First record of the exotic Indothais lacera (Gastropoda, Muricidae) in Brazil

Bioinvasions are one of the main causes of the decline of native biodiversity. Indothais lacera (Born, 1778) is a car-nivorous gastropod, native to the Indo-Pacific. We present the first records of I. lacera on the Brazilian coast and the first re-cord of this invasive species in the Western Atlantic. The specimens were found in two locations in the Baía de Todos os Santos, Bahia state, northeast of Brazil. Live specimens were collected in the Itapagipe Peninsula, in Ribeira, Salvador, and dry samples (empty shells) were collected in the extreme north of Itaparica Island. Molecular analyses indicate that there was more than one event of introduction of I. lacera in the bay and alert to the potential impacts that this species can have on the benthic com-munity in the region. We suspect that this exotic species is affecting a native population of Thaisella, which was previously lo-cally abundant but has since become rare.(AU)

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: Threats and conservation strategies / Biodiversidade de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes capturadas por redes de arrasto de médio e fundo do Baluchistão e costas de Sindh do mar da Arábia no Paquistão: Ameaças e estratégias de conservação

Abstract This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information's regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: Threats and conservation strategies

Abstract This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H'=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H'=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more informations regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline

Resumo Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H' = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H' = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Temporal variation in composition, abundance and biomass of the fish fauna after impact on subtropical transitional water

Transitional waters are characterized by large variations in salinity, temperature, turbidity, among other factors, such as tidal cycle, wind action and rainfall, that are constantly changing over time. The distribution of biota in these environments is regulated by these natural variations and also by human activities, such as pollution, overexploitation of resources, acceleration of urbanization, suppression of habitats and changes in hydrological dynamics. The objective of this study was to analyze the temporal dynamics of the fish fauna of the Saco dos Limões Cove, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, after the construction of a highway. Fish community was evaluated over five years by annual and monthly variation in species richness, abundance and biomass. A total of 17,993 individuals were collected, distributed in 33 families, 59 genera and 79 species. The evaluated years were similar to each other in species composition. Community descriptors varied over time but did not show seasonal trends. In all years, abundance was higher than biomass, indicating both the disturbance and the ecosystem function as a nursery in the studied area. This was corroborated by the large number of juveniles of dominant species (Genidens genidens, Eucinostomus gula and Eucinostomus argenteus).(AU)

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: threats and conservation strategies / Biodiversidade de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes capturadas por redes de arrasto de médio e fundo do Baluchistão e costas de Sindh do mar da Arábia no Paquistão: ameaças e estratégias de conservação

This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H’=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H’=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more information’s regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline.

Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H’ = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H’ = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.

Biodiversity of commercially important finfish species caught by mid-water and bottom trawls from two different coasts of Arabian Sea: threats and conservation strategies / Biodiversidade de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes capturadas por redes de arrasto de médio e fundo do Baluchistão e costas de Sindh do mar da Arábia no Paquistão: ameaças e estratégias de conservação

This study was conducted to estimate the diversity and the occurrence of commercially important finfish species collected by twenty fish sampling site of Sindh and Baluchistan coasts of the Arabian Sea in Pakistan from January to December 2019. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics of seawater were analyzed from these selected sites and found to be within suitable ranges required for fish growth and survive. A total of 81287 fish individuals were collected and identified as 49 species belonging to 26 families in our study. The most diversified family was Sparidae (13 species) followed by Carangidae and Lutjanidae (4 species), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 species), and Sciaenidae (2 species). The remaining 20 families were represented by only one species. The values of Shannon diversity index calculated for the four selected habitats revealed that high fish diversity was reported at Sonmiani Coast (H=1.81), while less at Ormara Coast (H=0.23). Likewise, Evenness index (E) was high at Sonmiani Coast (E=0.50) and less fish diversity was reported at Ormara Coast (E=0.06). Reducing risks to threatened marine species in coastal habitats also requires conservation actions at multiple scales. Thus, it was concluded that our study could be valuable in providing the more informations regarding to the diversity of finfish species and their occurrence along the Pakistan Coast. Further, to better understand the effects, regular monitoring and conservation measures should be taken to mitigate the influence of anthropogenic activities and protect finfish diversity from further decline.(AU)

