Species boundaries of the whiptail catfish Rineloricaria (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the Paraíba do Sul River drainage, southeastern Brazil, with species redescriptions and description of a new species.

Species of the catfish genus Rineloricaria are common in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, in southeastern Brazil; here we present a revision of the taxonomic diversity and geographic distribution of the species of the genus inhabiting the basin, based on novel morphologic and molecular data. Five species delimitation methods based on cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 nucleotide sequences yielded comparable molecular operational taxonomic units. The automatic barcode gap discovery, assemble species by automatic partitioning, barcode index number, and Bayesian implementation of the Poisson tree process methods supported the recognition of five evolutionary lineages. These taxonomic units were assigned to the previously described Rineloricaria nigricauda, Rineloricaria steindachneri, Rineloricaria zawadzkii, and Rineloricaria nudipectoris, and an additional undescribed species. R. zawadzkii was further divided into two intraspecific geographically structured lineages using the generalized mixed Yule coalescent delimitation method. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five lineages from the Paraíba do Sul have closer relationships to different species from southern and southeastern Brazil (Ribeira de Iguape, Lagoa dos Patos, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Parana river basins) than to each other. Based on the analysis of lectotypes, recently collected material, and specimens from ichthyological collections, the poorly described R. nigricauda and R. steindachneri are redescribed following current descriptive standards. The undescribed species from the middle and upper Paraíba do Sul River basin is formally described. The description of a new species, along with the description of species boundaries in R. nigricauda and R. steindachneri, contributes to the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of the Paraíba do Sul River basin and adjacent coastal drainages of southeastern Brazil. An identification key for the species of Rineloricaria occurring in the Paraíba do Sul River basin is provided.

A new distinctively striped species of bushynose catfish (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Ancistrus) from the Pachitea River drainage, Pasco, Peru.

With 76 currently valid species, the bushynose catfish genus Ancistrus is the fourth most species-rich catfish genus, yet Ancistrus diversity remains underestimated, with many species still undescribed. This is especially true of the Peruvian Andean headwaters of the Amazon, which are rich in unnamed Ancistrus species but have received little recent taxonomic attention. We describe a distinctively striped new Ancistrus species from tributaries of the Palcazú River, in the Pachitea-Ucayali-Amazonas drainage basin. The new species differs from all congeners by having black, vermiculated lines covering the head and two to four distinct black, parallel, lateral body stripes from head to caudal fin (vs. body uniformly colored or with dark or light spots or blotches over head and body, or black vermiculate lines on flanks). The new species is the fifth valid species of Ancistrus described from the rich Ucayali River ichthyofauna. It has previously been recognized in the aquarium fish trade as L267.

Microplastic occurrence in fish species from the Iquitos region in Peru, western Amazonia / Ocurrencia de microplástico en especies de peces de la región de Iquitos, Amazonía occidental

The contamination of aquatic environments by microplastic has become a major threat to biodiversity. The presence of microplastic is documented in the aquatic fauna of the oceans, but, in the Amazon basin, reports on microplastic occurrence are few. The present study surveyed microplastic occurrence in fishes in an area of the Peruvian Amazon. We sampled 61 specimens of 15 commercial species from local markets in the city of Iquitos, Loreto Department. We detected a total of 2337 microplastic particles, 1096 in the gills and 1241 in the internal organs (esophagus, stomach, intestine, liver, gonads, pancreas, swim bladder and heart). The prevalence of microplastic particles was 100% and the overall average abundance was of 38.3 particles per individual (17.9 particles per individual in gills and 20.3 particles per individual in internal organs). Most particles were found in carnivorous fish. There was no correlation of particle abundance with fish standard length and weight. These results provided evidence of the degree of microplastic contamination of the fish fauna in the region of Iquitos.(AU)

La contaminación de ambientes acuáticos por microplásticos se ha convertido en una gran amenaza para la biodiversidad. La presencia de microplásticos está bien documentada en la fauna acuática de los océanos, pero en la cuenca del Amazonas hay pocos reportes de ocurrencia. En este trabajo se investigó la ocurrencia de partículas de microplásticos en peces de un área de la Amazonía peruana. Se obtuvieron 61 especímenes de 15 especies comerciales provenientes de los mercados locales de la ciudad de Iquitos. Se detectó un total de 2337 partículas de microplástico, 1096 en las branquias y 1241 en los órganos internos (esófago, estomago, intestinos, hígado, gónadas, páncreas, vejiga natatoria y corazón). La prevalencia de partículas de microplástico fue del 100% y la abundancia general de partículas de microplástico fue de 38.3 partículas por individuo (17.9 partículas por individuo en las branquias y 20.3 partículas por individuo en los órganos internos). La mayor cantidad de particulas fué encontrada en peces carnivoros. No hubo correlación entre la abundancia de las particulas y el tamaño estandar y peso de los peces. Estos resultados proporcionan evidencia de los niveles de contaminación por microplásticos en la fauna de peces amazónica en la región de Iquitos.(AU)

Comparación de cuatro métodos para contar peces en una bahía tropical: el caso del Área Marina de Manejo Bahía Santa Elena en el Pacífico de Costa Rica / Comparison of four methods to count fish in a tropical bay: the case of the Santa Elena Bay Marine Management Area in the Pacific of Costa Rica

