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

• Main Authors: Ierecê Lucena Rosa, Tacyana P. R. Oliveira, André L. C. Castro, Luiz E. de Souza Moraes, Josias H. A. Xavier, Mara C. Nottingham, Thelma L. P. Dias, Leonardo V. Bruto-Costa, Maria E. Araújo, Alesandra B. Birolo, Ana C. G. Mai, Cassiano Monteiro-Neto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Ictiologia
• Series: Neotropical Ichthyology
• Subjects: Longsnout seahorse; Mangrove; Habitat use; Population structure; Brazil; Conservation
• Online Access: http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1679-62252007000300020&lng=en&tlng=en

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.