Diapterus Peruvianus Research Articles

Variation of Density and Biomass of the Ichthyofauna Associated to Soft Bottoms of a Western Coastal Lagoon of B.C.S., Mexico

An analysis of the variation of the density and biomass of the fish communities of the lagoon of La Paz, Mexico was carried out from November 2016 to September 2017. A total of 2763 organisms were collected with a total biomass of 211,422.93 g in an area of 5022 m2, a density and biomass of 0.550 lnd/m2 and 44.091 g/m2. The site with the largest biomass was recorded in Zacatecas (11.179 g/m2) located north of the lagoon, while Grand Plaza recorded the lowest biomass (2.732 g/m2). Regarding the density, the maximum value was recorded in the site Yate Hundido, located northwest of the lagoon (0.129 lnd/m2) and the lowest was Las Palmas (0.036 lnd/m2) located north of the lagoon. The most abundant species was Diapterus peruvianus with 683 individuals and a biomass of 37,507.57 g. The physicochemical variables showed two seasons with significant change where we can observe higher temperatures in the summer (average of 27.45°C) and minimum in winter (average of 22.49°C). The Shannon-Weaver diversity index showed a difference (p = 0.050) between months, with the highest value recorded in April (H' = 2.133 bits/ind) and the lowest in June (H' = 1.041 bits/ind). The biomass and density values recorded in the lagoon were found to be associated with the spatio-temporal variation of temperature of the lagoon, as well as the resident and transitory species located in the area of study. In addition, the body sizes recorded corresponded to juvenile and young adult individuals.

Distribution and health risk assessment of Cd and Pb in two marine fishes (Haemulopsis axillaris and Diapterus peruvianus) from the Eastern Pacific.

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in muscle and liver tissue of Haemulopsis axillaris and Diapterus peruvianus from the Eastern Pacific in Mexico and to assess the health risk to consumers. Fish were collected as bycatch on the continental shelf between the coasts of Sinaloa and Guerrero (Eastern Pacific). Cd and Pb were quantified in muscle and liver tissue using graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GF-AAS).Concentration of Cd was greater in muscle tissue than in liver tissue; with Pb, however, the opposite pattern was found. The highest concentration of Cd (0.177 μg g-1) was found in muscle tissue of H. axillaris from Sinaloa. For Pb, the highest level (0.692 μg g-1) was found in the liver tissue of H. axillaris also from Sinaloa. Levels of Cd and Pb in muscle tissue were both below Mexican Guidelines (0.5, 1.0 μg g-1 wet weight for Cd and Pb respectively) and International Guidelines. The hazard index (HI) for both metals in the edible portion of studied considering metal levels in the edible portion and the rate of fish consumption by the Mexican population (in adults and children) was less than 1 (HI < 1), values which do not represent a health risk to consumers.

Rendimiento corporal de especies de peces nativos del Golfo de Fonseca de Honduras

En el Golfo de Fonseca ubicado al sur de Honduras, existen 60 especies de peces de valor comercial. Algunas de estas son clasificadas como pescado blanco (en donde se agrupa el 33% del total de las capturas). El pescado blanco es de poco valor comercial para los pescadores artesanales, pero con alta viabilidad para el procesamiento primario. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los índices del rendimiento corporal de 10 especies de peces nativos del Golfo de Fonseca para identificar las especies con potencial para el procesamiento primario, que consiste en la limpieza y extracción de vísceras para su comercialización y consumo. Se recolectaron ejemplares post captura (con pesos entre 150 y 500 g) de peces nativos del Golfo de Fonseca, ubicados en cuatro comunidades pesqueras. Se registraron medidas morfométricas para calcular los rendimientos de la canal, vísceras, escamas, cabeza, tronco y filete. Se encontraron resultados concluyentes (P&lt;0.001), siendo el pargo (Lutjanus spp.), la curvina (Cynoscion spp.) y la lisa (Mujil spp.) con el mejor rendimiento de la canal. La especie con el mayor volumen de vísceras fue el jurel (P&lt;0.001). En La palometa (Diapterus peruvianus) se encontró con el mayor peso de la cabeza con relación a su peso total. En el rendimiento del tronco, la lisa, la curvina y el güiche (Ariopsis spp.) presentaron la mayor masa muscular (más del 65% de su peso corporal). Con respecto al rendimiento del filete, la curvina (Cynoscion spp.), el güiche (Ariopsis spp.) y la pancha rayada (Paralonchurus dumerilii) mostraron más del 38% de rendimiento, evidenciando que tienen potencial para ser procesados en filete y ser comercializados a un valor más atrayente al mercado.