Este estudo foi conduzido para estimar a diversidade e a ocorrência de espécies de peixes comercialmente importantes coletadas por vinte locais de amostragem de peixes nas costas de Sindh e Baluchistão do mar da Arábia, no Paquistão, de janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Além disso, as características físico-químicas da água do mar foram analisadas a partir desses peixes locais selecionados e considerados dentro dos intervalos adequados necessários para o crescimento e sobrevivência dos peixes. Um total de 8.1287 indivíduos de peixes foi coletado e identificado como 49 espécies pertencentes a 26 famílias em nosso estudo. A família mais diversificada foi Sparidae (13 espécies), seguida por Carangidae e Lutjanidae (4 espécies), Mullidae, Serranidae, Ariidae (3 espécies) e Sciaenidae (2 espécies). As 20 famílias restantes foram representadas por apenas uma espécie. Os valores do índice de diversidade de Shannon calculados para os quatro habitats selecionados revelaram que uma alta diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa Sonmiani (H = 1,81), enquanto menos na costa Ormara (H = 0,23). Da mesma forma, o índice de regularidade (E) foi alto na costa de Sonmiani (E = 0,50) e menos diversidade de peixes foi relatada na costa de Ormara (E = 0,06). A redução dos riscos para as espécies marinhas ameaçadas em habitats costeiros também requer ações de conservação em várias escalas. Assim, concluiu-se que nosso estudo pode ser valioso para fornecer mais informações sobre a diversidade de espécies de peixes finos e sua ocorrência ao longo da costa do Paquistão. Além disso, para compreender melhor os efeitos, medidas regulares de monitoramento e conservação devem ser tomadas para mitigar a influência das atividades antropogênicas e proteger a diversidade de peixes finos de um declínio maior.(AU)

Life-History traits of Hollandichthys multifascitus (Eigenmann & Norris, 1900) (Characiformes: Characidae) in coastal Atlantic Forest blackwater streams from Southeastern Brazil

Ecological and life history traits have been used to understand the basic ecology of fishes. This study aimed to examine the existence of plasticity in life history traits of populations of Hollandichthys multifasciatus in ten blackwater streams. This is an inseminating Characidae, endemic to the Atlantic coastal drainages of Brazil. Different aspects of the life-history of the species, such as mean length, sex ratio, absolute and relative fecundity, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, length-weight relationship and the growth parameter (b) of 185 specimens were studied during the period of low precipitation (June-September). Fish samples were obtained along a 100 m stretch of each stream, and some habitat variables recorded. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated a similarity in most of the analyzed traits, with exception of the mean length of immatures, Gonadosomatic Index of mature males and condition factor of immatures and mature adults. Also, slope tests of the length-weight relationship were significantly different for immatures. The observed differences were attributed to heterogeneity in food availability and/or other site-specific factors, which may influence growth and/or breeding aspects among the studied localities. The approach used herein may improve understanding of trait plasticity under natural conditions, helping to understand fish-community responses to anthropogenic changes.(AU)

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons (Feia and Vermelha lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third (Caraís lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the Caraís lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the Vermelha lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the Vermelha are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. Vermelha lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons ('Feia' and 'Vermelha' lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third ('Caraís' lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the 'Caraís' lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the 'Vermelha' lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the 'Vermelha' are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. 'Vermelha' lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.

Diet composition of abundant fish species in the shallow waters of the Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil

Coastal habitats have great ecological importance with estuarine environments providing feeding sites for many fish species, especially during juvenile life stages. This study investigates the diet composition and trophic guild organization of the common and abundant ichthyofauna in shallow areas of the Todos os Santos Bay (TSB), Bahia, Brazil, and their relationships with environmental parameters. Six fish sampling campaigns were carried out in the shallow zones (infralittoral) of the Paraguaçu River estuary which encompasses the inner and outer (marine exposure) reaches of theTSB. The stomach contents of 1231 individualsbelonging to common and abundant species were examined. A total of 32 food items were identifiedand fish were into four trophic guilds: detritivores, zoobenthivores I, zoobenthivores II, and zooplanktivores. The relationship between the guilds and environmental parameters showed that zoobenthivores II and zooplanktivores guilds had a positive relationship with salinity and pH, explaining 86% of data variability, though only the salinity variable was significant. This study provides basic information about the diet composition of common and abundant species in the TSBand their organization into trophic guilds. In addition, demonstrates that shallow waters fish across all guilds have broadly similar diets, comprising food items that are usually associated with bottom waters.

