Fish fauna from the estuaries of Ceará state, Brazil: a checklist in support of conservation of the Brazilian semiarid coast

Abstract

We extensively surveyed eight estuaries along the coast of the state of Ceará in northeastern Brazil. We include local samples and data compiled from online databases and the literature. Our sampling resulted in a checklist of the estuarine fish fauna, 126 species, and provides original information from some of the estuaries. Most of the sampled marine species are widely distributed, and many are important commercial species for arti-sanal fisheries. The addition of records from existing inventories and online collections increases the number of species to 245, of which 11 are threatened (Critically Endangered or Vulnerable) and six are introduced. Our study provides an updated list of fish species of the estuaries along the semiarid coast of Brazil and is intended to support further research, conservation, and management efforts.