Fish assemblages in three fringed mangrove bays of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Marine Reserve

Mangrove-fringed bays are highly variable ecosystems that provide critical habitats for fish species. In this study we assessed the fish assemblage in three mangrove-fringed bays (Punta Rocafuerte, Saca Calzón and Garrapatero) in the Southeast side of Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Marine Reserve. Using gillnets, we carried out a total of 108 fieldtrips from January 2010 to December 2011. A total of 1 773 bony and 740 cartilaginous fishes belonging to 26 species and 15 families were identified at the same sampling sites. Species richness was higher in the protected bay (Garrapatero) than in those open to fishing (Punta Rocafuerte, Saca Calzón). Blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus, n= 729), Thoburn’s mullets (Mugil thoburni, n= 492), Peruvian mojarras (Diapterus peruvianus, n= 440), milkfish (Chanos chanos, n= 206) and the yellow fin mojarras (Gerres cinereus, n= 197) were the most common species across sites and season (cold and warm). The abundance of the most common species varied seasonally, with C. limbatus and C. chanos being more abundant in the warm season (December to April), and M. thoburni, C. limbatus and G. cinereus in the cold season (June to October). Temperature was the most important driver of abundance in C. limbatus and C. chanos, while salinity influenced Umbrina galapagorum. This study represents the first evaluation of the fish assemblage composition and dynamics in mangrove-fringed bays in the Galapagos Marine Reserve. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 674-687. Epub 2018 June 01.

Cadmium and lead concentrations in hepatic and muscle tissue of demersal fish from three lagoon systems (SE Gulf of California).

We determined the levels of Cd and Pb in liver and muscle of demersal fish from three lagoon systems (Urías, Huizache, and Teacapán) in the SE Gulf of California with the purpose of comparing the studied metals in fish from the three ecosystems and to assess the potential human health risk. Considering the number of individuals, the sequence of fish abundance was Teacapán > Huizache > Urías. Length and size at maturity of collected species showed that 76.5% of the individuals were juveniles. Overall, Cd and Pb were more accumulated in liver than in muscle. After multivariate analyses, considering fish tissue and locality, Cd and Pb levels were different (p<0.05) between fish from Teacapán and Huizache. In general, the hazard quotients (HQs) of Pb were higher than the corresponding values of Cd; the highest HQ for Cd (0.0051) corresponded to Mugil curema, and the highest HQ for Pb (0.0099) was estimated in Diapterus peruvianus. With respect to the hazard index (accumulative risk from Cd and Pb), the most elevated value (HI=0.0124) was estimated for Pomadasys macracanthus. Estimated HI does not represent a health risk at the consumption rates of the Mexican population.

Differential Tissue Accumulation of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in Bycatch Fish from the Mexican Pacific.

In order to ascertain if Cu, Fe, and Zn are differentially accumulated in fish tissues, metal concentrations were measured in the muscle and liver of bycatch fish from the states of Sinaloa (189 specimens, 7 species) and Guerrero (152 individuals, 8 species) in the Mexican Pacific Coast during March and November 2011. Additionally, metal levels were compared with the maximum allowable limits set by international legislation and contrasted with similar ichthyofauna from other regions. Liver had more elevated concentrations of Cu (Sinaloa 28.3, Guerrero 16.3μgg-1), Fe (Sinaloa 1098, Guerrero 636μgg-1), and Zn (Sinaloa 226, Guerrero 186μgg-1) than the muscle in fish from both studied areas. The relative abundances of analyzed metals in both tissues was Fe>Zn>Cu. As far as limits set by international legislation (Australia, India, New Zealand, Zambia), measured concentrations of Cu in the edible portion of fish were not found to be above the set values. In the case of Zn, the maximum allowable limits set by international legislation were exceeded by the Peruvian mojarra Diapterus peruvianus from Guerrero state (Mexican Pacific). No limits exist for Fe in the edible portion of fishery products in the national and international legislations.

Biogeographical affinities of fish associated to the shrimp trawl fishery in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico.

