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Changes in the environment and in the composition of fish assemblages in the Paranaguá Estuary (South Brazil) were assessed by comparisons made before, during and after dredging operations, in the same months and areas studied in the previous year. Interactions between year and month were observed for salinity. During the dredging year fish total density was 2 individuals m−2 and with a total biomass of 104 g m−2 (among 31 species captured). For the same period the year before, 0·3 individuals m−2 and 3 g m−2 were captured (38 species). The number of species showed significant time v. month interactions, assuming that fish species composition varied for both year and month. Total mean density and biomass showed significant differences for interaction time v. month, and density and biomass in the dredging month September 2001 in the main channel were scientifically different from other months. Interaction times v. area were significant for Cathorops spixii (increased biomass), Aspistor luniscutis (increased density), Menticirrhus americanus (decreased biomass) and Cynoscion leiarchus (decreased density and biomass). This suggests that during the dredging process there is a change in the structure of the demersal fish assemblage. The impact (damage and mortality) induced by dredging on the macrobenthic animals along the dredge path attracted adults of C. spixii that reached densities 10 times greater than in the year before. On the other hand, sciaenid species practically disappeared. To contribute to the conservation of the estuarine fish fauna, and maintain fisheries production of the Paranaguá Estuary and surrounding areas, it is recommended that, dredging should be done from the late rainy season to the early dry season. Decisions must take into account the ecological cycles of socio-economically important fish species and prioritize the safe disposal of dredged spoils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The density and biomass of different ontogenetic phases (juvenile, sub-adult and adult) of the two most important sympatric Gerreidae species in the Goiana Estuary, north-east Brazil, are described in order to determine the patterns of estuarine habitat use and to identify nursery grounds. Eugerres brasilianus and Eucinostomus melanopterus were the most abundant gerreids in the main channel and adjacent estuarine beach habitats. Eugerres brasilianus is abundant in the main channel, whereas E. melanopterus is most common in the beach habitats. Significant interaction in density and biomass of juvenile and sub-adult size classes of E. brasilianus was found between season and area. In addition, E. brasilianus adults and E. melanopterus sub-adults differed significantly in density and biomass between areas of the estuary. Both the upper estuary, during the late dry season, and the middle estuary, during the early rainy season, functioned as nursery habitats for E. brasilianus. During the early rainy season and dry season, the beaches were a nursery for the E. melanopterus. The concentration of these ontogenetic phases was mainly related to the dissolved oxygen and salinity gradients of the estuary, which drive not only gerreid movement between estuarine habitats but also moves the habitats. This study reinforces the importance of conserving the habitats of the Goiana Estuary so that species such as gerreids can complete their life cycle in the face of pressure from anthropogenic activities, such as mangrove forest deforestation, overfishing, fish contamination by plastic ingestion and domestic effluent disposal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estuarine fish research in South America began in the early 20th Century, but it is only within the last 40 years that detailed studies have been undertaken. This review firstly summarizes research results from South American estuaries by geographic area, starting with the temperate south-east, then the temperate-sub-tropical transition zone in Brazil, then the semi-arid and tropical estuaries of north and north-east Brazil including the Amazon complex, then the north and Caribbean coasts and finally down the Pacific coast of the continent. They include almost all types of estuarine systems, from large open systems ( e.g. the temperate Rio de La Plata and tropical Amazon) to extensive coastal lakes ( e.g. the temperate Patos Lagoon and tropical Cienega Grande de Santa Marta). They encompass a broad range of climatic and vegetation types, from saltmarsh systems in the south-east and fjords in the south-west to both arid and humid tropical systems, dominated by mangroves in the north. Their tidal regimes range from microtidal ( e.g. Mar Chiquita, Argentina) through mesotidal ( e.g. Goiana, Brazil) to macrotidal in the Amazon complex where they can exceed 7 m. The review uses where possible the recent standardization of estuarine fish categories and guilds, but the ways that fishes use tropical South American systems may necessitate further refinements of the categories and guilds, particularly in relation to freshwater fishes, notably the Siluriformes, which dominate many north and north-east South American systems. The extent to which South American studies contribute to discussions and paradigms of connectivity and estuarine dependence is summarized, but work on these topics has only just begun. The anthropogenic issue of pollution, particularly in relation to heavy metals and fishes and fisheries in estuaries is more advanced, but the possible effects of climate change have barely been addressed. Studies around conservation and management are briefly reviewed and the extent to which key factors are being addressed is examined. Although there have been major advances in knowledge of estuarine fishes in South America, information is patchy, with most data from relatively few systems in Argentina and Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 66 fish species belonging to 32 families were recorded between November 2012 and April 2014 in the southern arm