Macrobrachium Spence Bate, 1868 (Decapoda: Palaemonidae): New records, range extension and geographic distribution in the Northeastern Caatinga & Coastal Drainages, and São Francisco hydrographic ecoregions, Northeast of Brazil

This study constitutes the most comprehensive effort ever done to assess the faunal diversity of the Macrobrachium genus within two ecoregions that encompass part of the northeastern Brazil: the Northeastern Caatinga & Coastal Drainages, and the S?o Francisco (Lower-middle and Lower portions). Through sampling in several of their hydrographic basins, bibliographic research, and consulting scientific collections, our results reveal the occurrence of five species along these ecoregions: Macrobrachium acanthurus, M. amazonicum, M. carcinus, M. jelskii and M. olfersii. We also provide the first record of these species for several river basins in both ecoregions. Additionally, we confirm the occurrence of M. carcinus from Rio Grande do Norte State and provide updated distribution maps for each species in the studied area. This carcinofauna survey may form the basis for future evaluations of eventual anthropic impacts on biological diversity resulting from projects being implemented in these regions, which involve the S?o Francisco interbasin water transfer.

Automated summary

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of faunal diversity of the Macrobrachium genus in two ecoregions in northeastern Brazil, identifying five species and recording their occurrence in several river basins for the first time. It also serves as a basis for future evaluations of potential anthropic impacts on biological diversity in these regions.