Trends in Mercury Contamination Distribution among Human and Animal Populations in the Amazon Region.

Mercury contamination in the Amazon arising from both natural sources and intensive mining activities in the region is a significant public health concern. This metal is used to separate Au from sediments. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the impact of mining on mercury contamination in the animal and human populations of the Amazon. This overall objective was pursued through a systematic review of the existing literature to assess the impact of Hg and identify gaps in geographic coverage arising from this assessment. Herein, we employed PECO and PRISMA-ScR protocols to select articles published between 2017 and 2023 based on projected points on a map within the biogeographic boundaries of the Amazon. We found that mercury concentrations increase with trophic levels, reaching high values of 3.7 µg/g in the muscles of predatory fish and 34.9 µg/g in human hair. The mean level of mercury in human hair in the whole (Amazon) region exceeds 6 µg/g, surpassing tolerance levels. Although mining regions show high concentrations of Hg, the highest incidence was observed among populations with fish-based diets. It was concluded that continuous research and monitoring of fish in the region are required in order to accurately assess the risk associated with Hg contamination, especially since fish are the main source of protein in this region.

Copper-Contaminated Substrate Biosorption by Penicillium sp. Isolated from Kefir Grains.

In this bioremediation study, the fungus Penicillium sp. isolated from kefir grains was evaluated for its resistance to copper in the culture medium. Penicillium sp. was cultivated in liquid medium prepared using 2% malt-agar at pH 7.0. Biomass of the fungus was significantly reduced, but only when 800 mg·L-1 of Cu(NO3)2 copper nitrate was used. The effect on radial growth of the fungus in experiments combining different pH values and the inorganic contaminant showed an inhibition of 73% at pH 4.0, 75% at pH 7.0 and 77% at pH 9.0 in liquid medium. Thus, even though the growth of Penicillium sp. could be inhibited with relatively high doses of copper nitrate, images obtained with scanning electron microscopy showed the preservation of fungal cell integrity. Therefore, it can be concluded that Penicillium sp. isolated from kefir grains can survive while performing bioremediation to minimize the negative effects of copper on the environment through biosorption.

Genotoxicity biomarkers on native fish species from the Araguari River (Amazon biome).

The Araguari River, one of the most important waterways in the Brazilian state of Amapá, is ecologically relevant and essential for the conservation of Amazonian fish biodiversity. Our previous studies demonstrated contamination of water and fish by metals. In particular, water samples showed genotoxic damage in Danio rerio. Here, we extended our studies of potential genotoxic damage to native fish from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. To accomplish this, we collected samples of fish with different feeding behaviors, but in the same sampling sites, and evaluated the same genotoxicity biomarkers in erythrocytes. All eleven species of fish collected in the Araguari River lower section showed profiles and frequencies of genotoxic damage similar to those previously observed in tests with D. rerio, confirming that genotoxic pollutants present in these waters are also causing damage to native fish species.

Metal bioaccumulation in fish from the Araguari River (Amazon biome) and human health risks from fish consumption.

Recently, high concentrations of metals have been found in the waters from sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section. These metals can be bioaccumulated by fish, but also biomagnified, representing a potential risk through human consumption. Here, we aimed to (1) determine the metal concentrations in muscle samples from fish; (2) evaluate bioaccumulation of metals in muscle tissue of fish species with different feeding behaviors; and (3) investigate the risks of single metals, as well as mixture of metals, to human fish consumption. Eleven fish species were sampled (3 carnivorous, 5 omnivorous, and 3 detritivorous). In four fish species, Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the Brazilian maximum limits (MLs) for human consumption. Individually, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscle of these fish indicate risks to human health. When considering the mixture of metals, the consumption of all fish species represents risks. The highest risks implicate detritivorous species. For all fish species evaluated, the estimated daily intake (EDI) of Hg shows values above its reference dose (RfD). Our results suggest the need to establish an environmental monitoring program that aims to preserve environmental quality, biodiversity, and human health. It is also necessary to develop actions that aim to educate Amazonian populations on safe fish preparation and consumption.