Diet composition of abundant fish species in the shallow waters of the Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil

Coastal habitats have great ecological importance with estuarine environments providing feeding sites for many fish species, especially during juvenile life stages. This study investigates the diet composition and trophic guild organization of the common and abundant ichthyofauna in shallow areas of the Todos os Santos Bay (TSB), Bahia, Brazil, and their relationships with environmental parameters. Six fish sampling campaigns were carried out in the shallow zones (infralittoral) of the Paraguaçu River estuary which encompasses the inner and outer (marine exposure) reaches of theTSB. The stomach contents of 1231 individualsbelonging to common and abundant species were examined. A total of 32 food items were identifiedand fish were into four trophic guilds: detritivores, zoobenthivores I, zoobenthivores II, and zooplanktivores. The relationship between the guilds and environmental parameters showed that zoobenthivores II and zooplanktivores guilds had a positive relationship with salinity and pH, explaining 86% of data variability, though only the salinity variable was significant. This study provides basic information about the diet composition of common and abundant species in the TSBand their organization into trophic guilds. In addition, demonstrates that shallow waters fish across all guilds have broadly similar diets, comprising food items that are usually associated with bottom waters.(AU)

Drivers of damselfishes distribution patterns in the southwestern Atlantic: tropical and subtropical reefs compared

Damselfishes are known keystone species of reef environments, however large-scale distribution patterns are poorly studied in the southwestern Atlantic. We evaluated main drivers of distribution of three conspicuous damselfishes, along tropical and subtropical coastal systems, in Brazil. Abundances were assessed against wave exposure, depth (within 1-7 m in tropical and 1-11 m in subtropical reefs) and benthic cover. Despite differences between systems, exposure and depth consistently explained damselfishes distribution. Stegastes fuscus, the larger damselfish species of the genus in the southwestern Atlantic, was dominant in both systems, inhabiting preferably shallow and sheltered reefs. Conversely, Stegastes variabilis occupied shallow habitats with higher exposure. Stegastes pictus was absent from tropical reefs sampled, inhabiting depths >7 m, in subtropical reefs. Species were weakly associated with benthic features, which poorly predicted changes in abundances. Regardless, S. fuscus showed association with articulated calcareous algae, and S. variabilis juveniles associated with erect macroalgae. Despite occurring in very distinctive reef systems, Brazilian damsels habitat requirements are consistent in both tropical and subtropical reefs. While highly persistent species, long term monitoring will inform us how they respond to pervasive global changes and human impacts along Brazilian reefs.(AU)

Os peixes donzela são espécies-chave em ambientes recifais, contudo seus padrões de distribuição em grande escala são pouco conhecidos no sudoeste do Atlântico. Avaliamos os principais descritores de distribuição para três espécies comuns em sistemas recifais tropicais e costões rochosos subtropicais costeiros no Brasil, em resposta a diferentes regimes de exposição a ondas, profundidade e cobertura bentônica. Apesar das grandes diferenças entre estes sistemas, a exposição das ondas e a profundidade consistentemente explicaram sua distribuição. Stegastes fuscus é numericamente dominante, sendo a maior espécie do gênero no Atlântico sudoeste, dominando recifes rasos e menos hidrodinâmicos, enquanto S. variabilis foi mais abundante em habitats com maior hidrodinamismo. Stegastes pictus foi ausente nos recifes rasos tropicais amostrados e, nos recifes rochosos subtropicais, foi mais abundante em profundidades acima de 7 m. Características do substrato influenciaram pouco a densidade, porem S. fuscus apresentou associação a algas calcárias articuladas, enquanto juvenis de S. variabilis se associaram a macroalgas eretas. Peixes donzelas são generalistas e persistentes, ocorrendo em ambientes distintos, e mesmo assim, regulados de forma especifica e consistente ao longo da costa. O monitoramento a longo prazo nos informará como elas responderão às constantes mudanças globais e impactos antrópicos nos recifes brasileiros.(AU)

