As many as 2,632 specimens of the atherinid Xenomelaniris brasiliensis were collected through a monthly beach seine survey programme in coastal beaches of the complex bay-estuary of Santos and São Vicente, from December, 1984 to November, 1985. The occurrence, growth, length-weight relationship, condition factor, meristics counts and body proportions of the species were analysed X. brasiliensis was found year-round in the region and was more abundant from summer to fall; one length group was observed and the largest size captured was 131.6 mm TL. Recruitment of the yearlings to the fishing gear started in the late spring and could be related to a winter spawning.
Growth; Length-weight relationships; Condition factor; Meristics counts; Morphometry; Xenomelaniris brasiliensis; Atherinidae; Estuaries; Santos; São Vicente; Brazil