Biochemical characterization of the mullets [Mugil sp] at Cananéia estuarine region, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

In order to verify the occurrence of one or more species of the mullet Mugil sp in the estuarian-lacustrine region of Cananeia, São Paulo, Brazil, 482 qualitative and 289 quantitative analyses were performed from electrophoretic patterns of general proteins of eye-lens comparatively among individuals of the same length and of different numbers of scales in lateral series (NES), and among those of different lengths with the same NES. The results showed a variation of NES between 30 and 40 scales, with an average of 35.22, a standard deviation of 0.0089 and a confidence interval of 35.04 to 35.39. In individuals with different NES, no variation was detected in the patterns, suggesting that a single species occurs in the region. Considering only the average value of NES, without taking into account the amount of variation, the species in question would be Mugil platanus. Quantitative variations were found in the patterns relative to growth, the most notable changes occurring in the juvenile phase, before the first maturity length.