Has a non-native cichlid of the genus Amatitlania (Actinopterygii, Cichlidae) adapted to the headwaters in Brazilian semi-arid?

Several fish species from Central America and other regions have been introduced into Brazil. In this study, we evaluated the bioecological aspects of a non-native cichlid of the genus Amatitlania (convict cichlid) and its possible establishment in highaltitude forest enclaves of semi-arid Northeast...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Gurgel-Lourenço, Ronaldo C., Pinto, Leonardo M., Bezerra, Luis A. V., Sánchez-Botero, Jorge I.
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2020
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC)
Idioma:portugués
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.ufc.br:riufc/63305
Acceso en línea:http://www.repositorio.ufc.br/handle/riufc/63305
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Caatinga
Ichthyology
Introduced fish
Invasion biology
Northeastern Brazil
Descripción
Sumario:Several fish species from Central America and other regions have been introduced into Brazil. In this study, we evaluated the bioecological aspects of a non-native cichlid of the genus Amatitlania (convict cichlid) and its possible establishment in highaltitude forest enclaves of semi-arid Northeastern Brazil. Specimens of Amatitlania nigrofasciata (Günther, 1867) were captured in a local stream displaying abiotic conditions like those of its natural range of distribution. The individuals collected were predominantly adult, insectivorous and displayed normal length–weight relationships, although we observed some phenotypical plasticity (variation in body depth, and a morphologically abnormal dorsal fin in three cases). Our results indicate that A. nigrofasciata has successfully colonized an Atlantic forest enclave in the Brazilian semi-arid region, making it necessary to adopt measures to prevent the species from spreading to other water bodies in the surroundings.