Peces arrecifales de la región de santa marta (Caribe colombiano). I. lista de especies y comentarios generales

In the Santa Marta region (El Rodadero to Guachaquita),Departamento del Magdalena (Colombian Caribbean), 372 fish species have been found. A list of species is presented and the most important oceanographic and ecologic characteristics of the region are discussed. It is expected that the total number of fish species living in the continental shelf of the departamento is above 600. After comparing the list of Santa Marta fishes with those from three other regions of the tropical western Atlantic, largest differences were found with St. Croix. Due to the biological richness of the Santa Marta region, a considerable marine area was included in the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona. It is necessary to implement a policy of rational management of the park.