Reproductive ecology of Prochilodus brevis an endemic fish from the semiarid Region of Brazil.
The commercially important migratory fish Prochilodus brevis is from the Neotropical region, and understanding the reproductive ecology of this potamodromous fish is essential for its conservation and management. This study investigated the length-mass relationship, sex ratio, length at first gonadal maturity, gonadal development stages, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, and reproductive period of P. brevis. Temporal distribution of rainfall, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, and electrical conductivity of the water were related to the reproductive period of this fish. Rainfall seems to be the main environmental factor which modulates changes in limnological parameters and the timing of the spawning period of this fish. P. brevis migrates into lower reaches of the river to feed during the dry season and returns to the upper reaches during the rainy season to spawn. Inadequate facilities for migration create obstacles for spawning success of this ecologically important fish.
Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luiz, km 235, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
Liliane de Lima
Lde L
Gurgel
José Roberto
JR
Verani
Sathyabama
S
Chellappa
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D002980:Climate; D017753:Ecosystem; D005399:Fishes / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*