Drivers of damselfishes distribution patterns in the southwestern Atlantic: tropical and subtropical reefs compared

Damselfishes are known keystone species of reef environments, however large-scale distribution patterns are poorly studied in the southwestern Atlantic. We evaluated main drivers of distribution of three conspicuous damselfishes, along tropical and subtropical coastal systems, in Brazil. Abundances were assessed against wave exposure, depth (within 1-7 m in tropical and 1-11 m in subtropical reefs) and benthic cover. Despite differences between systems, exposure and depth consistently explained damselfishes distribution. Stegastes fuscus, the larger damselfish species of the genus in the southwestern Atlantic, was dominant in both systems, inhabiting preferably shallow and sheltered reefs. Conversely, Stegastes variabilis occupied shallow habitats with higher exposure. Stegastes pictus was absent from tropical reefs sampled, inhabiting depths >7 m, in subtropical reefs. Species were weakly associated with benthic features, which poorly predicted changes in abundances. Regardless, S. fuscus showed association with articulated calcareous algae, and S. variabilis juveniles associated with erect macroalgae. Despite occurring in very distinctive reef systems, Brazilian damsels habitat requirements are consistent in both tropical and subtropical reefs. While highly persistent species, long term monitoring will inform us how they respond to pervasive global changes and human impacts along Brazilian reefs.(AU)

Os peixes donzela são espécies-chave em ambientes recifais, contudo seus padrões de distribuição em grande escala são pouco conhecidos no sudoeste do Atlântico. Avaliamos os principais descritores de distribuição para três espécies comuns em sistemas recifais tropicais e costões rochosos subtropicais costeiros no Brasil, em resposta a diferentes regimes de exposição a ondas, profundidade e cobertura bentônica. Apesar das grandes diferenças entre estes sistemas, a exposição das ondas e a profundidade consistentemente explicaram sua distribuição. Stegastes fuscus é numericamente dominante, sendo a maior espécie do gênero no Atlântico sudoeste, dominando recifes rasos e menos hidrodinâmicos, enquanto S. variabilis foi mais abundante em habitats com maior hidrodinamismo. Stegastes pictus foi ausente nos recifes rasos tropicais amostrados e, nos recifes rochosos subtropicais, foi mais abundante em profundidades acima de 7 m. Características do substrato influenciaram pouco a densidade, porem S. fuscus apresentou associação a algas calcárias articuladas, enquanto juvenis de S. variabilis se associaram a macroalgas eretas. Peixes donzelas são generalistas e persistentes, ocorrendo em ambientes distintos, e mesmo assim, regulados de forma especifica e consistente ao longo da costa. O monitoramento a longo prazo nos informará como elas responderão às constantes mudanças globais e impactos antrópicos nos recifes brasileiros.(AU)

A summary of reptile and anuran amphibian species from Brazilian sandy coastal plains: 31 years of sampling efforts of the Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Um resumo das espécies de répteis e anfíbios anuros das planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras: 31 anos de esforços de amostragem do Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Although currently there is already a set of studies regarding ecological aspects of some particular reptile and amphibian species living in Brazilian sandy coastal plains (including the so-called restinga and campo nativo habitats), there is comparatively few information on the species composition usually associated to these environments. During 31 years (1988-2019) of herpetological studies carried out in sandy coastal plains environments by our research team of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Ecology (Department of Ecology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil) we have surveyed reptile and amphibian communities and performed different studies with similar methods in 70 sites from 10 different states along the Brazilian coast. Our surveys resulted in records of 87 species of reptile (five turtles, two crocodylians, six amphisbaenians, 36 lizards and 39 snakes) from 24 families, and 77 species of anuran amphibians from nine families. We have studied multiple natural history topics for anurans and reptiles which resulted in the publication of some specific ecological studies, especially regarding some species, encompassing population and community ecology, foraging and feeding habits, species activity, thermoregulation, reproduction, use of microhabitats, and parasitism by ecto and endoparasites. Our results along these three decades have also contributed for the description of four new lizard species (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis and G. itabaianensis). Our studies constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of the ecology of anuran amphibians and reptiles in these ecosystems, as well as to the conservation of sandy coastal plains environment. The checklist presented in this study, based on our records of sandy coastal plains herpetofauna, provides for many localities along the Brazilian coast, the needed knowledge on species occurrence, including the presence of endemic and/or endangered species, which can be of value for many conservation actions.(AU)

