Abstract

ABSTRACT Karsts are physiognomies with unique reliefs formed mainly by the dissolution of carbonate rocks. Much of the water used for human consumption on the planet comes from karst regions. Herein we present data obtained from an ichthyological survey conducted in lakes and streams of Lagoa Santa Karst, located at the São Francisco river basin in southeastern Brazil. From December 2019 to March 2022, 49 random samplings were carried out at 17 points distributed in four streams and eight lakes. A total of 1608 individuals, belonging to 44 species, 38 genera, 17 families, and six orders were collected. When including data from previous surveys conducted in the region, we found that the ichthyofauna of streams and lakes of Lagoa Santa Karst is composed at least by 46 species, five of these being allochtonous. Characiformes was the most representative order, comprising 22 species. The most abundant and widely distributed species was the cichlid Cichlasoma sanctifranciscense, accounting for 18.5% of the total abundance and being present in 14 sampling sites. The known distributions of the gymnotiform Eingemannia besouro was herein extended southwards.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.