of the delta to the Atrato River. Total length ( LT; range: 1·7-48 cm), total mass ( MT), LT and MT relationships ( b values ranged from 1·8 to 3·7, mostly with negative allometric growth), and LT frequency (for 25 species) were estimated for freshwater, estuarine and marine species. LT and MT of Porichthys pauciradiatus and Membras argentea are given for the first time and maximum LT records for 14 species exceed those in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diet and mouth growth rates of three Gerreidae species ( Eugerres brasilianus, Eucinostomus melanopterus and Diapterus rhombeus) were assessed at different ontogenetic phases (juveniles, sub-adults and adults) in order to detect allometric growth, and whether they are related to habitat and seasonal changes in the Goiana Estuary, north-east Brazil. The importance of each prey for each ontogenetic phase was described using the index of relative importance. The three species showed seasonal ontogenetic shifts in diet and allometric growth of mouth morphology. They also had an exclusively zoobenthic diet, comprising mainly Polychaeta, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Gastropoda and Bivalvia. Mouth development showed a possible influence on diet changes for E. melanopterus. Significant interactions ( P < 0·01) were detected among seasons, areas and ontogenetic phases for the most important prey for E. brasilianus and E. melanopterus. Diet overlaps are evidence of intra and interspecific competition among gerreids for specific prey. A conceptual model of the competition and seasonal diet shifts among ontogenetic phases of gerreids is given. The sediment ingested due to the feeding mechanisms of Gerreidae species could also partially explain the ingestion of synthetic items observed for all ontogenetic phases, which indicates one of a myriad effects of human activities ( e.g. artisanal fishery) in this estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of intertidal sandy beaches by fish and macrocrustaceans was studied at different temporal scales at the mouth of a tropical estuary. Samples were taken along the lunar and diel cycles in the late dry and rainy seasons. Fish assemblage (number of species, density and biomass), crustaceans and wrack biomass, showed significant interactions among all studied factors, and the combination of moon phase and diel cycle, resulting in different patterns of environmental variables (depth, water temperature and dissolved oxygen), affected habitat use by the different species. Variances in faunal community were detected between seasons, stimulated by salinity fluctuations from freshwater input during the rainy season. These differences suggest an important cycling of habitats and an increase in connectivity between adjacent habitats (estuary and coastal waters). Moreover, the results showed that this intertidal sandy beach also provides an alternative nursery and protected shallow-water area for the initial development phase of many marine and estuarine species. In addition, this intertidal habitat plays an important role in the maintenance of the ecological functioning of the estuarine-coastal ecosystem continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury loads in tropical estuaries are largely controlled by the rainfall regime that may cause biodilution due to increased amounts of organic matter (both live and non-living) in the system. Top predators, as Trichiurus lepturus, reflect the changing mercury bioavailability situations in their muscle tissues. In this work two variables [fish weight (g) and monthly total rainfall (mm)] are presented as being important predictors of total mercury concentration (T-Hg) in fish muscle. These important explanatory variables were identified by a Weibull Regression model, which best fit the dataset. A predictive model using readily available variables as rainfall is important, and can be applied for human and ecological health assessments and decisions. The main contribution will be to further protect vulnerable groups as pregnant women and children. Nature conservation directives could also improve by considering monitoring sample designs that include this hypothesis, helping to establish complete and detailed mercury contamination scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Significant differences in the composition of fish assemblages during different moon phases were detected in mangrove tidal creeks of the Goiana Estuary. The numbers of Zabaleta anchovy Anchovia clupeoides, Tarpon snook Centropomus pectinatus and Guavina Guavina guavina as well as at least 15 other species showed significant changes according to moon phase and were higher in terms of individuals (32%) and mass (34%) during the new moon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From December 2005 to November 2006, 216 samples were taken from the main channel of the Goiana Estuary, representing a total sampled area of 23 ha. Ariidae species were the most abundant in density (1600 individuals ha−1, 53%) and biomass (18 813 g ha−1, 63%). Cathorops spixii was the most abundant in density (1340 individuals ha−1) and biomass (14 203 g ha−1). The variables: number of species, total density and biomass, showed significant interactions between the factors of areas and seasons ( P < 0·01). The highest total density (7394 individuals ha−1) and biomass (70 292 g ha−1) occurred in the middle and upper estuaries, respectively, during the early-rainy season. The density of C. spixii differed significantly between areas and seasons ( P < 0·01), while Cathorops agassizii differed significantly only between seasons ( P < 0·01). The biomass differed significantly for the species C. spixii, C. agassizii and Sciades herzbergii between seasons, and C. spixii and C. agassizii between areas. Also, the density and biomass of C. spixii and C. agassizii showed interaction between areas and seasons. Only the biomass of S. herzbergii showed interaction between areas and seasons ( P < 0·01). This indicates that seasonal variations influenced the