Embora atualmente exista um conjunto de estudos sobre aspectos ecológicos de algumas espécies de répteis e de anfíbios que ocorrem nas planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras (incluindo os chamados habitats de restinga e de campo nativo), há relativamente poucas informações sobre a composição de espécies geralmente associada a esses ambientes. Durante 31 anos (1988-2019) de estudos herpetológicos realizados em restingas por nossa equipe de pesquisa do Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados (Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) nós estudamos comunidades de répteis e de anfíbios e realizamos diferentes estudos com métodos semelhantes em 70 localidades de dez diferentes Estados ao longo da costa brasileira. Nossas pesquisas resultaram em registros de 87 espécies de répteis (cinco tartarugas, dois crocodilianos, seis anfisbênios, 36 lagartos e 39 serpentes) de 24 famílias, e 77 espécies de anfíbios anuros de nove famílias. Estudamos vários tópicos de história natural sobre anuros e répteis, que resultaram na publicação de alguns estudos ecológicos específicos, especialmente em relação a algumas espécies, abrangendo ecologia populacional e de comunidades, forrageamento e dieta, horário de atividade de espécies, termorregulação, reprodução, uso do microhabitat e parasitismo por ecto e endoparasitas. Nossos resultados ao longo dessas três décadas também contribuíram para a descrição de quatro novas espécies de lagartos (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis e G. itabaianensis). Nossos estudos constituem uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da ecologia de répteis e de anfíbios anuros nesses ecossistemas, bem como para a conservação dos ecossistemas de restinga. A lista de espécies apresentada neste estudo, com base em nossos registros de herpetofauna das planícies costeiras arenosas, fornece para muitas localidades ao longo da costa brasileira o conhecimento necessário sobre a ocorrência de espécies, incluindo a presença de espécies endêmicas e/ ou ameaçadas de extinção, que podem ser úteis para muitas ações de conservação.(AU)

Bat species composition associated with restinga lagoons from the Paulo César Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo, Brazil

Restingas are coastal ecosystems associated with the Atlantic Forest. They are threatened by habitat degradation and forest fragmentation due to intense human occupation. Many restingas have coastal lagoons formed by bay sedimentation of bays, the presence of river estuaries, or emerging groundwater. The distance between lagoons and the ocean influences the biotic community in them. This study aimed to compare the diversity (composition, abundance and richness) of bat communities associated with three lagoons within the Paulo Cesar Vinha State Park, Espírito Santo state. Two lagoons (‘Feia and ‘Vermelha lagoons) are 2 km away from the ocean, while the third (‘Caraís lagoon) is just a few meters distant from the ocean. Species composition did not differ among the lagoons. Abundance of Carollia perspicillata and Glossophaga soricina was higher in the ‘Caraís lagoon. Abundance of Artibeus lituratus and Platyrrhinus lineatus was higher in the ‘Vermelha lagoon. Species with higher abundance in the ‘Vermelha are usually associated with urban and disturbed environments. ‘Vermelha lagoon is closer to human settlements and this could be a major driver of bat species abundance associated with this lagoon instead of distance from the ocean. These results may be used to guide conservations efforts in the restingas or habitats associated with restingas.(AU)

A checklist of aquatic macrophytes of the Guaraguaçu river basin reveals a target for conservation in the Atlantic rainforest

