Ethnoichthyology of artisan fishermen from Siribinha, municipality of Conde (Bahia): aspects related to the ethology of fishes

Abstract

This paper aimed to record the ethnoichthyological knowledge of fishermen from Siribinha, an artisan fishing community located in the municipality of Conde, northern coast state of Bahia. In this article, the native perception about fish behavior is observed including sound production, reproduction, and trophic ecology. Data were obtained through open and semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires conducted with 84 informants, men and women of varying ages. Fish specimens were collected, identified, and deposited at the Laboratory of Ichthyology of the Department of Biology at Feira de Santana State University (UEFS). Fishermen perceive the fish behavior by classifying it into 18 ethological ethnocategories, such as “jumping fish”, “travelling fish”, “schooling fish”, and “bed-maker fish”. This traditional ichthyological knowledge has shown itself consistent with the western ichthyological knowledge. Fishermen’s knowledge about fish’s ethological characters is a significant resource that they utilize during their fishing activities. This knowledge should be incorporated in studies of management, conservation, and rational utilization of fishing resources