Small distances, great differences: a case study involving the biomass of reef seaweeds and fishes on the coast of Paraíba, Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Shallow reefs on the coast of Paraíba state are poorly known. An analysis at three stations (Prot = protected; SP = semi-protected; Exp = exposed) with different gradients of wave exposure revealed significant (p < 0.05) differences related to the biomass of seaweed (Prot = SP ≠ Exp). Station Exp with 9.97g (23%) presented the lowest value followed by SP with 10.93 (25%) and Prot with 22.55g (52%). The values suggest that the biomass of seaweeds is inversely related to the gradative higher exposure to waves. Additionally, a first record of Wrangelia argus (Montagne) Montagne was made for the coast of Paraíba.