Identity of Fish Fry from the “Tetí” Fishery in Eastern Cuba

Abstract Fisheries of juvenile and larval fishes (i.e., fish-fry fisheries) often exploit the migratory behavior of diadromous species on their return to rivers. Although these fisheries are common worldwide, fish-fry fisheries are subject to insufficient management and the identity of the target species is frequently unknown. The artisanal fish-fry fishery in Cuba is known as “Tetí,” and is restricted to the eastern region of the country. Fishing “Tetí” has been practiced for hundreds of years, but an increase in tourism has elevated demand in recent years and may pose a threat to the conservation of this natural resource. Also, it remains unclear if “Tetí” refers to one or to multiple species. The present study aims to identify the fish fry that make up the “Tetí” fishery in Eastern Cuba with genetic data. We first used a standard nucleotide BLAST to identify the sequences. Then, we recovered the phylogenetic position of these samples based on a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis that also used available sequences from GenBank. Here, we provide evidence that Busck's Stone-Biting Goby, Sicydium buscki (Gobiidae), is a component of the “Tetí” fishery in Cuba. However, whether this fishery includes one or more species remains a mystery until additional samples can be analyzed. This species identification represents the first efforts towards effective management that can be taken to regulate this fishery. Collecting additional scientific and fishing data from the “Tetí” fishery, and including them in local management plans, will be an important strategy for avoiding overfishing this resource.