Spatial, seasonal and diel distribution patterns of two species of mojarras (Pisces: Gerreidae) in a Mexican tropical coastal lagoon

Abstract

Spatial, seasonal and diel distribution patterns were analysed over a 2-year period for Diapterus auratus and Eucinostomus melanopterus in Pueblo Viejo lagoon, a tropical coastal lagoon in Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 216 samples were collected with 329 individuals of D. auratus and 170 of E. melanopterus. Diapterus auratus individuals were captured throughout a wider range of environmental conditions, and consequently its spatial niche breadth was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that of E. melanopterus. In general, more individuals were captured at localities with submerged vegetation (Ruppia maritima), with 70% for D. auratus and 87.2% for E. melanopterus, although only the latter species showed significant spatial differences. A spatial segregation influenced by distance from the lagoon inlet and salinity was observed between the species. It is considered that this segregation may allow resource partitioning and minimize interspecific competition. A relatively low niche overlap (4.9%) was observed for the two species. Seasonal capture peaks of D. auratus were related to rainfall and the productivity pattern in the lagoon system. Seasonal fluctuations in monthly mean number of D. auratus were correlated with preceding variations in local rainfall (r ¼ 0.86, P < 0.02). Moreover, seasonal capture peaks of D. auratus coincided with ecosystem primary production peaks. Although E. melanopterus exhibited no significant seasonal differences, its maximum numbers also coincided with an ecosystem primary production peak and recruitment patterns. In 24-h cycle analysis, both species were captured mainly around mid-day, with minor peaks at dawn and/or at dusk. Generally, few individuals were collected during hours of darkness. It was proposed that diel abundance variation of gerreids might be related to both light penetration in the water column and feeding activity. Food availability within Pueblo Viejo lagoon appears to be an important factor influencing fish abundance.

Spatial and temporal distribution of fish in Palmas bay, Ubatuba, Brazil

“…argenteus, as well as other Gerreidae, are omnivores and daytime feeders (KERSCHNER et al, 1985;AGUIRRE-LEÓN;YÁÑEZ-ARANCIBIA, 1986;CASTILLO-RIVERA, 2005). However, their occurrence in the present study was greater at night, both in the summer and winter, meaning that their capture did not reflect the period of greatest feeding activity.…”

Morphology and morphometric relationships of the sagitta of <i>Diapterus auratus</i> (Perciformes: Gerreidae) from Veracruz, Mexico

“…A member of this family is Diapterus auratus, the Irish Pompano or Mojarra Guacha. In Mexico, this species, is one of the most abundant species of the Southern part of the Gulf of Mexico and is an important part of the commercial fisheries (Castillo-Rivera et al 2005). However, in spite of their abundance, studies of their biology and anatomy are scarce (Kobelkowsky 2004).…”

Patterns of spatial distribution of five species of mojarras (Actinopterygii: Gerreidae) in a small tropical estuary in south-eastern Brazil

“…The fifth species (E. argenteus) was widely distributed being common in the two estuarine zones. Castillo-Rivera et al (2005) found the Gerreidae E. melanopterus and D. auratus in a protected coastal lagoon where the salinity changed between 0.5 and 33 throughout the year. The wide coastal area in the lower estuary is hardly limiting the distribution of E. brasilianus and E. melanopterus in these reaches.…”