Inter-decadal changes in fish communities of a tropical bay in southeastern Brazil

摘要: Abstract Long-term evaluations of coastal fish communities worldwide have in many cases showed a decrease the species richness and abundance as result anthropogenic impacts. Fish two zones (inner outer) tropical bay southeastern Brazil were sampled monthly during six years over decades (1983–1985, 1993–1995, 1999–2001) using identical sampling methods. Over time, an increase temperature water transparency detected, while salinity remained stable. assemblage was dominated by benthivorous both migrant resident species. The structure differed significantly between zones. Significant decreases richness, biomass detected time. highest recorded 1983–1985 1993–1995 for marine migrants straggler outer zone. Dominant such clupeoids Anchoajanuaria, Anchoa tricolor,Harengula clupeola, gerreid Eucinostomos argenteus,the sciaenid Micropogonias furnieri, atherinopsid Atherinella brasiliensis ariid Genidens barbus decreased whereas mugilid Mugil liza increased. Persistent differences three periods can be attributed at least part to environmental variables seem key ecological element maintenance biodiversity. This is first study examine long-term changes community Brazil.