An updated checklist and characterisation of the ichthyofauna (Elasmobranchii and Actinopterygii) of the Laguna de Tamiahua, Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Background. Laguna de Tamiahua is ecologically and economically important as a nursery area that favours the recruitment of species that sustain traditional fisheries. It has been studied previously, though not throughout its whole area, and considering the variety of habitats that sustain these fisheries, as well as an increase in population growth that impacts the system. The objectives of this study were to present an updated list of fish species, data on special status, new records, commercial importance, dominance, density, ecotic position, and the spatial and temporal distribution of species in the lagoon, together with a comparison of Tamiahua with 14 other Gulf of Mexico lagoons. Materials and methods. Fish were collected in August and December 1996 with a Renfro beam net and an otter trawl from different habitats throughout the lagoon. The species were identified, classified in relation to special status, new records, commercial importance, density, dominance, ecotic position, and spatial distribution patterns. Results. The 45 species collected by the authors plus an additional 125 species previously reported provided an updated list of 170 species. Families with the highest number of species were Sciaenidae (16 spp.) and Gobiidae (12 spp.). Poecilia latipunctata Meek, 1904 is endemic to Mexico and in danger of extinction and Hippocampus zosterae Jordan et Gilbert, 1882 is under special protection. New records are Ariopsis assimilis (Günther, 1864),

New records of elasmobranchs (Vertebrata: Elasmobranchii) from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

“…They generally have warm and shallow water, and they are protected by layers of vegetation such as algae and mangrove roots (Abarca-Arenas et al 2016). Besides, many marine species, both juveniles and adults migrate to coastal lagoons in search of food (Raz-Guzmán et al 2018). This is the explanation for the presence of G. lessae in Alvarado Lagoon, and it is the first record of this species in this lagoon system.…”

“…While in the north and central-western Atlantic, it is replaced by the species G. lessae, from southern Massachusetts and Buzzards Bay, USA, to the Gulf of Mexico (Yokota & Rodrigues de Carvalho 2017). This species is frequently captured in Mexican coastal waters of the Gulf (Zea-de la Cruz et al 2016) and usually ventures into estuarine environments, such as the Celestún Lagoon (Vega-Cendejas 2004), the Términos lagoon, Campeche (Paz-Ríos et al 2021), and in the Tamiahua, Tampamachoco and Ostión lagoons, in the state of Veracruz (Abarca-Arenas et al 2016, Raz-Guzmán et al 2018). However, it had not been recorded in Alvarado Lagoon, Veracruz (Chávez-López et al 2009).…”

Predicting the Distribution of the Invasive Species Atractosteus spatula, the Alligator Gar, in China

“…The Alligator Gar (scientific name: Atractosteus spatula), a type of gar within the gar family and gar genus, is native to North America, inhabiting the Mississippi River basin, chiefly southwestern Ohio and southern Illinois, and the Gulf of Mexico [19][20][21]. It is listed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.…”

An update to the inventory of shore-fishes from the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Veracruz, México

“…of Veracruz state(Castro-Aguirre et al 1999; Chao et al 2015 a;Raz-Guzmán et al 2018). The update does not include this record.…”