Spatial and temporal variations of diurnal ichthyofauna on surf-zone of São Francisco do Itabapoana beaches, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

• Main Authors: Gomes Marcelo Paes, Cunha Miguel Siano, Zalmon Ilana Rosental
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Instituto de Tecnologia do Paraná (Tecpar) 2003-01-01
• Series: Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology
• Subjects: Spatial and temporal variations; community ichthyofauna structure; surf-zone; environmental variables; north coast of Rio de Janeiro
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-89132003000400020

Spatial and temporal variations of diurnal ichthyofauna and the environmental variables influences on its distribution were studied at the surf-zone of three beaches of São Francisco do Itabapoana, northern coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From August/1999 to August/2000, three beach seine hauls were made monthly, and environmental variables were recorded. A total number of 4,562 fishes (74,155g) were sampled at the three beaches, where estuarine-dependent species prevailed (44%), followed by marine (31%), estuarine (19%) and freshwater species (3%). Species richness, number of individuals and wet weight were significantly higher at Gargaú, followed by Manguinhos and Barra do Itabapoana, respectively. Canonical Correspondence Analysis highlighted influences of the rivers flushing, salinity and plant abundance on the diurnal ichthyofauna distribution and dynamics of São Francisco do Itabapoana surf-zone.