distribution of Ariidae species in the different areas of the Goiana Estuary. Moreover, canonical correspondence analysis highlighted a strongly significant correlation ( P < 0·01) between the seasonal variations of the environmental gradients (salinity and water temperature) and distribution of catfishes. The management and conservation of estuaries should take into account the life cycle of these species in different estuarine areas and hydrological seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal changes of fish species composition in terms of biomass, density and number of species in three areas of the main channel of the Paranaguá Estuary (axis east–west) are described in relation to seasonal fluctuations in salinity, water temperature and dissolved oxygen in the main channel. Two hundred and thirty-four samples were collected monthly, between July 2000 and June 2001, in the main channel. Seventy-nine species of 29 families were captured with a total estimated mean density and biomass of 1513 individuals ha−1 and 34 kg ha−1, respectively. The number of species and total mean density differed significantly among areas and seasons, but the total mean biomass differed only significantly throughout the ecocline (areas) of the Paranaguá Estuary. For the most abundant species, the mean densities of Stellifer rastrifer, Aspistor luniscutis, Menticirrhus americanus, Sphoeroides testudineus, Cynoscion leiarchus and Symphurus tesselatus (with the exception of Cathorops spixii and Genidens genidens) differed significantly among seasons. The mean biomass of these species, with the exception of G. genidens, S. rastrifer, A. luniscutis and S. testudineus, also differed significantly for the factor seasons. Area was a significant factor for the eight most abundant species (density and biomass), except S. testudineus (density), G. genidens, C. leiarchus and S. tesselatus (biomass). The season v. area interaction term was significant for C. leiarchus (density). Most of these differences occurred during the rainy season when fishes concentrated principally in the middle of the estuary, where the salinity remained stable. It is suggested that the salinity stability in the middle of the estuary is the main reason why the most estuarine resident fish species move downstream and remain there, regardless of the increased freshwater runoff. Moreover, canonical correspondent analysis output detected that during the late rainy season, the variable dissolved oxygen ( P < 0·01) was the most important environmental variable, responsible for structuring patterns of fishes assemblages in the west–east axis of Paranaguá Estuary. During the end of the dry season, both salinity ( P < 0·01) and dissolved oxygen ( P < 0·05) were responsible for this ecological feature in the estuary. Finally, it was possible to detect that juveniles and adults of some important species respond differently to seasonal fluctuations of the ecocline-determining environmental factors. This behaviour is suggested as a strategy to avoid competition and predation during the rainy season in the middle estuary. The Paranaguá Estuary did not fit with the pre-existing models described in the tropical and subtropical estuarine fish literature since its main channel fish assemblages remained within its bounds even during the rainy season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the seasonal changes of the fish species composition in three areas of the main channel of the Caeté River estuary, Brazil. The fish faunas of each habitat differed in density, biomass and species composition. Mean fish density and biomass for the Caeté River estuary channel was 0·25 individuals m−2 and 0·9 g m−2 respectively. Analysis of catch data showed that the number of species, total density and total biomass differed significantly between areas and seasons. For the most important species, the mean density ofCathorops spixii, Aspredinichthys filamentosus, Aspredosp. 2,Pimelodus blochii, Pseudauchnipterus nodosusandMacrodon ancylodon, differed significantly between seasons while the mean density ofStellifer rastrifer,Stellifer microps, Aspredo aspredo,Aspredosp. 1 andCynoscion acoupadid not. The mean biomass of these species, with exception ofS. micropsandAspredosp. 1, also differed significantly between seasons. In the Caeté estuary seasonal salinity fluctuations appeared to be the main factor that structured the fish assemblage in the entire estuarine system. At least 85% of the species captured by the artisanal and subsistence fisheries in the Bragantine region required estuarine conditions to complete their life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larval fish assemblage was examined along a salinity gradient of the Caete´ River Estuary situated in northern Brazil. A total of 35 555 larvae, representing 28 families and 63 taxa were collected in samples taken monthly between July 1996 and September 1997, with a mean concentration of 9 individuals per 100 m3. Sciaenidae was the most abundant family comprising 46·5% (11 species) of all teleosts sampled in the Caete´ River Estuary, followed by Engraulidae (41·9%, seven species). The most abundant larval taxa were the engraulid Anchovia clupeoides and the sciaenid Stellifer microps accounting together for 70·4% of the total catch. The most abundant developmental stages of A. clupeoides was preflexion larva, confirming that this species is resident. Apart from estuarine species, the upper estuary additionally has taxa associated with freshwater conditions, whereas species with marine affinities were captured in the lower estuary. The densities of most species were influenced to a greater degree by site than by season, showing maximum densities in the upper estuary. Larval density peaked in the upper estuary during the dry season and was lowest when freshwater discharge was at its maximum, which was attributed to an increased seaward drift of larvae. Species number was greatest in the upper estuary between the rainy and dry season. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]