Spatiotemporal variation in life history traits of three small fishes in streams of south-eastern Brazil

Abstract

Each species has a reproductive strategy that is adapted to the intensity and predictability of spatial and temporal variations in local environmental conditions. This study sets out to evaluate the temporal and spatial variations in some life history traits, including maturation time and length at first maturity, of three small fish species from streams of south-eastern Brazil. Environmental factors and fishes were sampled in streams across four sub-basins during twelve months and were measured for both traits. Statistical models indicated both spatial and temporal differences in maturation time for all species. This variation was related to a different combination of environmental factors for each species. Finally, length at first maturity exhibited spatial variation for all species. The results suggest that all species have the ability to alter life history parameters, and this may be a factor contributing to their persistence in each habitat.