Spatial and temporal patterns of Scaridae larvae (Pisces: Perciformes) from Brazil northeast in relations to oceanographic factors

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize spatial and temporal patterns of Scaridae larvae and to analyze the influence of hydrological (temperature and salinity) and biological factors (phytoplanktonic biomass and zooplanktonic biomass) on larvae densities. Ichthyoplankton was collected during four expeditions: Period 1 (August – October 1995), Period 2 (January – April 1997), Period 3 (April – July 1998) and Period 4 (September – December 2000), realized in the Northeast Exclusive Economic Zone. One specie (Cryptotomus roseus) and one genus (Sparisoma sp.) were identified. Sparisoma sp. was the most abundant genus (94% of the total), with higher abundance during all Periods. Cryptotomus roseus was the less abundant specie, representing 6% of the total identified larvae. Scaridae larvae were collected more frequently within the oceanic zone of the Northeast Brazil. Cryptotomus roseus presented larger distribution with the maximum density during period 3, between Maceió and Aracajú, Sparisoma sp. larvae were found mainly in oceanic stations and near São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago. The multiple regression analysis between densities of taxa and oceanographic factors was significant for C. roseus, but wasn´t significant for Sparisoma sp.