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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Population biology and diet of Pomadasys corvinaeforrnis (Perciformes: Pomadasyidae) in Caraguatatuba Bay, Southeastern Brazil

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Author(s):
Denadai, Marcia Regina [1] ; Santos, Flavia Borges [2] ; Bessa, Eduardo [3] ; Fernandez, Wellington Silva [4] ; Lorca, Luana [4, 5] ; Turra, Alexander
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Ctr Univ Modulo, BR-11660903 Caraguatatuba, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Estadual Sudoeste Bahia, Dept Ciencias Nat, Vitoria Da Conquista 45083900 - Spain
[3] Univ Estado Mato Grosso, Inst Ciencia Nat & Terra, Tangara Da Serra, MT - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Oceanog, Dept Oceanog Biol, BR-05508120 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[5] Ctr Univ Fdn Ensino Octavio Bastos, Sao Joao Da Boa Vista, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Revista de Biología Tropical; v. 61, n. 4, p. 1947-1954, DEC 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

Pomadasys corvinaeformis inhabits sandy and rocky bottoms in coastal waters, and is common in trawl samples taken from beaches. The species is very abundant on the Brazilian coast, and is of high economic and ecological importance. This study examined the spatio-temporal distribution, population biology and diet of P corvinaeformis in Southeastern Brazil. Samples were taken by trawling monthly from August 2003 to October 2004, in two previously selected areas. The Northern area is more exposed to wave activity and is influenced by a river, functioning as a small estuary. In contrast, the Southern area is relatively sheltered from wave energy and influenced to a lesser degree by smaller rivers. The length of the specimens was measured, and the sex and gonadal stage were macroscopically identified. The abundance of this species was compared between areas and among months. The diet was analyzed seasonally by the frequency of occurrence, the percent volume, and the index of alimentary importance. P corvinaeformis occurred in unequal proportions in the two study areas (86% in the Northern area and 14% in the Southern area) and was found most abundant in May 2004, followed by June 2004. The proportion of mature and in-maturation individuals increased gradually from autumn to summer. Nine major groups of food items were recorded in the diet of P corvinaeformis, and crustaceans comprised five of the categories: unidentified crustacean fragments, zoea larvae, amphipods, copepods and shrimps. In both, fish stomach and intestine, crustacean fragments were the most frequent item. The second most frequent items were shrimp in the stomach, and amphipods in the intestine (mainly represented by their tubes). These results demonstrate that P corvinaeformis can be considered a carnivore, with a preference on benthic organisms. (AU)