Resumen Introducción: La naturaleza tropical está experimentando una amenaza sin precedentes que incluye comunidades de peces costeros que requieren un constante seguimiento de la presencia de especies. El uso simultáneo de varios métodos de monitoreo debería reducir el sesgo causado por la selectividad de cada método. Objetivo: Este estudio uso cuatro diferentes métodos de muestreo a lo largo de dos años para evaluar y comparar los ensamblajes de peces en el Área Marina de Manejo Bahía Santa Elena, Pacífico de Costa Rica. Métodos: Examinamos los cambios en la riqueza y composición de especies entre épocas de afloramiento y no afloramiento entre julio de 2019 y febrero de 2020. Aplicamos censos visuales, cámaras remotas submarinas; líneas de fondo; y pesca deportiva. Resultados: Identificamos 140 especies de peces (54 familias); las cámaras submarinas remotas detectaron el 83 %, seguido por los censos visuales submarinos (65 %), la pesca deportiva (16 %) y las líneas de fondo (14 %). Solo el método de pesca deportiva detectó diferencias en la riqueza y composición de especies entre temporadas. Conclusión: Las cámaras remotas parecen ser el mejor método para el conteo de especies y la pesca deportiva para detectar diferencias estacionales en las costas tropicales similares a la aquí estudiada.

Abstract Introduction: Tropical nature is experiencing an unprecedented threat that includes coastal fish communities that requires a close monitoring of species presence. The simultaneous use of several monitoring methods should reduce the bias caused by the selectivity of each method. Objective: This study used four different sampling methods over two years to assess and compare fish assemblages in the Santa Elena Bay Marine Management Area (AMM-BSE), North Pacific of Costa Rica. Methods: We examined changes in species richness and composition between upwelling and non-upwelling seasons from July 2019 and February 2020. We applied visual censuses, underwater remote cameras; bottom lines; and sport fishing. Results: We identified 140 species of fish (54 families); remote underwater cameras detected 83 %, followed by underwater visual censuses (65 %), sport-fishing (16 %) and bottom lines (14 %). Only the sport-fishing method detected differences in species richness and composition between seasons. Conclusion: Remote cameras appear to be the best method for species counts, and sport-fishing to detect seasonal differences in tropical coasts similar to the one studied here.

Changes in ecosystem functions generated by fish populations after the introduction of a non-native predator (Cichla kelberi) (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

The introduction of non-native predators is a matter of great concern, but their impacts on ecosystem functions remain poorly understood. We investigated how changes in fish diversity following the invasion of Cichla kelberi affected ecosystem functions generated by fish populations. Fish assemblages were sampled in macrophyte patches in a Neotropical impoundment over a 5-year period, before and after the introduction of the predator. We assigned seven ecosystem functions (26 trait-states) to each fish species, and examined how these functions behaved after the invasion. We collected 577 fish belonging to 25 species. Species richness, fish biomass and main species declined significantly over periods. The biomass of ecosystem functions changed significantly over time, and most trait-states declined. Few trait-states were lost, but all functions had at least one trait-state reduced by more than 85%. A null model analysis showed that changes in functions were not driven by species identities, while species richness correlated positively with total biomass and with most functions, suggesting that the loss of taxa and biomass drove observed changes in ecosystem functions. Our study provided evidence that community disassembly associated with the invasion of C. kelberi translated to the decline of several ecosystem functions, affecting energy mobilization and transference.(AU)

A introdução de predadores não-nativos tem gerado grande preocupação, mas seus impactos sobre a geração de funções ecossistêmicas permanecem pouco investigados. O presente estudo investigou como mudanças na diversidade de peixes, associadas com a invasão de Cichla kelberi, afetaram funções ecossistêmicas geradas por populações de peixes. As assembleias de peixes foram amostradas em bancos de macrófitas em um grande reservatório Neotropical durante um período de cinco anos, antes e depois da introdução do predador. Um conjunto de funções ecossistêmicas (26 trait-states) foi atribuído a cada espécie de peixe, e examinamos como as funções se comportaram depois da invasão. Foram coletados 577 peixes pertencentes a 25 espécies. Registramos declínio significativo da riqueza de espécies, biomassa total e biomassa das principais espécies ao longo dos períodos. A biomassa das funções ecossistêmicas mudou significativamente ao longo do tempo, e a maioria dos trait-states declinou. Poucos trait-states foram perdidos, mas todas as funções tiveram pelo menos um trait-state reduzido em mais de 85%. Uma análise de modelos nulos mostrou que as mudanças nas funções não foram impulsionadas pela identidade das espécies, enquanto que a riqueza de espécies correlacionou positivamente com a biomassa total e com a maioria das funções, sugerindo que a perda de espécies e biomassa impulsionou as mudanças observadas nas funções ecossistêmicas. Nosso estudo apresenta evidências de que a desestruturação da comunidade, associada com a invasão de C. kelberi, se traduziu no declínio de várias funções ecossistêmicas, afetando a mobilização e transferência de energia.(AU)

Diversity of Loricariidae (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) assemblages in two Conservation Areas of the Middle Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon, and their suitability for sustainable ornamental fisheries

The Xingu River has one of the most diverse fish faunas in the Amazon region. Loricariidae stands out as the most diverse family in the basin, comprising more than 60 species distributed over 26 genera. Species of Loricariidae are some of the most economically valued in the ornamental market worldwide. The loss of fishing environments in Altamira region due to dam impacts is driving a shift of ornamental fishing to areas upstream, among which are included the Xingu River and Iriri River Extractive Reserve Areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to inventory fish species with ornamental potential in these extractive reserves to serve as a baseline to help guide the future management of ornamental fishing in those areas. Thirty-two species of Loricariidae were collected in these reserves through either free diving or diving with compressed air. The composition of species varied according to the sampling method and area. The majority of species found in the reserves are also found in the impacted areas of Belo Monte near Altamira. The study areas showed high diversity of fish species in rapids environments, suggesting that this area could serve as an additional source of income for the residents of these reserves.(AU)

