Folk taxonomy of the gray mullets (Mugilidae: Mugiliformes) in a marine extractivist reserve of northern Brazil

Fish local knowledge is important to recognize species and contribute to conservation and management strategies. Thus, our aim was to provide diagnostic information for the rapid identification of Mugilidae species in Caete-Taperacu Extractive Reserve in Braganca (PA) in northern Brazil. A total of 28 fishers were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Most of the interviewees have lived in their resident village since birth and have been involved in artisanal fishers for at least 12 years. Eight generic folk taxa were identified, including 'tainha', which was the vernacular name most used to define the Mugil genus. Each scientific species had at least two folk generic taxa and one species. Mugil curema, M. rubrioculus, and M. trichodon were all included in the same ethnospecies, 'tainha chata'. Most of the scientific species were referred to at least once as the ethnospecies 'caica', this name was applied most often to Mugil brevirostris, which is the smallest species found in northern Brazil. The principal characteristics used by the fishers were morphological traits, however, some behavioral characteristics were also taken into account. These findings should contribute to the elaboration of ethnotaxonomic keys that facilitate the rapid identification of Mugil harvested by the region's artisanal and industrial fisheries.

Automated summary

Fish local knowledge is essential for species recognition and conservation strategies. In this study conducted in northern Brazil, semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather information from 28 fishers, leading to the identification of diagnostic information for the rapid identification of Mugilidae species. The fishers used both morphological and behavioral traits to distinguish between different species.