Ictiofauna recifal dos Parrachos de Maracajaú (RN) na área dos flutuantes: inventário e estrutura da comunidade

Abstract

In the south-western Atlantic several works using methods of visual census and direct observation were carried out in order to obtain ecological information about reef environments and thus maintain them in a sustainable way. This context justifies the present research that aims to list the species that occur in the Parrachos de Maracajaú (RN), contribute to the management plan of the environmental protection area (APA) of the referred parrachos, to know ecological aspects of the fish communities as abundance , diversity and equitability as well as observing the behavior of species in relation to the presence of tourists and / or divers. 32 visual censuses were reported through linear transect, from January to July 2001, 79 species belonging to 58 genera and 36 families were identified. The families with the largest participation in number of species were Scaridae, Haemulidae and Serranidae. Harengula clupeola, although infrequent, showed the greatest abundance due to the fact that it forms large schools. The other most abundant species were Haemulom aurolineatum and Stegates fuscus. The species were classified according to their reaction to the tourist or diver, as bold, aloof and indifferent. Following the diver was observed in Lutjanus synagris and Holocentrus adscensionis. It is recommended to continue the studies to better evaluate the composition of the community regarding the age of the individuals and structure in areas with less anthropic interference.