O rio Xingu possui umas das mais diversas ictiofaunas da região Amazônica. Loricariidae destaca-se como a família mais diversa nessa bacia, compreendendo mais de 60 espécies distribuídas em 26 gêneros. As espécies de Loricariidae estão entre as mais valorizadas economicamente no mercado ornamental mundial. A perda de ambientes de pesca na região de Altamira devido aos impactos das barragens está provocando uma mudança da pesca ornamental para áreas a montante, entre as quais estão incluídas as áreas das Reservas Extrativistas do Rio Xingu e do Rio Iriri. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de inventariar espécies de peixes com potencial ornamental nestas reservas extrativistas para servir de linha de base para ajudar a orientar o gerenciamento futuro da pesca ornamental nestas áreas. Trinta e duas espécies de Loricariidae foram coletadas nestas reservas através de mergulho livre ou mergulho com ar comprimido. A composição das espécies variou de acordo com o método de amostragem e a área de conservação. A maioria das espécies encontradas nas reservas também são encontradas nas áreas impactadas de Belo Monte, perto de Altamira. As áreas de estudo mostraram grande diversidade de espécies de peixes em ambientes rápidos, sugerindo que esta área poderia servir como uma fonte adicional de renda para os residentes destas reservas.(AU)

Changes in ecosystem functions generated by fish populations after the introduction of a non-native predator (Cichla kelberi) (Perciformes: Cichlidae)

The introduction of non-native predators is a matter of great concern, but their impacts on ecosystem functions remain poorly understood. We investigated how changes in fish diversity following the invasion of Cichla kelberi affected ecosystem functions generated by fish populations. Fish assemblages were sampled in macrophyte patches in a Neotropical impoundment over a 5-year period, before and after the introduction of the predator. We assigned seven ecosystem functions (26 trait-states) to each fish species, and examined how these functions behaved after the invasion. We collected 577 fish belonging to 25 species. Species richness, fish biomass and main species declined significantly over periods. The biomass of ecosystem functions changed significantly over time, and most trait-states declined. Few trait-states were lost, but all functions had at least one trait-state reduced by more than 85%. A null model analysis showed that changes in functions were not driven by species identities, while species richness correlated positively with total biomass and with most functions, suggesting that the loss of taxa and biomass drove observed changes in ecosystem functions. Our study provided evidence that community disassembly associated with the invasion of C. kelberi translated to the decline of several ecosystem functions, affecting energy mobilization and transference.(AU)

A introdução de predadores não-nativos tem gerado grande preocupação, mas seus impactos sobre a geração de funções ecossistêmicas permanecem pouco investigados. O presente estudo investigou como mudanças na diversidade de peixes, associadas com a invasão de Cichla kelberi, afetaram funções ecossistêmicas geradas por populações de peixes. As assembleias de peixes foram amostradas em bancos de macrófitas em um grande reservatório Neotropical durante um período de cinco anos, antes e depois da introdução do predador. Um conjunto de funções ecossistêmicas (26 trait-states) foi atribuído a cada espécie de peixe, e examinamos como as funções se comportaram depois da invasão. Foram coletados 577 peixes pertencentes a 25 espécies. Registramos declínio significativo da riqueza de espécies, biomassa total e biomassa das principais espécies ao longo dos períodos. A biomassa das funções ecossistêmicas mudou significativamente ao longo do tempo, e a maioria dos trait-states declinou. Poucos trait-states foram perdidos, mas todas as funções tiveram pelo menos um trait-state reduzido em mais de 85%. Uma análise de modelos nulos mostrou que as mudanças nas funções não foram impulsionadas pela identidade das espécies, enquanto que a riqueza de espécies correlacionou positivamente com a biomassa total e com a maioria das funções, sugerindo que a perda de espécies e biomassa impulsionou as mudanças observadas nas funções ecossistêmicas. Nosso estudo apresenta evidências de que a desestruturação da comunidade, associada com a invasão de C. kelberi, se traduziu no declínio de várias funções ecossistêmicas, afetando a mobilização e transferência de energia.(AU)

Diversity of Loricariidae (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes) assemblages in two Conservation Areas of the Middle Xingu River, Brazilian Amazon, and their suitability for sustainable ornamental fisheries

The Xingu River has one of the most diverse fish faunas in the Amazon region. Loricariidae stands out as the most diverse family in the basin, comprising more than 60 species distributed over 26 genera. Species of Loricariidae are some of the most economically valued in the ornamental market worldwide. The loss of fishing environments in Altamira region due to dam impacts is driving a shift of ornamental fishing to areas upstream, among which are included the Xingu River and Iriri River Extractive Reserve Areas. Thus, the objective of this work was to inventory fish species with ornamental potential in these extractive reserves to serve as a baseline to help guide the future management of ornamental fishing in those areas. Thirty-two species of Loricariidae were collected in these reserves through either free diving or diving with compressed air. The composition of species varied according to the sampling method and area. The majority of species found in the reserves are also found in the impacted areas of Belo Monte near Altamira. The study areas showed high diversity of fish species in rapids environments, suggesting that this area could serve as an additional source of income for the residents of these reserves.(AU)

O rio Xingu possui umas das mais diversas ictiofaunas da região Amazônica. Loricariidae destaca-se como a família mais diversa nessa bacia, compreendendo mais de 60 espécies distribuídas em 26 gêneros. As espécies de Loricariidae estão entre as mais valorizadas economicamente no mercado ornamental mundial. A perda de ambientes de pesca na região de Altamira devido aos impactos das barragens está provocando uma mudança da pesca ornamental para áreas a montante, entre as quais estão incluídas as áreas das Reservas Extrativistas do Rio Xingu e do Rio Iriri. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de inventariar espécies de peixes com potencial ornamental nestas reservas extrativistas para servir de linha de base para ajudar a orientar o gerenciamento futuro da pesca ornamental nestas áreas. Trinta e duas espécies de Loricariidae foram coletadas nestas reservas através de mergulho livre ou mergulho com ar comprimido. A composição das espécies variou de acordo com o método de amostragem e a área de conservação. A maioria das espécies encontradas nas reservas também são encontradas nas áreas impactadas de Belo Monte, perto de Altamira. As áreas de estudo mostraram grande diversidade de espécies de peixes em ambientes rápidos, sugerindo que esta área poderia servir como uma fonte adicional de renda para os residentes destas reservas.(AU)

Bunocephalus hertzi, a new banjo catfish from the upper Rio Paraná basin, Brazil (Siluriformes: Aspredinidae), with the redescription of Bunocephalus larai Ihering, 1930.

