Population characteristics, space use and habitat associations of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi (Teleostei: Syngnathidae)

This paper provides a case study of a threatened seahorse species, Hippocampus reidi, highlighting the importance of using ecological information to assist conservation and management initiatives. Underwater visual sighting data (50 x 2m transect) gathered along the NE, SE and S portions of the Brazilian coast revealed an unequal distribution across localities, perhaps related to harvesting pressure, and a mean density of 0.026 ind.m-2. Our findings suggest some restricted spatial use by H. reidi, which was consistent with its estimated home range, and with re-sighting of specimens. Reproduction was recorded year-round, however productive peaks may exist. Components of habitat structure mostly used as anchoring points were mangrove plants, macroalgae, cnidarians, seagrass, sponges, and bryozoans. Conservation recommendations include: further characterization and mapping of habitats; assessment of availability and condition of microhabitats in selected areas, and studies on dispersal routes during initial life stages.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Rosa,Ierecê Lucena, Oliveira,Tacyana P. R., Castro,André L. C., Moraes,Luiz E. de Souza, Xavier,Josias H. A., Nottingham,Mara C., Dias,Thelma L. P., Bruto-Costa,Leonardo V., Araújo,Maria E., Birolo,Alesandra B., Mai,Ana C. G., Monteiro-Neto,Cassiano
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia 2007
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1679-62252007000300020
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