Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) along the Brazilian coast: occurrence, distribution, and environmental factors
Flôres, M.L.D.; Reis, V.C.L.; Bonetti, C.; Macena, B.C.L.; de Freitas, R.H.A. (2025). Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) along the Brazilian coast: occurrence, distribution, and environmental factors. Environ. Biol. Fish. Online first. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10641-025-01690-y
In: Environmental Biology of Fishes. Junk: The Hague. ISSN 0378-1909; e-ISSN 1573-5133, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Flôres, M.L.D.
- Reis, V.C.L.
- Bonetti, C.
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- Macena, B.C.L.
- de Freitas, R.H.A.
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| Abstract |
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are charismatic fauna of significant tourist and environmental interest. Nevertheless, their distribution in Brazil requires further investigation. Few studies have been conducted on the species in Brazil, with most reports focusing on sightings in Rio de Janeiro’s coast and the Saint Paul’s Rocks. These studies mainly addressed seasonality, records of occurrence, and the influence of upwelling processes. While these studies are valuable for understanding the species, they are limited in scope, considering the extent of the Brazilian coast. Therefore, the present study compiled the records of R. typus occurrences throughout Brazil. This was achieved through an extensive review of scientific papers and notes, as well as personal communication with fishing and diving agents on social media. Consolidating existing knowledge by including 72 new occurrences to the published database, we described the distribution pattern of the whale shark within the Brazilian Exclusive Economic Zone. We pointed out that to the south, the records are linked more to chlorophyll-a, while further north, they are linked to temperature. |
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