Peixes Marinhos das Águas Costeiras de Ponta Negra, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Abstract

Marine fish of the coastal waters of Ponta Negra, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The Ponta Negra beach, located in Natal city, Rio Grande do Norte State, hosts a great diversity of fish species of economical and ecological importance. These resources have suffered the destruction of their ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities, especially the high real estate speculation, the dumping of sewage and overfishing. The objective of this study was to determine the composition of fish species found in the coastal region of Ponta Negra, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. The sampling period extended from April to July 2011, during which the fish were captured, and 46 specimens of marine fish were analyzed, relating to the taxonomic identification of species. The presence of seven orders (Clupeiformes, Siluriformes, Beloniformes, Perciformes, Pleuronectiformes, Tetraodontiformes e Mugiliformes), 13 families (Pristigasteridae, Clupeidae, Engraulidae, Ariidae, Hemiramphidae, Carangidae, Gerreidae, Haemulidae, Polynemidae, Sciaenidae, Paralichthyidae, Tetraodontidae e Mugilidae) and 20 species of marine fishes were observed. The results of this work could enrich the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of coastal waters of Natal, besides providing information for future management planning and conservation of coastal resources.