Cabo Frio (Rio de Janeiro – Brasil), realizadas entre julho/2000 e fevereiro/2001. Sob a denominação de camarão-rosa são conhecidas duas espécies do gênero Farfantepenaeus Burukovscky no sudeste do Brasil: F. brasiliensis (Latreille) e F. paulensis (Pérez-Farfante). Estas espécies e seus sexos são de difícil identificação nas amostragens feitas durante desembarques das capturas comerciais. A espécies F. brasiliensis predominou nas amostras, com 59,4% dos indivíduos – na área de Cabo Frio se encontra o limite norte da ocorrência de F. paulensis. Houve equilíbrio entre os sexos da primeira espécie, não observado com a segunda. As menores médias do comprimento do cefalotórax e do peso total, registradas para os machos de ambas as espécies eram esperadas, porque as fêmeas alcançam maiores tamanhos.

Deep-sea bigscales, pricklefishes, gibberfishes and whalefishes (Teleostei: Stephanoberycoidei) off Brazil: new records, range extensions for the south-western Atlantic Ocean and remarks on the taxonomy of Poromitra.

The Stephanoberycoidei includes 23 genera and c. 94 species of deep-sea teleosts commonly known as bigscales, pricklefishes, gibberfishes and whalefishes. Stephanoberycoidei is one of the least known groups of deep-sea fishes, in spite of their apparent relative abundance in meso and bathypelagic depths. Nine species of the Stephanoberycoidei are reported here for the first time in Brazilian waters, and most of them represent new range extensions for the south-western Atlantic Ocean. Those species are Melamphaes polylepis, Melamphaes typhlops, Poromitra sp. and Scopeloberyx robustus (Melamphaidae), Acanthochaenus luetkenii and Stephanoberyx monae (Stephanoberycidae), Rondeletia bicolor and Rondeletia loricata (Rondeletiidae) and Gyrinomimus sp. (Cetomimidae). Occurrences of the pricklefish Scopelogadus mizolepis (Melamphaidae), the gibberfish Gibberichthys pumilus (Gibberichthyidae) and the velvet whalefish Barbourisia rufa (Barbourisiidae) are confirmed in the Brazilian exclusive economic zone, but previously published records of Poromitra capito and Melamphaes simus (Melamphaidae) in the region most likely represent misidentifications. Validities of the recently described Poromitra kukuevi and Poromitra indooceanica are discussed in light of new specimens of the genus collected in the south-western Atlantic Ocean. An identification key for the 13 species of Stephanoberycoidei reported off Brazil is also provided.