Eleven ecomorphological attributes and diet of seventeen juvenile fish species were examined to test the hypothesis that morphological patterns determine resource uses in estuarine habitats. Species were separated according to the apparatus to food capture and habitat use (benthic or pelagic) in three different groups: (1) a group with depressed fish body, strong caudal peduncle and enlarged pectoral fins; (2) a second group laterally flattened with a wide protruding mouth, and (3) a third group strongly flattened with small pectorals fins. The following six trophic groups were organized based on prey categories: Zooplanktivores, Benthivores, Omnivores, Detritivores, Macrocarnivores and Insectivores. Significant results (PERMANOVA) between ecomorphological indices and habitat and between ecomorphological indices and trophic groups were found. These data indicate that similarity of ecomorphological forms, which minimize the influence of environment and partitioning of food, would help facilitate the co-existence of these fish when they are abundant in this tropical estuary.Onze atributos ecomorfológicos e a dieta de dezessete espécies de peixes juvenis foram examinados para testar a hipótese de que os padrões morfológicos determinam a utilização dos recursos em habitats estuarinos. As espécies foram separadas de acordo com o modo de captura do alimento e uso do habitat (bentônicos ou pelágicos) em três grupos distintos: (1) um grupo de peixes depressiformes, com forte pedúnculo caudal e nadadeiras peitorais alargadas; (2) um segundo grupo, compressiforme, com ampla boca protrusível, e (3) um terceiro grupo, fortemente achatado e com pequenas nadadeiras peitorais. Seis grupos tróficos foram organizados com base nas categorias de presas: Zooplanctívoros, Bentívoros, Omnívoros, Detritívoros, Macrocarnívoros e Insetívoros. Foram encontrados resultados significativos (PERMANOVA) entre os índices ecomorfológicos e o habitat e entre os índices ecomorfológicos e os grupos tróficos. Estes dados indicam que a similaridade ecomorfológica, que reflete o ambiente e o tipo de alimento consumido, facilitaria a coexistência desses peixes quando estes são abundantes neste estuário tropical.

The differences between fish assemblages in three microhabitat types, in relation to vegetation and sediment characteristics of a hypersaline estuary located in an semi-arid zone in north-eastern Brazil, were investigated. Fishes were collected using a beach seine during the rainy and dry seasons in 2012. A total of 78 species were recorded, with the most common families being Gerreidae, Lutjanidae and Tetraodontidae. The majority of species were represented by juveniles, with Eucinostomus argenteus, Ulaema lefroyi and Sphoeroides greeleyi being the dominant species. The fish assemblage structures differed significantly among microhabitat types, with the narrow intertidal flat adjacent to the mangrove fringe supporting the most diverse fish fauna. In addition, only 27 species were common to all of the microhabitats. The results support the hypothesis that hypersaline estuaries serve as important nursery areas for various reef fish species, due to the structural complexity provided by their macroalgae beds and mangroves.

Background This study aimed to survey the knowledge and use of mammals by the residents of the rural community of Capivara in the municipality of Solânea (Paraíba State, Northeast Brazil) and to propose a new method of using the use value as a tool for data analysis in ethnozoological surveys. Methods The uses attributed to mammals were recorded through semi-structured interviews conducted with the breadwinners (men and women) living in the community. The species were identified through guided tours, by descriptions made by the interviewees, and using specimens donated by them, as well as by comparison with the pertinent scientific literature (morphological and ecological). Through the use value differentiated analysis, it was possible to distinguish the current use value of the species (effective use) from their potential use value (knowledge, but no effective use) to determine their real importance related to the uses cited by the studied group. Results Nineteen species were cited; however, only 17 of them were identified and then distributed in 13 families. The other species were identified at the genus level Leopardus sp. and order Rodentia. The species were classified into 6 categories of use: food, captive breeding, zootherapeutic, artisanal, magic/religious, and veterinary purposes. Conclusions This article discusses possible conservation solutions, given the irregular exploitation of some species, warning about the biodiversity, and traditional knowledge conservation.

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