Desempenho dos diferentes métodos de amostragem na caracterização da ictiofauna associada ao manguezal da praia de Arpoeiras em Acaraú, Ceará

Abstract

Mangroves are important, not only because of their biodiversity, but also because of their economic importance, to the communities that live in their surroundings which depend directly and indirectly on the exploitation of their natural resources, e.g., fishes. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the ichthyofauna of the mangrove of Arpoeiras beach, in Acaraú - CE, and, to test the most suitable methods for sampling in this environment. Differents fishing gear were used as hooks, casting net and trap (manzuá). A total of 256 individuals were caught during the sampling period, distributed in 12 species, 10 families, 5 orders and 1 class, with high dominance for the species Lutjanus alexandrei (24.6%); Lutjanus jocu (24.2%); Eucinostomus argenteus (25.7%) and Diapterus auratus (8.9%). The casting net was the most efficient fishing gear due to its low selectivity in comparison with others fishing gear used. Analysis of the maturation stage, weight (g) and size (cm) of the specimens collected showed that all animals were sexually immature. These data confirm that mangroves are nursery areas for fish, including for species of economic interest, and conservation measures are necessary