Observações sobre o ciclo de vida da corvina, Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest) (Teleostei, Sciaenidae), no litoral do Estado do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract

A survey perfor- med in lhe Guaraluba Bay (25°52'S; 48°39'W) and lhe adjacent marine area has provided additional dala about lhe habils ofthe croaker in lhe soulhern coast ofBrazil. A dynamic pattem of movements along the marine and esluarine waters was observed, but it does not indicate spawning activity in the study area. During autumn/winter, pre-adults and adults use the marine waters. In springlsummer, following gonadal maturation, the individuais !eave this area and probab!y move to deeper walers, where they spawn. Until lhe end ofsummer, the estualy is then occupied by juveni!es cOllling frolll the marine spawning area. In autumn/winter, these juveni!es and the new pre-adults move to the marine zone adjacent to the bay and begin gonada! matllration. It is suggested that the Guaratuba Bay and the adjacent Illarine area constilule an important site for growth and recrllitment 01' the early life stages of M. furnieri and initia! stages of reprodllctive activity.