Ichtyoplankton Distribution on the North Coast of Brazil

Objective: Analyze the existence of patterns of distribution, composition and abundance of ichthyoplankton species and the possible mechanisms related to environmental variables Theoretical Framework: The research was based on specific literature and morphological and morphometric characteristics used in larval identification. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to verify the influence of environmental variables on larval abundance and distribution. The partial Mantel test was used to verify differences in the formation of fish larval assemblages. Method: Ichthyoplankton and environmental variables were collected at seven points (MA1 to MA7) along a 10-nautical-mile transect between points on the Maranhão Continental Shelf (PCM). A 300-µm conical-cylindrical net with horizontal trawling was used for ichthyoplankton collection Results and Discussion: Species richness and diversity varied among sites, with sites (MA1-MA3) characterized by a set of species with low richness and diversity, with the presence of abundant species. From site MA4 onward, species richness and diversity were high. The partial Mantel test demonstrated that the ichthyoplankton composition consisted of characteristic species sets related to the environmental conditions of the sampling sites. Research Implications: The application of statistical analysis contributed to a comprehensive view of the distribution of fish species larvae and their environmental preferences according to their characteristics. Originality/Value: It is expected that these results will contribute to the maintenance of local fish stocks, in addition to contributing to SDG 14 and the conservation of marine biodiversity