Abstract
Abstract: Aim The present study aimed to estimate the sexual maturity, growth and mortality rates of the jaguar guapote, Parachromis managuensis, an introduced fish species in the Brazilian semiarid region. Methods Specimens were collected between December 2015 and November 2016, in a dam at Serra Talhada municipality, Pernambuco, where the species was abundant. Results In total, 520 individuals were analyzed, with total lengths (TL) varying between 23 and 240 mm. Length at sexual maturity varied between 130.87 and 140.68 mm TL (Mean = 135.78 mm TL). Through the modal progression of monthly frequency distributions, the following growth parameters were obtained according to the von Bertalanffy model: L∞ = 341.40 mm, k = 0.840 and t0 = -0.035 year-1. Ages varied from 0.05 to 1.41 year, and an age at first maturity between 0.48 and 0.53 year (Mean = 0.51 year), with the largest part of the sample (72.64%) made of adult individuals. Natural mortality rates (M) were estimated from three different methods, varying between 1.53 and 3.04, with a mean of 2.27. Conclusions P. managuensis shows fast growth and maturation and high natural mortalities, which grants it biological advantages when compared to native species from the same trophic level in the area.
Highlights
Among the anthropic actions, the introduction of non-native species has led to ecological significant events, biological invasions, which can affect biodiversity from the genetic to the landscape level (Vitule, 2009; Vitule & Prodocimo, 2012)
These species introductions and translocations are among the main adversities that affect freshwater fish conservation, since non-native species compete for space and food
P. managuensis is widely distributed in Brazil, with reports of its use in pisciculture, fish stocking and aquarium activities (Barbosa et al, 2006; Magalhães & Jacobi, 2010; Barros et al, 2012)
Summary
The introduction of non-native species has led to ecological significant events, biological invasions, which can affect biodiversity from the genetic to the landscape level (Vitule, 2009; Vitule & Prodocimo, 2012). P. managuensis is widely distributed in Brazil, with reports of its use in pisciculture, fish stocking and aquarium activities (Barbosa et al, 2006; Magalhães & Jacobi, 2010; Barros et al, 2012) This species is described as potentially invasive, displaying a series of key characteristics such as fast maturity, resistance to environmental changes, besides displaying a territorial aggressive behavior, with a mainly piscivorous carnivorous diet (Agasen et al, 2006; Barbosa et al, 2006), which can make it successful in competition with native fishes. For these reasons, it is listed on the invasive species database of the Inter-American Biodiversity Information Network (2019). Given adequate environmental conditions, P. managuensis can establish itself and cause ecological damages to native species
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