Bunocephalus hertzi, new species, is described from two tributaries of the upper Rio Paraná basin. Because the type series of B. larai (the only other species of Bunocephalus in the basin) is lost, a redescription of B. larai is also provided herein. Bunocephalus larai and B. hertzi can be distinguished from all its congeners, except B. minerim, by the absence of an epiphyseal bar (vs. present). From B. minerim, both species can be distinguished by the presence of 10 principal caudal-fin rays (vs. 9). Bunocephalus hertzi can be differentiated from B. larai by the longer coracoid process size (11.9-16.2% vs. 6.7-9.8% SL), shorter maxillary barbel (just reaching the pectoral fin origin; 54.6-67.4% vs. 73.7-84.6% HL) and skull ornamentation represented by five bony protuberances between the posterior end of the occipital and the origin of the dorsal fin (vs. four bony protuberances).

Inventory of the fish fauna from Laranjinha River, Paranapanema River system, Brazil / Inventário da ictiofauna do rio Laranjinha, sistema do rio Paranapanema, Brasil

Abstract: This work is the most comprehensive survey of the Laranjinha River´s fishes, a tributary of the Cinzas River, Paranapanema River basin. Throughout its course, there is only a low-height dam, including a transposition system located 98 km from its mouth. The sampling was carried out in nine locations, from the source to the mouth, with six field incursions in each location, using different fishing gear. A total of 11,924 fish were collected, distributed in seven orders, 27 families, and 100 species. The most representative order in the number of species was Siluriformes, followed by Characiformes. As for the families, Loricariidae comprised 21% and Characidae 14% of species richness. Phalloceros harpagos was the species with the highest absolute abundance, representing 11.3% of the total, followed by Hypostomus ancistroides with 9.8%. However, considering the average abundance and frequency of occurrence, Hypostomus ancistroides was the most abundant species, followed by Hypostomus cf. paulinus, Psalidodon aff. paranae and Phalloceros harpagos. Among the collected species, the Apteronotus acidops, Brycon orbygnianus, Brycon nattereri, Crenicichla jupiaensis, and Rhinelepis aspera were classified as endangered on the most recent IUCN Red List. Also, from the total sampled fish, 9.8% are considered non-native species. Among the native species recorded, 10 species are large migratory species, which indicates that the Laranjinha River is a route for spawning and maintenance of species diversity in the middle Paranapanema River. Therefore, the Laranjinha River is a heritage of fish diversity and deserves special attention in its preservation.

Resumo: Este é o levantamento mais abrangente de peixes do rio Laranjinha, um afluente do rio das Cinzas, bacia do rio Paranapanema. Ao longo de sua rota, existe apenas uma pequena barragem com um sistema de transposição localizado 98 km de sua nascente. A amostragem foi realizada em nove locais, desde a nascente até a foz, com seis incursões de campo em cada local, com o auxílio de diferentes artes de pesca. Foram coletados 11.924 indivíduos, distribuídos em sete ordens, 27 famílias e 100 espécies. A ordem mais representativa foi Siluriformes, seguida por Characiformes. Quanto às famílias, Loricariidae compôs 21% e Characidae 14% da riqueza de espécies. Phalloceros harpagos foi a espécie com maior abundância absoluta, representando 11,3% do total, seguida por Hypostomus ancistroides, com 9,8%. No entanto, considerando a abundância média e a frequência de ocorrência, Hypostomus ancistroides foi a espécie mais abundante, seguida por Hypostomus cf. paulinus, Psalidodon aff. paranae e Phalloceros harpagos. Entre as espécies coletadas, Apteronotus acidops, Brycon orbygnianus, Brycon nattereri, Crenicichla jupiaensis e Rhinelepis aspera estão listadas em categorias de ameaça na Lista Vermelha da IUCN mais recente. Além disso, do total de indivíduos amostrados, 9,8% são considerados espécies não nativas. Entre as espécies nativas registradas, 10 espécies são migratórias de grande porte, o que indica que o rio Laranjinha é uma rota de desova e manutenção da diversidade de espécies no médio rio Paranapanema. Portanto, o rio Laranjinha é um patrimônio da diversidade de peixes e merece atenção especial em sua preservação.

Fish species richness is associated with the availability of landscape components across seasons in the Amazonian floodplain.

Understanding environmental biodiversity drivers in freshwater systems continues to be a fundamental challenge in studies of their fish assemblages. The present study seeks to determine the degree to which landscape variables of Amazonian floodplain lakes influences fish assemblages in these environments. Fish species richness was estimated in 15 Amazonian floodplain lakes during the high and low-water phases and correlated with the areas of four inundated wetland classes: (i) open water, (ii) flooded herbaceous, (iii) flooded shrubs and (iv) flooded forest estimated in different radius circular areas around each sampling site. Data were analyzed using generalized linear models with fish species richness, total and guilds as the dependent variable and estimates of buffered landscape areas as explanatory variables. Our analysis identified the significance of landscape variables in determining the diversity of fish assemblages in Amazonian floodplain lakes. Spatial scale was also identified as a significant determinant of fish diversity as landscape effects were more evident at larger spatial scales. In particular, (1) total species richness was more sensitive to variations in the landscape areas than number of species within guilds and (2) the spatial extent of the wetland class of shrubs was consistently the more influential on fish species diversity.

