Revisão taxonômica das espécies do gênero Sphyraena Röse, 1793 (Teleostei, Perciformes, Sphyraenidae) ocorrentes na costa leste da América do Sul

Abstract

A taxonomic revision of the species of the genus Sphyraena Röse, 1793 (Teleostei, Perciformes, Sphyraenidae) occurring in eastern coast of South America waters is presented. The study was based on specimens obained along the coast from off the State of Ceará (about 04º00'S – 39º00'W) to Santa Catarina (about 29º00'S – 49º00'W). Synonyms cited from Brazil, diagnosis, and notes on colour patterns, distribution and habitat are included for each species. A key for the species which occur in Brazil is presented. The following species are recognized from eastern coast of South America waters: S. barracuda (Walbaum, 1792) - which occurs along the coast and the four oceanic islands of Brazil –, S. guachancho Cuvier, 1829 – which occurs along the entire coast –, S. sphyraena (Linnaeus, 1758) - known from a single specimen from Cabo Frio (about 23º00'S – 42°00'W) –, and S. borealis De Kay, 1842 – which occurs along the entire coast and of which S. tome Fowler, 1903 is a junior synonym. S. picudilla Poey, 1860, recorded from Brazil, has not been identified among the material examined and apparently does not occur in Brazilian waters. S. branneri Ribeiro, 1915, described from a single specimen from the State of Pernambuco (about 08º00'S – 35º00'W) is considered a junior synonym of S. guachancho.