Landscape composition and inorganic contaminants in water and muscle tissue of Plagioscion squamosissimus in the Araguari River (Amazon, Brazil).

Amazonian aquatic environments are seriously impacted by dam-building and deforestation, among other threats. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine water quality in the middle and lower course of the Araguari River with respect to the composition of vegetative cover and the concentration of As, Cd and Hg in order to determine risks to the preservation of biota and risks to human health from consumption of P. squamosissimus contaminated with these inorganic elements. To accomplish this, water samples and fish specimens were collected in the middle and lower Araguari River in 2019. The concentration of inorganic contaminants was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These stretches of the Araguari River presented higher proportions of forest fragments and evident expansion of buffalo pastures. According to Brazilian legislation, the concentrations of Cd and Hg in the water samples represented risk quotient values > 1, indicating risk to the preservation of aquatic biota. In particular, the concentrations of Cd in the muscle tissue of P. squamosissimus in the lower Araguari River also indicated risks to human health. The bioaccumulation factor indicated that Hg is bioavailable in the water. It can be concluded that water imbalances in the middle and lower Araguari River compromise the health of both aquatic and human life.

High concentrations of metals in the waters from Araguari River lower section (Amazon biome): Relationship with land use and cover, ecotoxicological effects and risks to aquatic biota.

The Araguari River is one of the most important water body in the Brazilian state of Amapá. However, the quality of its waters has been deteriorating and, recently, high concentrations of metals were found in water samples collected from its lower section. Overall, we aimed to evaluate land use and cover around three sampling sites located in the Araguari River lower section and its contribution to water pollution by metals; correlate land use pattern with detected metal concentrations; assess acute toxicity using the Daphnia similis test and genotoxicity using the Danio rerio bioassay of water samples from the three sampling sites; and investigate the risks arising from metals present in waters to aquatic biota. Riparian forest around all sampling sites is fragmented owing to the expansion of pasture areas, which showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) with the concentrations of Hg and Cu in water samples. Water samples from sampling sites 2 and 3 presented acute toxicity for D. similis, and the D. rerio bioassay confirmed the presence of genotoxic pollutants in the waters from all sampling sites. Our preliminary risk assessment showed that individual concentrations and the mixture of metals posed a high risk to aquatic biota. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the conversion of native forest to pastureland contributes to water contamination by metals, which contributes to the risks to aquatic biota.

Distribution patterns of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda: Camallanidae) and its interactions with freshwater fish in Brazil.

This study used information about Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas & Pereira, 1928 that had been published over a period of more than 90 years to investigate the infection and distribution patterns of this nematode in teleost freshwater fish in Brazil. This study was carried out using 181 samples from 82 fish species in 19 families within the five orders, with predominance of Characiformes species (71.6%). We organized a matrix-based parasite-host system in which the fish species were classified in different trophic levels and parasitic infection parameters according data available on host fish species with different life histories and geographic distributions across Brazilian hydrographic basins. Procamallanus (S.) inopinatus showed prevalence ranging from low to moderate, low abundance, low intensity, typically aggregated dispersion, and preferential infection of the hosts' gastrointestinal tract. There was difference in prevalence between detritivorous, omnivorous, carnivorous and piscivorous hosts, but no difference in intensity and abundance was found due to similarity in the communities of this endoparasite among the host fish species. The geographic distribution of this parasite encompasses the river of the Amazon, Paraná, São Francisco, North Atlantic, South Atlantic and Eastern basins. Lastly, suggestions regarding the life cycle of P. (S.) inopinatus, with its potential intermediate hosts, were discussed.

Bioaccumulation of metal in liver tissue of fish in response to water toxicity of the Araguari-Amazon River, Brazil.