Does riparian vegetation affect fish assemblage? A longitudinal gradient analysis in three Amazonian streams / A vegetação ripária afeta as assembleias de peixes? Uma análise de gradiente longitudinal em três riachos amazônicos

The degradation of riparian vegetation in low-order streams can cause irreversible environmental damage, biodiversity loss and alter the structure of communities. In this context, the present study evaluated how the level of degradation of riparian vegetation influences the fish assemblage in three low-order streams in the Brazilian Amazon. In each stream, three different stretches were delimited, distributed in the environments of forest, edge and pasture, and the samplings were conducted in three hydrological regimes using dip nets. Influences of the stretches and streams on richness and abundance were tested with GLMM, on the composition with PERMANOVA and on indicator species with IndVal. Species richness was higher in forest environments and lower in pasture; while abundance was higher in pasture and lower in forest. Species composition differed between stretches, streams and in the interaction between stretches and streams, with a strong difference between stretches of forest and pasture environments. Six species dependent of the riparian vegetation were classified as indicators of forest environments; while a generalist species was indicator of pasture. These results reinforce the negative influence of riparian vegetation removal on biological communities and provide subsidies that can help in the conservation and management of these systems.

A degradação da vegetação ripária em riachos de baixa ordem pode causar danos ambientais irreversíveis, perda de biodiversidade e alterar a estrutura das comunidades. Neste contexto, o presente estudo avaliou como o nível de degradação da vegetação ripária influencia a assembleia de peixes em três riachos de baixa ordem na Amazônia brasileira. Em cada riacho, foram delimitados três diferentes trechos, distribuídos nos ambientes de floresta, borda e pastagem, onde as amostragens foram conduzidas em três regimes hidrológicos, usando redes de imersão. As influências dos trechos e dos riachos na riqueza e na abundância foram testadas com GLMM, na composição com PERMANOVA e nas espécies indicadoras com IndVal. A riqueza de espécies foi maior em ambientes de floresta e menor em pastagem, enquanto a abundância foi maior em pastagem e menor em floresta. A composição de espécies diferiu entre trechos, riachos e na interação entre trechos e riachos, com forte diferença entre trechos de ambientes florestais e de pastagem. Seis espécies dependentes da vegetação ripária foram classificadas como indicadoras de ambientes florestais, enquanto uma espécie generalista foi indicadora de pastagem. Estes resultados reforçam a influência negativa da remoção da vegetação ripária sobre as comunidades biológicas e fornecem subsídios que podem auxiliar na conservação e no manejo desses sistemas.

Does riparian vegetation affect fish assemblage? A longitudinal gradient analysis in three Amazonian streams / A vegetação ripária afeta as assembleias de peixes? Uma análise de gradiente longitudinal em três riachos amazônicos

The degradation of riparian vegetation in low-order streams can cause irreversible environmental damage, biodiversity loss and alter the structure of communities. In this context, the present study evaluated how the level of degradation of riparian vegetation influences the fish assemblage in three low-order streams in the Brazilian Amazon. In each stream, three different stretches were delimited, distributed in the environments of forest, edge and pasture, and the samplings were conducted in three hydrological regimes using dip nets. Influences of the stretches and streams on richness and abundance were tested with GLMM, on the composition with PERMANOVA and on indicator species with IndVal. Species richness was higher in forest environments and lower in pasture; while abundance was higher in pasture and lower in forest. Species composition differed between stretches, streams and in the interaction between stretches and streams, with a strong difference between stretches of forest and pasture environments. Six species dependent of the riparian vegetation were classified as indicators of forest environments; while a generalist species was indicator of pasture. These results reinforce the negative influence of riparian vegetation removal on biological communities and provide subsidies that can help in the conservation and management of these systems.(AU)

A degradação da vegetação ripária em riachos de baixa ordem pode causar danos ambientais irreversíveis, perda de biodiversidade e alterar a estrutura das comunidades. Neste contexto, o presente estudo avaliou como o nível de degradação da vegetação ripária influencia a assembleia de peixes em três riachos de baixa ordem na Amazônia brasileira. Em cada riacho, foram delimitados três diferentes trechos, distribuídos nos ambientes de floresta, borda e pastagem, onde as amostragens foram conduzidas em três regimes hidrológicos, usando redes de imersão. As influências dos trechos e dos riachos na riqueza e na abundância foram testadas com GLMM, na composição com PERMANOVA e nas espécies indicadoras com IndVal. A riqueza de espécies foi maior em ambientes de floresta e menor em pastagem, enquanto a abundância foi maior em pastagem e menor em floresta. A composição de espécies diferiu entre trechos, riachos e na interação entre trechos e riachos, com forte diferença entre trechos de ambientes florestais e de pastagem. Seis espécies dependentes da vegetação ripária foram classificadas como indicadoras de ambientes florestais, enquanto uma espécie generalista foi indicadora de pastagem. Estes resultados reforçam a influência negativa da remoção da vegetação ripária sobre as comunidades biológicas e fornecem subsídios que podem auxiliar na conservação e no manejo desses sistemas.(AU)

Checklist of the continental fishes of the state of Chiapas, Mexico, and their distribution.