Fish by-catch of shrimp fishery from the Gulf of Tehuantepec is composed of several species that are mainly discarded. In this study, fish by-catch species composition, distribution and biogeographical affinities were analyzed. For this, a total of 15 cruises were carried out on the continental shelf, at depths from 15 to 64 m, during 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2013. Results showed that fish by-catch was represented by 58 families, 129 genera and 242 species. The families Haemulidae, Sciaenidae, Paralichthyidae, Gerreidae and Carangidae accounted for > 70 % of the catch. Haemulopsis axillaris, Syacium ovale, Selene peruviana, Diapterus peruvianus, Larimus acclivins and Stellifer erycimba were the most frequent species at < 40 m depth (inner shelf), and Prionotus stephanophrys, Scorpaena russula, Porichthys analis and Synodus scituliceps were dominant at 40-60 m depth (outer shelf). Analysis of biogeographical affinities showed that 36.1 % of species had a wide distribution, from San Diego Province to the Panamic Province, while 13.2 % had a restricted distribution in the Mexican and Panamic Provinces. The ichthyofaunal composition was markedly influenced by the local environment and seasonal conditions.

Bioaccumulation of arsenic and selenium in bycatch fishes Diapterus peruvianus, Pseudupeneus grandisquamis, and Trachinotus kennedyi from shrimp trawling in the continental shelf of Guerrero, México.

With the aim of determining arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) concentrations in bycatch fishes from SW Mexico and comparing elemental concentrations with limits for human consumption set in the national and international legislation, three fish species (Diapterus peruvianus, Pseudupeneus grandisquamis, and Trachinotus kennedyi) were collected from Guerrero state during trawling operations. Additionally, As and Se levels in muscle tissue were compared with similar species from diverse areas. The order of As and Se concentrations was T. kennedyi>P. grandisquamis>D. peruvianus. In Mexico, there is no regulation of As and Se levels in fish. In comparison to the legal limit (0.1 μg g(-1) wet weight) set by legislation in Venezuela, As levels in the edible portion of T. kennedyi (0.632 μg g(-1) wet weight), P. grandisquamis (0.166 μg g(-1) wet weight), and D. peruvianus (0.157 μg g(-1) wet weight) were above this limit. In the case of Se, average concentrations in T. kennedyi (0.323 μg g(-1) wet weight) were above the maximum permissible limit (0.30 μg g(-1) wet weight) set in the Chilean legislation. Se concentrations in Carangoides bajad from Saudi Arabia were comparable to values in T. kennedyi (this study). In relation to As, concentrations varied in magnitude orders; the highest As concentration (range 10.35 to 23.71 μg g(-1) wet weight) corresponded to Mullus barbatus from the Iberian Mediterranean.

Composición por especies y tallas de los peces en la laguna Barra de Navidad, Jalisco.

Coastal lagoons are considered important nursery areas for many coastal fishes. Barra de Navidad coastal lagoon (3.76km2) is important for local economy as it supports tourism development and artisanal fisheries. However, the role of this lagoon in the dynamics of coastal fish populations is scarcely known. Thus, the objectives of this research were: to characterize the water of the lagoon and related weather conditions, to develop a systematic list of the ichthyofauna, and to estimate the proportion of juveniles in the total number of individuals captured of most abundant species. Water and fish samples were collected between March 2011 and February 2012. Physical and chemical variables were measured in rainy and dry seasons. Several fishing gears were used including a cast net, beach purse seine and gillnets of four different mesh sizes. Our results showed that the lagoon is most of the time euhaline (salinity 30-40ups), although it can be mixopolyhaline (salinity 18-30ups) during short periods. Chlorophyll and nutrients concentrations suggested eutrophication in the lagoon. Mean water temperature changed seasonally from 24.9°C (April, high tide) to 31.4°C (October, low tide). Considering ichthyofauna species, a total of 36 448 individuals of 92 species were collected, 31 of them adding up to 95% of the total of individuals caught. Dominant species were Anchoa spp. (44.6%), Diapterus peruvianus (10.5%), Eucinostomus currani (8.1%), Cetengraulis mysticetus (7.8%), Mugil curema (5.2%) and Opisthonema libertate (4.5%). The lagoon is an important juvenile habitat for 22 of the 31 most abundant species. These included several species of commercial importance such as snappers (Lutjanus argentiventris, L. colorado and L. novemfasciatus), snook (Centropomus nigrescens) and white mullet (Mugil curema). Other four species seem to use the lagoon mainly as adults. This paper is the first contribution on the composition of estuarine ichthyofauna in Jalisco State, and it also constitutes the more complete reference on the detailed size composition of a set of dominant species in a coastal lagoon in the central Mexican Pacific.