This study aimed to determine the concentration of metals in the water and in the liver tissue of fish (Anodus orinocensis, Hemiodus unimaculatus, Curimata vittata, and Plagioscion squamosissimus) in the lower Araguari River. Steps were also taken to estimate any difference in metal bioaccumulation in the liver of fish species at different trophic levels, determine any correlations between metals found in hepatic tissue of fish species relative to that found in river water, and evaluate the bioaccumulation factor. The metals analyzed in the water in the lower Araguari River (Cd, Pb, Fe, Hg, Cu, and Zn) exceeded the limits considered safe for aquatic life. We found a significant difference only in the bioaccumulation of Pb between A. orinocensis and C. vittata (F = 4.65, p = 0.005) and Cr between A. orinocensis and H. unimaculatus (F = 3.12, p = 0.03). Species of distinct trophic levels showed differences in metal concentration in liver. Cd and Cu showed bioaccumulation factor above 100, especially Cu with a relatively high value, for all fish species. The bioaccumulation of metals in the liver of fish species showed a positive correlation with the metals detected in the water of the Araguari River. In this sense, the lower course of the Araguari River is undergoing some type of environmental stress, making this study of additional valuable in diagnosing environmental quality pursuant to the development of environmental monitoring projects in order to guarantee the safety and maintenance of aquatic life.

Distribution patterns of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda: Camallanidae) and its interactions with freshwater fish in Brazil / Padrões de distribuição de Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda: Camallanidae) e suas interações com peixes de água doce do Brasil

Abstract This study used information about Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas & Pereira, 1928 that had been published over a period of more than 90 years to investigate the infection and distribution patterns of this nematode in teleost freshwater fish in Brazil. This study was carried out using 181 samples from 82 fish species in 19 families within the five orders, with predominance of Characiformes species (71.6%). We organized a matrix-based parasite-host system in which the fish species were classified in different trophic levels and parasitic infection parameters according data available on host fish species with different life histories and geographic distributions across Brazilian hydrographic basins. Procamallanus (S.) inopinatus showed prevalence ranging from low to moderate, low abundance, low intensity, typically aggregated dispersion, and preferential infection of the hosts' gastrointestinal tract. There was difference in prevalence between detritivorous, omnivorous, carnivorous and piscivorous hosts, but no difference in intensity and abundance was found due to similarity in the communities of this endoparasite among the host fish species. The geographic distribution of this parasite encompasses the river of the Amazon, Paraná, São Francisco, North Atlantic, South Atlantic and Eastern basins. Lastly, suggestions regarding the life cycle of P. (S.) inopinatus, with its potential intermediate hosts, were discussed.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar as informações sobre a Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus Travassos, Artigas & Pereira, 1928, publicadas ao longo de mais de 90 anos (1928 e 2019), para a busca de padrões de infecção e distribuição desse nematoide em peixes de teleósteos de água doce, no Brasil. Este estudo foi realizado usando-se 181 amostras de 82 espécies de peixes de 19 famílias, distribuídas em cinco ordens, com predominância de espécies de Characiformes (71.6%). Foi organizado um sistema parasito-hospedeiro em matrizes com espécies de peixes de acordo com cinco níveis tróficos. Foram usados parâmetros de infecção parasitária (prevalência, intensidade e abundância), conforme os dados disponíveis para peixes hospedeiros com diferentes histórias de vida e distribuição geográfica em diferentes bacias do Brasil. Procamallanus (S.) inopinatus mostrou prevalência variando de baixa a moderada, baixa abundância, baixa intensidade, dispersão tipicamente agregada e infecção preferencial pelo trato gastrointestinal dos hospedeiros. Houve diferença na prevalência entre hospedeiros detritívoro, onívoro, carnívoro e piscívoro, mas não foram encontradas diferenças na intensidade e abundância de P. (S.) inopinatus, devido a uma similaridade na comunidade desse endoparasito entre os hospedeiros. Esse parasito tem distribuição geográfica nos sistemas das bacias do Rio Amazonas, Rio Paraná, Rio São Francisco, Atlântico Norte, Atlântico Sul e Leste, e esses achados foram discutidos. Por fim, o ciclo de vida de P. (S.) inopinatus, com potenciais hospedeiros intermediários, foi finalmente sugerido e discutido.

