[Fish species richness evaluation in Mexican coastal lagoons: a case study in the Gulf of Mexico].
We analyze the origin of knowledge about fish species richness in the Tuxpan-Tampamachoco estuarine system, in Veracuz, México. A complete inventory of the fish species known to date for this system (N = 179) was elaborated from published lists and from sampling seagrass meadows of Tampamachoco Lagoon, which yielded 14 previously unknown species. When compared, the different lists showed a low similarity that may reflect differences in sampling methods and collecting strategies. Current data suggest that fish species richness in Mexican coastal lagoons (Gulf of Mexico) is not related with lagoon surface area, as has been suggested, but with the number of inventories available for each lagoon, being these a reflection of the sampling effort. A sampling design for the assessment of fish species richness in estuarine systems should consider: a) using the highest possible variety of sampling fishing gears, b) collecting in all microhabitat types and c) the preference of bimonthly or quarterly samplings for two or more years over monthly samplings in a single year.
Pérez-Hernández
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Departamentos de Biología, D.C.B.S. Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Apdo, Postal 55-535, Código Postal 09340, México, D.F. maph@xanum.uam.mx
Torres-Orozco
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RE
D000818:Animals; D001267:Atlantic Ocean; D005399:Fishes / Q000145:classification*; D005618:Fresh Water; D008386:Marine Biology; D008800:Mexico; D012621:Seasons