Biological and ecological aspects of Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes, 1837) (Perciformes, Gobiidae) from Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil

Abstract

Bathygobius soporator (popularly known as "Maria da toca") is a species that, although abundant, is little studied in aspects regarding growth, feeding and reproduction in southern Brazil. Studies on trophic ecology still raise questions on the species’ actual diet, especially in the context of algae participating as a food resource or an accidental intake. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap, evaluating the growth, feeding, and reproduction of this species. Monthly samples from two periods (1997-1998 and 2005-2006) were analyzed for growth, feeding, and reproduction parameters, totalizing 1177 individuals evaluated. Our results demonstrate that Bathygobius soporator is a species of fast development, reaching the age of first maturation before the first year of life. It presents a sexual dimorphism, being males larger than females. Reproductive peaks occur in the spring and summer months. The species presented a broad trophic spectrum, including algae as the main food resource, not just an accidental intake. The omnivorous-opportunistic trophic ecology of this species is emphasized, agreeing with the information of previous studies.

FEEDING HABITS OF Paralonchurus brasiliensis (PERCIFORMES: SCIAENIDAE) FROM SOUTH OF BRAZIL

“…Sand ingestion may be considered accidental and reinforces the species´ benthic habit (Barrilli et al, 2021a). However, it is not possible to discard the hypothesis that sand ingestion is voluntary and continuous when considering the diversity of macrobenths found in marine sediments such as Cnidaria, Nematoda, Polychaeta, Crustacea and Ophiuroidea, among others (Branco and Verani, 1997;Araújo et al, 2014).…”