Describing and understanding distribution of species in natural ecosystems is the first step to establish conservation efforts. In aquatic habitats, macrophytes play a central role in promoting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study aimed to create the first checklist of aquatic macrophyte species occurring in the Guaraguaçu river, the largest river in Paraná State coast, Brazil. Species herborized, identified and incorporated into the Herbarium collection of the Universidade Federal do Paraná. A total of 47 species were registered corresponding to 37 genera and 29 botanical families; Cyperaceae and Poaceae were the most representative families. In addition, the wide invasion of the non-native species Urochloa arrecta (Hack. ex T. Durand & Schinz) Morrone & Zuloaga was registered and the presence of the floating-leaved non-native species Nymphaea caerulea Savugny was recorded. Even so, the inventory shows a noteworthy richness of aquatic macrophytes species in the Guaraguaçu river, and it is clear macrophyte species reflect a gradient of anthropic impact and salinity in this tidal estuarine river. Our study contributes to the creation of public policies to aid in the protection of this river that represents a central site for biological conservation efforts, yet is constantly threatened by anthropic activities.

A checklist of aquatic macrophytes of the Guaraguaçu river basin reveals a target for conservation in the Atlantic rainforest

Describing and understanding distribution of species in natural ecosystems is the first step to establish conservation efforts. In aquatic habitats, macrophytes play a central role in promoting biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study aimed to create the first checklist of aquatic macrophyte species occurring in the Guaraguaçu river, the largest river in Paraná State coast, Brazil. Species herborized, identified and incorporated into the Herbarium collection of the Universidade Federal do Paraná. A total of 47 species were registered corresponding to 37 genera and 29 botanical families; Cyperaceae and Poaceae were the most representative families. In addition, the wide invasion of the non-native species Urochloa arrecta (Hack. ex T. Durand & Schinz) Morrone & Zuloaga was registered and the presence of the floating-leaved non-native species Nymphaea caerulea Savugny was recorded. Even so, the inventory shows a noteworthy richness of aquatic macrophytes species in the Guaraguaçu river, and it is clear macrophyte species reflect a gradient of anthropic impact and salinity in this tidal estuarine river. Our study contributes to the creation of public policies to aid in the protection of this river that represents a central site for biological conservation efforts, yet is constantly threatened by anthropic activities.(AU)

A summary of reptile and anuran amphibian species from Brazilian sandy coastal plains: 31 years of sampling efforts of the Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Although currently there is already a set of studies regarding ecological aspects of some particular reptile and amphibian species living in Brazilian sandy coastal plains (including the so-called restinga and campo nativo habitats), there is comparatively few information on the species composition usually associated to these environments. During 31 years (1988-2019) of herpetological studies carried out in sandy coastal plains environments by our research team of the Laboratory of Vertebrate Ecology (Department of Ecology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro Brazil) we have surveyed reptile and amphibian communities and performed different studies with similar methods in 70 sites from 10 different states along the Brazilian coast. Our surveys resulted in records of 87 species of reptile (five turtles, two crocodylians, six amphisbaenians, 36 lizards and 39 snakes) from 24 families, and 77 species of anuran amphibians from nine families. We have studied multiple natural history topics for anurans and reptiles which resulted in the publication of some specific ecological studies, especially regarding some species, encompassing population and community ecology, foraging and feeding habits, species activity, thermoregulation, reproduction, use of microhabitats, and parasitism by ecto and endoparasites. Our results along these three decades have also contributed for the description of four new lizard species (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis and G. itabaianensis). Our studies constitute an important contribution to the knowledge of the ecology of anuran amphibians and reptiles in these ecosystems, as well as to the conservation of sandy coastal plains environment. The checklist presented in this study, based on our records of sandy coastal plains herpetofauna, provides for many localities along the Brazilian coast, the needed knowledge on species occurrence, including the presence of endemic and/or endangered species, which can be of value for many conservation actions.