Long-term temporal variation in the parasite community structure of metazoans of Pimelodus blochii (Pimelodidae), a catfish from the Brazilian Amazon.

The Amazon represents one of the most complex biomes in the world; however, the temporal variations in parasite community structure of fishes inhabiting this region remain poorly understood. Therefore, processes generating such variations are still unknown. The present study evaluated the long-term temporal variation of community structure of metazoan parasites of Pimelodus blochii collected in Iaco River, State of Acre (Southwestern Brazilian Amazon). A total of 196 parasites were collected over a 6-year period (2012-2017). Twenty-four different taxa of parasites were found, of which 5 Monogenea, 11 Nematoda, 3 Digenea, 1 Acanthocephala, 1 Cestoda, and 3 Crustacea. The overall species richness ranged from 4 in 2012 to 17 in 2016, in which nematodes (larvae and adults) showed higher numerical dominance, diversity, and species richness. However, the annual species richness was similar between the study years, except in 2016, where it showed a distinctly higher value. The overall parasite diversity was also different in 2012 and 2016, whereas the overall abundance differed in 2013 and 2017. The prevalence and abundance of some infracommunities of parasites varied over time. The temporal changes in the parasite community structure of P. blochii are probably related to variations in host-related features, i.e., body size and shift in diet composition as well as to the occurrence of parasites with distinct life history and biology (mainly monogeneans, digeneans, and nematodes). This is the first evaluation of a long-term temporal variation in the structure of the parasite community in fish from the Amazon.

Patterns of the parasite communities in a fish assemblage of a river in the Brazilian Amazon region.

This paper characterizes the pattern of ectoparasite and endoparasite communities in an assemblage of 35 sympatric fish from different trophic levels in a tributary from the Amazon River system, northern Brazil. In detritivorous, carnivorous, omnivorous and piscivorous hosts, the species richness consisted of 82 ectoparasites and endoparasites, but protozoan ectoparasites such as Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare and Tripartiella sp. were dominant species predominated, such that they were present in 80% of the hosts. The taxon richness was in the following order: Monogenea > Nematoda > Digenea > Crustacea > Protozoa > Acanthocephala = Cestoda > Hirudinea. Among the hosts, the highest number of parasitic associations occurred in Satanoperca jurupari, Aequidens tetramerus, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus, Hoplosternum littorale, Cichlasoma amazonarum, Chaetobranchus flavescens, Squaliforma emarginata, Chaetobranchopsis orbicularis and Hoplias malabaricus. A weak positive correlation between ectoparasite abundance and length of the hosts was observed. Ectoparasite communities of detritivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous hosts were similar, but these differed from the communities of piscivorous hosts. Larval endoparasite species with low host specificity were the main determinants of the parasite infracommunity structure of the fish assemblage. Fish assemblage had few species of helminth that were specialist endoparasites, while many were parasites at the larval stage, infecting intermediate and paratenic hosts. Finally, carnivorous and omnivorous hosts harbored endoparasite communities that were more heterogeneous than those of detritivorous and piscivorous hosts. This result lends supports to the notion that the feeding habits of the host species are a significant factor in determining the endoparasites fauna.

Distribution pattern of crustacean ectoparasites of freshwater fish from Brazil.

The purpose of this study was to use the informations relating to parasite crustaceans species that was published over the course of one century (1913 to 2013), in order to search for infestation and distribution patterns among these ectoparasites in Brazilian freshwater fish species. This search was carried out on 445 samples of 119 host fish of 27 families within the orders Characiformes, Perciformes, Clupeiformes, Mugiliformes, Osteoglossiformes, Symbranchiformes, Tetraodontiformes and Siluriformes from various regions of Brazil. We organized different host-parasite systems into matrices grouping species at different taxonomic and infestation levels and according to host parameters. Five families of parasites (Ergasilidae, Argulidae, Lernaeidae, Lernaeopodidae and Cymothoidae) distributed into 76 species of 27 genera were analyzed in the host samples, which presented dominance of Ergasilidae species, mainly from the genus Ergasilus. Some crustaceans are host and site-specific, especially in relation to fish in particular habitats and lifestyles (e.g. Perulernaea gamitanae, Anphira branchialis and Riggia paranensis), while other parasites frequently have no preference (e.g. Lernaea cyprinacea and Braga patagonica). We found broadly similar distribution patterns for some crustacean species among the different localities, whereas other species showed well-defined geographical patterns, and these findings were discussed.