An updated checklist of the distribution of fishes that inhabit the continental waters of the Mexican state of Chiapas is presented. The state was compartmentalized into 12 hydrological regions for the purpose of understanding the distribution of fish fauna across a state with large physiographic variance. The ichthyofauna of Chiapas is represented by 311 species distributed in two classes, 26 orders, 73 families, and 182 genera, including 12 exotic species. The families with the highest number of species were Cichlidae, Poeciliidae, Sciaenidae, Carangidae, Ariidae, Gobiidae, and Haemulidae. This study attempts to close gaps in knowledge of the distribution of ichthyofauna in the diverse hydrological regions of Chiapas, Mexico.

Variation in freshwater fish assemblages along a regional elevation gradient in the northern Andes, Colombia.

Studies on elevation diversity gradients have covered a large number of taxa and regions throughout the world; however, studies of freshwater fish are scarce and restricted to examining their changes along a specific gradient. These studies have reported a monotonic decrease in species richness with increasing elevation, but ignore the high taxonomic differentiation of each headwater assemblage that may generate high ß-diversity among them. Here, we analyzed how fish assemblages vary with elevation among regional elevation bands, and how these changes are related to four environmental clines and to changes in the distribution, habitat use, and the morphology of fish species. Using a standardized field sampling technique, we assessed three different diversity and two structural assemblage measures across six regional elevation bands located in the northern Andes (Colombia). Each species was assigned to a functional group based on its body shape, habitat use, morphological, and/or behavioral adaptations. Additionally, at each sampling site, we measured four environmental variables. Our analyses showed: (1) After a monotonic decrease in species richness, we detected an increase in richness in the upper part of the gradient; (2) diversity patterns vary depending on the diversity measure used; (3) diversity patterns can be attributed to changes in species distribution and in the richness and proportions of functional groups along the regional elevation gradient; and (4) diversity patterns and changes in functional groups are highly correlated with variations in environmental variables, which also vary with elevation. These results suggest a novel pattern of variation in species richness with elevation: Species richness increases at the headwaters of the northern Andes owing to the cumulative number of endemic species there. This highlights the need for large-scale studies and has important implications for the aquatic conservation of the region.

Biodiversity of freshwater fish of a protected river in India: comparison with unprotected habitat

In India, freshwater environments are experiencing serious threats to biodiversity, and there is an urgent priority for the search of alternative techniques to promote fish biodiversity conservation and management. With this aim, the present study was undertaken to assess the fish biodiversity within and outside a river protected area, and to evaluate whether the protected river area provides some benefits to riverine fish biodiversity. To assess this, the pattern of freshwater fish diversity was studied in river Gerua, along with some physicochemical conditions, from April 2000 to March 2004. For this, a comparison was made between a 15km stretch of a protected area (Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary), and an unprotected one 85km downstream. In each site some physicochemical conditions were obtained, and fish were caught by normal gears and the diversity per site described. Our results showed that water temperature resulted warmest during the pre-monsoon season (25ºC) and low during the winter (14-15ºC); turbidity considerably varied by season. In the protected area, a total of 87 species belonging to eight orders, 22 families and 52 genera were collected; while a maximum of 59 species belonging to six orders, 20 families and 42 genera were recorded from the unprotected areas. Cyprinids were found to be the most dominant genera and Salmostoma bacaila was the most numerous species in the sanctuary area. Other numerous species were Eutropiichthys vacha, Notopterus notopterus, Clupisoma garua and Bagarius bagarius. The results indicated more species, greater abundances, larger individuals, and higher number of endangered fishes within the sanctuary area when compared to the unprotected area. Analysis on the mean abundance of endangered and vulnerable species for the evaluated areas in the sanctuary versus unprotected ones indicated significant differences in fish abundance (p<0.05). These results showed that this riverine protected area could be important for conservation and management of fish diversity in the region, especially for resident and threatened species.

En India los ambientes de agua dulce están experimentando una grave amenaza para la biodiversidad; ante esto es urgente investigar técnicas alternativas que promuevan la biodiversidad y manejo de los peces. El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar la biodiversidad de los peces dentro y fuera del área protegida del río Gerua, India, para evaluar si el área protegida provee beneficios a la biodiversidad de los peces fluviales. Para evaluar el patrón de diversidad de los peces de agua dulce y las condiciones físico-químicas se estudió el río entre abril 2000 y marzo 2004. Se realizó una comparación en un tramo de 15km de un área protegida (Santuario de Vida Silvestre Katerniaghat) y un tramo sin protección de 85km aguas abajo. En cada sitio se obtuvieron algunas variables fisicoquímicas, los peces fueron capturados con varias artes de pesca y se describió la diversidad por sitio. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la temperatura del agua es mayor como resultado de la temporada de pre-monzón (25ºC) y menor durante el invierno (14-15ºC), la turbidez varía considerablemente según la temporada. En el área protegida, se recolectaron un total de 87 especies pertenecientes a ocho órdenes, 22 familias y 52 géneros, mientras que un máximo de 59 especies pertenecientes a seis órdenes, 20 familias y 42 géneros se registraron en las áreas no protegidas. El género más abundante pertenece a los Ciprínidos y Salmostoma bacaila fue la especie más abundante en el área del santuario. Otras especies numerosas fueron: Eutropiichthys vacha, Notopterus notopterus, Clupisoma garúa y Bagarius bagarius. Los resultados indicaron más especies, mayores abundancias, individuos más grandes y mayor número de peces con categoría de peligro de extinción dentro del área del santuario cuando se compara con la zona no protegida. El análisis de la abundancia promedio de peces en peligro de extinción y vulnerables de las áreas evaluadas en el santuario frente a las desprotegidos indicó diferencias significativas (p<0.05). Los resultados mostraron que esta área protegida ribereña podría ser importante para la conservación y manejo de la diversidad de los peces en la región, especialmente para los residentes y las especies amenazadas.

