Assessment of larval distribution of invasive Omobranchus punctatus (Valenciennes, 1836) (Pisces: Blenniidae) in a subtropical estuary (Southern Brazil)

The occurrence and spatio-temporal distribution of the larvae of exotic Blenniidae Omobranchus punctatus (Valenciennes, 1836) was studied at Babitonga Bay, a subtropical estuary of Southern Brazilian Coast. Samples were collected in 26 ichthyoplankton surveys (28 stations) from April 2004 to August 2008. Oblique hauls were used, with both a conical plankton net fitted with 200µm mesh and by a cylindricalconical plankton net fitted with 500µm mesh (two and five minutes hauls, respectively). Larvae occurred continuously throughout the sampling and an increase in density was observed in the period from November to April. Specimens were registered throughout the study area. The occurrence of a wide range of ontogenetic stages indicates that the species is maintaining the population within Babitonga Bay. The lack of information about the potential impacts of O. punctatus in the ichthyoplankton assembly, with regard to ecological interactions and the food chain suggests the need for further studies