Salinity-driven habitat use of marine-estuarine batoids on the Amazon Coast.
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| Title: | Salinity-driven habitat use of marine-estuarine batoids on the Amazon Coast. |
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| Authors: | Palmeira-Nunes, Ana Rita Onodera1 (AUTHOR) anarits@gmail.com, de Souza Rosa, Ricardo2 (AUTHOR), Nunes, Jorge Luiz Silva1 (AUTHOR), Piorski, Nivaldo Magalhães1 (AUTHOR), de Luna Sales, João Braullio3 (AUTHOR), Santos, Jamerson Aguiar4 (AUTHOR), Martins, Ana Paula Barbosa5 (AUTHOR), Hauser-Davis, Rachel Ann6 (AUTHOR), Rincon, Getulio7 (AUTHOR), Coelho, Keyton Kylson Fonseca8 (AUTHOR), Rodrigues-Filho, Luís Fernando9 (AUTHOR), Wosnick, Natascha10 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Environmental Biology of Fishes. Nov2025, Vol. 108 Issue 11, p1763-1782. 20p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Salinity, *Estuaries, *Chondrichthyes, *Marine resources conservation, *Larvae, *Climate change, *Brackish waters, *Habitat conservation |
| Abstract: | The behavioral plasticity of non-marine elasmobranch species allows these animals to strategically inhabit areas where salinity aligns with their physiological needs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate habitat use by rays in an Amazonian estuary, following a categorization of non-marine species based on the type of environment in which critical life history phases occur. Data on the capture of ray species in fishing weirs were acquired through a monitoring program conducted from March 2011 to April 2012. One hundred and forty-five coastal-estuarine rays, representing seven species, were sampled over 1 year in the estuary, across a salinity range from 12.9 to 41.3 ppt (26.8 ± 11.6 ppt). The dominant presence of neonates and juveniles, constituting approximately 70% of the total rays captured year-round, is noteworthy. Additionally, the presence of pregnant females with embryos at various developmental stages indicates the importance of the study area for the life cycle of various elasmobranch species. Our data suggest that Hypanus guttatus and Hypanus geijskesi fit into the estuarine generalist category, and Gymnura aff. micrura fits into the non-marine transient category. We identify salinity as a key driver of ray temporal distribution within the Amazonian coast, a crucial region for elasmobranch conservation. Future studies should, therefore, aim to understand how climate change might impact elasmobranch habitat use in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Database: | Energy & Power Source |
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| Abstract: | The behavioral plasticity of non-marine elasmobranch species allows these animals to strategically inhabit areas where salinity aligns with their physiological needs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate habitat use by rays in an Amazonian estuary, following a categorization of non-marine species based on the type of environment in which critical life history phases occur. Data on the capture of ray species in fishing weirs were acquired through a monitoring program conducted from March 2011 to April 2012. One hundred and forty-five coastal-estuarine rays, representing seven species, were sampled over 1 year in the estuary, across a salinity range from 12.9 to 41.3 ppt (26.8 ± 11.6 ppt). The dominant presence of neonates and juveniles, constituting approximately 70% of the total rays captured year-round, is noteworthy. Additionally, the presence of pregnant females with embryos at various developmental stages indicates the importance of the study area for the life cycle of various elasmobranch species. Our data suggest that Hypanus guttatus and Hypanus geijskesi fit into the estuarine generalist category, and Gymnura aff. micrura fits into the non-marine transient category. We identify salinity as a key driver of ray temporal distribution within the Amazonian coast, a crucial region for elasmobranch conservation. Future studies should, therefore, aim to understand how climate change might impact elasmobranch habitat use in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 03781909 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10641-025-01702-x |