Mercury levels in selected bycatch fish species from industrial shrimp-trawl fishery in the SE Gulf of California

Baseline Hg concentration in bycatch fish from the SE Gulf of California were determined in muscle and liver of 19 species. Levels of Hg in muscle were compared with legal limits of this element in national and international legislation. Considering all fish species, mean concentrations in liver (2.458±1.997μgg−1) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in muscle (0.993±0.670μgg−1). The sequence of averaged Hg concentrations in most ichthyofauna was liver>muscle. Highest level of Hg in muscle (2.556μgg−1) and liver (7.515μgg−1) corresponded to Diapterus peruvianus and Ophioscion strabo, respectively. Considering muscle samples, none of the species had levels of Hg above the limit (1.0μgg−1 wet weight) in the Mexican legislation; with respect to the Japanese (0.4μgg−1 wet weight) and British (0.3μgg−1 wet weight) legislations, 26.3% and 31.6% of the species respectively, were above the corresponding limits.

Seasonal variations in the diversity, abundance, and composition of species in an estuarine fish community in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, Mexico

The ichthyofauna of the Chacahua Lagoon in the western Oaxaca State of Mexico was sampled every 2 months, using a trawl net over seven sampling cycles. The estuary mouth closed in late January, generating hypersaline conditions in the system. A total of 33 species belonging to 20 families were recorded; most of them marine species, showing tropical and subtropical affinities. The most abundant species were Diapterus peruvianus, Centropomus robalito, Anchovia macrolepidota, Lile stolifera, and Lutjanus novemfasciatus. Total fish abundance and species richness were not significantly affected by the mouth closing, and this was related to the presence of a permanently open entrance channel with an adjacent lagoon, which allowed easy exchange of fish between these two systems. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that salinity and dissolved oxygen were the most important environmental variables in determining the observed variability in fish community composition. Two fish groups were evident: the fish assemblage of the low-salinity period (open-mouth phase), in which Eucinostomus currani, Sciades guatemalensis, Centropomus armatus, Citharichthys stigmaeus, and Caranx caninus constituted the majority of the catch; and the fish assemblage of the high-salinity period (closed-mouth phase), with A. macrolepidota, L. stolifera, and Harengula thrissina as the most abundant species. Multivariate analyses showed differences in the composition of the fish community between both periods. Other species, such as the permanent residents D. peruvianus and C. robalito, which showed the widest range in tolerance of ambient salinity, were caught during both periods. Seasonal succession of fish populations may be related to differences in life cycle and tolerance of the environment among those species adapting to ecological conditions.

Time and space distribution and abundance of the fishes in the Cuyutlan Lagoon, Colima, Mexico

Monthly sampling in 21 sites in the Cuyutlán Lagoon, México were carried out from March toJune 1999 and October 1999 to December 2000, where 1,719 fish from 22 families were collected. The most abundant were: yellowfin mojarra (Gerres cinereus) with 43.86 %, white mullet (Mugil curema) in 24.89 %, mojarra (Diapterus peruvianus) with 6.34 %, Pacific thread herring (Opisthonema libertate) with 5.29 % and with 3 % Pacific crevalle jack (Caranx caninus) and longjaw leatherjack (Oligoplites altus). The specific richness changed from 3.52 in May 1999 to 15.48 in October 2000. The equitativity fluctuated from 0 in the 18th station named Palo Verde to 0.93 in the 20th site in the same area. The diversity index presented valuesfrom 0.33 in May 1999 to 1.06 in October 2000. By its physical and biological characteristics the lagoon can be divided into two different areas. The opening of the channel Boca de Tepalcates increased the diversity of species of fish, but it will take time to know how the biomass is going to change.

Distribution and abundance of fish larvae in Bahia De La Paz (Gulf of California) and their relation to hydrographic variability during summer (1997–1998)

