Feeding and reproductive dynamics of the damselfish, Stegastes fuscus in the coastal reefs of northeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study reports on the temporal dynamics of feeding and reproduction of the damselfish, Stegastes fuscus in the coastal rocky reefs of northeastern Brazil. Water temperatures and rainfall data were registered and fish were captured on a monthly basis during one year. Fish body weights and lengths were measured and the stomachs were removed and classified according to the degree of fullness. The gonads were weighed, examined for sex determination and maturation was determined based on macroscopic inspections. A higher frequency of females (78%) was registered in relation to males (22%). The lowest mean degree of stomach fullness was observed in August and the highest in January. Only 2.49% of the fish had empty stomachs and 97.51% had mainly macroalgae in their stomachs. The period of February to August was associated to a long phase of gonadal resting in males and females. Two peaks of spawning were registered during January and September - October.