A preliminary survey of the fish fauna in the vicinity of Santa Ana del Yacuma in Bolivia (río Mamoré drainage) / Un inventario preliminar de los peces en la cercanía de Santa Ana del Yacuma in Bolivia (cuenca del río Mamoré)

The inventory of fish species of the río Mamoré sub-drainage in the Bolivian Amazon is far from being complete. This article informs about a small scale species inventory in the close vicinity of the town Santa Ana del Yacuma (drained by the río Yacuma, a left side tributary of the río Mamoré). Sampling four habitat types, 615 fish specimens belonging to 101 species were collected. Four species were reported for the first time from the río Mamoré sub-drainage: Aphyocharax rathbuni, Apistogramma erythrura, Apistogramma similis and Hyphessobrycon elachys. Differences in species composition among sampled habitats stress the importance of including a high number of collecting sites across biotic and abiotic environmental gradients to reliably survey species diversity.

Aún no se tiene completo el inventario de los peces de la sub-cuenca del río Mamoré en la Amazonía. Este articulo incluye un inventario al nivel regional en las proximidades de la ciudad Santa Ana del Yacuma (sub-cuenca del río Yacuma, río Mamoré). En cuatro tipos de hábitat, 615 especímenes perteneciendo a 101 especies fueron coleccionados). Cuatro especies fueron registrados en la sub-cuenca del río Mamoré por la primera vez: Aphyocharax rathbuni, Apistogramma erythrura, Apistogramma similis y Hyphessobrycon elachys. Diferencias entre los hábitats en la composición de especies indican la importancia incluir un gran número de sitios de colecta a través de gradientes de ambientes bióticos y abióticos para un registro fiable de la diversidad de especies.

Monophyly of Heterandriini (Teleostei: Poeciliidae) revisited: a critical review of the data

The systematics and taxonomy of poeciliid fishes (guppies and allies) remain poorly understood despite the relative importance of these species as model systems in the biological sciences. This study focuses on testing the monophyly of the nominal poeciliine tribe Heterandriini and the genus Heterandria, through examination of the morphological characters on which the current classification is based. These characters include aspects of body shape (morphometrics), scale and fin-ray counts (meristics), pigmentation, the cephalic laterosensory system, and osteological features of the neurocranium, oral jaws and suspensorium, branchial basket, pectoral girdle, and the gonopodium and its supports. A Maximum Parsimony analysis was conducted of 150 characters coded for 56 poeciliid and outgroup species, including 22 of 45 heterandriin species (from the accounted in Parenti & Rauchenberger, 1989), or seven of nine heterandriin species (from the accounted in Lucinda & Reis, 2005). Multistate characters were analyzed as both unordered and ordered, and iterative a posteriori weighting was used to improve tree resolution. Tree topologies obtained from these analyses support the monophyly of the Middle American species of "Heterandria," which based on available phylogenetic information, are herein reassigned to the genus Pseudoxiphophorus. None of the characters used in previous studies to characterize the nominal taxon Heterandriini are found to be unambiguously diagnostic. Some of these characters are shared with species in other poeciliid tribes, and others are reversed within the Heterandriini. These results support the hypothesis that Pseudoxiphophorus is monophyletic, and that this clade is not the closest relative of H. formosa (the type species) from southeastern North America. Available morphological data are not sufficient to assess the phylogenetic relationships of H. formosa with respect to other members of the Heterandriini. The results further suggest that most tribe-level taxa of the Poeciliinae are not monophyletic, and that further work remains to resolve the evolutionary relationships of this group.(AU)

La sistemática y taxonomía de poeciliídos (gupys, platys, mollys y espadas) continúa siendo poco conocida, a pesar de su importancia como modelos experimentales en ciencias biológicas. Este estudio busca probar la monofilia de la tribu nominal Heterandriini (Poeciliinae) y del género Heterandria, mediante el estudio de los caracteres morfológicos en los que se basa la clasificación actual. Estos caracteres incluyen aspectos como la forma del cuerpo (morfometría), conteos de escalas y radios de las aletas (merísticos), pigmentación, sistema sensorial cefálico y características osteológicas del neurocráneo, mandíbula y su suspensorio, canasta branquial, cintura escapular y del gonopodio y sus soportes. Se condujo un análisis de Maxima Parsimonia con 150 caracteres codificados para 56 poeciliídos y especies del grupo externo, incluyendo 22 de 45 especies de Heterandriini (según el conteo de Parenti & Rauchenberger, 1989), o siete de nueve especies (según el conteo de Lucinda & Reis, 2005). Los caracteres con estados multiples fueron analizando de manera ordenada y no ordenada seguido de una ponderación iterativa a posteriori para mejorar la resolución de los árboles. Las topologías de los árboles obtenidos de estos análisis apoyan la monofilia de las species mesoamerianas de "Heterandria", que de acuerdo a la información filogenética disponible, son aquí reasignados al género Pseudoxiphophorus. Ninguno de los caracteres usados en estudios previos para caracterizar el taxón nominal Heterandriini fue encontrado de forma inequívoca diagnóstico. Algunos de estos caracteres son compartidos con especies de otras tribus de poeciliídos y otros han revertido entre Heterandriini. Estos resultados apoyan la hipótesis de que Pseudoxiphophorus es monofilético, y que este grupo no es grupo cercano de H. formosa (la especie tipo) del sudeste de Norte América. La información morfológica disponible no es suficiente para evaluar las relaciones de H. formosa con respecto a otros grupos de Heterandriini. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la mayoría de taxones a nivel de tribu de Poeciliinae no son monofiléticos, y que aún queda trabajo para resolver las relaciones evolucionarias de este grupo.(AU)