Resumo Embora atualmente exista um conjunto de estudos sobre aspectos ecológicos de algumas espécies de répteis e de anfíbios que ocorrem nas planícies costeiras arenosas brasileiras (incluindo os chamados habitats de restinga e de campo nativo), há relativamente poucas informações sobre a composição de espécies geralmente associada a esses ambientes. Durante 31 anos (1988-2019) de estudos herpetológicos realizados em restingas por nossa equipe de pesquisa do Laboratório de Ecologia de Vertebrados (Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) nós estudamos comunidades de répteis e de anfíbios e realizamos diferentes estudos com métodos semelhantes em 70 localidades de dez diferentes Estados ao longo da costa brasileira. Nossas pesquisas resultaram em registros de 87 espécies de répteis (cinco tartarugas, dois crocodilianos, seis anfisbênios, 36 lagartos e 39 serpentes) de 24 famílias, e 77 espécies de anfíbios anuros de nove famílias. Estudamos vários tópicos de história natural sobre anuros e répteis, que resultaram na publicação de alguns estudos ecológicos específicos, especialmente em relação a algumas espécies, abrangendo ecologia populacional e de comunidades, forrageamento e dieta, horário de atividade de espécies, termorregulação, reprodução, uso do microhabitat e parasitismo por ecto e endoparasitas. Nossos resultados ao longo dessas três décadas também contribuíram para a descrição de quatro novas espécies de lagartos (Ameivula nativo, Glaucomastix littoralis, G. abaetensis e G. itabaianensis). Nossos estudos constituem uma importante contribuição para o conhecimento da ecologia de répteis e de anfíbios anuros nesses ecossistemas, bem como para a conservação dos ecossistemas de restinga. A lista de espécies apresentada neste estudo, com base em nossos registros de herpetofauna das planícies costeiras arenosas, fornece para muitas localidades ao longo da costa brasileira o conhecimento necessário sobre a ocorrência de espécies, incluindo a presença de espécies endêmicas e/ ou ameaçadas de extinção, que podem ser úteis para muitas ações de conservação.

The recapture of Leptopanchax opalescens (Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae), a critically endangered seasonal killifish: habitat and aspects of population structure

Leptopanchax opalescens (Myers, 1942) is a small seasonal killifish endemic to coastal drainages in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Leptopanchax opalescens was recaptured in temporary open vegetation pools (22°42.35S, 43°41.59W) in the hydrographic basin of the Guandu River, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after eight years without records. Information on habitat and population parameters (Capture per unit area (CPUA), size, sex ratio and length-weight relationship (LWR)) are given to provide subsidies for the conservation of this species. Specimens were captured during the rainy season (January-April 2020) in shallow pools (mean depth = 21 ± 12 s.d. cm), with relatively acidic pH (5.2 ± 0.8) and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (3.5 ± 1 mg/L). The estimated CPUA of the population was 0.89 fish/m2. The total length (TL) of males ranged from 21.1 to 28.8 cm, and females ranged from 17.0 to 31.2 mm. Males were significantly larger (t-test = 2.04, p 0.05) than females, which were in greater proportion (2.83Female: 1Male, p 0.001). A positive allometric coefficient (b = 3.19) was found through length-weight relationship curve, indicating that individuals of the species gain proportionally more increment in weight than in length. Leptopanchax opalescens is a critically endangered species, and the results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the distribution, population structure and conservation of the species and its natural habitats.

The recapture of Leptopanchax opalescens (Aplocheiloidei: Rivulidae), a critically endangered seasonal killifish: habitat and aspects of population structure

Leptopanchax opalescens (Myers, 1942) is a small seasonal killifish endemic to coastal drainages in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Leptopanchax opalescens was recaptured in temporary open vegetation pools (22°42.35S, 43°41.59W) in the hydrographic basin of the Guandu River, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, after eight years without records. Information on habitat and population parameters (Capture per unit area (CPUA), size, sex ratio and length-weight relationship (LWR)) are given to provide subsidies for the conservation of this species. Specimens were captured during the rainy season (January-April 2020) in shallow pools (mean depth = 21 ± 12 s.d. cm), with relatively acidic pH (5.2 ± 0.8) and low concentrations of dissolved oxygen (3.5 ± 1 mg/L). The estimated CPUA of the population was 0.89 fish/m2. The total length (TL) of males ranged from 21.1 to 28.8 cm, and females ranged from 17.0 to 31.2 mm. Males were significantly larger (t-test = 2.04, p 0.05) than females, which were in greater proportion (2.83Female: 1Male, p 0.001). A positive allometric coefficient (b = 3.19) was found through length-weight relationship curve, indicating that individuals of the species gain proportionally more increment in weight than in length. Leptopanchax opalescens is a critically endangered species, and the results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the distribution, population structure and conservation of the species and its natural habitats.(AU)