Bahía de La Paz, the largest coastal bay in the Gulf of California, is characterized by high diversity of fish species, mainly during summer and autumn. Distributions and abundances of fish larvae in the bay were analyzed and compared with zooplankton, CTD, current and satellite data obtained in July 1997 and August 1998. Larval abundance (>4000 larvae per 100 m3) and number of species (>90 species) were high during both cruises. The Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index was used to define three station groups. The “Coastal” group, with the highest abundance and number of species, was located mainly in the shallow basin of the bay (<30 m depth). Larval Gerreidae (e.g. Eucinostomus gracilis, E. dowii, and Diapterus peruvianus) and Pomacentridae (Abudefduf troschelii and Stegastes rectifraenum) were the most abundant taxa in this station group, but larval Mullidae (Mulloidichthys dentatus) also were abundant in August 1998. This station group was associated with the highest zooplankton biomass and lowest sea-surface temperature as a result of mixing by the winds and tidal currents that affect this shallow zone. The “Central-A” station group, located in the central bay, and the “Central B” group situated nearby, had low larval abundance and number of species. These station groups coincided with the lowest zooplankton biomass and highest sea-surface temperature in both summers, and with the location of a cold gyre at 50 m depth in July 1997. These conditions are influenced by the water entering from the Gulf of California through the main mouth of the bay (>100 m), resulting in a wide central zone with low larval abundance during both summers.

Distribution and abundance of fish larvae in Bahia De La Paz (Gulf of California) and their relation to hydrographic variability during summer (1997–1998)

Abstract Bahia de La Paz, the largest coastal bay in the Gulf of California, is characterized by high diversity of fish species, mainly during summer and autumn. Distributions and abundances of fish larvae in the bay were analyzed and compared with zooplankton, CTD, current and satellite data obtained in July 1997 and August 1998. Larval abundance (>4000 larvae per 100 m 3 ) and number of species (>90 species) were high during both cruises. The Bray–Curtis dissimilarity index was used to define three station groups. The “Coastal” group, with the highest abundance and number of species, was located mainly in the shallow basin of the bay ( Eucinostomus gracilis , E. dowii, and Diapterus peruvianus) and Pomacentridae ( Abudefduf troschelii and Stegastes rectifraenum ) were the most abundant taxa in this station group, but larval Mullidae ( Mulloidichthys dentatus) also were abundant in August 1998. This station group was associated with the highest zooplankton biomass and lowest sea-surface temperature as a result of mixing by the winds and tidal currents that affect this shallow zone. The “Central-A” station group, located in the central bay, and the “Central B” group situated nearby, had low larval abundance and number of species. These station groups coincided with the lowest zooplankton biomass and highest sea-surface temperature in both summers, and with the location of a cold gyre at 50 m depth in July 1997. These conditions are influenced by the water entering from the Gulf of California through the main mouth of the bay (>100 m), resulting in a wide central zone with low larval abundance during both summers.

Lernanthropus corteziensis n. sp. (Copepoda: Lernanthropidae), parasitic on the gills of a teleost fish in Mexican waters

A new species of parasitic copepod, Lernanthropus corteziensis (Siphonostomatoida: Lernanthropidae), is described and illustrated. The copepod has been found in the Sea of Cortez (Bahia de la Paz) on the gills of Diapterus peruvianus, a teleost fish known in the local vernacular as “mojarra”.

Mangrove Ecology, Aquatic Primary Productivity, and Fish Community Dynamics in the Teacapán-Agua Brava Lagoon-Estuarine System (Mexican Pacific)

Aquatic primary productivity, mangrove ecology, and fish community dynamics were investigated in the Teacapan-Agua Brava lagoon-estuarine system, the most extensive mangrove ecosystem on the Pacific coast of Mexico with three species of mangroves distributed heterogeneously (Laguncularia racemosa, Rhizophora mangle, andAvicennia germinans). Tree density was 3,203 trees ha−1 and basal area was 14.0 m2 ha−1. Litterfall was 1,417 g m−2 yr−1, characteristic of a productive riverine forest. The degradation constant forLaguncularia racemosa leaves varied from 1.71 to 4.7 yr−1 and mean annual net aquatic productivity was 0.41 g C m−3 d−1. There were high concentrations of humic substances (up to 150 mg l−1) early in the wet season. Seasonal variations of the above parameters seemed closely related to the ecology of fish populations. There were 75 fish species distributed in two principal assemblages associated with wet and dry seasons. Diversity and biomass analysis indicated 18 dominant species. Total biomass of the community in this coastal system was estimated at 10 g wet wt m−2. The highest biomass occurred in the wet season. The most common fish species wereMugil curema, Achirus mazatlanus, Galeichthys caerulescens, Arius liropus, Diapterus peruvianus, Lile stolifera, Centropomus robalito, andEucinostomus sp., all of which have fishery importance. Primary productivity and fish community ecology are controlled by habitat characteristics, river discharge, and climatic seasonality.