Distribution pattern of crustacean ectoparasites of freshwater fish from Brazil / Padrão de distribuição de crustáceos ectoparasitos de peixes de água doce do Brasil

The purpose of this study was to use the informations relating to parasite crustaceans species that was published over the course of one century (1913 to 2013), in order to search for infestation and distribution patterns among these ectoparasites in Brazilian freshwater fish species. This search was carried out on 445 samples of 119 host fish of 27 families within the orders Characiformes, Perciformes, Clupeiformes, Mugiliformes, Osteoglossiformes, Symbranchiformes, Tetraodontiformes and Siluriformes from various regions of Brazil. We organized different host-parasite systems into matrices grouping species at different taxonomic and infestation levels and according to host parameters. Five families of parasites (Ergasilidae, Argulidae, Lernaeidae, Lernaeopodidae and Cymothoidae) distributed into 76 species of 27 genera were analyzed in the host samples, which presented dominance of Ergasilidae species, mainly from the genus Ergasilus. Some crustaceans are host and site-specific, especially in relation to fish in particular habitats and lifestyles (e.g. Perulernaea gamitanae, Anphira branchialis and Riggia paranensis), while other parasites frequently have no preference (e.g. Lernaea cyprinacea and Braga patagonica). We found broadly similar distribution patterns for some crustacean species among the different localities, whereas other species showed well-defined geographical patterns, and these findings were discussed.

O objetivo deste estudo foi utilizar as informações relacionadas com espécies de crustáceos parasitas, que foram publicados durante um século (1913 a 2013), para procurar padrões de infestação e distribuição desses ectoparasitos em espécies de peixes de água doce do Brasil. Esta pesquisa foi realizada em 445 amostras de 119 peixes hospedeiros de 27 famílias de Characiformes, Perciformes, Clupeiformes, Mugiliformes, Osteoglossiiformes, Symbranchiformes, Tetraodontiformes e Siluriformes das diversas regiões do Brasil. Foram organizados em matrizes de agrupamento diferentes sistemas parasito-hospedeiros em diferentes níveis taxonômicos, níveis de infestação e parâmetros dos hospedeiros. Cinco famílias (Ergasilidae, Argulidae, Lernaeidae, Lernaeopodidae e Cymothoidae) de parasitos, distribuídos em 76 espécies de 27 gêneros, foram analisados em amostras dos hospedeiros, que apresentaram dominância de espécies Ergasilidae principalmente do gênero Ergasilus. Alguns crustáceos são hospedeiros e sítios-específicos no hospedeiro, especialmente peixes de determinados hábitat e estilo de vida (por exemplo, Perulernaea gamitanae, Anphira branchialis e Riggia paranensis), enquanto outros parasitos não têm qualquer preferência (por exemplo, Lernaea cyprinacea e Braga patagonica). Foram encontrados padrões muito semelhantes na distribuição de algumas espécies de crustáceos entre as diferentes localidades, enquanto outras espécies mostraram um padrão geográfico bem definido, o que foi discutido aqui.