Monophyly of Heterandriini (Teleostei: Poeciliidae) revisited: a critical review of the data

The systematics and taxonomy of poeciliid fishes (guppies and allies) remain poorly understood despite the relative importance of these species as model systems in the biological sciences. This study focuses on testing the monophyly of the nominal poeciliine tribe Heterandriini and the genus Heterandria, through examination of the morphological characters on which the current classification is based. These characters include aspects of body shape (morphometrics), scale and fin-ray counts (meristics), pigmentation, the cephalic laterosensory system, and osteological features of the neurocranium, oral jaws and suspensorium, branchial basket, pectoral girdle, and the gonopodium and its supports. A Maximum Parsimony analysis was conducted of 150 characters coded for 56 poeciliid and outgroup species, including 22 of 45 heterandriin species (from the accounted in Parenti & Rauchenberger, 1989), or seven of nine heterandriin species (from the accounted in Lucinda & Reis, 2005). Multistate characters were analyzed as both unordered and ordered, and iterative a posteriori weighting was used to improve tree resolution. Tree topologies obtained from these analyses support the monophyly of the Middle American species of "Heterandria," which based on available phylogenetic information, are herein reassigned to the genus Pseudoxiphophorus. None of the characters used in previous studies to characterize the nominal taxon Heterandriini are found to be unambiguously diagnostic. Some of these characters are shared with species in other poeciliid tribes, and others are reversed within the Heterandriini. These results support the hypothesis that Pseudoxiphophorus is monophyletic, and that this clade is not the closest relative of H. formosa (the type species) from southeastern North America. Available morphological data are not sufficient to assess the phylogenetic relationships of H. formosa with respect to other members of the Heterandriini. The results further suggest that most tribe-level taxa of the Poeciliinae are not monophyletic, and that further work remains to resolve the evolutionary relationships of this group.

La sistemática y taxonomía de poeciliídos (gupys, platys, mollys y espadas) continúa siendo poco conocida, a pesar de su importancia como modelos experimentales en ciencias biológicas. Este estudio busca probar la monofilia de la tribu nominal Heterandriini (Poeciliinae) y del género Heterandria, mediante el estudio de los caracteres morfológicos en los que se basa la clasificación actual. Estos caracteres incluyen aspectos como la forma del cuerpo (morfometría), conteos de escalas y radios de las aletas (merísticos), pigmentación, sistema sensorial cefálico y características osteológicas del neurocráneo, mandíbula y su suspensorio, canasta branquial, cintura escapular y del gonopodio y sus soportes. Se condujo un análisis de Maxima Parsimonia con 150 caracteres codificados para 56 poeciliídos y especies del grupo externo, incluyendo 22 de 45 especies de Heterandriini (según el conteo de Parenti & Rauchenberger, 1989), o siete de nueve especies (según el conteo de Lucinda & Reis, 2005). Los caracteres con estados multiples fueron analizando de manera ordenada y no ordenada seguido de una ponderación iterativa a posteriori para mejorar la resolución de los árboles. Las topologías de los árboles obtenidos de estos análisis apoyan la monofilia de las species mesoamerianas de "Heterandria", que de acuerdo a la información filogenética disponible, son aquí reasignados al género Pseudoxiphophorus. Ninguno de los caracteres usados en estudios previos para caracterizar el taxón nominal Heterandriini fue encontrado de forma inequívoca diagnóstico. Algunos de estos caracteres son compartidos con especies de otras tribus de poeciliídos y otros han revertido entre Heterandriini. Estos resultados apoyan la hipótesis de que Pseudoxiphophorus es monofilético, y que este grupo no es grupo cercano de H. formosa (la especie tipo) del sudeste de Norte América. La información morfológica disponible no es suficiente para evaluar las relaciones de H. formosa con respecto a otros grupos de Heterandriini. Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la mayoría de taxones a nivel de tribu de Poeciliinae no son monofiléticos, y que aún queda trabajo para resolver las relaciones evolucionarias de este grupo.

Influence of the river flow on the structure of fish assemblage along the longitudinal gradient from river to reservoir

Changes in fish assemblage structure along a longitudinal gradient of the Paraíba do Sul River and Funil reservoir were studied to detect distribution patterns and the seasonal influence of the inflowing river. Fish were caught by gill nets in three zones (riverine, transition and lentic) during two seasons (dry and wet). A total of 3,721 individuals were captured, comprising five orders, 14 families, 27 genera and 33 species. Five species were non-native and amounted to 17.7% of the total number of individuals. The 10 most abundant species were used to assess spatial-temporal patterns. Plagioscion squamosissimus (Heckel, 1840), Oligosarcus hepsetus (Curvier, 1829) and Metynnis maculatus (Kner, 1858) were widely distributed in both seasons. Astyanax bimaculatus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cichla kelberi Kullander & Ferreira, 2006 and Geophagus brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) had higher abundance in the dry season, occurring mainly in the lentic zone. By contrast, the benthopelagics Pimelodus maculatus La Cèpede, 1803 and Astyanax parahybae (Eigenmann, 1908) and the benthics Hoplosternum littorale (Hancock, 1828) and Hypostomus auroguttatus Kner, 1854 had higher abundance in the wet season, with the two first species occurring mainly in the riverine zone, and latter two species in the transition zone. The highest diversity for both seasons was recorded in the transition zone, which is an ecotone that allows the co-existence of both riverine and lentic species. A major shift in assemblage structure occurred along the longitudinal gradient due to changes in discharge of the inflowing river, with increased fish abundance in the riverine zone caused by increased habitat availability in wet season, and the reverse of this situation in the dry season.