title: Structure and diversity of fishes in a freshwater and coastal subtropical lagoon.
abstract: This study examined the fish communities of Peri Lagoon in southern Brazil to aid in the development of an effective management plan because the area is under threat from human activities. Sampling of fish fauna, ichthyoplankton and limnological data were compared between sites, differing by habitat type and characteristics such as depth, substratum composition and vegetation type. Results were significantly related to site, with the highest diversity and abundance recorded at shallow vegetated sites. A total of 14 fish species were recorded throughout the lagoon, with the most abundant being Hyphessobrycon luetkenii. Of the 14 species, half were sampled at their larval stage, suggesting a healthy and protected system. Significantly more larvae and eggs were collected during colder months (autumn to winter) and at sites closer to stream flow, possibly owing to increased food sources and habitat protection. This study highlights the importance of Peri Lagoon as a nursery ground for a wide range of fish species, providing essential information for incorporation into the future protection of fish stocks throughout Brazil.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Cultivation of Freshwater Fish, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Aquaculture Departament, Rodovia Francisco Thomaz dos Santos 3532, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88066-260, Brazil.
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Cultivation of Freshwater Fish, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Aquaculture Departament, Rodovia Francisco Thomaz dos Santos 3532, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88066-260, Brazil.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Guereschi
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Cultivation of Freshwater Fish, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Aquaculture Departament, Rodovia Francisco Thomaz dos Santos 3532, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88066-260, Brazil.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Cultivation of Freshwater Fish, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Aquaculture Departament, Rodovia Francisco Thomaz dos Santos 3532, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88066-260, Brazil.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biology and Cultivation of Freshwater Fish, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Aquaculture Departament, Rodovia Francisco Thomaz dos Santos 3532, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88066-260, Brazil.
authors.forename: A P O
authors.initials: APO
authors.lastname: Nuñer
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D044822:Biodiversity; D001938:Brazil; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005399:Fishes / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology; D005618:Fresh Water; D010063:Ovum; D012621:Seasons; D012623:Seawater
keywords: Peri Lagoon; fish community; freshwater environment; ichthyoplankton