Aspectos populacionais de Serrapinnus notomelas (Eigenmann, 1915) e Bryconamericus stramineus Eigenmann, 1908 (Characiformes: Characidae) em riachos da bacia do rio Ivinhema, Alto Rio Paraná / Populational aspects of Serrapinnus notomelas (Eigenmann, 1915) e Bryconamericus stramineus Eigenmann, 1908 (Characiformes: Characidae) in streams of Ivinhema River Basin, Upper Paraná Basin

O conhecimento dos parâmetros populacionais para as espécies de peixes neotropicais é um grande desafio da ictiologia. No presente trabalho analisamos a relação peso/comprimento, parâmetros de crescimento, mortalidade, recrutamento e avaliamos a influência da variação sazonal da precipitação sobre o peso médio dos indivíduos e o padrão de recrutamento para duas espécies de peixes em riachos da bacia do rio Ivinhema, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul - Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas mensalmente de janeiro a dezembro/2002, com esforço padronizado entre os locais. A equação que descreve a relação peso total/comprimento padrão para Serrapinnus notomelas é (Peso = 0,0000191 * LS3,106) e para Bryconamericus stramineus é (Peso = 0,0000080 * LS3,193), sendo a constante b significativamente maior que três. O comprimento assintótico para S. notomelas foi de 42,1 mm e para B. stramineus foi de 54,7 mm. Serrapinnus notomelas apresentou maior mortalidade natural (Z = 1,08) do que B. stramineus (Z = 0,93) e maior taxa de crescimento (S. notomelas k = 0,60 e B. stramineus k = 0,54), sendo que S. notomelas apresentou uma menor longevidade (4,99 anos) do que B. stramineus (5,54 anos). O Índice de performance de crescimento (›) calculado para S. notomelas foi de 3,027, enquanto para B. stramineus foi de 3,208. Constatamos variação sazonal significativa no peso médio ajustado para ambas as espécies estudadas. O padrão de recrutamento para S. notomelas e B. stramineus também segue um padrão sazonal, com dois picos de recrutamento no ano, sendo que S. notomelas apresentou um pico de recrutamento em março e outro em junho, enquanto B. stramineus apresentou um pico em abril e outro em outubro.

The knowledge of population parameters for Neotropical fish species is a great challenge to ichthyology. In this paper we analyzed the weight/length relationship, parameters of growth, mortality, recruitment and evaluate the influence of seasonal variation of rainfall on the mean weight of individuals and the pattern of recruitment for two fish species in streams of the Ivinhema River Basin-MS. The samples were done monthly from January to December 2002, with standardized effort between the sites. The equation that describe the weight/length relationship for Serrapinnus notomelas is (weight = 0.0000191 * length standard3.106) and for Bryconamericus stramineus is (weight = 0.0000080 * length standard3.193), being the constant b significantly higher than three. The asymptotic length for S. notomelas was 42.1 mm and for B. stramineus was 54.7 mm. Serrapinnus notomelas presented larger natural mortality (Z = 1.08) than B. stramineus (Z = 0.93) and higher growth rate (S. notomelas k = 0.60 and B. stramineus k = 0.54); and S. notomelas presented a lower longevity (4.99 years) than B. stramineus (5.54 years). The Index of growth performance (›) calculated for S. notomelas was 3.027, while for B. stramineus was 3.208. We verified significant seasonal variation in the adjusted mean weight for both studied species. The recruitment pattern for S. notomelas and B. stramineus also follows a seasonal pattern, with two recruitment picks in the year, and S. notomelas presented a recruitment pick in March and other in June, while B. stramineus presents a pick in April and other in October.

Fish species diversity in headwaters streams of Paraguay and Paraná Basins

The influence of spatial, temporal and environmental factors on fish species diversity in headwater streams in Paraguay and Paraná basins, Brazil was examined. A total of 4,605 individuals were sampled, distributed in 60 species. The sampled streams in Paraná basin presented a larger total species richness (42) than Paraguay streams (40). However the estimated richness was larger in Paraguay basin (53) than Paraná streams (50). The streams of Paraná basin had a greater mean species richness and evenness, while more individuals per sample were found in the Paraguay basin. Difference between the sub-basins were found in the Paraguay basin, while for the basin of Paraná, richness and evenness vary significantly between the sub-basins, but the number of individuals varied seasonally. The most important environmental factors to species diversity and abundance were altitude, water temperature, stream width and stream depth for both the basins.

