Abstract

GONDOLO, Guilherme Fernandez; MATTOX, George Mendes Taliaferro  and  CUNNINGHAM, Patricia Teresa Monteiro. Ecological aspects of the surf-zone ichthyofauna of Itamambuca Beach, Ubatuba, SP. Biota Neotrop. [online]. 2011, vol.11, n.2, pp. 183-192. ISSN 1676-0603.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1676-06032011000200019.

Sandy beaches are among the most extensive environments in Brazil and are generally threatened by disorderly urban growth due to their location along the coast, where human populations tend to concentrate. This is especially true in southeastern Brazil, where the largest urban areas are located. Thus, better knowledge regarding these natural resources is of considerable importance. The surf zone of sandy beaches is inhabited by a number of fish species, including juveniles seeking both food and shelter from predators. An ecological survey was conducted in the surf zone of Itamambuca beach in the city of Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil, in order to evaluate the composition, structure and dynamics of the fish fauna using community descriptors. Diurnal and nocturnal samples were taken with a beach seine at five oceanographic stations over a 12-month period. Water temperature and salinity were also recorded. A total of 2,147 individuals representing 34 species and 18 families were sampled. The main variation in fish fauna was detected on the diel level, followed by a spatial repartition possibly related to salinity. Seasonal variation was also observed. The five most important species in the overall context were Atherinella brasiliensis, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Mugil sp., Trachinotus goodei and Atherinella blackburni.

Keywords : marine fish; sandy beach; community; West Atlantic; seasonal; diel cycle.