Distribution and abundance of Syngnathus louisianae and Syngnathus scovelli (Syngnathidae) in Tamiahua lagoon, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

A total of 190 pipefishes of the species Syngnathus louisianae and Syngnathus scovelli were collected in Tamiahua Lagoon, Veracruz (Mexico), between 1994 and 1995. Seasonal variations in abundance (0.0009–0.0045 ind/m2), biomass (0.0005–0.0090 g/m2) and average weight (0.31–1.98 g/ind) of both species are related to the population structure throughout the life histories and the seasonal environmental changes in the system. The biomass of S. louisianae peaked during the rainy season (0.0045 ind/m2, 0.0090 g/m2) and that of S. scovelli during the nortes season (0.0035 ind/m2, 0.0011 g/m2). Juveniles (35–120 mm TL) and adults (85–250 mm TL) of both species are found in seagrass habitats with salinities of 18.5–21.4‰. Both species have separate refuge, growth and feeding areas, which allows a better partitioning of space and food resources within the ecosystem. This can modify the spatial and temporal distribution and abundance patterns according to the life cycle.