Examinamos a influência da variação espacial, temporal e das variáveis ambientais sobre as comunidades de peixes em riachos de cabeceira das bacias dos rios Paraguai e Paraná (Brasil). 4.605 indivíduos foram amostrados, distribuídos em 60 espécies. Os riachos da bacia do rio Paraná apresentaram maior riqueza total de espécies (42) que os riachos da bacia do rio Paraguai (40), no entanto, a riqueza estimada foi maior na bacia do rio Paraguai (53) que nos da bacia do rio Paraná (50). Os riachos da bacia do rio Paraná apresentaram maiores valores médios de riqueza e equitabilidade, contudo, maiores valores médios de número de indivíduos foram obtidos na bacia do rio Paraguai. Encontramos diferenças significativas entre as sub-bacias do rio Paraguai assim como do rio Paraná para a riqueza de espécies e equitabilidade, contudo, nesta última o número de indivíduos variou apenas sazonalmente. As variáveis ambientais mais importantes na determinação da diversidade e abundancia das espécies foram altitude, temperatura da água, largura e profundidade dos riachos para as duas bacias.

A dimensão espacial e temporal da diversidade de peixes da zona litoral vegetada de lagoas marginais da planície de inundação do rio Cuiabá, Pantanal, Brasil / The spatial and temporal dimension of fish diversity of the vegetated littoral zone of marginal lagoons of the Cuiabá river floodplain, Pantanal, Brazil

O presente trabalho avaliou a distribuição espacial e temporal da riqueza de espécies de peixes da zona litoral vegetada de 15 lagoas marginais da planície de inundação do Rio Cuiabá, Pantanal. As lagoas foram amostradas em três períodos ao longo da sessão seca (junho, setembro e dezembro de 2005), por meio de nove lances de peneira, distribuídos sistematicamente a uma distância mínima de cinco metros um do outro. Capturamos 12.784 indivíduos pertencentes a sete ordens, 21 famílias e 98 espécies. A maioria das espécies capturadas foi rara e apresentou distribuição geográfica restrita. A intensificação da seca não afetou a distribuição espacial das espécies e a perda de espécies nas diferentes ordens, ao longo da seca, foi proporcional. Tanto a abundância total de indivíduos quanto a riqueza variou no tempo. As curvas de rarefação indicaram que a redução na riqueza foi um artefato da redução na abundância de indivíduos. Quando comparamos as riquezas estimadas sob um mesmo nível de abundância não encontramos diferença entre a riqueza de espécies no início e no final da seca. Os estimadores de riqueza de espécies indicaram que distribuir as amostras no tempo foi uma estratégia adequada para reduzir o problema das falsas ausências e melhorar a eficiência da amostragem. Assim, nossos resultados sugerem que para o delineamento de reservas no Pantanal, áreas com um grande número de lagoas com diferentes formas e tamanhos conservaria um maior contingente da diversidade regional de peixes, pois a maioria das espécies de pequeno porte apresenta distribuição restrita a poucas lagoas.

The present work has evaluated the spatial and temporal distribution of fish species richness of the vegetated littoral zone of 15 marginal lagoons in the floodplain of the Cuiabá River, Pantanal. The lagoons were sampled in three periods along of the dry season (June, September and December of 2005), through nine sieve throws distributed systematically at a minimum distance of five meters from each other. We caught 12,784 individuals belonging to seven orders, 21 families and 98 species of fish. Most of the captured species were rare and presented restricted geographical distribution. Drought intensification did not affect the spatial species distribution and the loss of species as dry season proceeded was proportional in the different orders. The total abundance of individuals as well as the richness varied with time. Rarefaction curves indicated that the reduction in richness was an artifact of the reduction in the abundance of individuals. When we compared the estimated richness under a same abundance level we did not find difference among the richness of species in the beginning and at the end of the dry season. Richness estimators indicated that to distribute the samples in the time was an appropriate strategy to reduce the problem of the false absences and to improve the efficiency of the sampling. Thus, our results suggest that for the design of reserves in the Pantanal, areas with a large number of lagoons of different forms and sizes would conserve the regional fish diversity, as the distribution of most small size species is restricted to a few lagoons.